The Georgetown Ladies' Social Club: Power, Passion, and Politics in the Nation's Capital

A great read about a world I simply cannot imagine. Money beyond belief, some with morals some without (a lot without) A lot of major government decisions probably made at these fairly small dinner parties, most certainly discussed also things that should have been secret information were shared with the people there that did not already know about them. So many of these people had a sex life with many people outside of their marriage and everyone knew about it. This is not about these days I am talking about but many years ago so the morals of our country have long, long been as bad as today if not worse. Also there is a lot of history about the Washington Post and the changes that took place there and there were many. Katherine Graham's learning how to change from a housewife that had been so beaten down about any abilities that she had by her husband, to being the strong woman/leader she really was.

"The Georgetown Ladies Social Club" by C. David Heyman is an incredible book that explains some of the powerful women who have indirectly/directly shaped past political elections. The following are some excerpts of entertaining details featured in this interesting book:Chapter Eight Page 161: Mary Meyer was allegedly one of President Kennedy's favorite mistresses. He included her in many of his political dealings because of his admiration for her beauty and intellect. To further add to the controversial scandal, there was talk that both the president and Mary were sometimes high on acid while being intimate with each other. Mary Meyer supposedly obtained her drugs from Timothy Leary. It is listed that Mr. Leary was a full-time faculty member of the psychology department at Harvard University.Chapter Nine Page 182: Kay Graham looked to Averell Harriman and Alice Longworth as human models of aging gracefully. She chose to read more and abstain from drinking in order to emulate them.Chapter Nine Page 199: President Nixon's decision to distance himself from the Georgetown crowd may have affected him politically. Washington hostess Anna Chennault was purported to be one of the few women that he opened up to on a friendship level. In addition, it was discussed that Kay Graham was instrumental in leaking the Watergate story.Chapter Nine Pages 202-207: Kay Graham was purportedly a charming women who at one time simultaneously attracted the affections of Warren Buffett and Robert McNamara. The book lists how a close friend by the name of Polly Fritchey was aware of the love triangle, and was quoted as saying, "Kay adored Mr. Buffett but loved Bob McNamara."Chapter Ten Pages 208-240: Sally Quinn's combination of attractiveness and charisma played a pivotal role in her success as a reporter for the "Party Section" of the Washington Post. I wish to refrain from judging, but Sally Quinn's popularity was not without controversy. The chapter discusses the reasons why her and Jackie Kennedy were distant from each other. In addition, Sally Quinn became known hosting New Year's parties that become one of the most sought after events in the D.C. area. It is listed why she had to explain that she was masterminding the events out of no other ulterior motive but to have fun.Chapter Twelve pages 269-320: Compelling information is included on a past marriage between late Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor and Republican politician John Warner. The chapter discusses how Elizabeth Taylor wanted so much to fit in with the Georgetown crowd. On page 287, Pamela Harriman indirectly implied the expectations that she had of Elizabeth Taylor. I was incredibly shocked to read that wealthy women such as Georgette Mosbacher and Arianna Huffington were also trying their best to fit in with the members of the Georgetown elite. Before this chapter, I really thought that women of high wealth had an easy pass into the prestigious ranks of "The Georgetown Ladies Social Club." On the other hand, I do have to admit that this chapter enlightened me on why I must take certain social games less personally. There are actual pictures of these women included between the pages of 246-247.Chapter Fourteen page 335: Kay Graham was mentioned as saying that Pamela Harriman helped get Bill Clinton elected. In addition, Bill Clinton expressed his appreciation by selecting Pamela Harriman as United States ambassador to France on January 20, 1993. There is so much more stimulating information in "The Georgetown Ladies Social Club." Thanks to the author, I also now know about books by Katherine Graham and Sally Quinn. The books that he listed were: Washington by Katherine Graham, The Party by Sally Quinn, and Washington by Meg Whitfield. "The Georgetown Ladies Social Club" is a fascinating book that best appeals to anyone who is curious to learn various "juicy" details on Georgetown and/or Washington D.C. history written in a vibrant manner.

Incredible tale of the very wealthy old guard of Georgetown. These women commanded the best and lived and loved under the gaze of those who wanted their life. A rare glimpse into the world of the socialites that defined an era.

When my book club chose this book, I was reluctant to read it, as I don't usually like nonfiction, however, I was quickly drawn in. While I have always maintained that women are amazing sources of strength and power, this was brought home as I read about the ladies in Washington behind the successful men who always made the news. These women held the real power in Washington and through their social gatherings that they so skillfully orchestrated, they literally changed the world and were instrumental in affecting social and political change. This book allows you to go behind the scenes to see how politics really works and the important role that women played, and continue to play.

thanks hard to put down

This book is such a good-read. It highlights the true power of women. I love the stories and how they make me feel as if I was in the sitting room with them. I highly recommend this book. It is for those that like intrique. It is written in such a way that you will enjoy how David Heymann makes it for those that like politics and for those don't. Well done!!!

Such an amazing informative book very entertaining

Good read!

Good read and great insight into the Georgetown of its day.

A wonderful read - packed with new information and throwing a lot of insight into the lives of Georgetown

Really enjoyed reading

Fascinating behind the scenes glimpses of Georgetown doyennes and power brokers