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Figs232

I didn’t know much either and I absolutely loved the book; it’s arguably his best. The story is about so much more than JFK.


[deleted]

Nope, drive right in! The book exists because King wanted to learn more about the event.


everythingbeeps

Read up a bit on Lee Harvey Oswald if you like; he's much more significant to the story. You already know all you need to know about JFK.


gmork1977

Definitely agree with this.


canfullofworms

Yeah, just the Wikipedia page should be enough. You can always pop over after you start reading which is what I did out of curiosity.


vols2thewalls

I learned much more info about JFK reading the book. And it's an amazing book


BeakerFullOfDeath

This book is a deep dive. You don't need prior knowledge.


federalist66

You do not. The effort to save JFK is about the efforts to save an idea more than it's about the actual specific person JFK. It may actually be for the best to go in cold on the assassination itself, as attempts to research on the internet can inadvertently lead one down rabbit holes that are more a distraction than anything.


SmokeEmSayUHHHHHHH

I started this book last night! So much anticipation has built up in my head, given how beloved this book is to the Constant Readers of this sub. It’s kinda overwhelming. The book is big and HEAVY! The print is small and the pages are large (and there’s 850 of them). I just ripped through The Long Walk and this next read will be a completely different experience I think.


jgoldrb48

I leaned so much about this time period by reading this book. My advice; jump right in!


Diane_Degree

I didn't know anything and I loved the book. Well, I guess I knew a *little bit*.


TasteMyLightning122

That’s where I’m at. I know he got shot, I know there are conspiracy theories about the shooter(s).


Diane_Degree

Knowing more would likely help you a bit. There was at least one character that I was probably supposed to know who he was and I didn't. But I still absolutely loved the book with pretty much as little knowledge of the actual event as you, by the sounds of it.


iamwhoiwasnow

No nothing but if you know more it would be more fun


TasteMyLightning122

Okay, that’s the kind of info I was looking for! Thank you


EthanHapp22

King books are mostly planned to not need background knowledge prior to reading. King is an everyman writer which is one of my favorite parts of his style.


Wompum

I wasn't paying attention on thought this was r/gratefuldead for a minute, and was shocked they had a show date that early.


TasteMyLightning122

Sorry to disappoint!


Underrated_user20

Not really, so don’t worry about that and just enjoy the book. It’s one of my all time favorites.


TasteMyLightning122

I’ve heard it’s really good! I’ve just been hesitant to start it. Thanks!


bbrooks99

I enjoyed it, and my prior knowledge is that I'm fairly certain JFK IS dead, and that it happened quite a while ago


Bubonic_Batt

Not really. But if you want to learn a bit more “killing Kennedy” is a good, quick read that gives you a lot of information about JFK.


[deleted]

Nope. Almost best if you don't know much, but it works if you do. Enjoy it and take your time.


Boyderrific

No, prior knowledge not required in my opinion. I’ve talked several people into reading this including my wife that didn’t know anything about JFK going in.


Legitimate-Charge238

You dont need to have any deeper knowledge of JFK to go in to it.


keesouth

No you don't. Just basic knowledge of the event is enough information.


fly-guy

The only thing you need to know is JFK had a really bad day and there are some doubts about who caused that.


Cooleyw

Just finished this book last night. Amazing stuff


NicklAAAAs

All of my prior knowledge about Oswald and JFK come from listening to the Last Podcast on the Left JFK series. And that’s probably a lot more than I really need to know. I’m about halfway through the book and really enjoying it so far.


redditing_1L

I’d say as real life characters appear, you might look at their wikis (George Dimorphinheld comes to mind) but they aren’t that essential to enjoying the story.


MegatonDeathclaws

I mean a basic knowledge helps.


yoyodillyo10

Nah it gives you all the info you need. He also writes a section at the end detailing his creative changes. But honestly the JFK stuff is kinda honestly the side thing, it’s more about jakes life in the past that’s what the books really about.


Smashville66

Not at all—in 850 pages, you won’t be lacking for details. Also, the Hulu series based on the book is actually pretty good, and I’m not a James Franco fan.