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The famous newscaster Anderson Cooper interviews his famous mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, about her both scandalous and public life as a child through her 92nd year. It reads more like a conversation than an interview with Anderson responding with his own reflections to the same events like the loss of his father and brother. Both show grit and resilience in the face of abrupt and emotional upheavals.

This was a great listen! The authors‘ share correspondence from a year late in her life. It‘s vulnerable and sweet. But there are also lovely tributes to life in Manhattan and the value of parental involvement. I also appreciated their discussion of how we look at life—whether planning for the worst or hoping for the rainbow.

Full review https://www.TheBibliophage.com #thebibliophage2022 #booked2022 #weathertermintitle

Beautiful. Audiobook is the way to go.

A fairly quick read. Gloria Vanderbilt‘s back story as “poor little rich girl “ I was somewhat familiar with already but I found interesting their reflections on family dynamics and dysfunction, and poor decisions made. This book was probably a cathartic exercise for mother and son.

I saw the glowing review @8little_paws gave this audiobook and decided to jump on that bandwagon. I was between audiobooks and this one was readily available from my library. It is a lovely book about love, loss, and parenting, but it‘s mostly Gloria‘s autobiography. I had no idea she had such a fascinating life!

Is every book I read going to remind me that I‘m behind on #conqueringcromwell? 😂

Anderson started an email exchange with his mother when she turned 91, to get to know her intimately so he'd have no regrets. This is the result, and on audio is read by both of them. I was riveted. I had no idea what a fascinating yet dark life she'd lived. They both relay their experience of growing up with a deceased father, and the immense pain of losing a son/ brother. Cont.

"The problem arises when no matter how successful you become, the rainbow is still not enough."
Gloria Vanderbilt

Anderson Cooper spends a year dedicated to a deeper understanding of his mother (Gloria Vanderbilt), resulting in a book in which she shares the stories and feelings of her unique existence. She describes her unstable childhood, her loves (including Howard Hughes and Frank Sinatra), her losses (watching the suicide of her son), as well as her artistic career and her take on life as a nonagenarian. It's an easy read with a fascinating perspective.

This book was first mentioned on Episode 064 of the Reading Envy Podcast by Tracy Landrith back in August 2016, but of course the recent death of Gloria Vanderbilt (and touching tribute by son Anderson Cooper on CNN) brought it back to mind. #hoopla ⤵️

RIP Gloria Vanderbilt. 💚

I'll admit it, I only downloaded this book because it was available on #overdrive and I thought it would be interesting enough while I waited for a couple of holds to come in. I'm a little surprised by how much I like it. Very interesting, great back stories, interesting people. I'm glad I stumbled into it. Hoping to finish it tonight.

#readingresolutions #talkshow

Not a huge fan of talk shows, especially when Cooper was hosting one, but I think Cooper and the Vanderbilts are quite interesting and this would be an intriguing read.

I listened to this one on audiobook and it was a quick fast read. I enjoyed that the narration was both Gloria and Anderson switching off. I really enjoyed hearing about Gloria‘s life growing up in such a wealthy family and all the struggles that she endured. It‘s like listening to your grandma tell you stories of her life. A great reminder to keep in touch with your loved ones and hear all their stories before it‘s too late.
3⭐️‘s

I love Anderson Cooper. I used to watch him on Channel One in homeroom in high school!

His mother, #JeanGenie Gloria Vanderbilt, has had a fascinating life. I thought this was a great audioread.

#SeptemBowie

Am I the last Anderson Cooper fan to discover who is his mother? I spotted this when checking out today's amazon.com US kindle daily deals. Ms Vanderbilt is a true #fashion icon--starting with her blue jeans designs. I wore many pairs in my youth!
#septembowie

Today's #bookhaul is about the same height as my tortie 😂. I think that I got some good ones!

I really enjoyed this, but I wish I had read it instead of listening to the audio. Emails read aloud are awkward. Much more information about GV than AC. Try his earlier book if you are more interested in him. I do recommend this without reservations despite my issues with the audio.

Finishing this up for @FountainBookstore #BookClub tomorrow night.

Holy crap, this book is amazing! #bookclub

Just started our June @FountainBookstore #bookclub read, but this quote is so much truth in one sentence.

I listened to the audio of this book and I highly recommend it! It is read by the authors Gloria Vanderbilt and Anderson Cooper. Both of them are excellent, but the drama of the 91 year old at the time, Gloria Vanderbilt is gripping. What a life! It is heartwarming to see the mother/son relationship that they have developed. Their love for each other is obvious as they read the emails that they had written to each other.

Finished listening to this book today while creating this. Very good listen!! Gloria is a little dramatic but still very good! #audioscrapping #waterclor

Driving to Baltimore tomorrow, and here is my new car read! #stillhavecdplayer

#Maybookflowers #booksaboutMothers 💐 I listened to this one a while back and it really resonated with me. I love Anderson Cooper and had no idea (before the book) that his mother was THE Gloria Vanderbilt. Complicated familial relationships for the win.

A super interesting read... I had no idea that Anderson Cooper was related to Gloria Vanderbilt. I loved the fact that the could have an open conversation about all of life's big issues and become even closer as mother and son!

"The rainbow comes and goes. Enjoy it while it lasts. Don't be surprised by its departure, and rejoice when it returns."

A good book and dancing with the stars.... Sounds like a good night to me!

Mostly about Gloria Vanderbilt's life. I recommend the print version over the audiobook; Gloria tends to get a little overdramatic on the audio! #audiobook 🌈

Downloaded from the library today! 🎧

🔔📚🔔 hope you're ready for a bunch of ebook sales!! 1st up this one was great (I loved the audiobook) as Gloria finally answers / discusses / faces her actual life story with her son Anderson Cooper. Amazon/b&n

I wanted to love this book because I adore AC. I did not love this book. I think if I'd read it instead of listening to the audiobook I might have a different opinion. The audiobook seemed forced and more like a reporter interviewing a stranger rather than a son having a conversation with his mother. Left me feeling disappointed.

I enjoyed this book very much, I was hooked on it and finished in a day. It was very interesting to get a glimpse inside one of the most influential families of old New York.

Started this audio book today. Anderson's intro is like a love letter to his mother; I wonder if this book will be an emotional roller coaster.

Loved this back and forth conversation between these two fascinating people. It has inspired me to talk more with my parents and grandpa about the lessons they've learned during their lifetimes. Plus, this book had some great celebrity name drops! Didn't want it to be over when I got to the last page. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Finished this during a night of full blown insomnia, sigh 😔. I enjoyed most of this book, but felt uncomfortable by some of the optimism from Cooper's mom. I think he is much more practical about life's suffering than she was. Her thoughts on a predetermined destiny made me uncomfortable, so I'm happy Cooper expressed his opinion on senseless tragedies and suffering. Overall, an easy read for an insomnia filled night.

Fantastic!--and not just bc Anderson Cooper can read me a car manual 😍. It is fascinating to see mother and son never discussed so many important things, including Vanderbilt's childhood, until a recent email exchange where they bared all.

Today in my ears. Anderson Cooper can read me a cereal box 😍

I share an Audible account with my mom, and she very rarely requests a book. This was one of her picks. I flew the this book audiobook about Gloria Vanderbilt. Her life was so incredibly fascinating. Definitely 5 ⭐️

Listened to the audiobook on a trip for work. Anderson and Gloria read it which I always think makes a memoir or autobiography better. Very interesting, I learned a lot about their history and relationship.

A worthy lesson to really talk to your mother before it's too late. I'm hard headed and would have to force myself to do this. I know I will regret it later if I don't. Where to start? After years of superficial exchanges, I don't even know her. If I ask her to open up, she would have the right to expect the same from me. Scary. 🌺

A bit of background: I'm a big Anderson Cooper fan. His work inspired me to major in journalism and I loved his memoir, Dispatches from the Edge. So naturally, I was thrilled when I found out he was writing a book with his mother! The focus is largely on Gloria's past, which is simultaneously fascinating and heartbreaking. A quick, poignant read for anyone with the slightest interest in either of these two.

A bit of background: I'm a big Anderson Cooper fan. His work inspired me to major in journalism and I loved his memoir, Dispatches from the Edge. So naturally, I was thrilled when I found out he was writing a book with his mother! The focus is largely on Gloria's past, which is simultaneously fascinating and heartbreaking. A quick, poignant read for anyone with the slightest interest in either of these two.

“Perhaps some day it will be pleasant to remember even this.”
It gives pause, doesn‘t it?
Whenever you‘re restless or miserable, if you can imagine that at some point you may look back on that moment fondly, it may make the present more bearable. Even what appears to be a terrible problem may in the future turn out to be a positive change. You just never know.”

Someone had told me that the writing was fantastic; it was good, but I didn't find it to be anything special. I knew little about either Gloria Vanderbilt or Anderson Cooper before reading; after reading, I am disappointed that I still don't know very much about Cooper. Vanderbilt, on the other hand - what a surprising, fascinating life, though I don't find her admirable the way her son does; in many ways she seems naïve and childlike even now.

I loved this book! Great story, want to read more about the Vanderbilts

It's hot waiting in the car. Don't even care because I am fascinated.

I read this book as an audiobook thru Scribd. I was surprised at the honesty, transparency & vulnerability evident in the dialogue between mother & son. There are words of wisdom in the narrative important for deepening relationships. Don't wait. Talk to each other. Be open to what the other has to say. I recommend listening to this book as Gloria Vanderbilt and son, Anderson Cooper narrate. It adds depth to the words- emotions can be heard.

There is no other truth to depend on, no other certainty. It is as inevitable as birth. Death is the price we pay for being born. -Gloria Vanderbilt