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 13,000+ 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.

1,395

readers submitted
so far, will you?

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

Book cover of Need to Know: World War II and the Rise of American Intelligence

Need to Know by Nicholas Reynolds,

The authoritative but accessible history of the birth of modern American intelligence in World War II that treats not just one but all of the various disciplines: spies, codebreakers, saboteurs.

Told in a relatable style that focuses on actual people, it was a New Yorker "Best of 2022" selection and…

Book cover of Tsunami

Tsunami by LeeAnn Pickrell,

On the morning of December 26, 2004, an undersea earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra in the Indian Ocean. The resulting tsunami killed an estimated 230,000 people across fourteen countries, from Indonesia to Sri Lanka to Thailand to the Maldives to India and all the way to East Africa.…

5 book lists we think you will like!