Ethel Skakel Kennedy, Ep. 1: “Chaos Ran Through the Family Like Wildfire”

[@BeverlyAdcock-w2q]

I so enjoy being read to. As a disabled senior citizen, I look forward to it each and every day 🎉

[@ZoeGirl_hey84]

And Cheere is so great! Her voice is so engaging.

[@rosalindr4975]

Alexander scourby is on KZbin too Audio Bible

[@bunnybanks4381]

Excited for the new book. Although I think I would listen to Cheere reading out the phone book at this point. 💕

[@sabsmcdabs7139]

Facts!

[@Boudicca527]

Same!

[@juliek2196]

Same! Also, I’m so thankful for a community that knows what a phone book is. 😊❤

[@TheAmericanGirl1967]

Same!

[@bunnybanks4381]

@@juliek2196 I cringed after I wrote it, and wondered if I should have put 'the dictionary' instead! 😆

[@Cherrysmith2809]

You know it’s gonna be good when Cheere Denise says, “buckle up.” 🙌🏼

[@TheBeautifulWindsofAragon]

I remember reading a long time ago, of a friend of the kids, who visited often and was amazed at how Ethel was completely oblivious to all the chaos around her and that there were mice running around the dining room when they had dinners.

[@hoolydooly5799]

@@TheBeautifulWindsofAragon eeww

[@shadrach6299]

There was also dog poop under the dining table

[@rt66vintage16]

On the way to becoming another Grey Gardens?

[@LeslieGMN]

@@rt66vintage16Ethel sold Hickory Hill and moved to Hyannis. I have no idea what the new owners did to the house, but she couldn’t afford to keep up the house after 1968. Jackie O. once paid for a new roof for Hickory Hill when a workman told her he could see the sky through Ethel’s house.

[@donnab.42]

My in-laws (long deceased) use to live in McLean, VA. Back in the ‘60’s and early 70’s. They said Hickory Hill was notorious; the kids ran riot at all hours, and the house was a shambles. It drove the neighbors and police crazy.

[@alexandradane3672]

A ghastly woman , in my long held opinion . I’m not going to change that opinion just because she is now dead - I am not a two faced hypocrite .

[@Linda-pw8gx]

You are brave! I read the book too

[@thomasmcnerney9745]

​@@Linda-pw8gxcontinue reading other sources on both she and her family. Not good...rather depraved group.

[@chaswr]

@@alexandradane3672 same here

[@Mamadukee1]

I agree 👍

[@christalkarnaze3223]

I believe the reason Ethel was not included in the Ask Not book is because she was NOT destroyed by a Kennedy -- she actually was the destroyer....trust me I know people who worked for her and have horrific tales to tell.

[@MaryTheresa1986]

Yup. She was abusive towards staff and didn't even pay them! Her reputation was so bad staffing agencies stopped sending her people.

[@LeslieGMN]

You’re right about that. A co-worker of mine FORTY YEARS AGO had told me about being abused as one of Ethel’s “preppy assistants” one summer at Hickory Hill. I later asked her if she’d talk to Jerry Oppenheimer when he was working on the Ethel biography, and she flatly refused.

[@anncarper8163]

When Ethel married Bobby people said she was marrying down because the Skakels were much wealthier -- but Ethel loved being a Kennedy. She worried that her brothers -- who were pretty wild -- would be an embarrassment to them. You know it's bad when your brothers are so wild they make the Kennedys look like choir boys. Just wait until you get to the stories about the Skakel guys!

[@hoolydooly5799]

So glad you are reading about Ethel Kennedy. Always thought there was something really off with her extremeness ! Thank YOU.

[@marciagoodall8318]

As a Brit I know very little about the Kennedy family apart from the news headlines about Presidents and assassinations so enjoyed listening to the last book of the women’s stories. You had me hooked to this one when you gave us the back cover, wow 😯

[@thetruthmatters341]

Yipee!! I was hoping you would do this, love this channel so much Cheere, you are just amazing!!! xxx

[@mabelblanc2226]

This book is going to interesting and explains alot about Ethel. TY for reading this book.

[@cynthiawilliams737]

I read this book & it was full of information about Ethel & she wasn't Mother Of The Year by any means lots of stories about how the Kennedy's actually functioned as a family really it was tragic to read how neglected Ethel's children were treated!

[@thomasmcnerney9745]

Learned behavior from her own parents. Lots of documentation to back up those stories.

[@pattipadgett4957]

Really like the way you present the books - you stay focused and don’t become scattered with comments about your personal life Thank you - will recommend your channel to friends!

[@lindamaloney1651]

I so love your humor and wit in your reviews! Cant wait to go thru this with you...

[@Avery_4272]

Thanks for reading to us! I appreciate your clear voice and great enunciation, and I look forward to hearing more of your reading & exploration of this book. (Oh - friendly word nerd, here, re: your intro: it's gold mine - not gold 'mind.') Thanks again for sharing your excellent insights!

[@ladyjane3070]

So excited to hear you read this. I think we are in for a real treat!

[@Reign-Drop]

I hear the name Skakel and think trial…

[@amandamcauley]

Looking forward to the next one. So happy that I found this Channel.

[@tripleyoker2049]

I watched Bobby Jr several months ago answer a question about his (still living at the time) mother, "it was rough, she was the inventor of tough love", and leave it at that.

[@frenkozilaza6398]

Where can we look it up?

[@heidisexton5928]

YAY! I'm so excited about this read!

[@donnawalser7304]

Love it! So interesting i knew nothing of Ethel’s past looking forward to next episode ❤

[@StrongopinionsRus]

I think Ethel wasn’t included in AskNot because she wasn’t really abused by the kennedys-if anything, she abused them with her reckless spending.

[@leesa3140]

So excited you are reading this book! I have read most of the books you have read and have been really happy to hear them again because I want to hear your perspective and commentary on them. I want to hear your perspective because it enlarges my own. Cheere Denise, you have a real gift. I miss old fashioned book clubs! This book is one I have not read so can't wait for the rest!

[@fowchiiiliedpuppiesdied]

How you found this is beyond me. I cannot find this book ANYWHERE…interesting… I have a feeling certain people never wanted this book released.

[@lightningbug276]

What an exciting book! I’m hooked!

[@LvMyYellowLab-d7t]

Cheere - off topic, but I had to leave this comment after spying the book “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith on the shelf behind you. I first read that book when I was about 13, and it is a lifelong favorite. Another reason I appreciate you!

[@mfriday4757]

I read it as a full grown woman and was sobbing at certain points. So good but I could never read it a second time.

[@LvMyYellowLab-d7t]

@@mfriday4757 You should also read her book “Joy in the Morning” - it’s also excellent.

[@LvMyYellowLab-d7t]

@@mfriday4757 You should read Betty Smith’s book “Joy in the Morning.” It’s excellent as well.

[@rt66vintage16]

Lol, I made the same comment on her last Ask Not video. I've read that book twice, and saw the old movie late at night as a kid. It's a wonderful story. ❤

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Same! My mom gave me her copy when I was eight - my first adult book. Still have it.

[@karencap1690]

You have definitely reignited my love of books!

[@cheeredenise]

I'm so glad to hear that!!!!! ♥️

[@rhondathrower7813]

Yazoo, Mississippi was a surprise even if it was generations back. I heard that Ethel’s family life was rather chaotic, sadly dysfunction runs in many families rich and poor. I was fifteen when JFK was assassinated and twenty when RFK was assassinated and I remember these events being traumatic for the nation. The influence of the Kennedy’s during this period of history can’t be ignored.

[@chaswr]

That is a surprise. I thought all her roots were out of the Northeast

[@janicew8338]

I was surprised at the Yazoo City connection too.

[@TeresaLeandro]

I’m a bit younger, I can’t remember JFK’s assassination because I was three. But I vividly remember RFK’s, when I was seven. My father and I had this ritual when he came home in the afternoon, bringing the newspaper. He would pour himself a whiskey and take the book he was reading, while I would lie on my belly at his feet, reading the paper. That day RFK was the front page, and I, already an avid reader, knew perfectly well who he was.

[@chaswr]

@@janicew8338 she probably wouldnt have acknowledged it!

[@margaretmorris672]

This has the promise of being a most informative and entertaining book ;social history is a fascinating study. Thank you Cheere Denise for reading it with your excellent observations and asides 💕

[@gabbyb4493]

Now this is an awesome read!! You Cheere make it so! Thank you for choosing this book.

[@judyholiday1794]

There is a documentary on KZbin titled "Ethel" it was produced by Rory Kennedy and she interviews her mother..I highly recommend it because there are a lot of pictures and old video clips of both the Skakel and the Kennedy families..Yes, it is biased but it is also a well put together documentary..

[@waverider8549]

Thank you, I will watch it

[@lisaroberts5935]

Yes...conveniently the mother that Ethel was...chaotic...was left out. No stories of Ethel's temper or animals pooping and running thru the house.

[@Livingmybestlife2024-t1w]

TY SO MUCH I am delighted that I found your channel You are the BEST ever at reading for us Enjoying listening Very interesting TY for your precious time You make a lot of us very happy May God bless you for home schooling your children

[@BettyBooper-z1i]

We spelling bee queens are proud of our early successes!🏆

[@kpax2066]

I love your book readings Cheere Denise. I too would listen to you read a phone book. I'm hooked.

[@CMDDK]

I guess I can see why Ethel wasn't well liked. Her family sounds pretty awful.

[@trishlilly7863]

TY soo much... excellent and for the playlist on the channel.😅

[@Monpris0590]

Love it, still waiting for my book. Glad you are reading 😊

[@raelenelabby6407]

Yes!! I am excited ❤ It sounds like it will be a great book!

[@Jeanne90275]

I think I read this one, maybe 20 years ago. That family was so disfunctional.😮 The book was well worth the read...again.

[@mshockey73]

Look forward to listening to all the episodes! Subscribed!!

[@kaybrown4010]

This book is gold! Well done, Cheere!

[@jeanmulligan4183]

👋 I really enjoy this book. Thank you for reading it.

[@milycosta7579]

Fascinating. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[@hilxyzurmoon7334]

Finally! I've been eagerly waiting for you to start this book 😊

[@nwad3322]

I am so excited for this read.

[@maureenormston8356]

This book already sounds a winner. So nice to have the history of way back when to lay the foundation of what's to come.

[@sheryldalton8965]

Have you seen the 1976 documentary "grey gardens" about Big & Little Edie Beele, Jackie's eccenric aunt & cousin that lived in a run down mansion on Long Island? They were once rich socialites, Jackie was the poor relation, but fell into poverty & whimsical madness.

[@rt66vintage16]

Ari Onassis paid for bringing the house at Grey Gardens up-to-date with water, gas and electricity. Jackie wasn't ever poor, really.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

@@rt66vintage16poor is a relative term, even for the wealthy. Jackie’s father was an alcoholic gambler, so his wealth was compromised. Her mother remarried well.

[@scarletttc5808]

I read this back in the 90's and although I recall some things I am eager to have you refresh my memory. To be honest I am really looking forward to the laughs that I'm sure that will come when you get further into the book. You have a wonderful way of getting into character and using your sharp sense of humor to make a good book even more enjoyable!

[@willywonka1854]

omg this is great! I saw the documentary about her by her daughter..Ethel lost her parents so young and tragically, I think that also made her wanna be on the move all the time and more on the wild side..Will follow along this reading too, thank you!

[@benignitumor]

So excited, let's gooo!

[@donnajarvis9542]

Thank you, thank you for reviewing this book.

[@maria-zs8mu]

Im really looking forward to listening to you reading this book. I love your commentary too. I've been off work for the past few months recovering from major surgery and discovering your channel was a real stroke of luck 👍👏

[@NiniM8154]

Thanks for reading this book, Cheere! And there's that great sweater of yours -- love it!

[@ritaw9000]

Can't wait for next chapter

[@fabshelleyg]

So exciting!!

[@barbrajustice4461]

This is going to be good. I loved your take on the Kennedy men,had to give up on the Mountbattens, not your fault, they were bringing me down. Something weird and depressing about them, go figure. Love your channel.

[@debbrand8106]

Thank you for taking this on!!🙏🏻

[@paulacostescu1041]

🎉🎉🎉 Thank you

[@jeanieruter7416]

THANK YOU for reading this book on Ethel Kennedy. I've been interested in finding out more about her ever since following your review of "Ask Not" on the Kennedys. I had NO idea that she was such an odd bird until following your last review. This should be GOOD!! ❤

[@mitzicrowder2186]

So happy about this book. I have been wanting to read up on her. Love your show

[@michaelhutchinson1713]

I'm enjoying this book. My family too has alcoholism running through the generations. I'm sober now for ten years. But if it's somehow genetic, it's a curse. My nephews and nieces AND THEIR KIDS are almost all alcoholic or dual addicted.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

It is genetic.

[@waverider8549]

I think it's genetic. Because of it I restrict my drinking to no more than three times per month and limit the amount that I drink (can't quite shake it) and I never did drugs, except weed (about five times when it was legalized where I live). I know that I will die of booze if I don't restrict it. My father died of it at 50 although I never knew him. If I start I literally cannot stop until I throw up or pass out.

[@Jj-tk6ul]

LOVE this pick!

[@gemmamcclure4703]

Delighted to have this so quickly! Lots of love from Scotland Cheere x

[@Bergantin23]

A great read Cheere, thanks kiddo. WOW and holy cow, what a chapter.

[@KourttneyL]

Love listening to you with my morning coffee ❤🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@lizziestevenson1908]

Yes! And soooo soon. Thanks Cheere!!

[@BellaRainDrops]

Woooooooo im looking forward to this :D Happy Monday from Wales Cheere

[@annelikriek6294]

That was very entertaining! Very excited, I'm here for the juice. 😂

[@kellyfoster8079]

Great book so far look forward to every video. Thank you

[@Linda-pw8gx]

So excited!!! Cheers Denise!!!🎉

[@MeganCarrington-l1p]

Loving this book. Thank you so much ❤

[@dianacooper-havlik4115]

Loved it!

[@esterbengoa6077]

Thank you very much!! Best way to start my day off.😊

[@lorrainebettencourt8009]

me 2 brew the coffee

[@marilena7848]

Fascinating family geography, ranging from Mississippi to Illinois to the Wild West, with other stops here and there. Contrast this with the Kennedys who landed in Boston after fleeing the Irish famine and stayed there firmly for generations, becoming "established" in the way the Skakels were not This should be interesting.

[@rporc]

You are so awesome to do this book reading. 😘

[@karenrobertson2312]

Looking forward to this book! I’ll try to stay caught up this time. ❤️

[@janiceervin428]

I'm here for it!!! This was great!❤

[@TheAmericanGirl1967]

Excited for this one! 🎉

[@ALISONSTEWART-b4g]

Thanks cheere really looking forward to hearing this book ❤

[@lahola3265]

Thanks so much for doing this book.

[@KaraMarisa]

Love your Kennedy family episodes!

[@mapleleaf902]

Yes, exciting

[@marileearsenault4749]

I can’t wait for more. Great pick Cheere, great

[@maryminetola2687]

This is gonna be juicy❤❤❤

[@Royal-Dork73]

It is Thanksgiving here in Toronto Canada 🍁 and I am so excited and thankful for the reading of this juicy book thank you Cheere🧡

[@a.zavala2355]

I've read a few bios of the Kennedys. "Jacqueline" revealed who Ethel was. Chaotic home, competitive & an iron will. The housekeepers raised her kids.

[@HarrietCraig323]

Yes-loving this already too!! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@kellyfoster8079]

Love it !!!

[@deannemagruder4588]

Looking forward to your reading and review!

[@sharonsmith583]

Excited for this one!

[@waverider8549]

Thank you so much. ❤

[@DandelionPink672]

Ooo I can’t wait for this one. I even unearthed my copy of the Baltimore catechism because you know Ethel’s going to have some confused ideas we’ll have to straighten out.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

🤣🤣🤣

[@auroramichelle5450]

😂

[@roseannburke6512]

Great first chapter!

[@annsearle9275]

Really enjoyed that can't wait for the next part

[@ShannonRobinson-z2x]

Hey Cheere! When we're done with Ethel Kennedy, can we do Lisa Marie Presleys book? I've heard it's juicy as well.

[@sherrimcgrath5910]

omg, so happy to see this this morning, I am very excited, I do not know alot about Ethel!

[@bernadettetuley4917]

I'm so happy you are reading this. I'm just at end of Mountbatten's and that'll take some beating 😆 but I'm fairly sure your usual witty repartee will do this 'Other Mrs Kennedy' justice!

[@marthaemery8402]

Loved this!

[@jeanniemiller3274]

Enjoying it!