Reviews (1)

"A Must Have Reference Guide for the Serious Sinatra Fan"
This is a great encyclopedia for any Sinatra fan. It is a well-organized compilation of every song and album that Sinatra ever recorded. It also provides interesting tidbits about the recording sessions, arrangers, and the songs. In addition, the book chronicles his movies, television appearances, and numerous awards. As a Sinatra fanatic, I frequently use the book to reference back to songs, albums, and or movies that I have recently experienced. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you're not inclined to read individual biographies of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., Shawn Levy's Rat Pack Confidential is a perfect one-stop resource. Less a group biography than a series of impressionistic snapshots, the book is loaded with can't-miss material--the dirt on the making of Ocean's Eleven, information about Sinatra's wild stint as a casino owner, deep background on Peter Lawford's habit of introducing Jack Kennedy to glamorous starlets, wiretap transcripts of mobsters Sam Giancana and Johnny Formosa discussiong Dean Martin's lack of respect.

Levy, whose previous book, King of Comedy, is a serious consideration of Jerry Lewis's life and career, offers similarly well considered insights into the members of the Rat Pack. He covers Davis's lifelong struggle against racism and the complicated intertwinings of the Kennedy political machine and "the Clan," as the performers preferred to be called (they often denied anything like the Rat Pack even existed and resisted collective references).

The book's debts to its predecessors are often apparent; much of the material on Sinatra's friendship with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, for example, appears to have been gleaned from recent Bogart biographies. The writing style, which tries to capture the ring-a-ding-ding feel of the era, also owes serious debts to Nick Tosches by way of James Ellroy, while only intermittently reaching their level of mastery. But these are minor quibbles. As a synthesis of thirty years worth of journalism and celebrity biography, Rat Pack Confidential succeeds in portraying the supernova blowout of old-school showbiz in all its dazzling glory. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Terrible Title...Great Book
Whoever titled this book ought to be shot. It sounds so inane. Nevertheless, the content is pretty darned good. A fascinating look at the Rise and long fall of Rat Pack, Levy constructs a fascinating, if not particularly deep book. The stories may be familar to many, but for someone who is not initmately familar with the Summit crew, it is a great intro. I've been a Frank guy for a long time, but now I know a bit more about the other packers. Levy is honest and straight forward. The stories about the Kennedys, the mob, the women, and oh yeah, the music are all here. The book is written in a style not unlike the boys--kind of all over the place, but it gets it right when the spotlight is on. It treats the subjects, all, with some degree with sympathy--with Peter and Sammy emerging with a great deal of sadness. A worthwhile and at times absorbing read. Levy is much less confident when he talks about the music--and is better when he deals with the stories. I enjoyed the last few chapters which deal with his analysis of the end. A well thought out thesis and about the last great American party. Well worth the 15 bucks.

Gracefully Written, Wonderful Job
I've read a buncha stuff on this subject, and I really admire Levy's book. He's an excellent writer, and has done a great job of distilling a mountain of material into a meaningful and enjoyable read. His portraits of the individual Rat Packers are insightful and empathic, and I think he hits a perfect happy medium -- he neither tries to inflate the importance material nor turn the book into a sordid exercise in scandal-mongering. He also makes a wise choice on the level of detail -- enough, but not too much.

Anything that reads this easily must have been a bear and a half to write.

"Rat Pack Confidential" also paints a useful broad picture of various aspects of the history of popular entertainment, politics and organized crime in mid-Century America.

Nice job, Mr. Levy, and best o' luck in the future!

Better than I expected
I really enjoyed this book, much more than I anticipated. Mr. Levy admits upfront that it is a compilation of other books brought together in one place. His writing style is smooth and effortless, making for a fast read, but you get inside the group and the time really effectively. I knew quite a bit going into the book, but I learned much more, particularly about Sammy and Joey. I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of any of these dudes, or to those who are only curious.

perhaps the Ratpack just weren't as fascinating as they woul
The start of this book was not promising - the brief introductions to the members of the Ratpack - Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop - with writing that felt contrived: trying a bit too hard to be edgy and hip. But as the book progresses it improves (or perhaps this reader just got used to it).

In telling the story of a group of entertainers, it inevitably ends up focusing on the most successful - in this case Frank. We learn a lot about his connections to the mob, and the Kennedys, but relatively little about his personal and family life. The other characters are mainly painted in regards to their relations to Frank, and therefore they come across as bit players supporting a single star - perhaps they were.

I learned a lot id dint' previously know - such as Sinatra's relationship with the Kennedys. But ultimately I felt this book was a bit shallow - perhaps the Ratpack just weren't as fascinating as they would have liked to think they were.

Rat Pack
I read this book after seeing the HBO movie 'The Rat Pack'. The characters in the movie fascinated me, and, knowing little about Frank, Dean, Sammy, Peter, or Joey, I decided to read this book. It was a wise decision. Levy's writing style, while not particularly original, was fitting, and reflected the hip, laid back attitude of his subjects. Of course the parts about Sinatra were good, Dean Martin seems to be as big of a mystery to Levy as he was to everyone else, and Sammy Davis Jr. comes off as he probably should have: the most talented entertainer in a group of talented entertainers. As for the minor members, Peter Lawford is just pathetic, and seems to use and get used by everyone, and Joey Bishop, an overlooked character in the movie, is the glue that holds them all together. This is a wonderful book the truly captures the personality of a bygone era. ... Read more

Book Description

An American Icon Under Government Surveillance

When Frank Sinatra died in 1998, he was one of the most chronicled celebrities ever, but the most unusual record of his life came to light only posthumously: a 1,275-page dossier recording decades of FBI surveillance stemming from J. Edgar Hoover's belief that Sinatra had mob or Communist ties. This shadow biography, with information never before presented in book form, details:
Hoover's search through Sinatra's past to see if he got a bogus medical deferment from military service, ultimately yielding the simple fact that Sinatra really had suffered a perforated eardrum as a youthThe FBI's previously unreported cooperation with journalists looking for dirt on Sinatra, including one who had recently been punched out by the singerNumerous instances of the star's carousing and intemperate behavior -- including a detailed report alleging that he rampaged through a Las Vegas hotel after he and his wife Mia Farrow lost small fortunes gamblingThe mob's attempts to curry favor with John F. Kennedy through Sinatra -- and its anger when Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy turned up the heat.
This fascinating record of governmental scrutiny will captivate every Sinatra fan, as well as anyone who wants to understand the second half of the American century -- the Cold War, popular culture, the cult of celebrity, Camelot, and the FBI's mania for investigating American citizens -- all personified by the most dominant entertainer of the era. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A dull read of dull documents with little background given
The rare cover photo and sexy title are the best things about this book. It is a VERY dull read. There is nothing shocking here for any serious fans that would actually buy this book. To Summarize: No, there is no evidence that the mafia influenced Frank getting his breakthrough role in "From Here to Eternity," no, there is no evidence that Frank was a member of the communist party, yes, there is some evidence that Frank had some casual contact with members of organized crime (as has EVERY major Hollywood star), yes, Frank and Kennedy partied together. This book is more of an indictment of Hoover's heavy-handedness as head of the FBI. They just kept digging and digging on Frank, but really found virtually nothing. The biggest things they had on him was that he was arrested when he was 22 for having an affair with a married woman, that he initally told the draft board that he was in perfect health and later pointed out that he had a perforated eardrum (verified as true) and a neurosis about being in crowds (unlikely, but unverified as true or false), and that he fibbed about whether Chicago organized crime figure Sam Giancanna was at a show that Sinatra was also at in Atlantic City. BIG DEAL! The lack of dirt here proves what I always suspected, that Frank Sinatra was merely a vicitm of b.s. tabloids and a paranoid Cold-War government. The "Sinatra Files" reveal that Frank was actually a very stand-up guy and great American citizen.

For Sinatraphiles only
This book is based on a very interesting premise, Frank Sinatra's FBI files. Unfortunately, it is difficult to convert all the information kept on Sinatra into a readable book. Thus, this book is not one you will sit down with on a Sunday afternoon and read. Its really more of a "browser" book. If you are looking for specific information (Frank's mob connections, relationship with JFK, etc.) then it is an excellent resource. Its by no means a biography.

I feel that the book is for serious Sinatraphiles like myself. If you have just a passing interest in Sinatra, I'd recommend a biography or something along the lines of "The Way You Wear Your Hat" by Bill Zehme. However, if you've devoured book after book on Sinatra and still want more, this will be a valuable addition to your library.

Frank Sinatra: America's Most 'Wanted'
Who else but Frank Sinatra could be accused of being a communist and a mafioso at the same time?

"The Sinatra Files," edited by Tom and Phil Kuntz, is a treasure trove for those of us who are fascinated by the fact the FBI kept Sinatra under surveillance for almost five decades, but who were reluctant to sift through the 1275 pages of raw data available on the net since late 1998.

"The Sinatra Files" neatly collects the FBI data into an extremely readible text beginning in the 40's with an erroneous report that Sinatra paid $40,000 for his 4-F draft status, through the early 80's when he was successful in efforts to get his Nevada Gaming license renewed.

Does "The Sinatra Files" reveal anything new?

Sort of.

Sinatra told the draft board in addition to a punctured eardrum, he also had a fear of crowds and elevators....

In the early 50's when rumors spread through the FBI's halowed halls that Sinatra had Communist affiliations, Frank offered to go undercover to weed out subversives in Hollywood (Frank Sinatra as Herbert Philbrick? Give us a break!)

"The Sinatra Files" is worth reading not only for Sinatraphiles who are fascinated with the famous "dark side" of America's finest popular singer, but with the Cold War hysteria that gripped the nation for three decades. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Some good stories and then there's Nancy's babbling...
I liked the stories about Frank Sinatra told in this book.Any story or interview about him fascinates me, so that's an easy accomplishment. It was nice to hear stories about him from his daughter's POV. But please, spare me the talk of your own career. Write your own biography if you want to talk about that. Also, you can just so tell LOVES the fact that she is Frank Sinatra's daughter. Innumerable references to him as "Daddy" well into adulthood - who calls their Dad "Daddy" after the age of 10?Even in her speeches of today, she calls him that. OK. We get it. You're his daughter.Whoop dee doo.Get over yourself.Otherwise, this book is an interesting read and you learn a little more about the greatest singer that has ever graced the globe.

Too Sweet to be wholesome.
The photographs are fab,then you start to read ,and a little voice says wait a minute,espically as ive just finised his way by kitty kelley,i know he is dad ,and she's his little chicken,but how anyone in there right mind would fill a book cover to cover with such sugar sweet garbage,as this is beyond me,unless of course your ego and arrogance is higher than everest,now where would she have got that from,her explaining away the acts of voilence and cruelty,of one of the most feard performers to ever tread the boards,are airily brushed away with "hell get mad,and youll get mad",but if you face him them all will be well, ah shucks ,that is if your head is still on your shoulders,here and there,the veneer seems to slip,such as when descriping Richard Burtons,tribute to sinatra,at a luncheon in sinatras honour.She commends burtons tribute,then icily adds his words were by someone else, burtons diaries (Rich a life)leave no illusions of he really thought of sinatra,somehow i get the feeling this didnt escape her,its these little cracks in the facade, that show the true nancy, like father like daughter,sorry honey you dont fool me for one minute, little chicken,little vulture,more like it.

Too Sweet to be wholesome.
The photographs are fab,then you start to read ,and a little voice says wait a minute,espically as ive just finised his way by kitty kelley,i know he is dad ,and she's his little chicken,but how anyone in there right mind would fill a book cover to cover with such sugar sweet garbage,as this is beyond me,unless of course your ego and arrogance is higher than everest,now where would she have got that from,her explaining away the acts of voilence and cruelty,of one of the most feard performers to ever tread the boards,are airily brushed away with "hell get mad,and youll get mad",but if you face him them all will be well, ah shucks ,that is if your head is still on your shoulders,here and there,the veneer seems to slip,such as when descriping Richard Burtons,tribute to sinatra,at a luncheon in sinatras honour.She commends burtons tribute,then icily adds his words were by someone else, burtons diaries (Rich a life)leave no illusions of he really thought of sinatra,somehow i get the feeling this didnt escape her,its these little cracks in the facade, that show the true nancy, like father like daughter,sorry honey you dont fool me for one minute, little chicken,little vulture,more like it.

Too Sweet to be wholesome.
The photographs are fab,then you start to read ,and a little voice says wait a minute,espically as ive just finised his way by kitty kelley,i know he is dad ,and she's his little chicken,but how anyone in there right mind would fill a book cover to cover with such sugar sweet garbage,as this is beyond me,unless of course your ego and arrogance is higher than everest,now where would she have got that from,her explaining away the acts of voilence and cruelty,of one of the most feard performers to ever tread the boards,are airily brushed away with "hell get mad,and youll get mad",but if you face him them all will be well, ah shucks ,that is if your head is still on your shoulders,here and there,the veneer seems to slip,such as when descriping Richard Burtons,tribute to sinatra,at a luncheon in sinatras honour.She commends burtons tribute,then icily adds his words were by someone else, burtons diaries (Rich a life)leave no illusions of he really thought of sinatra,somehow i get the feeling this didnt escape her,its these little cracks in the facade, that show the true nancy, like father like daughter,sorry honey you dont fool me for one minute, little chicken,little vulture,more like it.

Glossy, but some interesting details
Unlike the recent book by Tina Sinatra (which I give five-stars) this book softsells any of FAS's well known liabilities.Nonetheless, it does contain some interesting details about his life.My one complaint is that Nancy Sinatra's other book "Frank Sinatra, American Legend" seems to be indistiguishable from this one, and indeed contains 80% of the same material yet was not published as a revision.This, earlier version is better in my mind because of her notes about each of his movies and albums at the end of the book.That material is missing in the American Legend version.Given her softsell, I do have to wonder what Nancy has to say about her sisters more forthright approach to their father's story. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

The worst book I have ever read
Randy Taraborrelli is the first person who has ever written a book about Frank Sinatra which didn't make the best seller lists. And no wonder. His style is so leaden, so thick-wristed,so dull-witted that the only use one can make of this book is in the proverbial smallest room of the house. The publisher would have done us all a favor to have printed it on softer paper. Taraborrelli's use of prose is so unelegant that I actually tried returning the book to the store from which it was bought. The store clerk refused to take it on the grounds that the book stank up his store. Taraborrelli is living proof that even a moron can get published.

5 STARS * * * * *
Let me tell you, THIS BOOK IS AMAZING. This biography is one of the most respectful, carefully written *TELL ALL* books I've ever read. This book tells you soooooo much info on Frank, it's unbelievable! It's almost as if you're standing in the studio with him, or in the middle of one of his notorious fights w/ Ava Gardner. You feel like you're RIGHT THERE. I thought I knew a lot about Mr. Sinatra, but I was proven wrong. Randy Taraborrelli (the author) gave it to you straight; he threw the whole story at you, but unlike a LOT of other books, he supplied proof to back it up. He interviewed many of Sinatra's old friends from his neighborhood in Hoboken, as well as fellow actors and musicians who knew Sinatra best. On top of all of that, there are 2 sections of black and white pictures and 1 color section. To sum things up...the author obviously had respect and admiration for Frank Sinatra, but he didn't hold back Frank's bad qualities...he let them all come out, all the while praising, respecting, and keeping Ol' Blue Eyes' memory alive!!!! A+

silly, error-ridden, survey of Sinatra's romantic life
This is one of the most disappointing biographies I have ever
read. More than thirty years ago I read Arnold Shaw's
impressive biography of Sinatra which nicely blended his
many professional achievements with the challenges of his
private life.

I hoped that Taraborrelli, with this book, would build on
Shaw's work, but instead he chooses to focus almost entirely
on Sinatra's private life, protraying him as an angry
twerp. He says little about Sinatra's singing or his
acting or his skills as a businessman (no details at all on
Sinatra's founding of Reprise Records!).

Oddly, when Taraborrelli does have anything to say about
a Sinatra record, he breaks into his own narrative and offers
comments that suggest that he has no idea what Sinatra is
about, briefly praising virtually everything Sinatra recorded, and then very quickly returning to a sordid, boring narrative.

To emphasize an artist's personal life to the almost complete
exclusion of the professional is a disservice to the subject
and reader--imagine a biography of Hemingway or Picasso that
only talks about their romances, ignoring their books and
paintings.

Although this book is graced by a handsome cover photo of
Sinatra, that is pretty much the only thing good about it.
In this case, the reader should very much not judge the book
by its cover!

Good Book for F. Sinatra Info.
I am 75% through this book and so far it has been a wealth of knowledge. I can't say that it is all fact because each story carries testimonies from different people. However the book gives youa good idea on the type of man he was. His greatness and his faults.

Alright book, but too sleezy!
The book is written well. Its full of nice photos. However, there is far too much curse words, and attention on his sexual life, thus making the book into a 500+ page tabloid! Sinatra is a man of music, but lets not forget he was a brilliant actor as well. The book hardly focuses on that aspect of his career (the films) Instead, the author devotes much of his energy focusing into Franks love life, which I don't think should be looked too deeply. Why, because you or anybody else (including the author) would want his/her love life on the spotlight. The book would have been alot better if the author devoted his energy on taking out the sleezy jazz, and concentrate more on his films. ... Read more

Book Description

Sinatra: A Tribute is an all-encompassing aural portrait of Francis Albert Sinatra's life, from the beginning of his career to his death.A performer of international renown, Frank Sinatra was one of the most potent figures of popular culture, changing the face of music history and defining style for years to come.

Sinatra: A Tribute includes:

Book Description

Among the recent books about frank sinatra, many critics picked this as the best-now in paperback. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Book of a Frank Sinatra Slave
When I read this book I felt like I was reading a tex book. The only important things in the book, and the majority of it, were names and dates. Throughout the whole book - constantly.He also worships Sinatra. Anyfault of Franks was obviously forced upon him, according to the author. Ohand most importantly, "Sinatra is God."

Amateurish trifle
Mr. Clarke's "book" is really more of an extended ( and poorly written ) magazine essay. However, I'm not sure what magazine would publish it ( surely not the NEW YORKER or DOWN BEAT ). Clarke never sheds any lighton Sinatra's upbringing, personality or musicianship. Not for a moment doyou feel either the man or his music come to life. There are literallydozens of examples of his amateurish writing; in one amazingly idioticpassage ( page 132, 3rd paragraph ) he states that the title of Sinatra'sfamous album "SONGS FOR SWINGIN' LOVERS" has become "mildlyirritating" (!). He goes on a moment later to ask whether"swinging" was a euphemism for suburban wife swapping (!!). Noone should shell out $$ for this type of drivel. By the way, Mr. Clarke,if you're amusing yourself by reading this review in between writing your"books"; I DIDN'T buy it ( thank God I merely checked it out ofthe library! ). To concur with some of the other reviewers: regarding themusic, try Will Friedwald's "THE SONG IS YOU; A SINGER'S ART" orCharles Granata's upcoming "SESSIONS WITH SINATRA". For anextremely well-balanced, thorough account of Mr. Sinatra's life, try RandyTaraborelli's "SINATRA: A COMPLETE LIFE". For a short butpoignant essay, try Pete Hamill's "WHY SINATRA MATTERS". For afamous account of Sinatra c.1966, try Gay Talese's essay entitled"FRANK SINATRA HAS A COLD" ( available in the FRANK SINATRAREADER ). Other short but informative passages on Sinatra have been writtenby Shirley MacLaine and Mia Farrow ( I forget the exact titles of theirbooks ). As far as Clarke's volume is concerned, it only ranks slightlyabove Kitty Kelley's stinker; in other words, it deserves a spot deep inthe bowels of Dante's inferno.

A third-rate book written by a second-rate writer
You get the feeling reading this book that Donald Clarke sees himself as a far more noble and heroic character than some mere mortal like Frank Sinatra. Clarke has taken self-righteousness and developed it into something approaching an art form. A waste of time, a waste of money, awaste of paper, glue, ink, and whatever else was needed to print this"biography". By the way, give the word "biography" theloosest interpretation possible. Donald Clarke has even less of a clue asto what the word "biograpy" means and his book is the bestevidence to support my thesis.

Don't Pay Cash For Trash!
There isn't a single word in this book that's worth the time it takes to read it. The reader below who claims that "five stars isn't enough" is either related to Donald Clarke or else he's an employee of the publishing company. No book that was ever written about Frank Sinatra(including Kitty Kelley's) is more deserving of going out of print. Let'sall hope that it happens sooner rather than later. It's Mr. Clarke himselfwho apparently doesn't know the meaning of the word "biography".I suggest he try reading anything written by Peter Guralnick to see howit's done.

The Australian Guy Was Right On The Money!
This book is even WORSE than the guy in Melbourne says it is! Just check out the review at the top from "Entertainment Weekly". "Tedious rehashing...maladroit musical commentary...". I wonderwhy the author neglected to mention those reviews? For you Sinatra fans outthere, Charles Granata will be releasing a book soon that will make youforget about having anything to do with this one. Also try "WhySinatra Matters" by Pete Hamill. It's a small and very short book butthere's better writing in one paragraph than Donald Clarke has in hisentire book. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

The life of Frank Sinatra told in pictures and captions
"Sinatra: A Life in Pictures" is an oversized book by Tim Frew that collects more than 120 photographs from Sinatra's career in both music and movies, along with the personal life that made headlines because of romances with Ava Gardner and Mia Farrow.Frew declares Frank Sinatra to be one of the 20th century's most vibrant entertainers and is hard to argue with that claim when you look at a career that spanned more than six decades in music, film, and television.In his introduction Frew sums up the legendary entertainer's career, from his early idolization of Bing Crosby to his first performance on the stage of the Paramount Theater in New York City.Chapters are organized around the idea that Sinatra was able to reinvent himself to change with the times, moving from being the lead singer in several big bands to his solo career and his most memorable film roles.Sinatra's many love affairs and marriages are also covered, along with his longstanding friendships with his "Rat Pack" buddies and others.

Frew provides detailed, informative captions for the photographs, often supplying choice quotations from the people pictures with Sinatra (e.g., daughter Nancy and singer Rosemary Clooney in the pair of photos on p. 50).When Frew can note that Sinatra received his first film kisses from Gloria DeHaven and Anne Jeffreys in the 1944 musical "Step Lively" and add that Sinatra wanted to play the part that went to Paul Newman in "The Verdict" then you have to be convinced he knows the man, his music and more.When you consider that Frew tells the story of Sinatra's career entirely through these pictures and captions you have to be impressed with how substantial the end result.The book ends with a complete filmography and extensive discography.The book is geared more towards the true Sinatra fan versus less ardent admirers, who might not get all of the references. ... Read more

Book Description

The first objective biogrphy of Frank Sinatra since Kitty Kelley's opus - an entirely new assessment of the most important figure in 20th century entertainment. This book discusses Sinatra the performer, the singer and the actor and the life which has made him the most enduring and successful of the Hollywood artists. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Pretty Awful
Though this book highlights some enlightening details about Frank Sinatra's life, much of it is shoddy hackwork. The reader learns the true story of how Sinatra freed himself from the talons of Tommy Dorsey. The reader learns of the strong influence of Sinatra's mother, Dolly, on his life. Dolly's own life as a Hoboken ward leader and her barely mentioned extraciricular activity as town abortionist fascinates. The friendship of Dolly and Ava Gardner, both foul-mouthed and proud of it, also fascinates. Ditto, the true story of how Sinatra resurrected his failing career by landing his role in "From Here to Eternity". Yet much is left out in this biography. The author seems to have gathered as much material as he could be bothered with and just slapped it together at breakneck speed in a book. It seems to be a specialty of Mr. Freedland's. More time is spent on Sinatra and Joe DiMaggio's "raid" on an apartment Marilyn Monroe was allegedly staying than Sinatra's relationships with Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr.. The Rat Pack is glossed over; more time is spent on detailing Lauren Bacall's role in the original Bogart Rat Pack than in Martin and Davis's roles in the Rat Pack that most Americans are familiar with today. Much time is wasted on Sinatra's philosophical views on life, some of which seem to probably have been press releases written by his publicist. The author often doesn't put two and two together. Though Sinatra had great talent as an actor and played some fine roles, his career fizzled by the mid-sixties. Mr. Freedland mentions that Sinatra refused to do second takes but fails to understand that few directors would go out of their way to hire actors who refused to do second takes. Sinatra undercut his own film career. The bio is also very flighty. For instance, the author mentions a benefit concert Sinatra gave in New York which was attended by Jackie Kennedy Onassis at which she wore some sort of head band. Mr. Freedland informs us that the sort of head band used by Mrs. Onassis at the concert was sold out of New York stores within 24 hours as if that was pertinant information. The Jackie Onassis tidbit is indicative of Mr. Freedland's writing style. All in all, All the Way is useful in its way yet disappointing and borderline awful.

What a Bore.
I've read many Sinatra biographies and this is by far the least interesting and most pretentious. Michael Freedland's self-imporatnce oozes from within the lines; his claim that some of the stories are told here for the first time have no interesting payoff whatsoever for Sinatra fans. This is more like reading a book by Robin Leach and the "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous." I think we need to ask the Brits to stick to their side of the Atlantic if they can't do any better than this.

Somewhat negative slant of Sinatra's extraordinary life.
Michael Freedland's British background is too apparent for American readers. His English spellings are bothersome and frequent grammatic uses of "were" instead of "was" get in the way of what otherwise would be a facinating story of one of American music's top performers. The editors failed to catch misspellings of Tiajuana, Mexico. Freedland bashes Sinatra's parents unnecessarily and takes too much credit for "publishing for the first time" anncedotes that may be moderately interesting. This book comes across as an episode of "Lives of the Rich and Famous" with an English accent. Freedland collected notes over a period of years and the book often reads like a collection of them.

Luke warm review of Frank's life by a Brittish writer.
Michael Freedland's editor did not change the spelling or grammar for the American audience and I found it laborious to "read" around the frequent s for z swap. Our Americanized version of English probably puts the Britts off when we say "the band was" instead of "the band were." But frequent plurals where it would be more familiar in singular form were also a distraction. Mr. Freedland says in his forward that he collected notes over a period of years and then wrote the book. Sometimes it reads that way. Freedland bashes the early Sinatra years and makes Frank's mother seem very overbearing. Maybe she was but this autobiography is not very kind to either of his parents. Frank Sinatra's life was threaded with attacks from the press, some deserved, no doubt. Mr. Freedland seems to enjoy twisting Frank in the breeze and comes across as one of those media hacks who saw a chance to make a name by bad mouthing an enormous star. I was often bored! by the author's dry storytelling. As interesting a person Frank Sinatra was, it's incredible that an autobiography could be such a bowser. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Quickly put together
I believe this to be one of the countless books haphazardly thrown together following Frank Sinatra's death. There are numerous factual errors that show the author did not take the time to thoroughly research her subject. However, the text is not the main focus of this book. It relies heavily on pictures and for that reason I gave it 2 stars. There are some very nice pictures if you're looking for that, but if you want a more substantial biography then I suggest looking elsewhere. ... Read more