All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way

Writing this book was probably the hardest thing that Fred C. Trump III had ever done. Yet he did it so very wonderfully. This is a man I admire for a number of reasons; I think I would enjoy meeting him. In fact, I would enjoy meeting his sister, Mary, as well (see her book review here or on my blog). From a personality standpoint, I am more like Mary, as displayed in her book and as well as Fred described her... We have both been hurt by family decisions and find it hard to do anything but withdraw... Fred, on the other hand, has continued to strive to maintain a relationship with his living family, looking toward the future. His grace surely has been given to him by God...Or perhaps because of his love for his father and for his own family. One thing is clear. Fred Trump III loves and cares for people deeply. He has seen the worst of them and still strives to look to the future, whatever that might be. In that respect alone, I highly recommend you read this surprisingly open and honest autobiography."I don't know...he doesn't recognize you...maybe you should let him Die!!!!!" Frankly, just having that one quote would be enough to illustrate the content. Similar quotes, especially when Fred and his sister were cut out of the will even though his father had been named in the original one (which meant that on his death, his heirs would inherit).I'd like to center, instead, on Fred's family life. His father loved to be outside and never wanted to work in the family business. Fred, II, chose early in his life to become a pilot and spent his time preparing for and getting his license. Readers will discover how "Family" felt about his decision. About the same as how they treated his wife, both before and after they were married. Fred II soon was driven into an alcoholic life from which he ultimately died in his early 40s. They had two children: Fred III and Mary.Without going into details, these two individuals finally were forced to go to court to sue for their rightful share of their grandfather's will. They never got what that should have been. It got worse when their grandmother became involved...Somehow, perhaps because they had already been somewhat excluded from Family, Fred III became close to his grandmother and many of his cousins. He would ride his bike over when very few people were home and enjoy a growing closeness. Fred III shares about his career decisions, and rejoicing as his family grew to three children... Readers will come to know him as a loving husband and father, recognizing the flaws of Family, but never to the extent that it proved detrimental to his family.That occurred when their third child began to have spasms shortly after birth. Many doctors had to be involved, striving to determine exactly what the issue was. They never did. But they were able to determine enough to start treating him and take their son, William, home. Given the unknown prognosis, a full-time nurse had to be with him to prevent/help if he began spasms again. Fred and his wife could not handle everything that needed to be done, including the care of their two other children.Yet, readers are left with the feeling of joy--that William felt and gave to the family. After all that was happening, William loved interacting with others. He was open, friendly and loving... this is a lovely and heartwarming part of the book that should not be missed... Because, no matter who your Family is, all individuals need love and also need to share love... This just may be the most important book you will read in your life...Not because of the politics of it all...But because of the story of a loving family who fully succeeded and flourished to ensure they continue moving forward in life, helping William, and others like him, to love and be loved. Probably one of the most inspirational stories I've known...That's why the contrast of their need to fight with Family is so stark--so bleak--and yet, so fierce! A remarkable story that MUST BE READ!GABixlerReviews

Bought this , trying to understand the Trump family. Good reading so far

"All in the Family" by Fred Trump is a truthful, hard-hitting, and incredibly honest book that provides a deep dive into the Trump family's inner workings. Fred Trump’s unflinching narrative gives readers an eye-opening look into the trials, triumphs, and tribulations that shaped one of America's most influential families.The book is a compelling blend of personal anecdotes, historical context, and insightful reflections. Fred Trump’s straightforward writing style ensures that every chapter is engaging and easy to follow, while the candidness of his stories brings a refreshing level of authenticity. This isn’t just a memoir; it's a raw, unvarnished account that strips away the glamour and delves into the real-life challenges faced by the Trumps.What makes "All in the Family" stand out is its honesty. Fred Trump doesn’t shy away from discussing the controversies and conflicts that the family has faced. He presents a balanced view, acknowledging both the successes and the mistakes, which makes this book not just informative but also relatable.Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student of American politics, or simply curious about the Trump legacy, this book is a treasure trove of insights. It offers a rare glimpse into the personal and professional life of Fred Trump, making it a significant addition to the literature on America's first families."All in the Family" is a must-read for anyone seeking an honest, eye-opening, and hard-hitting account of the Trump family's journey. Highly recommended!

I have read numerous books about Trump over the past several years and most of them have not been flattering. I must say that All In The Family is the FIRST book I’ve read that humanizes Donald Trump.Fred Trump has written a fascinating and honest book about his family and how the patriarch Fred Trump ( Donald’s Dad) has had a major influence on the Trump legacy.This book is a real page turner and I don’t want to give away many details but the author has written a thorough Trump family history filledwith in-depth studies of the family members while always maintaining a level of decency. His love of his disabled son permeates his personal story. If you are curious about Donald’s childhood, his siblings including the mysterious elder brother Fred Jr then this book will not disappoint. I applaud Fred Trump for writing such a thorough, honest and often humorous story about growing up Trump. A 5 star read!

Good book. But too much about a disfunctional man and family.

I could not put the book down. This well written history of his family was factual and extremely objective. There was no name calling, blaming, shaming, or bullying, and simply stated the facts as he lived and remembered them. He did not portray himself as a victim as he recounted his personal struggles of being in this famous family. He took ownership of the mistakes he made and didn't blame anyone else. He provided great insight into why and how the events in his family happened and how the family dynamics shaped their personalities. It parallels the book written by his sister, Mary, (Too Much and Never Enough) which exposed more of the psychological side of the ex-President. I wish Fred well and hope there will be a sequel as this story is not finished. I highly recommend this book, All In The Family.