47 pages • 1 hour read
The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son on Life, Love, and Loss
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Book Brief
The Rainbow Comes and Goes
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2016320
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
2010s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Rainbow Comes and Goes, Anderson Cooper and his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, engage in a year-long email correspondence that delves into Vanderbilt’s past experiences and personal challenges after she suffers a respiratory infection. Together, they reflect on themes such as strong parent-child relationships, the difficulties of growing up wealthy, and healing from loss. The book candidly addresses sensitive topics including suicide, alcohol use, bias, domestic issues, pregnancy loss, and family trauma.
Heartwarming
Emotional
Inspirational
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
36,600 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Rainbow Comes and Goes by Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt is praised for its candid and emotional exploration of family relationships, offering deep insights into the bond between mother and son. Some readers find the narrative disjointed and repetitive. Overall, it is considered a heartfelt and engaging read that resonates with many for its honesty and emotional depth.
Who Should Read The Rainbow Comes and Goes?
A fan of heartfelt memoirs and raw personal stories would enjoy The Rainbow Comes and Goes by Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt. Readers of poignant family narratives like Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie or Cheryl Strayed's Wild will find its open dialogue and emotional depth compelling.
36,600 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gloria Vanderbilt
Gloria Vanderbilt
An American artist and writer from the prominent Vanderbilt family, who co-authored the memoir and shares her life story, focusing on family dynamics and personal resilience.
Laura Delphine Kilpatrick “Naney” Morgan
Laura Delphine Kilpatrick “Naney” Morgan
Gloria Vanderbilt’s maternal grandmother, who played a significant role in her early life and had strong beliefs in wealth and social status, shaping her relationships with her family.
Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt
Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt
Gloria Vanderbilt's mother and a member of the Vanderbilt family, whose complex relationship with her daughter and non-heteronormative attractions influenced both their lives.
Emma Keislich/Emily Prescott/“Dodo”
Emma Keislich/Emily Prescott/“Dodo”
Gloria Vanderbilt's governess and maternal figure, who cared for her from birth and provided emotional support, despite later estrangement.
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney/“Auntie Ger”
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney/“Auntie Ger”
An artist and art patron, and Gloria Vanderbilt’s aunt, who cared deeply for her niece and was involved in her upbringing during a custody battle.
Wyatt Cooper
Wyatt Cooper
Anderson Cooper and Carter Cooper's father, and Gloria Vanderbilt's husband, whose supportive and loving nature significantly influenced his family's lives.
320
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
2010s
2016
Adult
18+ years
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