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Crazy Rich: Power, Scandal, and Tragedy Inside the Johnson & Johnson Dynasty
From the founders of the international health-care behemoth Johnson & Johnson in the late 1800s to the contemporary Johnsons of today, such as billionaire New York Jets owner Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson IV, all is revealed in this scrupulously researched, unauthorized biography by New York Times bestselling author Jerry Oppenheimer.
Often compared to the Kennedy clan because of the tragedies and scandals that had befallen both wealthy and powerful families, Crazy Rich , based on scores of exclusive, candid, on-the-record interviews, reveals how the dynasty's vast fortune was both intoxicating and toxic through the generations of a family that gave the world Band-Aids and Baby Oil.
At the same time, they've been termed perhaps the most dysfunctional family in the fortune 500. Oppenheimer is the author of biographies of the Kennedys, the Clintons, the Hiltons and Martha Stewart, among other American icons.
Often compared to the Kennedy clan because of the tragedies and scandals that had befallen both wealthy and powerful families, Crazy Rich , based on scores of exclusive, candid, on-the-record interviews, reveals how the dynasty's vast fortune was both intoxicating and toxic through the generations of a family that gave the world Band-Aids and Baby Oil.
At the same time, they've been termed perhaps the most dysfunctional family in the fortune 500. Oppenheimer is the author of biographies of the Kennedys, the Clintons, the Hiltons and Martha Stewart, among other American icons.
496 pages, Hardcover
First published July 30, 2013
525 people are currently reading
2472 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Oppenheimer
15 books81 followersJerry Oppenheimer is an author who has written several unauthorized biographies of public figures including Hillary and Bill Clinton, Anna Wintour, Rock Hudson, Martha Stewart, Barbara Walters, Ethel Kennedy, Jerry Seinfeld and the Hilton family.
Toy Monster: The Big Bad World of Mattel was published on Feb 3 2009 and his latest book (as of Aug 2, 2009), will be about Bernie Madoff, titled Madoff with the Money. Both published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In addition to being a biographer he has also worked in several different capacities as a journalist, including as an investigative reporter and a producer of television news programs and documentaries.
Toy Monster: The Big Bad World of Mattel was published on Feb 3 2009 and his latest book (as of Aug 2, 2009), will be about Bernie Madoff, titled Madoff with the Money. Both published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In addition to being a biographer he has also worked in several different capacities as a journalist, including as an investigative reporter and a producer of television news programs and documentaries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
February 11, 2025
A Good One.
I will say that this book is a good one. I found it to be a very good read. I must, however, say, that I don’t think it is a great read.
The book starts off at the beginning of the family dynasty, the mid 1800’s. It continues until 2012. And it refers to all the years in between.
It gives you a lot of good gossip about the Johnson and Johnson family. The brothers who made the band aids, baby lotion and baby powder, lotion and shampoo. And Tylenol.
The family is loaded! And they all get a nice big, fat, check on their 21st birthday. The check is worth $10 million dollars. And that is just the first check! Lots more is coming.
The family is famous for their wealth. And, unfortunately, they are also famous for their dis-functionality, too. Big money, of course, brings big problems.
For those of you who are curious enough to want to read about this very rich and very powerful and influential and problematic family, you might want to keep a list of the names.
Write ‘em down until you get familiar with them. The reason for this is because so many of them have the same name. Johnny II, Johnny III, Johnny IV or V is the names for multiple people in this book. This is just a sample.
And the book deserves four stars and that’s what I give it.
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I will say that this book is a good one. I found it to be a very good read. I must, however, say, that I don’t think it is a great read.
The book starts off at the beginning of the family dynasty, the mid 1800’s. It continues until 2012. And it refers to all the years in between.
It gives you a lot of good gossip about the Johnson and Johnson family. The brothers who made the band aids, baby lotion and baby powder, lotion and shampoo. And Tylenol.
The family is loaded! And they all get a nice big, fat, check on their 21st birthday. The check is worth $10 million dollars. And that is just the first check! Lots more is coming.
The family is famous for their wealth. And, unfortunately, they are also famous for their dis-functionality, too. Big money, of course, brings big problems.
For those of you who are curious enough to want to read about this very rich and very powerful and influential and problematic family, you might want to keep a list of the names.
Write ‘em down until you get familiar with them. The reason for this is because so many of them have the same name. Johnny II, Johnny III, Johnny IV or V is the names for multiple people in this book. This is just a sample.
And the book deserves four stars and that’s what I give it.
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 31, 2013
Where do I even start with this review? My overall impression can be summarized in one word: un-befreaking-lievable! Seriously. Crazy Rich is most certainly a fitting title for this biography in more than one way. The lives these people have been living since the start of this dynasty are mind-boggling at the very least. At a whopping almost-five-hundred pages, Crazy Rich is a magnificently in-depth, tell-all read. And still I feel all that is only the tip of the iceberg and merely a glance at the lives of the Johnson heirs. While reading, I time and again asked myself: whose reality is this? It’s like reading a fairy tale gone wrong. You have the riches, the power, the influence and all the glory which makes it a fairytale read, but then you also have the scandals, drugs, narcissism and people who are definitely not in touch with what I perceive as reality. Yet, I very much enjoyed this read. I, like almost everyone else, know the Johnson & Johnson products, but I’ve never heard of any of these people before. Oppenheimer did a stellar job with this book and clearly put a lot of effort into compiling a book which, in my humble opinion, gives an unbiased view of this dynasty. If you go into it looking for scandals, drama or anything painting them in a negative light, you will surely find it. If, like me, you don’t care either way what these people did or do with their lives and their millions, and only read it because you’re curious about how this world famous product line started, you’ll find that and so much more. What I love about Crazy Rich is that everyone will have a different opinion about this book once they’ve finished it, and it makes for a coffee table must-have that would be a central point in starting topics of discussion which could ultimately lead to various debates and opinions. Highly recommended!
October 30, 2021
5,000 family members
3 names
Oh god I can’t take it. A tragic early ‘80s AIDS story I gotta take a breather. I’m not crying I don’t know what you’re talking about
3 names
Oh god I can’t take it. A tragic early ‘80s AIDS story I gotta take a breather. I’m not crying I don’t know what you’re talking about
May 5, 2022
The Johnson & Johnson company is a name that is well known all over the world. The company was founded in 1886 in New Jersey. Three brothers, James, Robert, and Edward, came together to create the company. They started off with fourteen employees, and manufactured medical supplies and household products. Currently, the company is ranked in the top 50 of the Fortune 500 list, so it is still doing quite well after all of these years.
The company manufactured the world's first sterile surgical products, baby powder, at home sterile birth kits, and diapers. They supplied surgical supplies during the Spanish American War, the Galveston hurricane in 1900, and the devastating San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. They even developed a mask to quell the spread of influenza during the post World War I Spanish Flu epidemic. They also developed the first prescription contraceptive gel, which was a huge deal in the 1930s. The company began producing various medications, such as Tylenol, antipsychotics (Rsiperdal), various vaccinations, and inhalant medications for respiratory issues.
The biggest takeaway from this book for me was learning about all the scandals that ensconced this family. They used the red cross symbol of Clara Barton without her permission. They used the name of Joseph Lister without permission. (Lister was a pioneer in sterile surgery and medicine. If you are interested, there is a book called The Butchering Art that goes into detail about Lister and his work.) James, one of the founding brothers, died at sea on the RMS MAJESTIC. Robert Johnson I died from a kidney disease. There were several affairs, divorces, childhood diseases and deaths. There were even several instances of sexual abuse, both male and female victims. Of course, as with all families, there were a lot of instances of bickering and disagreement between family members. This especially resulted in several lawsuits and backstabbing moments, which were pretty dramatic to read about. This family certainly had a lot going on in private, and sometimes in public. I really enjoyed this book.
The company manufactured the world's first sterile surgical products, baby powder, at home sterile birth kits, and diapers. They supplied surgical supplies during the Spanish American War, the Galveston hurricane in 1900, and the devastating San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. They even developed a mask to quell the spread of influenza during the post World War I Spanish Flu epidemic. They also developed the first prescription contraceptive gel, which was a huge deal in the 1930s. The company began producing various medications, such as Tylenol, antipsychotics (Rsiperdal), various vaccinations, and inhalant medications for respiratory issues.
The biggest takeaway from this book for me was learning about all the scandals that ensconced this family. They used the red cross symbol of Clara Barton without her permission. They used the name of Joseph Lister without permission. (Lister was a pioneer in sterile surgery and medicine. If you are interested, there is a book called The Butchering Art that goes into detail about Lister and his work.) James, one of the founding brothers, died at sea on the RMS MAJESTIC. Robert Johnson I died from a kidney disease. There were several affairs, divorces, childhood diseases and deaths. There were even several instances of sexual abuse, both male and female victims. Of course, as with all families, there were a lot of instances of bickering and disagreement between family members. This especially resulted in several lawsuits and backstabbing moments, which were pretty dramatic to read about. This family certainly had a lot going on in private, and sometimes in public. I really enjoyed this book.
March 4, 2015
Crazy Rich: Power, Scandal and Tragedy Inside the Johnson & Johnson Dynasty by Jerry Oppenheimer is an interesting look into one of the few multi-billion dollar American families who made their fortune over the span of generations. The book focuses on many of the key players in the Johnson & Johnson dynasty, from its founder down the family tree to the modern-day trust fund babies growing up in the shadow of the family's scandalous past.
While this book does touch based to the origins of the company and those who established the Johnson name in New Jersey and American households everywhere, it seems that a good majority of the book is about Robert "Woody" Johnson IV and his siblings. Though interesting to read about, I would have preferred to sink my teeth into more of the historical figures of the dynasty.
However, all of the trials, tribulations and scandalous details included in this book about many of the Johnson family heirs are like so many tales of poor little rich children, stranger than fiction and something that could only happen to a person who has never once worried about where their next paycheck is coming from. It is quite an interesting read, and serves to tell the tale of the negative sides of wealth, from drugs to accidents and gold digging spouses.
*Reviewer received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads
While this book does touch based to the origins of the company and those who established the Johnson name in New Jersey and American households everywhere, it seems that a good majority of the book is about Robert "Woody" Johnson IV and his siblings. Though interesting to read about, I would have preferred to sink my teeth into more of the historical figures of the dynasty.
However, all of the trials, tribulations and scandalous details included in this book about many of the Johnson family heirs are like so many tales of poor little rich children, stranger than fiction and something that could only happen to a person who has never once worried about where their next paycheck is coming from. It is quite an interesting read, and serves to tell the tale of the negative sides of wealth, from drugs to accidents and gold digging spouses.
*Reviewer received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads
November 15, 2017
The age old question. Do rich people lead sad but crazy lives because of their money? Or doyou have to be crazy to get that kinda wealth? Either way I wasn't as impressed with the book or their family story as I had hoped. I wanted to known about what motivated each generation to make the choices they made but the author didn't even attempt to go below the surface events of their lives. Could of been the person reading it. His voice was often numbingly boring as he sounded like he was reading from an encyclopedia of dates and times. In the end I just didn't care about the family or their history.
October 24, 2015
Wow! Talk about a train wreck - and that goes for the book as well as the Johnson family.
The book is accurately summarized in the subtitle. The book is entirely about the family and very little about the business. Divorces, unexpected deaths, drug addictions, a battalion of spoiled rich, few who ever worked a day, relying on inherited monies. Talk about entitlement.
The book does not follow chronology. I'm sure this was more confusing because I was listening to it, but I retained the first time that two of Woody III's sons died within weeks of each other. I didn't need to hear it 4 more times. I felt that the author jumped around the family tree not caring which branch he landed on.
The book is accurately summarized in the subtitle. The book is entirely about the family and very little about the business. Divorces, unexpected deaths, drug addictions, a battalion of spoiled rich, few who ever worked a day, relying on inherited monies. Talk about entitlement.
The book does not follow chronology. I'm sure this was more confusing because I was listening to it, but I retained the first time that two of Woody III's sons died within weeks of each other. I didn't need to hear it 4 more times. I felt that the author jumped around the family tree not caring which branch he landed on.
March 11, 2025
I think the biggest problem with this book is that the author let his personal feelings of the Johnson clan get in the way of tell a truly fantastical story. I love reading the dirty laundry of any family, but when you editorialize too much, it sounds less like an expose and more like someone with an axe to grind. Fast read, and it does get colorful, I just feel that the author inserted his own views too much in the story.
September 29, 2013
Crazy Rich: Power, Scandal, and Tragedy Inside the Johnson & Johnson Dynasty by Jerry Oppenheimer is a Macmillian/ St. Martin's Press publication. This book was released in August 2013.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the DRC of this book.
As the title of the book indicates the focus of this book is on the various members of the Johnson & Johnson family and the scandals and tragedies that have beset them.
We were given a brief history of how the company got it's start, then we moved on to the marriages, children, and various accidents, deaths, drug additions, health issues, affairs, trials, and other family dramas and traumas.
Before I read this book, I had little knowledge of the history of the family. The only thing I was vaguely aware of was that Woody Johnson owned the New York Jets and that he had a daughter that died young.
I did find the history interesting up to a point, but I really struggled to get through this one.
As the rap song says: "Mo Money, Mo Problems" , I would have to agree. This family's wealth was astounding. Not one of them seemed capable of maintaining a stable relationship. There were epic court battles over wills, and paternity suits, as well as numerous marriages and divorces.
Compared to the Kennedy's in terms of tragedies, the Johnson family had more than it's share.
There were some interesting tidbits in the book, but it got a bit dull when it seemed that history just seemed to repeat itself.
I don't understand this lifestyle and can not imagine the type of wealth involved. By the same token, I don't think the Johnson's could in any way relate to most of us. Casey Johnson took a trip to a supermarket once. It amazed her. She had never been inside a grocery store before because everything was delivered to them.
Woody thought that his money could by a cure for his daughter's diabetes. He wanted her well, right now, as though she had a common cold or something.
While moderately interesting, it didn't hold my attention all the way through. It was actually hard to get to the end due to it's being redundant.
I also finished it with a bit of a depressed feeling. There was no happiness it seems for any of these people.
While we often dream of winning the big lotto and becoming fabulously wealthy, you might change your mind after reading this book. Just like the saying goes- Money won't buy happiness.
Overall this one is a C.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the DRC of this book.
As the title of the book indicates the focus of this book is on the various members of the Johnson & Johnson family and the scandals and tragedies that have beset them.
We were given a brief history of how the company got it's start, then we moved on to the marriages, children, and various accidents, deaths, drug additions, health issues, affairs, trials, and other family dramas and traumas.
Before I read this book, I had little knowledge of the history of the family. The only thing I was vaguely aware of was that Woody Johnson owned the New York Jets and that he had a daughter that died young.
I did find the history interesting up to a point, but I really struggled to get through this one.
As the rap song says: "Mo Money, Mo Problems" , I would have to agree. This family's wealth was astounding. Not one of them seemed capable of maintaining a stable relationship. There were epic court battles over wills, and paternity suits, as well as numerous marriages and divorces.
Compared to the Kennedy's in terms of tragedies, the Johnson family had more than it's share.
There were some interesting tidbits in the book, but it got a bit dull when it seemed that history just seemed to repeat itself.
I don't understand this lifestyle and can not imagine the type of wealth involved. By the same token, I don't think the Johnson's could in any way relate to most of us. Casey Johnson took a trip to a supermarket once. It amazed her. She had never been inside a grocery store before because everything was delivered to them.
Woody thought that his money could by a cure for his daughter's diabetes. He wanted her well, right now, as though she had a common cold or something.
While moderately interesting, it didn't hold my attention all the way through. It was actually hard to get to the end due to it's being redundant.
I also finished it with a bit of a depressed feeling. There was no happiness it seems for any of these people.
While we often dream of winning the big lotto and becoming fabulously wealthy, you might change your mind after reading this book. Just like the saying goes- Money won't buy happiness.
Overall this one is a C.
August 12, 2013
This book poses the thought that while power corrupts, great unearned wealthcan create great dysfunction. "Crazy Rich" discusses the Johnson and Johnson company whose five generations are labeled "the most dysfunctional family in the Fortune 500. While the founders and many of the descendants worked diligently and constantly for the growth of the business; political connections, ruthlessness, and entitlement all played their parts in the growth of this giant that came to stand for health care in America. Perhaps most illustrative for me is the appropriation of Clara Barton's Red Cross for its bandaging products. As this theft caught up with him, Woody charmed the early nurse crusader and paid her a dollar for the copyright. She was absorbed into the company, and very few people realize the distinction from the International Red Cross.
To be sure, the Johson's revolutionized many aspects of health care, most prominently the provision of sterile, individual dressings for wounds. As these replaced the dirty rags of war and peace use, countless lives were saved. Indeed the creed of the company was to provide the highest quality. But in five generations, some standards have slipped, notably the hiding of risperdal side effects. The shear size of the family demanded branching out into other pursuits, especially for the son fired by the General who brooked no poaching of power.
Most recently we know of the purchase of the Jets, almost as a personal play thing by Woody Johnson who also dabbled in high stakes politics. This is a man whom Sarah Palin thought might be too Republican for her. Throughout the book, divorces, law suits, cheating, drug use and death, acedemic failure all decorate the family tree of a family brought up to expect only the best.
However this book can be very confusing. The author has chosen themes to pursue, not always chronological, and not always clear. It isnt his fault, but the family name appears over and over, and even the first names appear in generous sprinklings. To understand its flow, this book demands a close read. It is possible to page through for interesting stories, but the context will be lost. Nonetheless, for the richness of the material and the history of the context, I would recommend it again. I received an uncorrected proof from Netgalley with no expectations voiced. I would buy it for myself.
August 26, 2013
I have been sitting here pondering my review of CRAZY RICH since I closed the book. I have read many memoirs, but this is my first biography (for review) and it has me pondering how to review the book and the writing, and not pass judgment on the Johnson & Johnson family, because truthfully, I would like to do both. But, since it is not my place to judge people, my review will be of the author's writing.
CRAZY RICH is a excellent read. It is well written, and certainly well researched, including quotes from actual family members on its pages; and it contains way more (information) than the average person would ever want to know about the infamous Johnson family; from the start of the Johnson empire to the latest media frenzy over the crazy stunts this family has managed to embroil themselves in.
Along with stating how well written CRAZY RICH is, I feel I would be re-miss if I didn't say that the average person will no doubt need a dictionary (if they are not reading on a device that has definitions readily available) due to the author's extensive vocabulary. You won't find me complaining how the author used a "very large" word when he could have used a word the average reader might have had a better chance at knowing the definition of (because I love words), but I think most readers will be heading for dictionary more than once, which is distracting for the reader.
I liked that the author listed and gave a brief description of the leading characters in the Johnson family. As I was not familiar with the extensive Johnson family, I found it advantageous to familiarize myself with the chronological order before beginning my journey with the rich and famous Johnsons. It was evident by the writing and quotes in the book that the author, Jerry Oppenheimer, knew some of his subjects and had an in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of the personal and professional lives of the Johnson family.
If you enjoy biographies, you will enjoy Jerry Oppenheimer's CRAZY RICH. I am giving the book five stars. It was well written and it was informative. The author wrote an excellent account of the Johnson family, giving the reader an in-dept look at one of America's richest families.
For information visit http://mylife-in-stories.blogspot.com
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
CRAZY RICH is a excellent read. It is well written, and certainly well researched, including quotes from actual family members on its pages; and it contains way more (information) than the average person would ever want to know about the infamous Johnson family; from the start of the Johnson empire to the latest media frenzy over the crazy stunts this family has managed to embroil themselves in.
Along with stating how well written CRAZY RICH is, I feel I would be re-miss if I didn't say that the average person will no doubt need a dictionary (if they are not reading on a device that has definitions readily available) due to the author's extensive vocabulary. You won't find me complaining how the author used a "very large" word when he could have used a word the average reader might have had a better chance at knowing the definition of (because I love words), but I think most readers will be heading for dictionary more than once, which is distracting for the reader.
I liked that the author listed and gave a brief description of the leading characters in the Johnson family. As I was not familiar with the extensive Johnson family, I found it advantageous to familiarize myself with the chronological order before beginning my journey with the rich and famous Johnsons. It was evident by the writing and quotes in the book that the author, Jerry Oppenheimer, knew some of his subjects and had an in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of the personal and professional lives of the Johnson family.
If you enjoy biographies, you will enjoy Jerry Oppenheimer's CRAZY RICH. I am giving the book five stars. It was well written and it was informative. The author wrote an excellent account of the Johnson family, giving the reader an in-dept look at one of America's richest families.
For information visit http://mylife-in-stories.blogspot.com
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 13, 2013
Forgive me if I enjoyed this book too much for me this is the perfect summer beach read or the perfect snowed in read. Do you have an old metal Band Aid box that you refill from the now paper box, or use tylenol or dental floss then you helped make this family rich. Even with the scandal and tragedy this is an American story, a real soap opera. I first became fascinated with the Johnson and Johnson family story with Oprah had one to the younger members on her tv show.
One of the first incidents in the book is something that someone like Stephen Colbert would report on. The republican convention was held in Saint Paul Minnesota in 2008 because Woody Johnson who is also the owner of the New York Jets wanted to pay tribute to his mother who was born there. And it's also a way to circumvent donation laws by paying to sponsor a convention. Now some of the Johnsons also supported Obama.
This book has everything politics, sex, drugs, births, deaths, marriage, divorces, affairs, movie stars , presidents. Kirk Douglas' first wife had a sister who was married to one of the Johnsons, after one of the Johnson sisters got a divorce her husband married Gloria Vanderbilt and yes I needed to know this and all the other stuff in the book. They started using Clara Barton's Red Cross symbol without her permission and ended up paying one dollar for the rights. One of them had a one month electric bill for $52.000.00 for air conditioned dog kennels must have been providing AC for the whole outdoors.
I read this book as an ARC which did not include illustrations that I see listed in the published book's table of contents so I definitely have to look for this book at the library
One of the first incidents in the book is something that someone like Stephen Colbert would report on. The republican convention was held in Saint Paul Minnesota in 2008 because Woody Johnson who is also the owner of the New York Jets wanted to pay tribute to his mother who was born there. And it's also a way to circumvent donation laws by paying to sponsor a convention. Now some of the Johnsons also supported Obama.
This book has everything politics, sex, drugs, births, deaths, marriage, divorces, affairs, movie stars , presidents. Kirk Douglas' first wife had a sister who was married to one of the Johnsons, after one of the Johnson sisters got a divorce her husband married Gloria Vanderbilt and yes I needed to know this and all the other stuff in the book. They started using Clara Barton's Red Cross symbol without her permission and ended up paying one dollar for the rights. One of them had a one month electric bill for $52.000.00 for air conditioned dog kennels must have been providing AC for the whole outdoors.
I read this book as an ARC which did not include illustrations that I see listed in the published book's table of contents so I definitely have to look for this book at the library
September 13, 2013
A couple of weeks ago, while running a completely unrelated Google search, I ended up on the Wikipedia page of Casey Johnson, the latest in a long list of Johnson & Johnson heirs and heiresses to meet an early demise. It was only after I started reading the article that I connected Casey Johnson (tabloid trainwreck; friend of Paris Hilton) to the book I was part-way through reading.
It just goes to show how firmly ingrained in pop culture consciousness the J&J family is. Author Jerry Oppenheimer describes them as a kind of American Royal Family. And, indeed, the Johnsons’ dysfunction – and grotesque wealth – makes this an apt analogy.
Lovers of schadenfreude, this is a book for you! And, really, who doesn’t enjoy reading about bad things happening to awful rich people?
Crazy Rich traces the Johnson & Johnson line back to the folks who actually built the company we still recognise for its baby shampoo in the early 20th century, right through to the present-day trust fund babies who occasionally find themselves as tabloid fodder.
Although breezy and easy to read, Oppenheimer doesn’t quite manage to elevate the narrative of Crazy Rich out of soap opera land. It’s clear that a massive amount of research went into this book, but the writing is sometimes clunky. The characters are described in such broad strokes that they never really lift off the page, and I often found myself confusing one Johnson with another.
I doubt that Crazy Rich will prove terribly memorable for me, but for a soapy, brain-free read, I can’t fault it.
It just goes to show how firmly ingrained in pop culture consciousness the J&J family is. Author Jerry Oppenheimer describes them as a kind of American Royal Family. And, indeed, the Johnsons’ dysfunction – and grotesque wealth – makes this an apt analogy.
Lovers of schadenfreude, this is a book for you! And, really, who doesn’t enjoy reading about bad things happening to awful rich people?
Crazy Rich traces the Johnson & Johnson line back to the folks who actually built the company we still recognise for its baby shampoo in the early 20th century, right through to the present-day trust fund babies who occasionally find themselves as tabloid fodder.
Although breezy and easy to read, Oppenheimer doesn’t quite manage to elevate the narrative of Crazy Rich out of soap opera land. It’s clear that a massive amount of research went into this book, but the writing is sometimes clunky. The characters are described in such broad strokes that they never really lift off the page, and I often found myself confusing one Johnson with another.
I doubt that Crazy Rich will prove terribly memorable for me, but for a soapy, brain-free read, I can’t fault it.
October 4, 2017
The content is very People Magazine -stories about the crazy lives of the rich and not so famous. That might have been ok, but the narrative structure was odd, and the writing meh. The book tells the story of the family behind Johnson & Johnson. It starts out in current (for when the book was written) time, and is focused on Woody Johnson (currently the Ambassador to Great Britain under Trump) the owner of the NY Jets. After an odd focus on Johnson's political support of the McCain/Palin ticket in 2008 the story jumps back to the founders of Johnson & Johnson. One would then expect a linear telling of the story but the timeline jumps around a lot and can be quite confusing. The author tries to ground his story based on the individuals connection to Woody Johnson, but that becomes confusing and annoying. In the end I just wanted to be done with this book, and the Johnson & Johnson family in general.
August 30, 2015
I listened to as much as I could stomach of it, but it wasn't for me. It seemed like sour grapes: I'll never be this rich, so I'll make it out to be scandalous. Of course if you have a large family, the chances that bad applees and bad circumstances arise are much greater than a few cousins here or there. I gave up after 3 sections of the story. Maybe it got more interesting, but there are so many good books out there for me to waste time on unenjoyable.
September 18, 2015
The title says it all.
August 9, 2013
I won this book as a giveaway on Goodreads.
I love reading family histories, so I was very curious to learn more about the family behind the Johnson & Johnson family. Oppenheimer argues in the introduction that most of the Johnsons' tragedies and scandals are not because the family is evil but because they have been corrupted by the extreme wealth most of them have been born into. As a family friend argues, "They are a mixed-up, weird bunch. You couldn't make them up in fiction. The whole family is like a great big spiderweb that innocent people drop into - normal people who get caught in the Johnson web of craziness. It's almost like European royalty" (5).
I was frustrated early on in this book because the first section focuses on Robert Wood Johnson IV, or Woody, as he is known. Woody is the current patriarch of sorts of the family and owner of the Jets. I found this beginning to the book abrupt since I anticipated that the book would begin with a family history of the origins of the family company and their wealth. However, this did not come until the second part of the book, when it suddenly jumps back in time to the founding Johnson family members.
Robert Wood Johnson founded Johnson & Johnson in 1887 with his brothers Edward Mead Johnson and James Wood Johnson. They were three of the eleven children of a poor Pennsylvania farmer, Sylvester Johnson. During the Civil War, Robert worked in a drugstore in New York, which was the Johnson's first contact with the world of health care and pharmaceuticals. After the war, Robert initially founded a company with business partner George J. Seabury before later breaking off and going into business with his two brothers under the now well-known Johnson & Johnson name. Although the other two founding brothers, Mead and James, are briefly covered, the vast majority of the book focuses on the descendants of the first company president, Robert Wood Johnson.
I was surprised to learn that the family has not worked in the family business since 1965. Bobby Johnson, grandson of the original Robert Wood Johnson, "was the last known member of the Johnson dynasty to work in what had been the family business. Woody Johnson and his siblings would have nothing to do with the company, career-wise. But each collected the untold tens of millions of dollars in company stock left to them in Johnson dynasty trust funds" (231). With these millions, the family members ran riot, and also explored other business ventures. Family members after exiting the company have been involved in real estate, art, cable television, athletics, acting, and other careers. The book is filled with tales of outrageous spending, dozens of wrecked cars, untold divorces and affairs, unhappy families, and lavish lifestyles all around. The family has been involved with well-known individuals for decades. Names such as Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Georgia O'Keefe, Nicky Hilton, and Tila Tequila are dropped throughout the book.
This book reminded me greatly of Bitter Brew: The Rise and Fall of Anheuser-Busch and America's Kings of Beer. Both the Busch and Johnson families built their companies from the ground up and became internationally known. And both were haunted by scandals, divorces, broken families, and extravagant lifestyles. And both ended up giving up the family business, leaving it to be run by others. Neither of these infamous American families give me much confidence in individuals' ability to be born into a wealthy family and become stable, productive members of society.
Although I know the author had to make decisions about which family members to focus on in the exceedingly large and complex Johnson family, I was disappointed in his focus on the most egregious examples of excess. For example, a large section of the book is devoted to Casey Johnson, daughter of Woody Johnson, who blew millions on her extravagant lifestyle, such as $1000/pair shoes that she would wear usually only once. Casey, who was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, died of complications related to diabetes in 2010. She left behind an adopted daughter, who is still not acknowledged by Woody, who was estranged from his daughter Casey several years before she died. Casey was clearly unstable, so it seems somewhat unfair to use her as an example of the Johnson family craziness. For instance, her sisters are not discussed in much detail at all, likely because, other than her sister's lavish expenses on equestrian pursuits, they lead fairly normal lives.
Part of the complication of this book is due to the large family size and numerous marriages within the family tree. However, I had a hard time following the narrative flow. It seemed to jump between years without explanation and it was occasionally difficult for me to figure out how some Johnson members were related from paragraph to paragraph. The cramped family tree included didn't help explain anything much either. I was also disappointed by how few photographs were included in the book. I know the author was denied access to many photos by family members and the company, but most of the pictures are of just a few family members, while the book covers numerous individuals.
For a company that is currently estimated to reach a billion people a day through its health care products, and preaching a credo of respect, responsibility, and universal care, it was interesting to look behind the veil at its founding family. Although most of the family members' values clearly have diverged greatly from that of the company, this was an interesting look into the lives of an American company whose founding members were savvy enough to capitalize on international health care needs, leaving behind a legacy that is still vibrant today.
I love reading family histories, so I was very curious to learn more about the family behind the Johnson & Johnson family. Oppenheimer argues in the introduction that most of the Johnsons' tragedies and scandals are not because the family is evil but because they have been corrupted by the extreme wealth most of them have been born into. As a family friend argues, "They are a mixed-up, weird bunch. You couldn't make them up in fiction. The whole family is like a great big spiderweb that innocent people drop into - normal people who get caught in the Johnson web of craziness. It's almost like European royalty" (5).
I was frustrated early on in this book because the first section focuses on Robert Wood Johnson IV, or Woody, as he is known. Woody is the current patriarch of sorts of the family and owner of the Jets. I found this beginning to the book abrupt since I anticipated that the book would begin with a family history of the origins of the family company and their wealth. However, this did not come until the second part of the book, when it suddenly jumps back in time to the founding Johnson family members.
Robert Wood Johnson founded Johnson & Johnson in 1887 with his brothers Edward Mead Johnson and James Wood Johnson. They were three of the eleven children of a poor Pennsylvania farmer, Sylvester Johnson. During the Civil War, Robert worked in a drugstore in New York, which was the Johnson's first contact with the world of health care and pharmaceuticals. After the war, Robert initially founded a company with business partner George J. Seabury before later breaking off and going into business with his two brothers under the now well-known Johnson & Johnson name. Although the other two founding brothers, Mead and James, are briefly covered, the vast majority of the book focuses on the descendants of the first company president, Robert Wood Johnson.
I was surprised to learn that the family has not worked in the family business since 1965. Bobby Johnson, grandson of the original Robert Wood Johnson, "was the last known member of the Johnson dynasty to work in what had been the family business. Woody Johnson and his siblings would have nothing to do with the company, career-wise. But each collected the untold tens of millions of dollars in company stock left to them in Johnson dynasty trust funds" (231). With these millions, the family members ran riot, and also explored other business ventures. Family members after exiting the company have been involved in real estate, art, cable television, athletics, acting, and other careers. The book is filled with tales of outrageous spending, dozens of wrecked cars, untold divorces and affairs, unhappy families, and lavish lifestyles all around. The family has been involved with well-known individuals for decades. Names such as Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Georgia O'Keefe, Nicky Hilton, and Tila Tequila are dropped throughout the book.
This book reminded me greatly of Bitter Brew: The Rise and Fall of Anheuser-Busch and America's Kings of Beer. Both the Busch and Johnson families built their companies from the ground up and became internationally known. And both were haunted by scandals, divorces, broken families, and extravagant lifestyles. And both ended up giving up the family business, leaving it to be run by others. Neither of these infamous American families give me much confidence in individuals' ability to be born into a wealthy family and become stable, productive members of society.
Although I know the author had to make decisions about which family members to focus on in the exceedingly large and complex Johnson family, I was disappointed in his focus on the most egregious examples of excess. For example, a large section of the book is devoted to Casey Johnson, daughter of Woody Johnson, who blew millions on her extravagant lifestyle, such as $1000/pair shoes that she would wear usually only once. Casey, who was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, died of complications related to diabetes in 2010. She left behind an adopted daughter, who is still not acknowledged by Woody, who was estranged from his daughter Casey several years before she died. Casey was clearly unstable, so it seems somewhat unfair to use her as an example of the Johnson family craziness. For instance, her sisters are not discussed in much detail at all, likely because, other than her sister's lavish expenses on equestrian pursuits, they lead fairly normal lives.
Part of the complication of this book is due to the large family size and numerous marriages within the family tree. However, I had a hard time following the narrative flow. It seemed to jump between years without explanation and it was occasionally difficult for me to figure out how some Johnson members were related from paragraph to paragraph. The cramped family tree included didn't help explain anything much either. I was also disappointed by how few photographs were included in the book. I know the author was denied access to many photos by family members and the company, but most of the pictures are of just a few family members, while the book covers numerous individuals.
For a company that is currently estimated to reach a billion people a day through its health care products, and preaching a credo of respect, responsibility, and universal care, it was interesting to look behind the veil at its founding family. Although most of the family members' values clearly have diverged greatly from that of the company, this was an interesting look into the lives of an American company whose founding members were savvy enough to capitalize on international health care needs, leaving behind a legacy that is still vibrant today.
March 5, 2022
3.7 stars. I enjoy reading the history of Societally defined companies and families so this was a great blend for me. It's always surprising how much and far one gets, partially on dumb luck.
My sister has type 1 diabetes. I did learn the JDRF was founded by the Johnson family for their daughter. It was nice learning that bit of history.
Exactly the type of read expected.
My sister has type 1 diabetes. I did learn the JDRF was founded by the Johnson family for their daughter. It was nice learning that bit of history.
Exactly the type of read expected.
February 26, 2017
I won this book through a GR giveaway. I'm not very much into gossip, but I do love biography. Unfortunately, Oppenheimer focuses on the former. He seems a bit obsessed with the misfortunes of the family - putting more emphasis on the people and incidents with the most problems and downplaying the more "normal" attitudes and actions, and sometimes making events seem more extraordinary than I see them, especially with Woody Johnson. It's unfortunate he didn't spend more time on less "entertaining" members, such as Evangeline, Christopher, Daisy, Jaime, and the Ryans. He interviewed the Ryans, using Eric Ryan's quotes throughout, but gave little discussion about their experiences. I think Oppenheimer felt more time should be spent on Robert I's namesakes and immediate families.
My major criticism is the lack of footnotes or endnotes and only a partial bibliography at the end. In the text, Oppenheimer would say "In an article in the New York Times..." or something similar, which causes two problems - it sometimes takes you out of the narrative of the text and it remains unclear what his exact sources are. It's lamentable that biographies and histories are moving away from complete citations; it makes me much more critical, wondering - even if unwarranted - if the author is trustworthy.
I also believe footnotes are important because there's a lot of meandering from the topic in Oppenheimer's text. Whenever he introduces a new person, he feels the need to discuss their history. Personally, I like this information, but since it's not really necessary, it shouldn't be forced on his audience. Also, the detail sometimes goes on a bit long and by the time he returns to the original topic, I've forgotten what it is.
But...Crazy Rich is an easy read, and I'm sure gossipmongers will enjoy it. There's a part of me that enjoys titillating scandal, and I knew what I was getting into by the book's title. It lives up to it.
Oppenheimer also tries to give the family a voice, including numerous quotes from Seward Johnson Jr., Eric Ryan, and Sale Johnson Rashad. Although he usually focuses on the scandals (keeping up with the subtitle), Oppenheimer gives credit to some of the good things the family members have done, such as Woody's friendship with Guy Vicino and subsequent donations to AIDS research. He also gives both sides of the stories, when he can, such as with the Seward Johnson v. Barbara Johnson events.
All in all, I would only recommend this book to people who are really into gossip (rather than biography). I don't think I'll be picking up any of Oppenheimer's other works, but I will look into his sources on Belle Baruch and Evangeline Johnson. They seem like interesting characters.
My major criticism is the lack of footnotes or endnotes and only a partial bibliography at the end. In the text, Oppenheimer would say "In an article in the New York Times..." or something similar, which causes two problems - it sometimes takes you out of the narrative of the text and it remains unclear what his exact sources are. It's lamentable that biographies and histories are moving away from complete citations; it makes me much more critical, wondering - even if unwarranted - if the author is trustworthy.
I also believe footnotes are important because there's a lot of meandering from the topic in Oppenheimer's text. Whenever he introduces a new person, he feels the need to discuss their history. Personally, I like this information, but since it's not really necessary, it shouldn't be forced on his audience. Also, the detail sometimes goes on a bit long and by the time he returns to the original topic, I've forgotten what it is.
But...Crazy Rich is an easy read, and I'm sure gossipmongers will enjoy it. There's a part of me that enjoys titillating scandal, and I knew what I was getting into by the book's title. It lives up to it.
Oppenheimer also tries to give the family a voice, including numerous quotes from Seward Johnson Jr., Eric Ryan, and Sale Johnson Rashad. Although he usually focuses on the scandals (keeping up with the subtitle), Oppenheimer gives credit to some of the good things the family members have done, such as Woody's friendship with Guy Vicino and subsequent donations to AIDS research. He also gives both sides of the stories, when he can, such as with the Seward Johnson v. Barbara Johnson events.
All in all, I would only recommend this book to people who are really into gossip (rather than biography). I don't think I'll be picking up any of Oppenheimer's other works, but I will look into his sources on Belle Baruch and Evangeline Johnson. They seem like interesting characters.
August 13, 2013
Woody Johnson: Finding an Identity Despite a Dysfunctional Family
Crazy Rich is the story of the highly dysfunctional Johnson family, the ones who brought you the band-aid, Modess, and Johnson's Baby Powder along with other medical innovations like sterile surgical dressings. While the book tells the tales of the many Johnson problems: multiple divorces, drug addiction, and alcoholism to name a few; the focus is on Woody Johnson, a member of the third generation, who found an identity apart from the family as the owner of the Jets and major bundler for the GOP.
Although the focus is on Woody, the book begins and ends with him plus an internal chapter, Woody's Secrets, recounts his accident prone adolescence, there are plenty of tales of the rest of the family, from Robert Wood Johnson, the General, who forced all his family members out of the company to maintain personal control to his brother Seward, Sr. who in his old age married his chambermaid, Basia, and left her his millions much to the chagrin of his children. The court battle that resulted titillated Princeton when I lived there.
I recommend this book. It has many outlandish tales of Johnson escapades, primarily dysfunctional marriages and bitter divorces, but it also tells the story of a family who revolutionized health care. The three brothers of the first generation were very good business men, ready to capitalize on a good idea. Robert Wood Johnson in the second generation kept the company together with an iron hand. Perhaps this is what the company needed. The family needed to branch out into other pursuits, but generally were unsuccessful in doing so. This is what makes Woody Johnson's story the most interesting in the third generation.
I reviewed this book for Net Galley.
Crazy Rich is the story of the highly dysfunctional Johnson family, the ones who brought you the band-aid, Modess, and Johnson's Baby Powder along with other medical innovations like sterile surgical dressings. While the book tells the tales of the many Johnson problems: multiple divorces, drug addiction, and alcoholism to name a few; the focus is on Woody Johnson, a member of the third generation, who found an identity apart from the family as the owner of the Jets and major bundler for the GOP.
Although the focus is on Woody, the book begins and ends with him plus an internal chapter, Woody's Secrets, recounts his accident prone adolescence, there are plenty of tales of the rest of the family, from Robert Wood Johnson, the General, who forced all his family members out of the company to maintain personal control to his brother Seward, Sr. who in his old age married his chambermaid, Basia, and left her his millions much to the chagrin of his children. The court battle that resulted titillated Princeton when I lived there.
I recommend this book. It has many outlandish tales of Johnson escapades, primarily dysfunctional marriages and bitter divorces, but it also tells the story of a family who revolutionized health care. The three brothers of the first generation were very good business men, ready to capitalize on a good idea. Robert Wood Johnson in the second generation kept the company together with an iron hand. Perhaps this is what the company needed. The family needed to branch out into other pursuits, but generally were unsuccessful in doing so. This is what makes Woody Johnson's story the most interesting in the third generation.
I reviewed this book for Net Galley.
August 9, 2014
WOW! Talk about an eye opening look at one of the most famous family names in (quite possibly) the world!
Who doesn't know the name: Johnson? Maybe a better question would be: Who doesn't know "Johnson & Johnson"? Unless you have been living under a rock for the past... oh say... 100 years, then you most likely know this famous name and you probably own at least 1 J&J product, even if you don't know it! They truly are a family that can easily give the TV show, "Dynasty" a run for their money.
Author Jerry Oppenheimer does a magnificent job presenting the Johnson Family's story in an objective manner - and nothing is sacred even in the world of the rich and famous. The Johnson Family is one that many might consider "American Royalty," but this fantastic story shows that even among their grand success and happiness, they are not so privileged as to avoid failures as well as tragedy.
If you are looking for some real-life drama without the tabloid-like sensationalism, then CRAZY RICH would definitely be a fantastic read for you!
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
Who doesn't know the name: Johnson? Maybe a better question would be: Who doesn't know "Johnson & Johnson"? Unless you have been living under a rock for the past... oh say... 100 years, then you most likely know this famous name and you probably own at least 1 J&J product, even if you don't know it! They truly are a family that can easily give the TV show, "Dynasty" a run for their money.
Author Jerry Oppenheimer does a magnificent job presenting the Johnson Family's story in an objective manner - and nothing is sacred even in the world of the rich and famous. The Johnson Family is one that many might consider "American Royalty," but this fantastic story shows that even among their grand success and happiness, they are not so privileged as to avoid failures as well as tragedy.
If you are looking for some real-life drama without the tabloid-like sensationalism, then CRAZY RICH would definitely be a fantastic read for you!
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
July 22, 2015
I love books that feature bitchy gossip about movie stars (such as Bette and Joan: The Divine Feud). And I like books that feature bitchy gossip about politicians (such as The Politician, a former aide's book about John Edwards). But it turns out that I don't like this book, which features bitchy gossip about people who have inherited tens of millions or hundreds of millions of dollars. Actors and politicians choose the limelight and often have remarkable skills and talent; heirs and heiresses are just unremarkable people who happen to have benefited from windfalls. Most of the people in this book were naive, foolish, or paranoid, and a few were mentally disturbed. It isn't fun or interesting to me to try to take them apart and figure out why they acted the way they did.
One anecdote did stand out for me, though: If you are unbelievably wealthy, do not monogram your dining-room wall so that the others at your table can see your initials over your head as you eat your meals. Even other unbelievably wealthy people will think you are a jerk.
One anecdote did stand out for me, though: If you are unbelievably wealthy, do not monogram your dining-room wall so that the others at your table can see your initials over your head as you eat your meals. Even other unbelievably wealthy people will think you are a jerk.
December 12, 2013
Not a bad book, but one of those where after I slogged through it wondered why I had wanted to read it in the first place. Picking it up from the catchy title and finding myself caught up in a never ending tabloid presentation on the dysfunction of a typical family. Or as in this case with the added dimension of unlimited wealth. The book was thrown together somewhat sloppily like a tabloid with a few photos thrown in to spice it up. But even the pictures were limited. There were also a number of errors in the book showing the author was not aware of some basic historical and geographical facts. The one lesson that comes out of it all and one most of us are aware of is that super wealth can mess up generations.
June 12, 2017
Oh boy! If you want a book about the insane antics and lives of the insanely rich, this is a good one to pick up. I don't when the mental instability started in the Johnson family, however as the generations progressed it definitely reared it's ugly head. And entire huge family, inclusive of exes living off a ginormous trust fund from Band Aids.... There are some very sad parts in the book, quite a few Johnson heirs dying tragically at young ages. It's a Page 6 / Tabloid shocker for sure. Do you learn anything? Not much, just shake your head in amazement, all that money, all that power, all that insanity.
April 9, 2014
Picked up from the recommended shelf at the library. Like most pot-boiler scandal biographies the book traces the history of the Johnson and Johnson family. Sadly, it is a rushed book written in that gossipy manner that is so common with such books. While the subjects are interesting it is hard to follow the narrative because that author uses a narrative approach that is neither thematic or linear.
February 26, 2015
Poorly written
November 20, 2013
This book is way too gossipy, and at times is nasty. Didn't like it at all.
January 24, 2015
Well written biography with lots of family drama. However there are too many family members and by the time you focus on one, time to move to another and so on.
March 26, 2021
Great soap opera type!! So interesting to get a glimpse into the life of the unbelievably rich!! Great page turner !!
July 9, 2018
Interesting material, but the book could have greatly benefited from the talents of a more rigorous editor.
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