Welcome to Litsy!

Lawrence brings so much context.
Fascinating!

Third prompt completed for #readyourTBR challenge
#2024challenge @melissajayne

Good. Takes an in-depth look at not just the final days and death of Marilyn Monroe but her whole life. Even though I enjoyed this there were some chapters that I skipped due to information that I felt just dragged the story down and wasn't relevant. Also sometimes during chapters that I did read some parts felt like it was also going off on tangents.

#WilliamMorrow
#HarperCollinsPublishers
@HarperCollins

After reading the book, decided to watch the movie. Good adaptation of the events but it missed all the strategy behind the decisions that were made. It also made Costner‘s character (Special Assistant to the President Kenneth O'Donnell) the main character which made Kennedy look weak where the book, written by Robert Kennedy, made him look strong. As is typical, the book was so much better!

Fascinating insiders account of the Cuban Missile crisis. A definite recommendation for negotiation training. I especially enjoyed the way three alternatives were prepared to help Kennedy make the decision of how to respond. The original position papers are available on line and make for additional fascinating reading.

https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1961-63v10-12mSupp/ch34

Lessons learned (my words):

If you have the benefit of time, use it. Don‘t rush to action.

Build friends & bridges so you‘ll have support when you need it.

Seek out differing opinions, from all positions, sides, & ranks.

Don‘t just focus on how to execute, but on what the response of the other side will be and where it will lead - understand the potential consequences.

And this image quote - allow the other side to back down gracefully.

Personalities change when the President is present, and frequently even strong men make recommendations on the basis of what they believe the President wishes to hear.

Very interesting period in American history. Good read.

Saturday night in. Glass 1 with a few chapters of this, glass 2 with a couple episodes of Bridgerton and then I‘m going to sleep!