SURVIVING MY BIRTHRIGHT: THE AUTHORIZED VERSION

by Casey Hammer

Revised by the author, Casey Hammer, with additional content. The original "Surviving My Birthright", has received a facelift and includes a Forward by Heather McDonald, Actress/Comedian Host of Juicy Scoop. Reviews by Edward Jay Epstein, Author of " The Secret History of Armand Hammer" and Lauren Skae, @thezenblonde. Entrepreneur, Romi Cortier adds his take on From The Inside Looking Out, a recap of Casey’s life. And lastly, Casey Hammer adds What’s To Come and Coming Soon featuring her new book " Surviving & Thriving", along with poetry throughout. The name Armand Hammer conjures up many aspirational Billionaire. Industrialist. Successful Business Man. Philanthropist. Art Collector. It sounds like the idealized American success story. However, the reality of growing up Hammer, had a very dark side, with very real consequences. Violence. Addiction. Abuse. These are just some of the realities that Casey Hammer, the only granddaughter of Armand Hammer, had to overcome. As dark as her recollections are, Casey is the embodiment of courage and strength. She weathered the storm, and came out stronger on the other side. Her’s is a story of survival, hope and inspiration. Lift the veil and see the realities of growing up Hammer.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Memoir, Audiobook

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2021

Reviews

[Statia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Casey Hammer, please do not write another memoir. Putting aside the awful writing and clear lack of editing you are an unbelievable narrator because of your contradictions and speaking in absolutes. You had no friends? Or two gay best friends? Did you feel trapped in your childhood bedroom? Or was it your only place of solace? You were “always” betrayed? By your grandfather, mother, father, brother, sister, therapist? I believe your story is true but I don’t believe the abuse is why you hate the Hammers. It’s because you’ve been left out of the money and privilege. The story about the car you received for graduation, and giving your brother hotel bills you thought he should pay for were actually ridiculous.

I gave this two stars because 1) there are incredibly powerful moments (although your descriptions of them through this memoir somehow lessen them) and 2) it’s brave to tell the world about the horrible trauma you experienced as a child. But…this is just not good. Stick to interviews, no more writing.

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree that this book was hard to read because of the contradictions and the confusion over what really happened in certain cases. I also agree that she needed a good editor to help with the layout of the story, but probably couldn't find anyone who would want to help expose such a powerful family. I do feel that Casey had some very good introspection and you can tell that she really poured her feelings into telling this story of her not so fairy tale life, which compelled me to complete the book despite the difficulty getting through the writing. I would rate the book 2 1/2 stars if I could. I knew Casey (and her brother) in college and I truly wish her all the best after all she has been through.

[Julie Young Buckler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Readability

This story is interesting. The writing is difficult to follow. It seriously needs a good editor. It started out great, but the typos became annoying, and the narrative had no flow. Like a choppy read. I struggled through because the story seemed interesting enough. It was a struggle though.

[Patty · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like the author didn't give a full picture of the family dynamics. There were times in her telling of events that I felt she contradicted herself.

[Skye Baxter · Rating 2 out of 5]

problems with grammar

[Kiesha Encarnacion · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t like the writing, but I do feel for Casey Hammer and wish her peace regardless how I feel about this book. I picked this up because Armie Hammer was an incredibly hot topic at the time and I grew curious of what his upbringing is like: it’s definitely very niche, unrelatable and almost read like fiction because I couldn’t comprehend all the horrors that was shared.

Anyway, it did make me want to pick up a different book I feel I’d appreciate better when it comes to trying to understand old money and the unintended consequences of having incredible wealth. Still, thanks for this Casey Hammer, it is still very useful to growing an interest in studying that. Maybe she can partner with someone more experienced with writing memoirs and who also comes from a similar background next time. I felt this was a long blog post because of the writing and style or a long rant of a friend. Not sure if that was the goal though.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

the Hammer family…

I knew the Hammer family was a f’ed up mess. But, to read it from an inside member made it real for me. I’ve recommended this book to several friends that were abused mentally & physically by family members. Every one of them has been able to relate.

[Jennette Amos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chaotic and poorly edited but an interesting glimpse into a fucked up family.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the personal memoir of Casey Hammer, granddaughter of Armand Hammer. Armand Hammer was the Hammer family patriarch, and also a businessman involved in many things, but most notably Occidental Petroleum. (He is a very scandalous character, which is part of the reason that I purchased this book. I would like to find a more comprehensive biography about Armand, but until then...) Casey's father was Julian Hammer, Armand's only legitimate son. Casey details her life in the Hammer family, the lack of love, the drinking/drugs, and the sexual abuse by her father and her brother. (Michael, her brother, is now the head of the family. His son, actor Armie Hammer, is the current source of scandal in the family for sexual abuse and cannibalism comments.) This woman really endured a lot.

As far as the book itself goes, it was about a five hour listen on Audible. I got it during the last Audible sale, mostly because I wanted to know what it said about Armand Hammer. I found out about the book while watching the documentary about Armie Hammer (I think it is on Discovery+). I learned quite a bit about the family from the book, so it was certainly worth what I paid during the sale.

[Lady Olenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s like watching a car accident happen right before your eyes. It’s horrifying but you can’t look away.

I liked this book because it was firsthand account of what was happening inside the Hammer household. Casey Hammer has been through a lot and it was great that she dumped all her dark history into a book to let out all the negativity in her life. I knew of this book because of the documentary House of Hammer and I’m glad I did.

In connection to this, I also read Too Much and Never Enough by Mary Trump about the Trump family. The similarities of the greed, deception and fraud is astounding with these rich families. It’s always dark. They’re rich, yeah, but I would not trade my poor life to theirs for any amount of money.

[Ravenluna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kinda Feels Like We Are Related

I feel like the cruelty and neglect that this poor woman went through can be very much like what I went through as a kid, teen and adult through my marriage. Not in 100% of course , but some things are just so relatable I wanted to give her a hug by the end of it too! I felt the abandonment , the constant need for acceptance from them though and this book just made me feel like it was me with my "family" who ignore me now . we honestly could be twin souls. I'm sorry the author went through this and I 100% believe those girls and her story of rape, abuse and neglect!

[Chrystal Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

moving, shocking, and heartfelt!

this book was so well written i thought the author had been writing books for years. Its a very sad story of a childhood plagued by addiction in all it's disgusting all-consuming vortex. Not only substance abuse but abuse of power, the addiction to control and money her father seemed to forget he was a Daddy. not a meth monster! Somehow casey comes out in the end a beautiful,kind and caring human being no credit to Dad or Gramps. this is purely Casey all on her own! You got this! girl power at its best!!

[Jordan Wells · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not sure how to write a review on a memoir. Personally I didn't care for the book because of the mindset Casey conveyed and I interpretted. It also wasn't what I expected, almost like reading a journal. Her story mostly follows the relationship she had with her Father and the dynamic role she played in his life.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where do I begin? This book had no flow, no continuity and was so disjointed it was difficult to follow. The author contradicted herself constantly, which makes one wonder about how credible her story is. This is a woman constantly seeking attention, adoration and praise. And money.

I wouldn’t recommend reading it unless an editor gets their hands on it.

[CLMC · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate giving up on a book but I couldn’t keep going. I should have listened to the reviews. This book is in desperate need of an editor. Very difficult to follow. No flow. One minute she’s talking about an incident from her childhood and the next minute she’s talking about her psychologist she had as an adult who also treated her husband. I could not follow it.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a struggle to get through. I believe that many of the things Casey reported occurred, however, she comes off like a narcissist. She focuses so much on how she didn't get what she was owed. It's unfortunate that she went through what she did.

[Jenna Rosenfeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book and found it a bit hard to follow. It seemed like parts were repeated or not fully edited… overall, it was an interesting story, but I would’ve liked a better alignment through the chapters.

[Kristi McReynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

Very well written.
I stayed up all night reading.
I had no idea what this family was like, it's pretty messed up how Casey was treated. I believe what comes around goes around.

[Megan Warren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disorganized… I feel for her and her experience, but I was often confused at where or when the story was happening, it jumped around quite a lot and I would be left wondering what knowledge we were supposed to have in those moments

[Topeka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a transparent rendering of the author’s life, struggles, accomplishments and hopes. Though traumatic, it’s good to know that she was able to share her story and to help others.

Rating: 3.5

[Anna Ferrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of autobiographies. This one can really open some past childhood traumas if you're not careful. I found the book very interesting and written honestly. I look forward to more of Casey's work.

[Jessie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was very difficult to follow because the author talks out of both sides of her mouth throughout the entire book. The constant contradictions made me almost question the honesty in some of the content.

[Lyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

The narrative skips around like an adolescent on a sugar high. Employing a talented editor might have saved this book. I couldn't even finish the book.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a sad story -

[Deborah.Mask · Rating 4 out of 5]

A easy read

I enjoyed reading a book about family drama. W e all have family hurts and pains. I am happy she is a survivor and doing well. I am excited about future reads.

[Christi O’Connell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting story but so many repeated stories and contradictions throughout entire book.

[Sophia Murphy · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing was awful. Full of contradictions and woe is me paragraphs. Just terrible

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is very sad. Her childhood and life didn’t have to be this way money does weird things to people. Parts of this would have benefited from a better editor

[Dana C · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible writing

[Janelle Corley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting but heavy