Touched by the Sun: My Friendship with Jackie
By Carly Simon
Narrated by Elizabeth McGovern
3.5/5
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About this audiobook
A chance encounter at a summer party on Martha’s Vineyard blossomed into an improbable but enduring friendship.
Carly Simon and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis made an unlikely pair—Carly, a free and artistic spirit still reeling from her recent divorce, searching for meaning, new love, and an anchor; and Jackie, one of the most celebrated, meticulous, unknowable women in American history.
Nonetheless, over the next decade their lives merged in inextricable and complex ways, and they forged a connection deeper than either could ever have foreseen. The time they spent together—lingering lunches and creative collaborations, nights out on the town and mundane movie dates—brought a welcome lightness and comfort to their days, but their conversations often veered into more profound territory as they helped each other navigate the shifting waters of life lived, publicly, in the wake of great love and great loss.
An intimate, vulnerable, and insightful portrait of the bond that grew between two iconic and starkly different American women, Carly Simon’s Touched by the Sun is a chronicle, in loving detail, of the late friendship she and Jackie shared. It is a meditation on the ways someone can unexpectedly enter our lives and change its course, as well as a celebration of kinship in all its many forms.
Carly Simon
Carly Simon is a songwriter and singer of songs. Her children are Ben Taylor and Sally Taylor Bragonier. She has one grandchild: Bodhi Taylor Bragonier. She lives on Martha's Vineyard and is the author of Boys in the Trees.
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Reviews for Touched by the Sun
24 ratings5 reviews
What our readers think
Readers find this title to be a beautiful tribute to friendship, with a touching ending. The book is well-written and narrated, although some found the narrator's pronunciation and accents annoying. It explores the deep connection between the two women, with Carly Simon sharing her story and reflecting on friendship, status, doubt, and love. While it may not provide an in-depth look at Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, it is still a wonderful book that is worth the time.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I figured this book would be a good read. Carly Simon has been a story teller her whole life, and this book did not disappoint! Lovely insight into Jackie Kennedy and so nice to know she truly was a kind and good “Lady”
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I loved this. I couldn't visualize the friendship between the two women. i am so happy I picked up the book. This is a beautiful tribute to both women, their strengths, respect for each other, and friendship without wanting. Beautifully written. I'm still a little choked up and teary-eyed. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Elizabeth McGovern. She was okay. I read along with the physical book. I generally donate my books, I don't reread, but I'm not ready to let this go. Just looking at it will bring back fond memories.
There is profanity.
Another surprise less than $2 clearance book at Book Outlet. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5If you want an in-depth book on Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis I’m sure there are other books that will likely give you more.
But that doesn’t mean this isn’t a wonderful book.
I recently completed Carly’s book, Boys In The Trees and this book feels as though it picks up just a few years beyond that book. (Which I highly recommend)
What you’ll find here is Carly at Carly’s best. Reflective, going inward and connecting. She shares her story as she connected deeply with her friend Jackie.
As a percentage I’d say this is 10% Jackie and 90% Carly.
But in those percentages you discover so much about friendship, status, doubt and love.
It’s a quick listen and well worth the time. May you enjoy. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Book was great. Narrator’s pronunciation and accents were annoying
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This is a wonderful story on friendship but I felt that is was more an autobiography of Carly Simon than anything. Still wonderfully narrated and the ending was quite touching