I Read: Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty by Anderson Cooper (and Katharine Howe)

In this book, we go on a historical journey of the Vanderbilt family. The Rise and the fall as the title suggests. There is a lot to unpack here because anyone who knows anything about the Vanderbilts generally knows that they're rich. But are they still? The book would tell you otherwise, because of their own mismanagement and behaviour. From the patriarch who built the empire to his children and their families, the Vanderbilt family is still interesting even while they may not remain powerful or influential. 

I find Anderson Cooper's motivation to delve into his family history admirable especially learning that even his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, didn't really know much about them. She was a pawn in much of the family drama and one of the most known Vanderbilt stories, but she never really did reap the benefits of being part of the Vanderbilt family. Cooper himself has never identified with that side of his family - he's always been a Cooper. 

This book is an interesting read if you're interested in family drama and changing your perceptions about American figures. It really is true that you don't know what you don't know, and there was a lot here that I didn't know. It's interesting how one of the richest families in the US can do nothing to support their wealth while relying on it for their livelihood.  The pitfalls of the rich. 

#81-2021