The Week the World Stood Still: Inside the Secret Cuban Missile Crisis Book

This book offers a narrative summary of the taped deliberations of JFK's Executive Committee (EXCOM) of his National Security Council during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It also deftly provides larger context and descriptions of outside events throughout the crisis.

What stands out most is the delicate way that JFK managed these meetings and how he resisted almost unanimous opposition to his preferred course of action from the EXCOM members, especially the Joint Chiefs. Although I have never been a fan of the Kennedy hagiography that has emerged over the years, with all its myths of JFK's sainthood and almost other-worldly wisdom, it is difficult not to marvel at his performance during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

JFK appears steady and thoughtful in his approach. The more bellicose members of the EXCOM were difficult to manage, but he didn't falter. This book provides a fascinating picture of the secret deliberations that could very well have launched a global nuclear confrontation. Luckily for all mankind, JFK was resolute and wise even when it seemed that the supposed best minds in the US government were against his thinking.