Q: Is there anything you've left out?

A: There are a lot of myths about my family and me. I didn't waste words in the book refuting myths. I also didn't write about things I didn't know about personally. I was very careful about telling my own story, rather than Jack's story or Bobby's story or my father's story. For example, a lot of people assume I knew everything about Jack's presidency, but we were only together in Washington for one year, and I was a 30-year-old senator trying to learn my way. I've described what I know from my own perspective; the complete account is for the historians. My perspective of my family is that of a loving brother and son. I knew them in a way that only a few people did, and that's what I wanted to share with readers. It's honest and true, and it's mine.

Q: This book was originally scheduled for publication in 2010. Did you accelerate work because of your illness?

A: Sure, but we didn't cut any corners. Vicki and I have been through every word of this book multiple times. It's exactly the book I wanted it to be.

Q: Why did you decide to call it True Compass?

A: Sailing has always been part of my life. I have so many happy memories of times at sea, with family and friends. And the phrase "true compass" is a good metaphor for how I've tried to live.

Q: What's the ultimate message of the book?

A: Perseverance. Stand up for what you believe and always look forward with hope.