An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of gender discrimination.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book. 

1. How did An Unfinished Love Story resonate with you as both a memoir and a historical narrative? Did the blending of personal anecdotes with historical events enhance your reading experience? Which aspect of the book—the personal or the historical—did you find more engaging, and why?

2. The book explores themes of love, loss, and legacy against the backdrop of political and social change. How well do you think these themes were balanced throughout the narrative? Would you have preferred a greater focus on one over the others?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Reflect on a moment in your life when a personal loss or challenging time led you to discover new ways to honor your relationships or past experiences. How does this compare to Doris Kearns Goodwin’s approach to preserving Richard’s legacy?

2. The book intertwines personal grief with professional commitments. Have you ever faced a situation where your personal struggles influenced your professional life or vice versa? How did you navigate it?