Reviews (13)

Not Hard to Believe
I must admit, I am not much of an Elvis fan. Never have been. I have always thought that Elvis-mania was the product of clever marketing by Col. Tom Parker rather than any truly overwhelming talent on Presley's part. But, leaving aside the merits or lack thereof of Elvis the performer, I can say that it's not hard to believe that Elvis the man had a lot of inner pain. And that this inner pain may have caused him to take his own life. Therein lies the thesis of the book.

I found this little book to be immensely compelling. It's a detailed accounting (based mostly on information from Elvis's stepbrother, David Stanley) of the last 24 hours of Elvis's life. The basic theme of the book is to correct errors from Goldman's previous book (the controversial 1982 biography, Elvis). In the 1982 book, Goldman had posited that that Presley died of a massive heart attack caused by years of drug dependency and eating like a glutton.

Now in this later book, Goldman claims that there were inaccuracies in his previous accounting of Presley's death, and he wants to set the record straight. Now, says Goldman, new evidence (again, mostly provided by David Stanley) indicates that Presley did not die of natural causes, but instead killed himself by overdosing on a stash of drugs that he stockpiled. Supposedly David Stanley, not wanting to see Elvis's name tarred with the brush of suicide, got rid of the needles and drug packets near Presley's body before the paramedics arrived.

The idea that Presley committed suicide is, of course, not hard to believe. Goldman is not the only Presley biographer who wrote of Presley's disturbed state of mind at the end of his life. It is pretty much common knowledge that Presley was depressed, drug-dependent, grossly overweight, and had many regrets about his life and career. And when a person is that despondent, it's no surprise that their thoughts can turn to suicide.

Naturally, diehard Elvis fans detest Goldman and maintain that this book, and the prior book he wrote about Elvis, are (in no particular order): inaccurate; mean-spirited; biased (many claim that Goldman disliked Elvis personally and his dislike for his subject caused him to always present Elvis in the worst possible light).

However, not a single word of either book has been disproven. Goldman is an academic, and his research is thorough, based on interviews who are "primary sources" - in other words, with people who knew Presley best - "the Guys" (a.k.a. his handlers/bodyguards who were with him 24 hours a day). Indeed, a number of the Guys were actually related to Presley in one way or another, and knew him well, from childhood.

So riddle me this: why is it so difficult for fans to believe that their hero was not a god, but rather a deeply flawed human being who battled his inner demons, and unfortunately lost the battle? If Elvis was a depressed junkie who just didn't want to live anymore, why is that something to be appalled at? Again, given what is well-known about Elvis's state of mind at the end of his life, it's actually quite believable.

And...believe it or not, Goldman may actually have written this not because he enjoyed Presley-bashing, but because it was the truth and he called it as he saw it, based on the facts. That is possible.

Excellent and Honest Research---A Great Book!
Albert Goldman was an esteemed scholar with a stirling reputation among other writers and researchers. Goldman's objective, well-documented research confirms that Elvis Presley was basically a functional illiterate, drug addict, sexually-perverted human being whose marginal talent was exploited by the shrewd sheister Tom Parker. This comes as little surprise to those who've heard Presley's simple-minded comments and monosyllabic speech patterns in interviews. Nor is it shocking to those of us who've viewed Presley's infantile, formulaic B movies. Finally, Elvis's own closest friends, female companions, and relatives confirm that the man was an undisciplined, self-indulgent hillbilly with a sickly Oedipal relationship with his obese, smothering, unhygenic mother. Albert Goldman has been lambasted by Presley worshippers (which is a sick thought in itself---that any human being would feel so worthless as to worship another human being)simply because his research depicts Presley as he really was---a joke. Through sex orgies, pill-popping, voyuerism, sexual relations with minors, gluttoness hedonism, etc. If the truth is ugly, that's just too bad. Undisciplined, self-indulgent, backwoods hillbillies who have mother fixations and drug habits should not be made into Saints simply because ignorant, self-loathing slobs want to believe in fantasy. There always have been a small number of saintly people in this world, but Elvis Presley certainly wasn't one of them. And the good name of Albert Goldman shouldn't be dragged through the mud simply because uneducated, beer-guzzling, tattoo-wearing Elvis worshippers want to protect their delusional image of a less than virtuous human being of little genuine talent and even less class. Only in America could a semi-literate hillbilly named "Elvis" be hailed as a "god." Ttis phenomena has resulted from mass ignorance, unsophistication, and a need on the part of so many to idolize something----anything---that adds some meaning to their empty lives. Presley fulfilled this need for so many people who were as uneducated and unsophisticated as he was---a "hillbilly Christ." These idolaters are the deranged human beings, lacking any self-worth. Not Albert Goldman---all he was was honest. The slobs who idolize a spoiled, slobbish hillbilly who was allergic to bathing as well as to music that had more than three chords per song---they're the deranged ones. You want to call someone king? Try "Jesus Christ." You have a compelling need to worship a truly great and noble human being? Try Albert Schweitzer or Mother Theresa or Jonas Salk. The mere mention of "Elvis" in the same breath with these moral paragons and humanitarians is a sacrilege that reflects the degeneration of an empty, shallow, mindless society. Don't shoot the messenger because you can't accept the truth contained in the message.

Goldman Wrote the Truth---Elvis Was A Big, Fat Waste
To those of us who realized all along that an uneducated, filthy-looking, pseudo-voiced hillbilly became a millionaire because of crafty public relations on the part of a sheister---thank God for Albert Goldman. He spoke the truth, plain and simple. All of the nitwit Presley fans who wish to remain in denial can do so---losers never recognize their own stupidity. They can recognize a six pack, a pack of cigarettes, and a wrestling match, however. That's about the mentality of idol-worshipping lowlifes. Bravo, Mr. Goldman!

perversely entertaining
Elvis fans probably won't like this short, blunt and to-the-point dissection of the King's final days, penned by the most infamous man who ever typed the word "rock." This is essentially an addendum to Albert Goldman's earlier biography of Presley, but while that book was appallingly funny, this one leaves you feeling rather sad, even if you don't agree with its author's brutal indictment of his subject. After being contacted by Presley's stepbrother, David Stanley, who was at Graceland the day Elvis died, Goldman wrote a new account of Elvis's death which turned on the startling theory that the King committed suicide. The evidence Goldman presents seems overwhelming at first, but it basically depends on whether or not you believe David Stanley, who claims to have pocketed the drug envelopes and syringes that he found in Elvis's bathroom. Supposedly Elvis saved up his sleeping pills and demerol injections and took them on an empty stomach when he was alone in his bathroom on the morning of August 16, 1977. Since it took Stanley over a decade to come out with this information, one feels more than a little skeptical.

The real interest of the book, however, isn't in its thin argument for the suicide but in its grimly fascinating portrait of the King's final days. Shut up inside his air-conditioned bedroom, overweight and hopelessly addicted to prescription drugs, Elvis had nothing to look forward to but another season of dreary shows in Las Vegas. He was also distressed over a recent tell-all book, which he feared would turn his fans against him. He spent most of his days bombed out of his mind on drugs, often remarking "I'd rather be unconscious than miserable." What makes this book shocking is that Goldman shows very little sympathy for Elvis, instead suggesting that he brought all of his problems on himself. "Elvis Presley never stood for anything," he writes in the afterword. "He made no sacrifices, fought no battles, suffered no martyrdom, never raised a finger to struggle on behalf of what he believed or claimed to believe. Elvis was a profoundly specious character, a false messiah. Even in his earliest years, he spoke about his career with the cynicism of a jaded old hack. He always went for the money and then blamed the sellout on his manager. Essentially, Elvis was a phony." One senses that this passage - and possible the entire book - reveals more about Goldman than it does about Elvis, but it's a perversely entertaining read anyway.

LAWDY, LAWDY, LAWDY It's Gaudy!
To quote Shakespere, the uproar this book caused was "Much ado about...." you guessed it. Okay, here's the story- Albert Goldman, a man who disliked Elvis intensely, wrote this acid account detailing The King's most intimate eating, dating, and bathroom habits. Just how Mr.Goldman acquired this information, I leave to one's own imagination. For good measure, he throws in descriptions of Graceland, Elvis' relationship with his mother- in short, his OPINIONS about Elvis Presley. However, through the years the book has taken on a life of its own. People in the "Memphis Mafia" and other inner circles who cooperated with its publication were scorned and cursed as "Judas" by die hard fans, and are to this day. Albert Goldman's book jacket picture was actually fashioned into a bull's eye by outraged Elvisphiles for the throwing of darts. Reading "THE Book", is akin to sacrilege for the Elvis-is-my-life fan, and Goldman is likened to Satan. My opinion? Whether you love Elvis, are indifferent to him, or could care less, this book is like chocolate- you hate yourself for consuming it, but you do it anyway. I was an Elvis fan before I read it, and after. Don't be afraid to challenge your idols. If they're as great as you say, they will stand up to it and it won't shake your admiration. Actually, the book itself is nothing earth shattering, and it certainly isn't one of your timeless classics. It's what it was meant to be- a trashy, dishy gossipfest. It's gotten more attention than it's worth, in my humble view, and so did its author, who, incidentally, was found dead,in his bedroom, bloated and under mysterious circumstances, an irony that was not lost on me. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Worst Book I have even Read
If you are not a big Elvis fan this is not the book to read because there is so many untruths in it, you will get the wrong impression of the man Elvis was.I have read a great number of books on Elvis and this one has to be the worst one.No one that knew Elvis even knows who this guys is???He made numerous errors in telling his story.Such as he said Gladys, Elvis's mom went to Germany with him and then died in 1960!!Untrue - she died in 1958 before he left for Germany.He dated Dixie Locke before he made it big but was still dating her when he was signed to Sun Records.She did not break up with him because he asked her to marry him. They had talked of marriage but unforuntaely it did not last long because he was gone so much.He dated Anita before going to the army and for a while after he was discharged.He did not play in Vegas while he was making movies in the 1960s!!! And so on and so on.There are to many to mention here but I can say that this was a BIG DISSAPPOINTMENT and a waste of my money.DO NOT WASTE YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY ON THE PIECE OF TRASH BELIEVE ME YOU WILL BE SORRY.

Not what I had hoped for
I've read many books on Elvis as I'm always trying to gain new information to help me understand his complex personality.I had high expectations for this offering because of its focus on Elvis' early life and relationship with his mother.However, I found the general tone of the book to be sensational.The sex "revelations" don't seem to be anything more than lurid details the like of which can be found in any tabloid.Everyone knows Elvis was a wonton womanizer.It's hardly news at this point.I found there to be many mistakes and inconsistancies throughout the book.One is so careless as to describe Elvis' first girlfriend, Dixie Locke, as a blond then two pages later she is in picture showing a girl with black hair.The whole thing just read like a trashy novel to me.

Zig-Zag Elvis
I read Mr. Greenwood's book and found it very informative and personal.The book takes the reader through Elvis' personal life and marriage andnumberous love affairs. It depicts the Colonel's control over Elvis andpossible black mail. It depicts how the people he was associated with overthe years were mainly there for the gravy. An excellent book.

a wonderful and sympathetic portrayl of the Rock 'n' roll
EARL GREENWOOD PRIMARILY FOCUSES ON ELVIS' HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AND HIS TRAGIC CHILDHOOD FROM THE PERSPSCTIVE OF SOMEONE WHO KNEW THE FAMILY INTIMATLEY. HE EXPLAINS ELVIS' GUILT OVER HIS TWIN BROTHER'S DEATH AND HISINCONSOLABLE SADNESS OVER HIS MOTHER'S DEATH. GREENWOOD TELLS OF AN ELVISWHO NOBDY REAALY KNEW, A BOY WHO WAS BULLIED AND RIDICULED AND WHOEVENTUALLY BECAME ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS ARTISTS IN HISTORY. IN SHORT THISBIOGRAPHY IS TOLD WONDERFULLY. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This book describes the real Elvis
All that time that we were enjoying Elvis' music, films, and personality, we never had an inkling that the spiritual life was important to him. Maybe this fact was deliberately withheld for the sake of his career. In any case, it is too bad that we did not really know him while he was alive. This book describes the real Elvis.

At the time he was born, a blue light surrounded his home. This was a sign that the spiritual would be important to him. It began in blood and thunder churches that he quickly rejected. Then he found gospel churches, where he learned to naturally move his body to exciting music. Then, after his career began, Larrry Geller entered his life. Of course, you never heard of Larry Geller, but he was Elvis' best friend and spiritual confidante for many years. Larry was a student of what is called metaphysics, a very broad field that Shirley MacLaine helped popularize. The author of the book, Jess Stearn, has also popularized it. The book describes Elvis' long interest in this field, from numerology to astrology to pre-Christian spirituality to Christ himself. For Elvis, it was a lonely path, as his friends and wife were not interested.

The book, like Out on a Limb, is a good introduction to metaphysics, and describes what a typical (if Elvis could be called typical) student experiences. His study helped him to face death with no qualms, and the book explains the real cause of his death (not drugs)

Interesting, but not fulfilling my expectations.
This is a curious book. It gives an overview of Elvis' spiritual search as seen through the eyes of Larry Geller, his personal hairdresser and self-proclaimed Guru. Geller got Elvis to explore his spiritual side mainly through New Age readings and meditation, and his own conversations with him. But the book seems to be a series of anecdotes, and bits and pieces of information thrown together. It was interesting, but did not give the kind of insight into Elvis' spirituality that I was expecting from Mr. Stearn. Perhaps I am expecting too much - Elvis the mystic? ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Class "A" - Best Book Yet!
Hi to everyone reading this review. You are either here to see how good or bad this book is or to see if its worth buying. Well I hope I can answer your questions.

First of all, I am not a big Elvis fan. I dont have hundreds of books in my collection; I have several which I thought were decent. But I do know a good book when I see one; and this is a GREAT book! This Jim Curtin has turned someone like me into an Elvis fan just through this one book! By far this is the best book I have read in any genre.

This book is just perfect for everyone! Whether you are a die-hard Elvis fan or someone who casually likes Elvis. But its a must to have! I liked the style the book was written in. I like the feeling that comes through the writing and the photos just accent this prize even more.

This book is class "A" from start to finish! Beginning with the cover - which is classy, asthetic and mesmerizing; going into the center you find biting and captivating stories that wuld impress even Elvis himself!; then you are left with the story of all stories - how the author made a beautiful guitar for the King and how that meeting happened. I mean CLASSIC!!!!

Jim Curtin shows that he is ... a) a big Elvis fan ... b) a true friend of Elvis' ... c)someone who has class and doesnt resort to hype and lies to sell his book d)someone I would like to say "THANK YOU" to!

And to Celebrity Books: You've got a winner on your hands!

The best book on market. One of best by Jim Curtin
I have been colletor of Elvis Presley for 15 years and collect almost all made on him.

I have started to buy books 4 years ago, and read all on Elvis. I will say that many books are bad, some good, and only few that are great. Jim Curtin is the best books.

He tells everything in truth and very thorough detail. I am very happy with this book, and his others

Unseen Elvis ..... Candids of King ..... Elvis and Stars ..... Unknown Stories ..... Christmas with Elvis ..... The Early Elvis

I say this man is very dedicated in preserving the best on Elvis; and he does wonderfully. Thanks you

My Elvis Bible
This book is what I will call from now on: MY ELVIS BIBLE

Definitely the world's best Elvis "reader book".
Well written, easy to read, easily enjoyed whenever.

I am patiently waiting for the other Volumes of this series.
If they are anywhere near as good as this volume, Jim Curtin will the world's best Elvis books on the market! (well he kind of does already).

I am so happy I found his books online.
My first exposure to Curtin was through his Unseen Elvis book (definitely the best photo book on ELvis to date).
I did not know he authored more books, till one of my friends bought me his Christmas With Elvis book, and from there on, I became a Jim Curtin / Renata Ginter fan!

With as much enthusiasm as I had reading this book, I can honestly attest that anyone who buys it, will love it just as much. I can guarantee it (if my word even means anything to anyone).

I am just a fan who enjoys reading quality material on Elvis and who LOVES to see rare photos on him as well.

So if you want my recommendation as to what kind of books to buy or get on Elvis .... stick with Jim Curtin (the true Elvis expert and friend)

Very interesting indeed
I won't be too long in my review here, so here it is:

This is a very well informative book.
ok there may be some stories that didn't interest me much, but that is quite a small percentage (5% maybe); but I think there are fans out there, who want to know everything.

What I did enjoy (and even learned) were the stories that told the "behind the scenes story" of a particular event (ei: Dorsey Brothers payoff, Parker's business tactics, recording session goings-on, things that showed Elvis wasn't exactly the perfect date)

great reading and I would have to say: a must have reader!

My only problem with this book was some of the photos.
not exactly "unseen" *(because I have seen many before)* but I think they matched Curtin's "chapter themes" (if you want to call them that).

Ok so far Curtin is NOT A MEMBER OF THE FANTASTIC FOUR!
5 more Curtin books to go

My thoughts about this tremendous book
I have never written a review before on anything, so please don't mind if I rattle here and there. I will try to my best ability explain what I liked about this book.

#1- This book dispells the Elvis myths that have for some reason been printed all wrong! ... Jim makes true sense of many of these myths and explains in detail the real truth behind certain things: .... [EX: That the Dorsey Brothers who hosted "The Stage Show" did not like nor want ELvis on their show and only allowed him a few appearances when Colonel Parker paid them $5,000 under the table!!]

#2- Has touching stories about the sad times in his life: his mother's death - breakups with his girlfriends - breakup with his wife - etc.

#3- Has funny stories about how Elvis too had his moments of embarrassment, accidents and just plain ole funny situations .... [EX: In the 1970s, Linda Thompson talked Elvis into going to the local Memphis McDonald's and there he was approached by a man who thought Elvis was an impersonator and told him how sad he was to be someone else! Linda simply went along with the man and said to Elvis, "Cut the crap Bob!" ]

#4- Has wonderful behind the scenes stories during Elvis' movie filming ...... [EX: How on the set of Roustabout, Elvis was accidentally kicked in the head by costar and as a result had to have stitches to sew up the wound. The director incorporated a scene in the movie, where in a fight Elvis' character suffers an injury to his head! ]

#5 - Has great stories about the women he dated and what happened during some of the dates! hehe ....... {EX: How Elvis dated Yvonne Craig and he invited her to his CA rented home, while trying to leave, she activated his alarm which in turn called the local police and swat team. She was almost arrested for breaking and entering by them, if Elvis hadn't been woken up to explain why she was there!]

#6- Also has fantastic business stories of some of the deals he and Colonel Parker were offered and turned down. .... [EX: They were offered $1 million to perform one show in England]

#7- Heartwarming family stories about his parents, Priscilla and Lisa Marie ....... [EX: How Lisa Marie, at age five, would play Elvis' records on her own personal record player and memorize the words - and then go to Elvis and "perform" the songs for him - complete with all of Elvis' stage moves!]

These are just 7 reasons why this book is so great. It is so heart touching it should be retitled to: CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE ELVIS SOUL

So fellow readers, if you want a book that you can laugh, smile, cry and be amazed with, this is it! You do not need to be an Elvis fan to read it ... all you need is an open mind, a hot cup of tea of chocolate, a comfortable chair with blanket and this book! ... Read more

Book Description

This unique, best-selling series features quotes gathered over the years from family, friends, and the artists themselves giving the reader a personal insight into their music and world. Fully illustrated throughout with black and white photographs. ... Read more

Book Description

It's a little-known fact that Elvis Presley—the most Christian icon of American pop culture—was Jewish. This book provides a behind-the-scenes account of the authors' search, from Israel to Graceland, to find the true roots of the King. With the help of a Hasidic Jewish Elvis impersonator, Dan Hartel, who performs at senior citizens' homes under the stage name "Schmelvis," and an eccentric Orthodox rabbi named Reuben Poupko, the authors trace Elvis's Jewish roots all the way to Israel. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Disappointing
I expected more from the author, as he has proven himself to be an excellent essayist on This American Life. Maybe I would have liked it more if I hadn't already heard some of his better material.

Elvis was not Jewish.
To be Jewish one most either convert or, at a minimum, have a Jewish mother. Elvis did not have a jewish mother. Elvis was not a convert. Elvis was a Christian. He may have had a great-great-grandmother who was Jewish but that does not make one a Jew. The authors obviously had far too much free time on their hands.

who would have guessed it?
I just finished reading Schmelvis, and, it really is a funny, clever little book. It's totally not your run-in-the-mill novel-- it reads like a travel log, with little tidbits from all the characters, and you really get to know them. It's sort of an anti-novel-- a story in search of a story. The characters are so hilariously believable, that you totally believe they have no idea what they're doing or thinking. It's got dialogues from the film, and the director's notes, and random other stuff, like an appendix called "who's who of famous jews." The book totally takes on this distinct personality-- like it's not about elvis presley at all, and not about a static answer, but more about the journey, the getting there. most of all, it made me laugh. i didn't really know what to expect when i picked it up, but this book is totally cool. haven't seen the film yet, but i totally want to now.

Hilarious!
This books is really, really funny. Not really about Elvis' Jewish roots but more of a quest for identity. Composed of script bits from the film's (of the same name) production, entries in journals, and little anecdotes about the cast and crew, this book is really the funniest book I've ever read. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

In Elvis in Hawaii, former Hawaii resident and celebrity biographer Jerry Hopkins tells the story of the King of Rock and Roll’s twenty-year love affair with the Hawaiian Islands and its people. Over 100 photos, many previously unpublished, document Elvis’s ties to Hawaii, the site of two of his most important concerts, the setting for three of his films and up to a few months before he died, a favorite vacation spot. A must for Elvis fans and anyone interested in 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s Hawaii, this revealing portrait offers new perspectives on the life and career of a legendary performer. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

With over 100 black-and-white and color photographs
Elvis In Hawai'i is a unique look at the life of the legendary rock singer Elvis Presley, focusing especially on his love of the Hawai'ian islands and the people who lived there. Elvis' fondness of his favorite vacation spot is brought to life with over 100 black-and-white and color photographs, some never before published, and an upbeat yet adroitly narrated text by Jerry Hopkins. Elvis In Hawai'i is especially recommended reading for the legions of fans and admirers of "The King" of rock 'n roll.

A lavish keepsake...
Elvis had an affinity for Hawaii: he made three films there, did six concerts (including the historic 'Aloha' satallelite broadcast, and had many longtime friends. This loving assemblage of pictures and anecdotes, by one of Presley's first biographers, is full of the kind of critical judgment and eye for local detail that is often lost in fan-oriented books of this sort. There's pictures of him being casual with local people, accepting local awards, hanging out at the local radio station, and having a good time all around. Profusely illustrated with photos from private collections as well as official documents, this is a lovely keepsake.

Dreams come true in Blue Hawaii
All Elvis fans will recognize this title as a line from the song Blue Hawaii sung by Elvis in the movie with the same title.
However it's not only that it's also what Jerry Hopkins new book is all about; Telling the story of Elvis, following his dreams and having fun in paradise surroundings. Elvis visited the Hawaiian Islands many times, sometimes for business when filming on location or for one of the six live performances on the islands but also for a (well-deserved) vacation.

Jerry takes the reader on a stroll through the 50's, 60's and 70's as we follow Elvis from his first visit to the Islands in 1957 till his last visit 20 years later. Besides the obvious close-up look at the 3 "Hawaiian movies" ( Blue Hawaii / Girls Girls Girls / Paradise Hawaiian Style) the reader also gets to "hear" such funny stories as how the first concert in Hawaii (1957) was finalized (Colonel Tom Parker is supposed to have made a deal with an Australian promoter by winning a "game of dice" !!) and the story about a hilarious concert promotion by an Elvis impersonator
(No, this time there was no involvement by The Colonel). Not only do we get to know more about Elvis' activities in Hawaii, we also get to learn a bit more about Hawaii' natives with an Elvis connection, such as Karate teacher Ed Parker and James Shigeta (co-star in Paradise Hawaiian Style).

However, to me the highlight of this book must be the sections where we get to hear the stories of people who where actually there at the time.
People like country comedian Minnie Pearl, Velma Fisher (passenger on the SS Matsonia that sailed Elvis to Hawaii on his first trip in 1957), Tom Moffatt (Hawaiian D.J.) and Marty Pasetta (producer of the Aloha from Hawaii special). All have an interesting story to tell about their time with Elvis.

To me this book is a welcome addition to Jerry' previous two Elvis-biographies (Elvis: A Biography & Elvis: The Final Years). The book also features about 100 photos of which some are rare or never seen before. Quality of the photos varies from fair to very clear but the majority of them are interesting to see.

This leaves us with one big question: "Why did Elvis love Hawaii so much ?" I think the answer to this question can be found all-over in this book but is best described by Tom Moffatt when he says: "In Hawaii he could relax and wander more freely ...... people here respect his privacy"
Guess that alone was enough for Elvis to make Hawaii his paradise...............

Lots of great photos
This book is written by the guy who wrote the only serious Elvis biography while Elvis was alive, but this is not at all like that book. Instead, it's packed with great photos of Elvis in Hawaii, many from the local paper. There's also set lists from the benefit concerts he did -- written by hand by Elvis! Very fun! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A mishmash of drivel
Please Charlie, did you write this in your lunch hour? Its rubbish. It jumps from one thing to another, it doesnt follow any logical line and gets names wrong (Its DJ Fontana, not JD). Did this guy really know Elvis? If it wasnt for the fact that he appeared on stage (as Charlie says "he" was entertaining millions!!) with the King you would doubt it.

Gave it two stars for the Elvis pictures but otherwise don't waste your cash. Buy the Enquirer instead, its more entertaining!

thankyouverymuch
this book was nothing great,in fact it did not seem to fit together,the stories were strewn about with different time periods of Elvis' life, this book was mediocre at best. i expected more from charlie hodge, the book i liked was the book by the memphis mafia.

Me 'n' Elvis by Charlie Hodge
I have many,many Elvis books written by FRIENDS? of Elvis a couple by his step brothers were fine,but the was written by a real friend.You could just feel the love he felt for Elvis.I really wish he had,had more like Charlie and I also hope Lisa Marie knows that this was written so she could read something really nice about her dad.It was worth buying and really worth reading

Elvis` one TRUE friend
I have read many books written about Elvis Presley by the "so called" friends and people who said the knew Elvis well. I believe Elvis Presley was a saved man who loved GOD and had strong faith in Jesus Christ and was a very generous and giving person. Since Elvis Presley was as human as the rest of us, he had to have had bad times in his life as we all do. I think most people want to read the worst written about a famous person be it truth or not. Charlie Hodges` book "Me`n Elvis" was a pleasure to read and very refreshing. I believe Charlie knew the REAL Elvis better than anyone. You can`t be with a person as much as Charlie was with Elvis and not know him. Don`t be afraid to give this book a try, the stories are wonderful, fun and will make you smile. Charlie Hodge, If you ever read this review, I think you were Elvis Presley`s one TRUE friend.

charlie's book
This book is basically a rehash of many Elvis stories the fans have read in several other well known Elvis books.Charlie Hodge was a close friend and does have some interesting stories but nothing new.What you take away from this book is the same thing you take away from the other books;Elvis was a generous loving man who would do anything for anybody but he faced a giant enemy,himself.GD ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Kitschy king at the movies
The king's kitchy side almost consumed him when he got to Hollywood, but I still love the tunes and the the constantly silly scenes that the movies are thick with. This is the funnest Elvis movie book that I have seen. All the movies are covered with official stills, movie set shots, and posters. The CD that's included has the best songs from the movies and the text lets you know that there are many more where those came from. There are also behind the scenes comments from co-stars, directors and producers that offer interesting and amusing insights into a under appreciated side of Elvis. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Another Elvis Wannabe
This is a book about two people who used each other. Priscilla used Michael for his modeling connections and Michael used Priscilla just to be part of Elvis's world. I felt Michael was more in "love" with Elvis than he ever was with Priscilla. What he wrote about Lisa Marie I thought was really sad. She was a neglected and sad little rich girl. When Michael wrote about himself his actions were embarassing and egotistical. He was always comparing himself to Elvis. Priscilla sounded more into herself than with him or Lisa. It certainly did not help his career after his involvement with Priscilla Presley. The pictures in the book were wonderful! I think the book would of been better if Michael had help creating the stories in a format with better wording and deleted stories that had no basis to his life with Priscilla and Lisa. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

How the King of Rock and Roll spend Christmas
Hey people who know Elvis Presley fans or are you an Elvis Presley fan and don't have this book, buy a copy of the book. In chapter 22, the author Jim Curtin tells the people reading the book that he met Elvis Presley in 1976. This is the first and only Elvis Presley spend Christmas.

And there are aslo pitcures in this book. And one looks pretty funny. It's a Elvis Presley t-shirt from the 90's, and there is a pitcure of an animated Santa Claus tells a person on a phone, "No, No, I said Elves, Send Me Fifty Elves." He has Elvis Presley look alikes but wants elves. (Page 152). I laught at A Very Funny Christmas. Which is on chapter 15. Some of you people might or might not know that Elvis Presley was once poor. And you can read about how he spend his poor Christmases.

I guess you are never to old or young to learn. In 1965, Elvis Presley decide to dress up as Santa Claus and had children on his lap telling him what they want for chirstmas. And when he had bigger children, he tried to get a hold of his laughter, but couldn't and got out of a mall, without people seeing him laugh.

You can aslo read Christmas Quotes by Elvis Presley. Like when he tells that he believed in Santa Claus until he was age 8. He had learn that it was his parents doing the role of Santa Claus. Why do parents use Santa Claus as a excplaimn to children at christmas who brought the presents fr them, and at Easter, when tell it was from the easter bunny, when it really was from them? Isn't that a lie? This is a great book to read whether it's Christmas or not.

A True Gift to the Elvis World
Yes this book is truly the best gift anyone can give the Elvis world.
I have to admit that this is the "BEST" Elvis publication to date.
The photos are beautiful, touching, warm, and holiday-oriented and the information is fantastic.

A great package all the way around from cover, to size, to quality. This was money well spent!

Jim Curtin (who I have found to be the top author on Elvis books along with his writer Renata Ginter), is truly top of the line in his publications.

I did notice that Curtin's books lack the fabrications that ALL other Elvis books have. No BS in his books and what a relief!

It is quite nice to sit down and read something nice on Elvis for a change, rather than have to put up with made-up stories and information about his sex life, his drug addictions, his death, his fetishes. God let the man rest in peace.

My request is to have all the publishers publish books ONLY by Jim Curtin and Renata Ginter from now on.

Just imagine, no more bad Elvis book would be ever pushed on the public again! That would be Elvis heaven!

A actual surprise!
I came across this book in a local used book shop.
For some reason this book was not sold outright in the main bookstores.

My first initial reaction to this book, once I flipped through it, was:
too bad: some of the printing is not high quality.
But hey, once I looked through the book and read some of the stories, my second reaction took over:
wow the contents are really nice!
as an Elvis fan, I loved the collectibles and as a result I bought another copy off the net.
one is for my library and the holidays and the other I use as a collectible guide.

This is a GOOD book (a real good one) and its done by someone I really didn't know anything about, nor had I heard of him.
But I did do a check on him, once I liked his book, and he did 6 other books on Elvis.
I will see if this man, who proclaims to be the world's foremost Elvis expert, is the real thing, or another self proclaimer like the "fantastic four" (Lichter, Dowling, Tunzi, Guralnick/Jorgensen)

A hint though: from what I see in this book, this man may actually be the REAL DEAL!
he has quality and intregrity.

Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful!
If this rating scale could go up to a 10 - I would give this book the 10! It is the absolute best!

Christmas has always been one of my favorite holidays, but never had a connection of Elvis and Christmas crossed my mind, other than playing his music. So I was surprised to see this book in the stores and offered on the net. I immediately bought it, and let me say this: this book is by far worth the money.

What a neat collection of Christmas collectibles, photos and stories. All perfectly selected and all with a reason.

This is really a drop-dead gorgeous publication.

Just another winner from Jim Curtin!

A real tear jerker !
I don't know why, but everytime I look at this book and read it, I cry. I know it is a happy time for all and Christmas is the best holiday in the world ... but it is so sad that Elvis can never share another one with his fans.

I will thank Mr. Curtin right here and now (and I sent him a letter as well) for bringing out this tremendous book. He is right when he says that we can now share every Christmas with Elvis, through his book. The book has photos of Elvis during the holidays and very moving stories as well. And as an added bonus, there are Christmas collectibles all throughout it as well. Some go back to the 1950s and others of today. I have noticed quite a few that I know I would like to have for my own, as my own little connection to Elvis at Christmas.

But let me make it known, this book will forever be on my coffee table, all year round.

A beautiful dedication to the man we all love! ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Absolutely Wonderful fall in love with this one I DID!
This book is the best book I've read about Elvis. June tells the story with such love with each word she says. You could actually feel the love between them you would think she would've married him. You get to here about a side of Elvis that everyone wishes they could have known. You wish you were the one that fell in love with Elvis. Who doesn't! If any of Elvis's girlfriends could write a book about him no one could beat widdle bitty June's. You have to read the book to figure out where the widdle bitty comes from. She was one lucky lady to have known the one and only Elvis Presley. He is missed by so many people.

Great Book! Highly Recommend!
I really enjoyed this book a lot! Out of all of Elvis' girlfriends June seems the most "real" of all of them! I have seen her on TV and she seems like a great woman! The times she shared with Elvis are so innocent and he treated her with such respect. It was the Elvis before he was touched by Col. Parker, Hollywood and Vegas. He was a semi-regular guy, Elvis, his mammas son. I was actually suprised how liberal Gladys was with June going into his bedroom in her home. She must have trusted her son a lot and June was a nice girl too. Gladys also seem to have loved June like a daughter. It is too bad his friends and fame had to come between them. I know Elvis had great works ahead of him, despite that it would have been nice if he could have had a real life like a normal person. He had such a good heart and tried so hard to treat others well. June has a wonderful book and I highly recommend this! You will not be unhappy, but more of an Elvis fan than ever!

A great Elvis book
this is a very good book about Elvis. one thing I really loved about it was his mother was still alive when this story took place.I could not put it down.it grabs your attention from the first page if you love reading books on Elvis you will love this one it is a sweet love story with a sad ending.

A charming glimpse of the real Elvis
If you want to know what Elvis was really like, as a man and as an artist, before he got caught by fame and by the show business world, I believe this is one of the best books for you. In 1956, June Juanico seems to have had enough personality to deal with a boy friend as famous and requested as Elvis already was. "In the twilight of memory" is a delightful page turner, well written and with so much detail that you can relive every moment June shared with Elvis. With June Juanico's account of her summer romance you learn more about Elvis Presley's personality, charm and charisma than by reading most books on the king's life (Peter Guralnick's excluded)

Elvis Romance
I Thought this book was wonderful! It was a good romance and great story line! I recommend it to any Elvis fan who like to hear about his past loves. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Elvis:Precious Memories
I take issue that this Elvis (maternal) cousin has taken on the name, Presley. Her mother was a Presley by birth... so where does Donna's father feature in all this name changing?

As for the book Donna claims as her own it is in fact just a reworking of her mother's original book. However, the original & this re-works does offer some precious gems... Nuff said from this Elvisbuff.

Elvis:Precious Memories
I have read this awesome book more times then any other. What a wonderful insight from a family member. No phoniness here, just straight talk and no nonsense! I would recommend it to all Elvis fans!

The best book ever written about Elvis
I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to all of Elvis' fans. It was written from the heart and also showed what a real family man Elvis was. I had the chance to meet Donna Presley and what a breath of fresh air she is. I also had this book send to Eurpoe to one of my sisters whom also is a huge Elvis fan. She really enjoyed the book also.

A great view of the personal Elvis by members of his family.
So many books have been written about Elvis Presley that you almost can predict what the next sentence will be. Not so with this one. The beauty of this book is that it truly gives you the sense of perspective from a family member's point of view... an "insider's point of view". I felt as if I were listening to an old family friend telling me about "great uncle so and so" (who just happens to be Elvis Presley)! The book does a good job of tying a lot of the family members together, reminding us that, in addition to being a Superstar, Elvis was also a man with a family that he loved and was devoted to. Some great never-before published photos lend an air of personal closeness to the Presley family and homeplace, drawing the reader into a better understanding of the dynamics that helped shape the man and the image. From their perspectives, his two cousins do a good job of blending their "precious memories" together with their love and appreciation for their famous relative. I would highly recommend this to true Elvis fans as well as anyone who wants to get another view of a very famous man. ... Read more

Book Description

The definitive guidebook to the King's city_from the placeswhere he lived to the stages where he performed to the restaurantswhere he ate. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A must for Elvis Fans visiting Memphis!
When I started reading books about Elvis, I began to take notes on where he'd lived, played, recorded, etc., knowing one day I'd travel there. Then I discovered this book! Mike and Cindy had done the work for me. The book is not only well written, but there are informative stories AND they tell you if a place has been demolished, or moved -- information that saved me a lot of time. After reading the book I decided that I HAD to take Mike's tour of Memphis -- it was well worth it. I had a glorious time -- Mike is a walking Elvis-encyclopedia (and fun too!). After the tour, my niece, who was traveling with me said, "well, I think we've done it all and seen it all"! And yes, thanks to Mike and Cindy, we had.

The Ultimate Read For Any Elvis Fan!
This is the ultimate read for any Elvis fan. Especially if they are going to spend any time in Memphis. It's eerie, even chilling, to walk the grounds where Elvis walked as a teenager, and even during stardom. This is a step-by-step narrative of how to find nearly every address related to Elvis in Memphis, and every one of them with a used-to-be secret. It's really cool!

I had this book on my bedstand for months as a gift from my wife. Once I picked it up and read the first page, I couldn't put it down. Every page is loaded with "Man, If I would've only
known."

But you better hurry! These sites are rapidly falling by the wayside. As we saw in a store window in Memphis, you can contact the authors for a personalized tour. Although we haven't taken it, this would be a way-cool afternoon.

Thank you Cindy Hazen and Mike Freeman,
Dave-n-Tina Campbell
Mt. Vernon, Texas

Authors hit right note with guide to Memphis!
Memphis Elvis Style Cindy Hazen and Mike Freeman A phenomenal number of books have been written about Elvis. Recently it would seem that ever more such books are being published. Some are just rehashes of the same old story; others are the recollections of a five-minute fling, being as much a flight of phantasy as a worthwhile document; a few, a very few, are really worth buying and can be returned to again and again. "Memphis Elvis Style" by Memphis residents Cindy Hazen and Mike Freeman is most definitely one of the latter. It has not been launched under a blaze of publicity, but it is nevertheless an almost indispensable addition to the Elvis library. "Memphis Elvis Style" is, in fact, a guide book of Elvis related sites in and around Memphis. The no less than 129 sites have been cleverly organised firstly by their chronological relationship with Elvis and then further grouped by type. In addition, maps and an index help searching both in the book and in Memphis itself as simple as possible. And if this wasn't already enough, each entry contains detailed instructions on how to find its site and exactly what to expect, many buildings having been flattened or modified in the course of the years. But the book is also for those who have never been or never will go to Memphis. Cindy and Mike have achieved this by expanding each entry with some background information and an anecdote directly relating it to Elvis. This additional information provides some excellent reading and is sometimes quite amusing - I particularly liked the story of Elvis's visit to his local McDonald's with girlfriend Linda Thompson., but there are lots more stories and Elvis lore to satisfy all readers, even those looking for information about Hi Records, car dealerships, and just about everything else associated with Elvis in Memphis. Definitely a book to get! David Neale September 199 ... Read more

Reviews (1)

what it was like the day elvis died
This book takes you back to August 16,1977, the day Elvis Presley died.The book lets you see how elvis's death affected so many people from all over the world.The book begins with the early unconfirmed media reports of elvis's death,and then goes to how the media reacts when these reports are confirmed.And then the book focuses on the vigils the fans held outside of Presley's home in Memphis after he died.Also included are obituary's and articles about elvis from several newpapers from around the country.This book does a great job of giving the reader a feel for what it was like that sad time in 1977,and is recommended to all Elvis fans. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Just as the King of Rock n' Roll will never really die, so will his financial empire continue to fascinate. Part way between a biography of the musical icon and a business book, Elvis Inc. recounts the fiscal rise of the legend and details the problems and possibilities that later developed with the massive estate he left behind. Penned with the sensitivity of a fan and the perception of a business writer, Sean O'Neal recounts how Presley's fortunes crashed and burned and then were resurrected to previously unimagined heights -- even after the King had abdicated his position in the material world. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Elvis Empire uncovered
ELVIS INC. is one-stop shoppingfor anything to do with Elvis and money. All but the first chapter deal with events after Elvis' death. Especially good are the sections on the estate's lawsuit against manager Parker in the early 1980s, and on the stratospheric rise of Graceland afternear-bankruptcy in the two yearsafter Elvis died. There is more detail inthis book on these subjects than I have seen anywhere else. Toward the endI did feel that the book loses a little focus, and is not quite aspertinent asthe first half. As, O'Neal goes off on sometangents, suchas the marriage of Lisa Marie to Michael Jackson. To be fair, though, morerecentevents are just not as salient.But O'Neal keeps it alwaysinteresting. And I love that pink cover - groovy, man!

Interesting, Informative and a real Eye-opener of EPE
As an Elvis fan, I have read a great number of books about Elvis and his life.What makes this book stand out from the others is the fact that the reader gets a good look at how Elvis Presley, the person has grown intoElvis Presley Enterprises, the money-maker.It is well known by now thatColonel Tom Parker hindered Elvis' career in many ways.Even though hehelped Elvis make it to the top, Elvis had the sheer talent to make it withor without Parker.In this book, it is revealed how much Parker actuallytook from Elvis in the monetary sense.When Elvis died, his estate wasnearly bankrupt due to his lavish spending and poor management of hismoney.But as you realize when you read this book, Elvis PresleyEnterprises has gone to great lengths to make it the money machine it istoday.O'Neal gives details on lawsuits EPE has won and lost and tells youof some of the future plans EPE has in store.There is also a chapter onElvis' only heir, Lisa Marie and there is a detailed account of herinheritance as well as the "relationship" with Michael Jackson. I would recommend this book to anyone, Elvis fan or not.Every page hadsomething interesting and new and I found it hard to put down.

Terrific!
Elvis fans, buy this book.You fill find out just what a business Elvis really was (before and after death) to people like Priscilla and Parker to name a few.Terrific book! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Elvis Through My Eyes
I try to get all of Bill Burk's books. I enjoy his writings about Elvis so much.
I also have all his Elvis World Magazines. He only writes the truth. You will find no lies about Elvis in his books so they will sell.

Elvis: Through My Eyes
This is the longest-running, best-selling book in the Graceland shops since its first printing in 1987! The author -- a personal friend of Elvis' and a journalist who wrote almost 400 stories and interviews on Elvis during a 20-year span -- paints an insider's picture of Elvis, the human being behind the glitter. He was the lone journalist allowed on Elvis' private train car coming home from the Army and the first to take Elvis aloft in a small airplane and allow him to handle the controls. Follow the ups and downs of Elvis from 1957 to 1977, including their last private conversation while parked behind a donut shop near Graceland after midnight just 3 months before Elvis died. The author -- well-known to Elvis fans around the world, and widely "researched" by more famous writers -- has always been sensitive to the private Elvis.

One of the BEST Elvis books written, by one of the BEST
This book is one of the most comprehensive looks at a legend ...an inside look by Mr. Burk who was the only journalist allowed inside Graceland to interview Elvis. I was fortunate enough to have a friend to loan me the first edition years ago, and I contacted Mr. Burk to try to obtain a copy which was out of print at the time. I'm so grateful that he had another printing done and I was able to obtain a copy for myself. Just one in a series of works from Mr. Burk about his favorite subject. I will always buy Mr. Burk's books.

Trough My Eyes
I just loved this book, once you start reading it you can't stop. This book shows how down to earth Elvis really was!

Great author!!!
If you read any of Mr. Burk's books you should know that they are well researched, which means that you can believe what he writes - good and bad. ... Read more