The Rainbow Comes and Goes

The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son on Life, Love, and Loss
By Anderson Cooper & Gloria Vanderbilt
Harper, 2016. 290 pgs. Memoir

Both Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt have names that are familiar to most Americans.  But many may not know, or like me repeatedly forget, that Gloria is Anderson’s mother.  In this fascinating and person collection of letters between the two collected over a year, they discuss their relationship and many turning points in their eventful lives.

Famous people often seem larger than life and far beyond the trials we common folk face daily.  What I loved most about The Rainbow Comes and Goes is how vulnerable, insecure, and just plain normal they both seemed.  This is an admirable accomplishment.  It takes a great deal of charm and candor to sound normal while discussing what it was like to date Frank Sinatra.

I listened to the audio version of this book which was read by both the authors.  I loved hearing them tell their stories in their words and in their voices.  This is a wonderful exchange and beyond the fascinating details from these fascinating personalities, there is a powerful message about the importance of family and preserving the stories of older generations before they are lost forever.

CG