In a deeply revealing and intimate portrayal, the world is offered a closer look at the life of John F. Kennedy Jr. through the lens of those who knew him best. John's closest friends have gathered to offer their firsthand recollections in "JFK Jr.: An Intimate Oral Biography," written by People editor-at-large Liz McNeil and RoseMarie Terenzio 25 years after his death.

The People Magazine obtained an excerpt of the book. On November 25, 1963, three-year-old John saluted his father's casket at his funeral. At his mother's request, he made this moving gesture that became deeply ingrained in the public consciousness and represented the nation's collective grief. Auxiliary bishop Philip M. Hannan, who witnessed the salute, recalled thinking this would be the picture that would endure.

JFK Jr.'s School Days and Academic Journey

As John grew, he became a fixture in the public eye, yet his private life remained largely concealed. He was raised in New York City and attended the private Collegiate School and Andover Academy. Schoolmates like David Clarke and William Cohan described a charmingly disheveled boy known for his messy hair and easily distracted demeanor. Cohan recounts a visit to John's family apartment at 1040 Fifth Avenue. During the visit, John went into his room and used a bong to get high.

While difficulties marked John's academic journey, it was also characterized by the so-called "JK Factor," a unique charm that seemed to smooth over obstacles. College friend Gary Ginsberg recounted a humorous episode at Brown University. John's off-the-cuff, inane response in a history class was met with undue praise, highlighting the influence of his illustrious name. Despite the challenges, John completed his education, earned a law degree from NYU, and eventually passed the bar exam.

READ ALSO: NFL Coach Dick LeBeau's Upcoming Book 'Legendary' Highlights Football Career and Historic Steelers' 2008 Defense

Relationship With Carolyn Bessette and Untimely Death

John's personal life, particularly his relationship with Carolyn Bessette, is also prominently featured in the biography. Robbie Littell, a dear friend, observed that Carolyn captivated John like no one else he knew, portraying her as a dynamic presence. On September 21, 1996, they exchanged vows with close family and friends at a secret ceremony on Cumberland Island, Georgia.

Their marriage was followed by heavy media scrutiny, which had a negative impact, especially on Carolyn. Sasha Chermayeff, another friend, revealed Carolyn's escalating paranoia and fear of being in danger, a stark contrast to John's relative ease under the spotlight.

John planned to fly his recently purchased Piper Saratoga plane to Martha's Vineyard to drop Lauren Bessette and continue to Hyannis Port, Mass., for his cousin Rory Kennedy's wedding. After working at his magazine, John met Lauren at 6 p.m. to drive to Caldwell Airport in New Jersey. Carolyn arrived via a car service, and the plane took off at 8:38 p.m. under hazy conditions as the sun set.

The Piper Saratoga was more complex and powerful than John's previous Cessna. He was in the midst of his instrument training and not yet rated to fly solely by cockpit instruments in low visibility or adverse weather. That night, John followed the Connecticut and Rhode Island coastline before turning out to sea toward Martha's Vineyard.

Jeff Guzzetti, then a National Transportation Safety Board investigator and now president of Guzzetti Aviation Risk Discovery, was part of the team examining John's plane's wreckage. In the book, he explains that although the weather conditions were technically within visual flight rules, the haziness reduced visibility to three to five miles. 

When John turned out over the Black Ocean, it became an instrument flight rules condition, requiring reliance on cockpit instruments to determine the plane's orientation. However, John was trained to rely on visual cues, which were absent, leading to disorientation.

The book also details the emotional aftermath of the crash, including the poignant sea burial conducted by the Kennedy and Bessette families. Navy chaplain Barry C. Black described Caroline Kennedy's grief as she scattered John's ashes into the ocean.

The book is a touching tribute to JFK Jr., capturing his intense charm and remarkable life. Available for preorder, it is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the Kennedy legacy. 

RELATED ARTICLE: Elizabeth Beller's New Book Explores Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and JFK Jr.'s Turbulent Love Story and Last Days