The authors wish to thank Jane Dystel for her advocacy and guidance throughout every stage of this project. Many thanks also to the staff of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, in particular Stacey Chandler, Laurie Austin, and Michael Desmond, who were never less than helpful, hospitable, kind, and encouraging. Our sincere gratitude to Patrick Kennedy for being so generous with his time and his memories. Thanks to everyone at Lyons Press, especially Meredith Dias. And a special thanks to Jon Sternfeld, whose editorial acuity improved our manuscript beyond the telling.
Amber Hunt would like to thank Elijah Van Benschoten, whose support and encouragement can’t be overstated. Without him, I’d be a mess. Thanks also to my family, especially Missy, who’s there for me every single day that I need her. I learned while researching this book that my grandmother Betty Jo Hunt was quite the Kennedy fan. I know she would’ve been the first to pre-order. To Randy Essex and Mark Wert, I send my gratitude and sympathy, as they’re the latest in a series of newspaper editors to tolerate my torment. And, lastly, I have to thank my coauthor, David Batcher, who signed up only to help research but instantly became a full-fledged partner. I always knew he’d write a book someday. I never envisioned that my name would appear next to his. I’m honored.
David Batcher would like to thank his family, who could have been forgiven for giving up on him years ago. Many thanks to the 612 Crew, especially Andrew Furber and Jesse Murray, for their flexibility and support during the writing of this book. Thanks also to the many kind colleagues and customers at Dunn Brothers Coffee, whose enthusiasm was a buoy throughout. Thanks also to Toni Nelson and Sarah Jeffrey, who kept listening even though Kennedys were all he could talk about. Finally, thanks to Amber Hunt for her friendship, her example, and her trust.