The Rainbow Comes and Goes

A Mother and Son on Life, Love, and Loss

By: Anderson Cooper

Narrated by: Anderson Cooper, Gloria Vanderbilt

Length: 6 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

A touching and intimate correspondence between Anderson Cooper and his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, offering timeless wisdom and a revealing glimpse into their lives.

Though Anderson Cooper has always considered himself close to his mother, his intensely busy career as a journalist for CNN and CBS affords him little time to spend with her. After she suffers a brief but serious illness at the age of ninety-one, they resolve to change their relationship by beginning a yearlong conversation unlike any they have ever had before. The result is a correspondence of surprising honesty and depth in which they discuss their lives, the things that matter to them, and what they still want to learn about each other.

Both a son's love letter to his mother and an unconventional mom's life lessons for her grown son, The Rainbow Comes and Goes offers a rare window into their close relationship and fascinating life stories, including their tragedies and triumphs. In these often humorous and moving exchanges, they share their most private thoughts and the hard-earned truths they've learned along the way. In their words their distinctive personalities shine through - Anderson's journalistic outlook on the world is a sharp contrast to his mother's idealism and unwavering optimism.

An appealing memoir with inspirational advice, The Rainbow Comes and Goes is a beautiful and affectionate celebration of the universal bond between a parent and a child and a thoughtful reflection on life, reminding us of the precious insight that remains to be shared, no matter our age.

©2016 Anderson Cooper (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"A CNN and CBS journalist, Cooper has a highly recognizable vocal quality, and his narrative tone is thoughtful, distinctive, and pleasant. His delivery is especially adept in the difficult passages addressing the early death of his father and, later, the suicide of his older brother, Carter. Vanderbilt's skillful, forceful, and distinct narration is remarkable for her 91 years.... This is a moving listening experience." ( AudioFile)

Absolutely LOVED this book!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would, and have recommended it to many.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved listening to Anderson and his wonderful mother "talk" to each other. I appreciate them allowing me to listen. It was so real and honest.

Best I’ve listened to!

Hands down, Anderson Cooper and his mother Gloria Vanderbilt, have spun a tale that is beautiful and incredibly intimate. I can relate to both so well it is amazing! What I learned is this: we are all connected. Different backgrounds aside, everyone can relate on some level and hope is essential to living fully. Thank you both for your unabashed transparency and kindness to be vulnerable with your story.

Loved it!

Just finished it and I am going to listen to it a second time. One of my all time favorites.

Well worth reading

A worthwhile read for anyone who has had a challenging relationship with a parent. In other words, for the entire global population.

Loved it!

I enjoyed hearing Anderson and Gloria going back and forth in an interview style conversation.

Loved This Book!

I want to see the movie as well! Gloria Vanderbilt and Anderson Cooper are soooooo much more interesting than anyone could have imagined. Mrs. Vanderbilt's insights into her life and what she has learned from her experiences are very deep. What a life she has had.

Hearing the story in their own voices adds even more depth to the story. I would love to meet them.

Love it!

An inspiring story of life, love, and loss made more impactful by the authors recording for our listening enjoyment. H

A BOOK FOR EVERYONE

What did you love best about The Rainbow Comes and Goes?

Anders, you and your mother are the kindest people alive. I am so happy that you achieved a level of knowledge that some may never know. It warms my heart that you did this. Thank you for this amazing gift.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gloria, I feel like our lives are woven together some how.

Which character – as performed by Gloria Vanderbilt and Anderson Cooper – was your favorite?

I could never decide.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, had to take a break. Loved that I could go back, their forgiveness always inspiring. I am still absorbing. I hope Gloria is okay. Love sent from those who can't be there.

Any additional comments?

Thank you, I am eternally grateful.

Some good insights.

This book could have been so much better. Overall it feels disconjointed. Anderson. Should have narrated the conversation all the way instead of the back and forth conversation that sounded like two different books. To me this would have been better if it was a straightforward exposition of the life of Gloria after all she has pearls to offer at her age. Finally at the end with Anderson having the last word I feel like he should have offered hope seeing that after all he will be the survivor of his family line. We all need hope.

Mini mother-son book club!

Great reading book. Lots of interesting ideas, experiences and history. Reminds us that knowing or family is a way to know our selves.