The Magnificent Ambersons by Booth Tarkington

This is the story of the Amberson family and how they go from ruling a town to being nothing much in a city.  Their aristocratic fortunes decline as the industrial revolution arrives and men of action become the new aristocracy.  When I started this book, I found it a little dull and thought it would take me a long time to finish.  I quickly became very involved in the story and didn't want to put it down!  So don't give up if it takes a while for the story to grab your interest.  It is a story you will find yourself thinking about even after you've finished the book.  It's worth the time.