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Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty | Katherine Howe, Anderson Cooper
New York Times bestselling author and journalist Anderson Cooper teams with New York Times bestselling historian and novelist Katherine Howe to chronicle the rise and fall of a legendary American dynastyhis mothers family, the Vanderbilts. When eleven-year-old Cornelius Vanderbilt began to work on his fathers small boat ferrying supplies in New York Harbor at the beginning of the nineteenth century, no one could have imagined that one day he would, through ruthlessness, cunning, and a pathological desire for money, build two empiresone in shipping and another in railroadsthat would make him the richest man in America. His staggering fortune was fought over by his heirs after his death in 1877, sowing familial discord that would never fully heal. Though his son Billy doubled the money left by the Commodore, subsequent generations competed to find new and ever more extraordinary ways of spending it. By 2018, when the last Vanderbilt was forced out of The Breakersthe seventy-room summer estate in Newport, Rhode Island, that Corneliuss grandson and namesake had builtthe family would have been unrecognizable to the tycoon who started it all. Now, the Commodores great-great-great-grandson Anderson Cooper, joins with historian Katherine Howe to explore the story of his legendary family and their outsized influence. Cooper and Howe breathe life into the ancestors who built the familys empire, basked in the Commodores wealth, hosted lavish galas, and became synonymous with unfettered American capitalism and high society. Moving from the hardscrabble wharves of old Manhattan to the lavish drawing rooms of Gilded Age Fifth Avenue, from the ornate summer palaces of Newport to the courts of Europe, and all the way to modern-day New York, Cooper and Howe wryly recount the triumphs and tragedies of an American dynasty unlike any other. Written with a unique insiders viewpoint, this is a rollicking, quintessentially American history as remarkable as the family it so vividly captures.
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Bookwormjillk
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Up next for Nonfiction November #NFN

tpixie I just went to Newport RI for a weekend author event with #WilligWhiteWilliams. I was able to tour The Breakers, but not Marble house. I may need to get on a Vanderbilt reading jag. Before I knew I was going on the mansion tour, maybe coincidentally I bought 2w
Lcsmcat I listened to this, read by Cooper and loved it. 2w
bthegood @Lcsmcat I did too - it was fantastic!! definitely the way to go on this one - 2w
See All 6 Comments
Bookwormjillk @Lcsmcat @bthegood you‘re making me want to switch. I‘ll have to see if I can find the audio. 2w
Lcsmcat @Bookwormjillk But the printer version probably has pictures, so there‘s that. 😀 2w
Bookwormjillk @Lcsmcat it does and I looked at them first 😂😂 2w
60 likes1 stack add6 comments
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Lcsmcat
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Pickpick

I finished this on the treadmill this morning and it was a fascinating look at the gilded age and beyond. Told with love but not with blinders on, Cooper explores the faults and foibles, the triumphs and traumas, as he explores the rise and fall of the Vanderbilt dynasty. A nice companion to the #WhartonBuddyRead as it covers some of the same ground. A nice touch was the epilogue where he tells what stands now where the mansions once were.

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Lcsmcat
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My latest #treadmillBook. Read by Anderson Cooper, it‘s off to a great start.

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keys_on_fire
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Pickpick

I love nonfiction that reads like fiction! For the most part, I felt this book fits that bill. There were a couple of chapters that felt like they went off on tangents, but the main story was obviously how there is usually a hardworking ancestor who amasses a fortune that is ultimately squandered but those who follow. Looking forward to Astor!

marleed I love that Anderson‘s sons have his published perspective. I have Astor on a long library hold but it‘s slowly moving closer to me! 9mo
keys_on_fire @marleed I lucked into a half price copy at Books-a-Million so I snagged it. Hoping to start it once I‘m done with Legendborn! 9mo
35 likes2 comments
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ncsufoxes
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Pickpick

I have always been fascinated by the Vanderbilt family. I loved listening to Anderson Cooper narration of his family. Katherine Howe did extensive research on his family to help him craft this story. There is so much more but it is still fascinating to learn about how such a rich family could lose it all. There were some parts that were a little slow but with so much to cover what might seem excessive helps to fully tell the history of this family

ncsufoxes There were definitely a lot of people to keep track of. Cooper seemed to be getting the point across that just because he comes from the Vanderbilt family there is nothing left. That a family that came from nothing has squandered their fortune by living life to the excess. #bookspin book 1y
AmyG His brother‘s suicide just breaks my heart. 1y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 1y
20 likes3 comments
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Awk_Word_Smith
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Pickpick

A no-holds barred look at “the story of the extraordinary rise and epic fall of the Vanderbilt Dynasty. This is the story of the greatest American fortune ever squandered.” Anderson is not pulling any of his punches here with his mother‘s side of the family. Spill the 🫖 Cooper.

Awk_Word_Smith When the Commodore passed away in 1877 he had amassed a $100-million fortune, which equates to nearly $3 billion in 2023 dollars. While Anderson never gives a figure, the Commodore‘s great-great granddaughter, Anderson‘s mom, Gloria passed in 2019 with considerably less than that figure. 1y
21 likes1 comment
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mandarchy
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Pickpick

I'm fascinated by history, especially the aspect of how and where people lived. Celebrity and fame are weird in how they don't always equate to wealth. There were moments in this book when I felt like it was expected I would already know the story. At times, the clichés and adjectives at a 2 for one special nearly made me close the book. I needed a sketched family tree to keep track of whose who. It was a sweet tribute to a complicated mom.

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mandarchy
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This is the summer of crochet all day. Lots of doc visits. So far, most tests are neg, but my son has symptoms of MS. So I'm a basket case. Our internet is pooping out, not helpful. I've spent so much time on hold, and if one more jerk asks me to do a survey, I might lose my mind. Reading is happening in spurts. It's hard to concentrate. 2 surprize 🌧 showers today make for a lazy day. I'm 🙂 grateful for that. Floods & 🔥 everywhere else.

Texreader I‘m so glad you have something to keep your hands busy during all this stress. I learned recently that I had a brain scan that showed indications of MS but no doctor told me at the time-8 years ago! I learned it because I had another scan (I was diagnosed with vestibular migraines) and the dr said: those signs of MS have disappeared! Can you imagine my shock? I relate this story in hopes there‘s a good ending to what you‘re going through. 🙏🏻 1y
TheBookgeekFrau 🙏🏼 for the best possible outcome 1y
mandarchy @Texreader, that is crazy! But migraines are no joke. I'm lucky mine are mild. I'm pushing for more tests: the negative results don't match the fact that he's struggling to walk. At first, we thought he was lazy, but I'm watching his mobility decline. What kid doesn't run and jump, much less get up and make a sandwich? 1y
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mandarchy @TheBookgeekFrau thank you! 😊 1y
Ruthiella Hoping for the best. ❤️ 1y
mandarchy @Ruthiella thank you ☺️ 1y
dabbe I am so sorry you and your family are going through this. Praying for a positive outcome for your son and peace of mind for you. Sending hugs. 🤗🤗🤗 1y
Deblovestoread Sending positive thoughts your way! 1y
LeahBergen Sending ❤️❤️❤️ to you. 1y
Tamra Take care of yourself as best you can. 💕 1y
bthegood 💕I hope the doctors can figure this out soon for you and your son - please keep us posted on this - I can imagine the worry for you - sending hugs and love. 💕 (edited) 1y
TheLudicReader Sending positive energy your way. ❤️ 1y
DaveGreen7777 Hope your son gets good news and feels much better soon! 🙏 1y
mandarchy @Texreader @TheBookgeekFrau @Ruthiella @dabbe @Deblovestoread @LeahBergen @Tamra @bthegood @TheLudicReader @DaveGreen7777 Thank you, everyone. I appreciate all the good energy. Reading is such a great escape, and Litsy helps me focus on finding the right book at the right time. I'm glad I found the extra hobby. I figure there will be a lot of warm heads at my school this winter. 1y
Roary47 Sending thoughts and prayers! 💛 1y
55 likes1 stack add15 comments
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MonicaLoves2Read
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Mehso-so

It was okay. It's sad that when Cornelius died in 1877, the Vanderbilt fortune was over $100 million. By the time Gloria Vanderbilt, his great-great- granddaughter died in 2019 less than $1.5 million left.

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 2y
19 likes1 comment
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MonicaLoves2Read
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My Audiobook I started today.

"This is the story of the greatest American fortune ever squandered."

#FirstLineFridays
@ShyBookOwl

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MonicaLoves2Read
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Audiobook I am starting today, when I walk my boys 🐶🐾🚶

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Bookwormjillk
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I haven‘t had time to walk all week. Finally made it out this morning and was rewarded with spring flowers and this book in a Little Free Library.

BarbaraBB Looking good 🥰 2y
marleed I loved reading this book. 2y
CoverToCoverGirl He certainly had some “eccentric” ancestors. 😳 Lots of skeletons in that family closet. Good read though. 🙃 2y
bthegood I listened to this (Anderson was the narrator) - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did- 2y
58 likes4 comments
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rachelk
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Pickpick

From the shores of New Amsterdam to present day NYC, the book follows some of the more interesting, famous and infamous members of the Vanderbilt family and their social circle through significant historical moments. I especially enjoyed the section on The Gilded Age — if it sounds like something from an Edith Wharton novel, that‘s because it is!

I loved Anderson Cooper‘s narration of the audiobook.

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NatalieR
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Pickpick

Anderson provides an in-depth history of the intriguing Vanderbilt family. He covers the beginning of the family tree with Cornelius Vanderbilt. Then how the family grew and lived on Staten Island and built mansions on Fifth Avenue. My heart broke as he shared about Alice of the summer home, The Breakers, in Rhode Island. It was fascinating to learn about the lives and tragic deaths of the Vanderbilts.

Full review https://abookandadog.com

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Cinfhen
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Loving this historical picture of the Vanderbilt Family. What a bunch of eccentrics😁Photos from the 1883 Vanderbilt Ball in NYC. Yes, that‘s actually a cat that was taxidermy and worn on the head of Kate strong. The overskirt was made entirely of white cats‘ tails sewed on a dark background. The bodice was formed of rows of white cats‘ heads and the headdress was a stiffened white cat‘s skin. Her necklace read PUSS in diamonds. WTF 😳

Cinfhen It‘s DEFINITELY a #rabbithole #GoogleyBook 2y
Bookwormjillk 😬yikes. Real life Cruella Deville. 2y
RebelReader Proving once again….”The rich are different!” 2y
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Soubhiville Wow! Looks like my kind of party! Lol. 2y
Cinfhen Right @Soubhiville I‘m REALLY loving this book ❣️ I‘m a bit of a #HistoryNerd 🤓 2y
TrishB Why the rich shouldn‘t be allowed money 😉 2y
Cinfhen Exactly @TrishB the WASTE of it all!!! 2y
Centique 🤯 but also this book sounds wonderful! Perfect for my #HistoryNerd self too 2y
kspenmoll Wow & wow! Cat craziness- all those poor kitty sacrifices !!!!! Yuk! But sounds like a fascinating look at a more than eccentric family- stacked! 2y
Cinfhen After reading this book I‘ve come across the famous ball mentioned in two other books!! It‘s a great peek into NYC society @kspenmoll 2y
71 likes2 stack adds11 comments
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Cinfhen
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My audio hold came in yesterday and I just finished another audio today ( Nanette - still thinking about my feelings on that one) Anyway, I‘m curious to learn about Cornelius, the “Commodore” Vanderbilt and the making of his vast fortune and large brood. Might be able to use for #52Books23 #RoaringTwenties 😁

Lindy Nanette gave me a lot of feelings too. 2y
CBee I‘d listen to Anderson Cooper read the phone book 😊😂 2y
Megabooks I found the parts about his mother most interesting. 👍🏻👍🏻 2y
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Cinfhen So far it‘s a little “dry” @Megabooks feels more like a history book and less like a family story but I still enjoy the gilded age of NY 2y
Cinfhen True @CBee Anderson is great company 🧡 2y
Cinfhen Im really torn over the Hannah Gadsby memoir @Lindy I still need to process my thoughts and feelings 2y
CBee @Cinfhen I‘ve loved him since Channel One news - it was the news channel that was broadcast into schools? He and Lisa Ling were both on it 😊 2y
Megabooks @CBee I was obsessed with them both too. I‘ve been really happy to follow their careers over the years. 2y
CBee @Megabooks oh my gosh you too?? How cool 😊😊😊 I was probably one of the only kids in my homeroom who actually watched the news 😂 2y
vivastory @Megabooks @CBee Channel One 👏👏 2y
CBee @vivastory you too?? YESSSSS 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 2y
vivastory @CBee My memories of the fall of the Berlin Wall & the fall of the Soviet Union are largely from Channel 1. My school even had it's own student run version of Channel 1 that would make a segment every quarter, lol 2y
CBee @vivastory nice! I didn‘t have it before junior high so I wouldn‘t have seen the Berlin wall coverage, unfortunately. Wish I had! 2y
Cinfhen I LOVE all this #NerdyNostalgia @Megabooks @vivastory @CBee no Channel 1 in my HS but I can see why the networks and school system would have selected Anderson Cooper & Lisa Ling 😍 2y
CBee @Cinfhen we just sort of took over the comments with our #nerdynostalgia 😂😂 That might be my new favorite hashtag 🤓 2y
Cinfhen I love when a post leads to an entire different sidebar conversation @CBee especially when it‘s #NerdyNostalgia 😜 2y
CBee @Cinfhen bring on all of the #nerdynostalgia 🤓🤓😂😂 2y
84 likes18 comments
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Awk_Word_Smith
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“This is the story of the extraordinary rise and epic fall of the Vanderbilt Dynasty. This is the story of the greatest American fortune ever squandered.”

Anderson is not pulling any of his punches here. 🫖

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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

This was a fascinating exploration of the Vanderbilt family from their arrival in America until now. Anderson Cooper‘s perspective was honest, measured, and personal and I learned more than I would have expected about the Gilded Age in NYC. I love history and really loved this book! And is is great on #audio, read by Anderson Cooper. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks #NovelNovember @Andrew65

Andrew65 Great 🎉🎉🎉 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 2y
56 likes2 comments
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Scochrane26
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Pickpick

My weekly audiobook, I found this interesting. I wish Cooper had included some about George Vanderbilt (Biltmore). My favorite chapter was about the Lusitania because I‘ve always heard of it but didn‘t know what happened. Warning—I was driving 3 hrs back from visiting a friend, got tired about halfway through, then realized that Anderson‘s soothing voice was contributing to that. So, don‘t listen late at night on a quiet interstate 😉

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mcctrish
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Pickpick

I finished this today doing some errands ( including buying myself some flowers from a local flower farm) I loved learning the background on the Vanderbilt family and hearing how NYC changed over the years ( reminding me of some other historical fiction I‘ve read ) having it read by Anderson Cooper was awesome

Jennifer3 Beautiful! 2y
AmyG Gorgeous flowers. 2y
mcctrish @Jennifer3 & @AmyG the flower lady is a retired teacher who has a flower farm, she makes the most beautiful bouquets and her prices are 1/2 of what florists would charge ❤️❤️ she‘s usually open until after Canadian thanksgiving 2y
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Cinfhen OMG! I LOVE your flowers 🌺 I realize this post is from months ago but still….🥰 How did you like the book??? 2y
mcctrish @Cinfhen thank you 😊 I miss my weekly trips to get flowers from the flower lady. I really enjoyed this book, I really like non-fiction on audio. There were some parts I was wishing I had it in print so I could flip back or look at a map to cement it in my brain where they were in the city 2y
Cinfhen Yeah. That‘s the only downside to audio, but I also prefer NF on audio. I love stories set at the turn of the century NY. And I like hearing Anderson Cooper‘s voice ♥️ 2y
56 likes1 stack add6 comments
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mcctrish
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Errand running while the audio book plays and a mani/pedi to continue celebrating not biting my nails. At some point budget constraints are going to have to come into play 🤣🤣 but this was a birthday gift card so not today 👏🏻👏🏻

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Pretty nail polish 💅 2y
kspenmoll Nice! 2y
mcctrish @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I‘ve got a nail colour wish list that is as long as my TBR list so I‘m in all kinds of trouble 2y
mcctrish @kspenmoll thank you ☺️ 2y
35 likes4 comments
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mcctrish
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It‘s overcast so I‘m back to doing a section of my Starry Night Lego build

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mcctrish
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Started listening to this today while I was out doing errands. I‘m quite captivated already

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bthegood
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Pickpick

A history of the Vanderbilts but it is also a history of how “high society“ developed in the United States, how people in that group defined it and redefined it to make sure they and their heirs stayed “high society“ - it also, indirectly, explains how a name can allow someone without money to continue living an extravagant lifestyle.
(See comment below)

Finished book 2 for July #BookSpinBingo -

Make a great day everyone - 🙂

bthegood The picture suggests I read the book - no that's just the picture I'm using - I did the audiobook for this and it was a good choice - I think listening to the stories of the Vanderbilts (as narrated by Anderson Cooper) was the right choice for me on this one 🙂 2y
32 likes1 comment
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bthegood
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#WeekendReading @Andrew65

Working on all 3 - hope to finish 2 by end of week 🙂

Make a great day everyone -

Andrew65 Look good books. Enjoy. 2y
bthegood @Andrew65 🌞 👍 2y
26 likes2 comments
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aperfectmjk
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Did some more rock painting over the past two days while home with shingles.

The top two rocks are businesses local to the Frankfort, MI area where I will be vacationing at the end of the month. The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man is for my 4 yr old nephew who loves Ghostbusters.

#audiocrafting #rockpainting #litsycrafters

AmyG I am enjoying your beautiful rock paintings! (edited) 2y
aperfectmjk Thanks @AmyG I'm going to paint some bookmarks too to leave in free little libraries while I'm on vacation. 2y
KristiAhlers You are ridiculously talented! Love those! 2y
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks So pretty 🤩 2y
Yuki_Onna Wooow. Those are so cool! 2y
Yuki_Onna Wooow. Those are so cool! 2y
tpixie Cool! Heal fast! 2y
40 likes7 comments
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Erin.Elizabeth10
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Mehso-so

I wanted to love this book, but unfortunately I just didn‘t. I think the issue for me was that it felt like a lot of information of names and dates, but at the same time it would spend a whole chapter on one particular thing. I wanted this book to be bigger-picture, explaining the “why” behind the rise and fall of the family. I think it was more of the “what,” though, which is why it just wasn‘t quite what I was looking for.

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JenReadsAlot
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Mehso-so

I didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I would. I adore Anderson Cooper.

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SweetP1967
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Mehso-so

This wasn‘t as enjoyable as I‘d thought it would be, considering the author‘s proximity to the family it is about. Often, the story jumped around, and some stories were told in a way that didn‘t seem to reflect an insider‘s knowledge; in one instance referencing scenes in a movie about the story, making it seem as though the author didn‘t have any more insight to what happened than those who made the movie.

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Verity
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Pickpick

I knew bits and bobs about some of the Vanderbilts, but not a whole lot so this was really interesting to me – even before the personal aspect that Cooper‘s own connection to the story adds. If you‘ve got an interest in this sort of history, it‘s definitely worth a look – even if it‘s not the most comprehensive account and may well leave you wanting to read more about some of the characters you meet. But that‘s never a bad thing really is it?

marleed I really enjoy discovering history through non-political means, and reading about bigger-than-life names and their absurd wealth is a very interesting way to learn. I read this, The Hiltons, and the Guccis in ‘21. I think I should read a NF on the Astors this year! Oh and right now rereading Empty Mansions for a bookclub. 3y
29 likes1 comment
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BookMaven9
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Mehso-so

🌟🌟🌟 1/2

Somewhat interesting from a historical perspective about how these Uber rich squandered all their wealth. I was disappointed that we didn‘t learn more about Gloria Vanderbilt as she doesn‘t show up until the last third of the book.

6 likes1 stack add
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Verity
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Christmas book!

24 likes1 stack add
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Amie
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Mehso-so

In spite of the title, this is not a comprehensive history of the Vanderbilts. The main author is Anderson Cooper, although his coauthor is listed first here. It starts with the Commodore, then a couple of people from the next generations, then spends a lot of time on Gloria (not surprising). Some interesting parts and some boring parts.

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Megabooks
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Pickpick

Loved this! Anderson Cooper looks back a family he once didn‘t claim in this fascinating historical account. He and Howe take snapshots in the lives of some family members such as one who sank in the Lusitania and another who threw a $64 million party. He reserves three chapters for his mother, including her fraught childhood and adult life in high society NYC. He includes a bit how her lavish spending made him frugal. Go #audiobook!

Megabooks I think you‘d enjoy this @Cinfhen 👍🏻 3y
Crinoline_Laphroaig I've been wanting to read this. 3y
LeahBergen Ooo! I‘ve been wondering about this one. 👍🏻 3y
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Cinfhen I saw it on #Scribd!!! But I can‘t borrow until December 4, so im gonna wait a few more days!!! It looks great 😊 3y
Megabooks @Cinfhen totally worth a scribd borrow! Cooper‘s narration is awesome! 3y
marleed I loved this and it makes me smile to think of his son having his dad‘s perspective of this heritage preserved for him in print and audio. Fascinating history - all those massively expensive homes built that were too pricey to maintain let alone preserve. 3y
marleed Oh and this book put The Age of Innocence atop my tbr! 3y
95 likes6 stack adds8 comments
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CindiB
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Pickpick

I liked this. It‘s not a linear family history but more a series of stories about selected family members. The one I was looking forward to reading was Gloria, but I enjoyed others too. Each is also a story of the impact of their wealth, the role of money and that was interesting too. The writing is a soft, gentle dialogue. 3/5

Texreader Lovely review! 3y
42 likes1 comment
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marleed
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Pickpick

I‘ve paid attention to this family over the years and was curious to read how Anderson would frame this history for his his son. I‘m impressed that he can see the Vanderbilt flaws without feeling he was somehow cheated of an inheritance …And again with Truman Capote and how he fills a room! But, after all, Anderson, if in vitro, did attend Truman‘s historical Black&White Ball.

TheBookHippie I want to read this so badly!!! 3y
marleed @TheBookHippie I‘ve read things about the Vanderbilt‘s before but I really enjoyed Anderson‘s take on his ancestors and his relationship with his mother. 3y
kspenmoll Wonderful review!!! 3y
TheBookHippie @marleed I‘ve read quite a bit on the family especially his mum. I love Anderson. Excited to read it! 3y
72 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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Howseldomtheydo
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“Her costume consisted of a gown made of white cat tails with a bodice of skinned cat heads and was topped with a hat made of a taxidermied white cat curled up and perched upon her heaps of blonde curls.” (Pic of Miss Kate Fearing Strong)

BennettBookworm Whaaattttttt 3y
Chrissyreadit Did that really happen?!?!? 3y
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Howseldomtheydo @BennettBookworm I had to stop reading and google it 🤷‍♀️ 3y
KatieDid927 Almost like a real-life Cruella de Ville, but with kittens instead of puppies. 😧 3y
Kristin_Reads 😧😧😧 3y
Cathythoughts Oh no😲.. it can‘t be true .. madness ! (edited) 3y
ravenlee So creepy. 3y
The_Penniless_Author Guess the rich really aren't like you and me. 😕 3y
Lindy 😳 3y
Enchanted_Bibliophile 😲 For real? It's disgustingly creepy. 3y
Brooke_H Nightmare fuel 3y
Ruthiella 🙀 3y
rabbitprincess Yee-ikes 🙀 3y
DivineDiana Shocking! 🙀 3y
sharread Oh my!!!! 😳🤣❤❤❤ 3y
RedxoHearts Well that's awful. I always find interesting to see a hear about historical oddities and facts if that's what you'd call it. The rest is bad enough but walking around with a taxidermy cat on your head just is a whole other level 😧 3y
56 likes17 comments
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limada
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Pickpick

It really is true that you don't know what you don't know. I knew Anderson Cooper was the son of Gloria Vanderbilt. But except for the bits I had already learned from their book together I had no idea the insanity that was the Vanderbilt legacy. I suspect this book only scratches the surface.

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MaggieCarr
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Pickpick

Absolutely fantastic. Isn't it odd that we can be so intrigued by people long gone but whose legacy remains. Goodness, it's not even my family but the entire time I was reading could picture this or that and then view it though a lense of "...if that happened today..." Wow. Wow. Wow. The amount of money is something to behold. Very grateful that they often aquatinted it with currently inflation but still more than I could ever imagine.

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Litsi
Pickpick

Have read 3 books Vanderbilts. The special sauce here is that it‘s told by an honest family member. There‘s something to be said for how family memory stretches the narrative with little details that aren‘t deemed worthy of being placed into history but which provide the background fabric for the embroidery of Big History moments. A good read if you like this topic, otherwise details of the Vanderbilt ball that broke the Astors will be a snore.

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Howseldomtheydo
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#currentlyreading The Breakers in Newport RI summer home built in 1895 for Cornelius Vanderbilt II. I can‘t imagine having that kind of wealth.

The_Penniless_Author My family visited there earlier this year. I'm still trying to wrap my head around that place being a "summer cottage" ? 3y
70 likes1 stack add1 comment
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JELEIGH
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I absolutely adore Anderson Cooper and can‘t wait to dive right in to this Barnes and Noble special edition of his new book ❤️ #barnesandnoble #signededition #bookhaul #andersoncooperisbae

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Annie1215
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Got some book mail from my mom.

What a nice surprise 💖

aperfectmjk Almost put this on hold on Libby, but then thought better of it. I imagine a hardcopy is going to be a much better experience with this one. Or even better... immersion reading. 3y
Annie1215 @aperfectmjk I‘m excited to dive in! I know a lot of their history is in NY and Newport (where I grew up and one of my favorite places) so I feel like it will be fascinating. I‘ll keep you posted! 3y
63 likes2 comments
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Leftcoastzen
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Book events on Zoom are great! Yay , Anderson Cooper !

Author_Chelsea_Warren_PA You actually got to have a Zoom call with Anderson Cooper? Jealous!!!!!! 3y
Leftcoastzen @Nerdy_Bookworm it was related to the book with many bookstores participating.I typed a question, but they only got to a few. It was still fun & interesting. 3y
58 likes2 comments