Rated of 5
by Lorelee M. (Placentia, CA) The Memory of All That
This book was delightful. It is amazing how many names from 20th century history were connected in some way to this family in the arts, politics, and business ventures. The underlying humor and smooth writing made this easy and enjoyable to read. The myriad of characters and extended family was confusing at times (expecially the FBI activities), but well worth the glimpse into the lives of some prominent , creative, intelligent, and most often wealthy people who were thrown together or crossed paths personally and/or professionally. I found myself joyfully humming Gershwin tunes for days and being deeply touched by the memories of all the grandmothers who will always hold a special place in our hearts. "The heart wants what the heart wants" It is destiny.
Rated of 5
by Virginia P. (Tallahassee, FL) The Memory of All That
Katharine Weber's memories in this small book are of the serial infidelities of her father, Sidney Kaufman, and her grandmother, Kay Swift's affair with George Gershwin. The subtitle of the book suggested that it was more about her grandmother and Gershwin than other infidelities in the family, but the first half of the book was taken up with her father's struggle to be known and his unfaithfulness to her mother. Other than the fact that he was constantly being investigated by the FBI for liberal leanings, it was pretty tedious reading. I don't know why someone wants to write about a parent's infidelity unless it is cathartic to them. The author definitely had issues with her parents and this comes across, loud and clear. The second portion of the book concerned her grandmother, grandfather, James Paul Warburg and George Gershwin. While Gershwin was a marvelous talent and it appeared Swift was also, it was disappointing to learn that they were silly, vain and self-centered. I plan to pass this book on to a friend to get her opinion, but I truly cannot recommend it for anything other than the excellent writing style.
Rated of 5
by Lesley F. (San Diego, CA) Fascinating Tell-all
A well-told history - just when I thought I couldn't hear another thing about S. Kaufman (he reminded me of my ex) - Weber switched to the story of her grandmother and what a gratifying one! It was long ago, so many names are no longer familiar to the reading public but I can understand how time needed to pass before it could be talked about. Those who love a tell-all will love this tale. And what a strong women's story it is!
Rated of 5
by Annette S. (Duluth, GA) The Memory of All That
A memoir of an eccentric and dysfunctional family that is at times difficult to read because of the trying situations that this family went through. It is told with all the names, and all the family disagreements. I found the section dealing with Kay Swift and George Gershwin fascinating, but so many of the other names mentioned were those I had never heard of.
Rated of 5
by Joan B. (Ellicott City, MD) THE MEMORY OF ALL THAT
This book was a fascinating read. I wish I had had some background into the Warburg family before starting. The family was a part of the privileged and entitled "upper crust" during the early 20th century. Katherine Weber bravely tells about life with her dysfunctional father who was investigated by the FBI for decades. She then goes on to her grandmother's (Kay Swift) love affair with George Gershwin. Kay Swift was also a promiscuous, fascinating character, who was a renowned composer and pianist. Katherine Weber shares her life experiences and great compassion with the reader. This is one of my First Impressions that I have lots more to discuss.
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of 5
by Lorelee M. (Placentia, CA) 
of 5
by Virginia P. (Tallahassee, FL) 
