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

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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 in the…

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

If you love Blue Blood...

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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…

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