Camera Girl

“One of the most detailed, nuanced portraits of Jackie to date.” —The Washington Post

An illuminating and “wholly refreshing” (David Maraniss, New York Times bestselling author) biography of the young Jackie Bouvier Kennedy that covers her formative adventures abroad in Paris; her life as a writer and photographer in Washington, DC; and her romance with a dashing, charismatic Massachusetts congressman who shared her intellectual passion.

Camera Girl captures the vivacious and intelligent young Jackie Bouvier before she became one of the most iconic women in American history. The narrative follows her intriguing life from 1949 to 1953, focusing on her early twenties. During these years, Jackie sought to carve out a professional identity amid the social expectations of her era. Her fascination with Paris and her adventurous spirit are highlighted as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery abroad. Upon her return to the United States, Jackie secures a unique role at the Washington Times-Herald as the "Inquiring Camera Girl." Equipped with her cumbersome Graflex camera, she roams the streets of Washington, DC, posing engaging questions to passersby and capturing their candid moments. Her daily column, which saw around six hundred instalments, became a staple for readers and showcased Jackie's flair for incisive commentary and photography. Carl Sferrazza Anthony, a seasoned historian and esteemed expert on First Ladies, dives deep into Jackie's personal archives and her columns from this period. He supplements these with insights from interviews with her close friends, colleagues, and family, offering an intimate glimpse into her aspirations and dilemmas. Through these revelations, Camera Girl paints a vivid portrait of Jackie as a fiercely independent and confident woman grappling with the challenges of her time. As Jackie navigates the complexities of her early career, she meets and falls in love with a charming Massachusetts congressman, John F. Kennedy. Their shared intellectual pursuits and mutual respect lay the groundwork for one of the most famed romances in American history. Camera Girl “shines with wit and intelligence” (Library Journal, starred review) and stands as a testament to Jackie's determination and spirit. For readers of all ages, Jackie's story, as depicted in this compelling biography, offers an exemplary model of purposeful living and fortitude. “For anyone of any age, the Jackie in Camera Girl offers an example of intentional living” (Hillary Rodham Clinton). This thoroughly researched and thoughtfully written biography is a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the journey of a young woman who eventually became the beloved Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.