lthough the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy wrote True Compass in the last stage of his life, it is far from mournful. Instead, it is a heartfelt memoir about hope, courage, and perseverance in the face of personal tragedy and insurmountable odds. He may have been the youngest, most rambunctious and scandal-riddled politician of the brothers, but he ended in the pillar of the Kennedy family.

The most poignant parts of the book are his childhood recollections, his bond with his siblings, and his deep and loving respect for his parents. The influence Ted Kennedy’s father and brothers had on him is remarkably evident in the novel.

As a child his father told him, “You can have a serious life or a non-serious life, Teddy. I’ll still love you whichever choice you make. But if you decide to have a non-serious life, I won’t have much time for you. You make up your own mind. There are too many children here who are doing things that are interesting for me to do much with you.”

These words consequently spurred him to go into politics and run for office. His relationship with his brothers was also integral to his life choices. He recalls being in a “constant state of catching up” with his older brothers. And catch up, he did: he was a nine-time Senator of Massachusetts and a one-time presidential nominee.

In his memoir, Kennedy portrays himself as a clearly committed Senator with great political insight. Unlike his brothers who were viewed as incredible politicians, Ted Kennedy was underestimated.

His political savvy eventually exposed itself in Kennedy’s diligent commitment to improving America as a Senator. He brought people of all backgrounds together, served in many Senatorial Committees, and championed innumerable causes and bills.

Kennedy’s memoir is by no means a masterpiece. Some chapters just read off like a list of facts and seem detached. He shows sincere remorse but provides little new or insightful information about major incidents in his life like the car accident in Chappaquiddick that killed Mary Jo Kopechne.

If you were looking for a juicy tell-all, True Compass is not your answer. However, it is an incredible autobiography that details the political and personal life of a central figure from one of America’s most beloved families. True Compass brings this larger than life figure down to earth and reveals his true essence, ideology and convictions.