Book cover of Blue Blood

Book description

An account of the life of Standard Oil heiress Rebekah Harkness, known for both her philanthropy and eccentricity, traces her involvement with alcohol and drugs

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Blue Blood as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Who doesn’t love seedy stories about wealth, excess, and defiance of social norms – especially when those norms relate to women?

This book has it all by telling the story of Rebekah Harkness, a woman who went from nothing to Standard Oil heiress, throwing lavish parties and elaborate ballets along the way. Rebekah became Taylor Swift’s muse in the song “The Greatest American Dynasty” on her Folklore album, and Taylor even bought Rebekah’s Holiday House in Rhode Island, which she still owns today.

Once I started this book, the storyline of a misunderstood, dramatic woman being blamed for everything that…

Rebekah Harkness, the protagonist of Swift’s song "the last great American dynasty," once starred in a real-life fairytale, playing the role of “wealthiest American woman.” Blue Blood is a biography written about her, and it was hard to get my hands on. When I finally got access, I was intrigued by what I found within: the ultimate parable of the “American Dream.” Famous friends, impactful work, scandalous headlines, philosophical musings, epic tragedy, and so many surprising parallels to Taylor Swift and her art. Only one edition of Blue Blood was ever printed. I knew more were interested…

From Kristina's list on if you love Taylor Swift.

If you love Blue Blood...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like Blue Blood?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 55 books like Blue Blood.

Browse books like Blue Blood

Book cover of Paula: A Memoir
Book cover of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Book cover of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,366

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Blue Blood, you might also like...

Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

Book cover of Coyote Weather

Coyote Weather by Amanda Cockrell,

Coyote weather is the feral, hungry season, drought-stricken, and ready to catch fire. It’s 1967, and the American culture is violently remaking itself while the country is forcibly sending its young men to fight in a deeply unpopular war.

Jerry has stubbornly made no plans for the future because he…

5 book lists we think you will like!