From the library
“Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune” By Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe From 1783, when German immigrant John Jacob Astor first arrived in the United States, until 2009, when Brooke Astor’s son, Anthony Marshall, was convicted of defrauding his elderly mother, the Astor name occupied a unique place in American society. The beaver trade that grew into an empire quickly transitioned into Manhattan real estate endeavors. The Astors ruled Gilded Age New York society. They quickly inserted themselves into political and cultural life, even suffering the most famous loss on the Titanic.
Like the Vanderbilts, the Astor family have an enchanting story. The lives that were lived seem like something out of a book or movie. Most cannot comprehend the lavishness of these types of families had. At first glance the Astors are glamorous. But, as you dig deeper, they have a sad story. Greed is at the heart of this family, dating back to the beginning. They hurt, steal and are deceitful in order to claim the beaver trade. And going all the way to 2009, committing elder abuse to one’s own mother in order to receive wealth that no one worked to earn. You can read about one of the most famous families in U.S history at the library or on Libby today.
“Fool Me Twice at Christmas” By Camilla Isley Kate and Chuck are the pictureperfect couple. They grew up side by side at their parent’s chocolate factory. They were best friends turned lovers. They even went to university together. However, appearances aren’t what they seem. Four months ago, Kate broke up with Chuck. Since then, they have been pretending to still be a couple to keep from breaking their parents’ hearts. They both agree it’s time to come clean. But life decides on something else for the couple-not-couple. How about they go from fake dating to fake engaged to fake having a baby?
Fool me Twice at Christmas is a great Christmas read. It’s full of hijinks and mishaps. Readers who love comedy and romance are in for a lot of laughs with this book. You can find this book in the library and on Hoopla.
