Eileen Rockefeller

I never expected to enjoy this book as a fast read, but I did. In so many ways it does illuminate the impression we may have that growing up in extraordinary wealth will make you view the world far differently than you or I. I am not sure the author is even aware of that difference in any deep-down manner. But the book is full entertainment even if it is just imagining childhood vacations in Maine, St. Barts, the Grand Tetons, and other travels, as well as homes in NYC and along the Hudson. I love this uote from her childhood: "I never saw a Toulouse-Lautrec in anyone else's bathroom or a Cezanne portrait haning over their living-room couch. We were differnt." [page 28}… (mais)

I read this book, because I heard Eileen Rockefeller speak on a panel discussion of ¨Descendants¨ at a book festival. All three women on the panel were descendants of famous fathers. I expected Eileen to be one of those ¨culture snob¨ rich ladies. Instead she came across as a very spiritual, warm and understanding woman, who had obviously struggled a lot to become the person she wanted to be.
Her book ¨Being a Rockefeller; becoming myself¨ has the same feel to it. However, while reading I got the impression that Rockefeller felt that she needed somehow prove that she was not a spoiled rich brat. Despite the fact that in real life she is anything but, she kept stressing how hard she worked, how she had used her wealth to start environmental and social initiatives, and to what noble causes she gave money. I had hoped to hear a little more about her inner development.
I wondered why she wrote the book. Was it to apologize for being wealthy, or to advance the causes she champions, or for self healing?

In short I am more impressed with the person than with her book.… (mais)