Reviews (7)

I love Ali and her book!
I read with great interest Ali's book over the last 2 days. It seemed to be geared alot toward a younger reader but I enjoyed it very much too (I'm 28!). This is a great book for girls who are struggling with their body image and peer pressures to look and act a certain way.

I especially loved her recount of her time on Fear Factor. That was such a great episode and I'm just sorry that silly Baldwin ;) won instead of her!

The backstage at Days info was really fun and as a fan of the show all my life (my mom got me hooked before I could even read!) It was great to read how family oriented the cast and crew are. Ali has many wonderful things to say about her mentor and TV mom, Deidre Hall. These 2 women make Days a great show with their talent and off screen personality and love of their fans and their dedication to their art.

Hope you all enjoy the book as much as I did!

you need to read this book
i love this book. i just got it last night and i am alredy on the 4th chapter of the book. i can not put it down. it is such a woderful book. i love to hear about how her aditions whent. i am so glad that she wrote this book. i love ali so very much. i am such a big fan of her's. if you like days of our lives you need to read this book. you will love it.

I met Ali, and LOVE her book!
I was able to attend Ali's book signing tour in New Jersey last week. She signed my copy of her book, and I loved meeting her. The book was great - I read several chapters while I waited in line to get the autograph, and the rest in two days.
I have always been a fan of Ali Sweeney and Days of Our LIves, so this book was perfect. I really loved reading about her childhood, and about her years on Days. I highly recommend this book to Days fans, and anyone who appreciates a good role model.

Such a help!
This is such a good and helpful book. I bought it for my teenage daughter who is feeling a little picked on and insecure in school recently, and I swear she hasn't put it down. I had to stop her in between chapters to ask if it was good, and all she could say was "wow, I didn't think a star like her would feel the same way as me!" Thanks Ali, for sharing your life and helping others.

A Fun, Fast Read!
I got this book and finished it all in the same weekend! If you like Hollywood stories, tales of teenage angst and an all around fun, fast read with some morals and lessons thrown in, this book is for you! Ali tells the story of her life growing up on Days of Our Lives, funny memories about shooting episodes and the trials and tribulations that made her who she is today. She talks about high-school, dating, meeting and marrying her husband and much more. Trust me, this is a great read. ... Read more

Book Description

He's wrestled under many names, "Stunning" Steve Austin™, The Ringmaster, he even wrestled for a time under his own name, Steve Williams. But to fans he is and will always be Stone Cold Steve Austin™. The wrestler with the f-u attitude, the working-class guy who stood up his boss, a multimillionaire, and told him where he could put it. His quick wit and colorful use of language combined with his everyman character captured the hearts of fans worldwide and rewrote the dynamics of professional wrestling forever.

Steve grew up in a small town in Texas, one of four boys, who were fondly called by their parents the "Williams gang." Always a fan of wrestling, Steve seized the chance to study wrestling at a school in Dallas. His ability to take the bumps and hard falls required by his new profession, and his never-say-die attitude, connected him with the fans and his fellow wrestlers. His capricious firing by the WCW™, World Championship Wrestling®, lead to his being hired by World Wrestling Entertainment™.

However, it was Steve's own ability inside the ring and his quick-witted responses that led to his becoming one of the most popular WWE Superstars™ of all time. With the creation of the Stone Cold character, Steve's popularity expanded exponentially. It seemed nothing could stop the Texas Rattlesnake, except himself. In 2001 Steve's life seemed to spiral out of control and he walked away from it all. Now, with his triumphant return to the world of professional wrestling, he is finally ready to tell his story, his way.

The Stone Cold Truth is an unvarnished take on his life, his loves, and his days as a wrestler told in a way that only he could, and you know it's the truth " 'cause Stone Cold says so!" ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Here's cheers to the man that drinks beers
A top read for any Stone Cold fan! He goes through moments in his life, nothing in great detail but definatly picks out little pieces that were obviously important to him. it's pretty quick to get to him getting a start in wrestling. Probably not getting enough perspective from his parents and what they thought (they had editorial pieces during the book along with Jim "J.R." Ross). He probably doesn't say enough about his WCW days, and that might be because he truely doesn't want to remember them to much. It's enough to let us know what's happening but really, most of that and the ECW stuff is covered in the DVD (which I saw before reading the book).

What I was mostly interested in was why he left WWE which, although might be true, kinda left me thinking "is that it?" It's a fair enough excuse but I get the feeling it might have been a little sugar coated. Not much but a little.

It is a good read! And all wrestling fans will enjoy it. Others might not quite get into it but that's the audience. It's a wrestling biography. It's dominated by wrestling stuff.

Maybe Not Perfect But Still Satisfies
All Austin fans will love the Stone Cold Truth. For all his fans, they will get to know everything about Austin they did not know. Any wrestling fan in general should like the book as well, since it has more than enough information to satisfy the reader. I do have to say they really could have been more, but the bottom line is information wise it gets the job done. I thought maybe Austin should have commented more on the people who had had such a great impact on his life. Also some chapters in general are bit short such has the WCW section which, could have been longer since Austin made his debut as a well known profesionally wrester in WCW. Th book in general follows all previous wrestler bios with 300 plus pages broken down to plenty of chapters. Even though Austin did not write evry single bit of the book, the majority is Austin's words. I would have to give it 4 and a half stars, maybe not perfect but still satisfies.

Very enjoyable for the most part
What a great read. This book was very interesting, altough some parts were a liitle too brief there is certainly more than enough information on the life of on of the greatest Wrestling stars and maybe even the best superstar in the wrestling bussiness. Peronally, I really enjoyed reading the whole story invoving Owen Hart. The whole story of him breifly leaving the company was also ver interesting. Overall, thereis plenty of information for any fan to enjoy this autobiography of Stone Cold Steve Austin.

a typical WWE biography, but we get a sense of the man
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin is, arguably, one of the most popular professional wrestlers of all time. Without question, he is one of the most successful in the World Wrestling Federation (currently World Wrestling Entertainment). He has sold more merchandise and sold out more arenas than any other WWF/E superstar with the possible exception of Hulk Hogan. He was that big. "The Stone Cold Truth" is his story, told in his own words (or at least in his own voice).

Steve Williams takes the reader on the journey of his life, through his days playing high school football in Texas, through college and into his first days as a professional wrestler. Steve tells the reader, in general terms, what he was thinking and feeling and why he made the decisions he did in his life. We follow Steve through the indy wrestling feds, through WCW, ECW and finally the WWF. What is valuable and interesting in this book, other than the easy tone the book takes, is that we get Steve's side of the story in why/how he left WCW, and the story of why he walked out of the WWF following Wrestlemania 18. We also get his side of the story and his thoughts about having his neck broken in a match against Owen Hart.

Every wrestling biography inevitably gets compared to Mick Foley's book, and in comparison, this one does not have the level of detail that Foley provided. It is a typical WWE autobiography in that there are short, fast moving chapters that give us a sense of who Steve Williams is a person, but not quite giving us the full details (without the glitz) that you might find elsewhere. Nonetheless, I did get the feeling that Steve was being honest in the details that he provided, and that this is the way that he sees things about his life and career. This may not be the best wrestling book out on the market, but it's a pretty good one and entertaining.

Jim Ross ruins this book
I was under the impression this was supposed to be Steve Austin's autobiography, but I was wrong. What it turns out to be be is part Austin's book and part some fat man with one eye crying about people he doesn't like. Ross makes many tasteless comments that should not have been printed. Most have nothing to do with Austin or his career. It just has to do with many personal vendettas of this mutant. This was unnecessary and Ross should have just wrote the preface like normal people do. He totally butchered and destroyed the book and this will turn off the reader. Its a shame because Austin was very honest bu ti ti is overshadowed by Ross's crying. ... Read more

Book Description

After thirty years together, Cokie and Steve Roberts know something about marriage and after thirty distinguished years in journalism, they know how to write about it.  In From This Day Forward, Cokie and Steve weave their personal stories of matrimony into a wider reflection on the state of marriage in American today.

Here they write with the same conversational style that catapulted Cokie's We Are Our Mother's Daughters to the top of the New York Times bestseller list.  They ruminate on their early worries about their different faiths -- she's Catholic, he's Jewish -- and describe their wedding day at Cokie's childhood home.  They discuss the struggle to balance careers and parenthood, and how they compromise when they disagree.  They also tell the stories of other American marriages: that of John and Abigail Adams, and those pioneers, slaves and immigrants.  They offer stories of broken marriages as well, of contemporary families living through the "divorce revolution".  Taken together, these tales reveal the special nature of the wedding bond in America.  Wise and funny, this book is more than an endearing chronicle of a loving marriage -- it is a story of all husbands and wives, and how they support and strengthen each other.

Reviews (27)

REMARKABLE COUPLE/REMARKABLE STORY
I received this book as a birthday gift yesterday - simply could not put it down. Possibly this results from my having followed these two people for many years (am a bit of a "political person"); but the thrust of the story is about kindness, friendship, honoring one's values and family, and, particularly, humor as an integral part of life! It certainly is not easy to combine marriage, family and work; the Roberts family appears to have made a blend of these an asset to all instead of a burden to any. Having lost the "other half" of my marriage a few years ago, the book only increased the joy in remembering the past and the special friendship (which is, after all, the basis of any good marriage). I do hope Cokie and Steve will consider a sequel: perhaps, as Tom Brokaw's book, "The Greatest Generation", engendered so many responses, this one will do the same. There must be many others "out there" who genuinely enjoy a love story which carries so many good lessons about life and commitment in our society. A must read for any considering marriage (still a great institution).

There is hope for marriage today.
After reading "From This Day Forward" I wanted to learn more about American marriages like John and Abigail Adams. I also developed a renewed hope that interfaith marriages can and do work after reading how Cokie and Steve's worked so beautifully.

I found the book very easy to read and enjoyed the way they interspersed their own personal stories with marriage stories from American history. Of particular interest were the stories about slave marriages. It is unbelievable what sacrifices were made for the hope of sharing one's life with another.

Although my parents have remained married for over 35 years, I have many friends from divorced or blended families and it was fascinating to see a common thread through so many of the stories.

Having always seen Cokie and Steve in a professional setting, it was wonderful and refreshing to realize that they are as down to earth as anyone else I know. The personal stories that they share give you a real insight into their marriage and lives. Thank you Cokie and Steve.

I look forward to reading another book by Cokie and Steve very soon.

It takes a narcissist
It takes a narcissist of tremendous proportions to foist this scrapbook off on an unsuspecting public. On the plus side, Cokie Roberts does more than her usual cut and paste from the work of others in From This Day Forward. When not pulling from the work of others, Cokie (and the compliant Steve) offer up tidbits that are supposed to inform the reader how s/he too can have a great marriage.
Apparently the basic rule for a successful marriage is to live in your own little world the way kooky Cokie does. I doubt she realizes how racist she comes off in parts of the book. (Yes, Cokie, condescension is a form of racism.) Or how laughable most will find her book. Reading of the great "trauma" of her life, you realize this is someone who hasn't experienced many character building moments in her life. The great "trauma"? Learning that her new employer wouldn't provide a limo and that Cokie would have to take taxis around NYC. Oh, the horror! Oh, the shame! How did Cokie ever survive?
(Had she been told to take the subway, one gets the impression Roberts would have called it quits right then.)
A vapid celebration of what appears to be a vapid marriage isn't necessarily shocking -- what's shocking is that Cokie (and husband Steve) put their names to it. Had a child offered this slight volume as a souvenir to a wedding anniversary, we all would have "oooh"ed and "aaaawe"d over it. But for grownups to write such a book about themselves is the height of narcissism.
The book works best as anthropological study of When Gigantic Egos Mate.

A Wonderful Read
I always loved Cokie Roberts on TV and when I saw this book, I figured it would be fun to read about her marriage to Steve Roberts. I recommend this book highly to everyone thinking of marriage especially.

From the beginning I was drawn into this couple's world and liked the way they each expressed themselves in separate chapters. I found the entire book exciting, informative, inspiring, and so thankful that they took time to write about their unique marriage and how they make it work.

This is a refreshing book. A rare book about how a marriage can work. I've been married for fifty years and I know this couple will celebrate gold as well. Lots of love and best wishes to Cokie and Steve and thanks for sharing your busy happy loving life with us.

You'll be glad you read this book too.

Fun, light, cheery...
I picked up this book for $5 at Borders, mainly because I enjoy listening to Cokie Roberts on NPR. I was curious to get to know her a little better.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. She and Steve take turns writing, as if they're dialoguing back and forth. I appreciated their commitment to their marriage in a day when it's not all that popular to stay married to the same person.

I also enjoyed the glimpses into slave marriages and Old West marriages. I'm glad I picked up this book. It was a pleasant read for sure. ... Read more

Book Description

"I had wanted to wrap this book up in a neat little package. I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned the hard way that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end."

The world fondly remembers the many faces of Gilda Radner: the adamant but misinformed Emily Litella; the hyperkinetic Girl Scout Judy Miller; the irrepressibly nerdy Lisa Loopner; the gross-out queen of local network news, Rosanne Rosannadanna. A supremely funny performer, Gilda lost a long and painful struggle in May 1989 to "the most unfunny thing in the world"--cancer. But the face she showed the world during this dark time was one of great courage and hope. It's Always Something is the story of her struggle told in Gilda's own remarkable words--a personal chronicle of strength and indomitable spirit and love undiminished by the cruel ravages of disease.

This is Gilda, with whom we laughed on Saturday Night Live: warm, big-hearted, outrageous, and real. This is Gilda's last gift to us: the magnificent final performance of an incomparable entertainer whose life, though tragically brief, enriched our own lives beyond measure. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

this book is heartbreaking and inspiring all at once.
it took me only one day to read this entire book. gilda was a brave and inspiring woman. god bless all who have cancer.

I truely couldn't put it down.
When I found out I had to do a project on Gilda Radner I was stunned. It was for my American history class. I had never been a huge Gilda fan, but seen a few of her SNL skits, so I thought to myslef 'how did she change history'. I had no idea, until I read this book. Not only did Gilda change comedy forever, but she gave many cancer patients a reason to try and live. My Aunt had ovarian cancer durring the 80's, and told me that with out Gilda's advice, she would have wanted to die. Gilda wrote this book while she had cancer, what an amazing thing to do. She wrote a beautiful book that truely I wouldn't put down. I read the book 4 times, and still wanted to read it again. Gilda finds a way to tell her story as your own. She touches something from your past or future. It's such an amazing book, and i recomend it to people of all ages.

It's Always Something........Something Wonderful
On Sunday, May 21, 1989, I was dining at a favorite restaurant, poring over the front page of "The Kansas City Star." When I saw the cruel headline ("Gilda Radner Dies at 42"), my appetite vanished - and I felt as if I had lost a very close friend. Two months later, battling my own chronic illness, I was given a copy of "It's Always Something" while hospitalized with major depression. I had always loved Gilda from "SNL", but now I loved her even more.

The gifted comedienne's gripping, poignant, wrenching (and, yes, at times humorous) account of her fight with Ovarian cancer touched my heart, and I mourned her death even more fully. Ovarian cancer ended Gilda's life, but Radner's tragedy didn't begin and end there. The medical community failed Gilda. Her maligancy was not diagnosed until TEN MONTHS - that's right - nearly a near - after her symptoms began. By the time she underwent surgery in October 1986, she was at Stage IV in the illness - a time in which survival rates are distressingly low.

I'm angry. I was angry in July 1989 - and I'm still angry nearly 15 years later.

But the sorrow and regret do not mitigate the joys and beauty of Gilda's wonderful book. Her vulnerability, endearing childlike innocence, her abundant wit, her lovable nature, and her enduring kindness pervade "It's Always Something." And that's probably why I loved this book, even at the lowest point in my own life, when I was facing potential long-term hospitalization.

Luckily, I didn't have cancer, but I still relate - in spades - to Gilda's frustration with the medical establishment. I'm still fighting the condition diagnosed 15 years ago, and I still love and revere the beloved comedienne who inspired such loyalty from so many.

I adore Gilda Radner, and "It's Always Something" I'll carry in my heart.....forever.

Truly Inspiring
I have always loved Gilda Radner's sense of humor, but this book showed me there is much more to her than just her ability to make people laugh. This book was written by Gilda herself and chronicles her battle with ovarian cancer. She goes into detail about certain procedures she had done, about how she reacted when she lost her hair from chemo and about how the Wellness Community helped to keep her sane when she could no longer cope with having cancer. I had tears in my eyes thoughout the book, but I was able to smile and rejoice along with Gilda when she managed to put a positive spin on a bad situation. It doesn't matter if the reader can relate to her experiences or not. This book will touch your heart either way.

A brave woman...
I read this book during the big blackout (using my trusty booklight), and it really affected me. Such a vital, funny, and brilliant young woman who was lost to ovarian cancer much too soon. It made me laugh, cry, and all the emotions in-between. A must-read book! ... Read more

Book Description

Mick Foley is a nice man, a family man who loves amusement parks and eating ice cream in bed. So how to explain those Japanese death matches in rings with explosives, golden thumbtacks and barbed wire instead of rope? The second-degree burn tissue? And the missing ear that was ripped off during a bout-in which he kept fighting? Here is an intimate glimpse into Mick Foley's mind, his history, his work and what some might call his pathology. Now with a bonus chapter summarizing the past 15 months-from his experience as a bestselling author through his parting thoughts before his final match. A tale of blood, sweat, tears and more blood-all in his own words-straight from the twisted genius behind Cactus Jack, Dude Love, and Mankind.

Reviews (653)

Mankind's book goes behind the WWF scene
The World Wrestling Federation originally became an international phenomenon in the early to mid-eighties. Under the guidance of WWF owner Vincent K. McMahon, Jr., people like Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant became household entities, and heroes for a generation. The success of the WWF, however, can be seen in all factions of entertainment and media, and this includes the literary world.

Mick Foley is a wrestling personality who earned a reputation for doing anything it takes to give the crowd a good show. He has wrestled for over 15 years, and is most known as either Mankind or Cactus Jack, though many fans will never forget his third in-ring persona, teenage heart-throb Dude Love. It is Foley's selflessness in the ring and his complete disregard for his body that has won the respect of fans and peers alike, and in his book, Mankind: Have A Nice Day - A Tale of Blood and Sweat-Socks, Foley reflects on his 15-year career, and the rest of his life as well. What surprises many, however, is how well he is able to recollect the happenings in his life, and produce work that is both funny and touching, painful and heart-wrenching. Foley makes you laugh as much as you cringe, and cry as much as you wince.

The book begins with Foley's most painful memory, when he had his ear torn off in a match in Germany, and then goes into the beginning of his life as a Long Island native who became infatuated with wrestling on television. Wrestling was not only a hobby, it was Foley's way of bridging the gap between he and his father, and for them it became a common interest that bonded them tightly as father and son.

He then discusses his college life at SUNY Cortland, where he traveled every weekend to Pittsburgh in order to train with old-time wrestler Domenic Denucci. Foley discusses Denucci's influence on his life, as well as his keen ability to live out of his car every weekend because of his undying passion. Mick Foley wanted to be the next Superfly Jimmy Snuka, but instead of being a high-flyer he became famous for having three different personalities who never ceased to stun or entertain his fans. The culmination of his career came when he won the most coveted prize in the business, the WWF Championship, against the self-proclaimed People's Champ, The Rock.

Aside from his in-ring adventures, Foley's book delves deep into his personal life, including his love-at-first-sight relationship with his wife Colette, and the life of a wrestler behind-the-scenes. He talks candidly about many of his colleagues, from the outrageous antics of Jake-the-Snake Roberts to the failures of Ric Flair as a wrestling booker. Most importantly, however, Foley discusses the impact of the death of fellow wrestler and family man Owen Hart's on his own life, and how it made him value his wife and children more than ever before.

All in all, Have A Nice Day is a touching tale that will leave you in stitches, and make you marvel at the amount of stitches used to patch up Mick Foley's battered body. Ultimately, he shows that a professional wrestler is not just an actor who follows a script, but rather an extremely tough competitor who takes pride in entertaining millions of fans every day, and being heroes to kids worldwide. His book is a winner, for all mankind.

Foley pours his heart and soul into an incredible bio
I got this incredible book the day it was released thanks in part to the kind people at Amazon. I was so enthralled with Foleys words and thoughts that I pretty much shut out the world for the next few days until I was finished. Part of me wished I would have gone slower, so I could have savored every word. If you're a wrestling fan you absolutely have to read this book. Even if you're not a smart fan, you will walk away from "Have a Nice Day" knowing more about sports entertainment than ever before. Mick takes on a ride through his childhood and his early years on the independent circuit. He tells us of his sometimes tumoltuos tenure in WCW and of his monster success in the WWF. Mick Foley deserves every accolade given to him and more. Please read "Have a Nice Day", you will not regret it.

Have A Nice Review
The first of the WWF (now WWE) autobiographies, and still the best. Foley, unsatisfied with the way his ghost writer scripted his book initially, decided to write it himself. Certainly, Foley should be credited with trying to write alone, rather than just let his ghostwriter do the work for him, but it is a testament to Foley the man that he wants anything with his name on it to be true to himself.
Foley proves himself quite literate, despite first impression from a guy who competes in matches with barbed wire and explosives, and taking over a dozen HARD chairshots to the head at the WWF's Royal Rumble 1999 Pay-Per-View. He also comes off as having quite a good sense of hunor, not only about himself, but about the wrestling business in general.
One might also think that due to his "King of the Death Match" label that Foley might be a little arrogant, as people might think all pro wrestlers are, but Foley again proves people wrong, as he is quite humble about not only his beginnings, but also his rise to the top, becoming a WWF World Heavyweight Champion. Sure, it's not real competition, but to get the title demonstrates the company's confidence in your ability as a performer to draw crowds. Certainly everyone strives to have the confidence of their company behind them.
As Foley has stated numerous times, both in his book, and in interviews, yes, he has sustained some bodily harm in his matches. Yes, he may never be able to walk straight, or stand tall again. However, he has lived his dream. How many people can say that? As Foley himself states, the damage that has been done to him physically is a small price to pay for living out his dream.
An excellent read, wrestling fan or no.

Hard work, determination, and a bunch of "bumps"
When I first picked this book up, I thought "there is no way I'm going to read a book this long about a professional wrestler." I began reading, however, and once started I couldn't stop. This is the story of Mick Foley, better known at various stages of his career as Cactus Jack, Dude Love, and Mankind. Foley wrote the book himself, and did a spectacular job. In fact he writes much batter than most of the "ghostwriters" who pen celebrity autobiographies today. Foley has a style, in which he tells a well-crafted and compelling narrative while cracking jokes that one can't help but laugh at. This is, literally, a tale of blood, but for some reason it's a funny tale.

Behind all the glitz and glory of professional wrestling comes the sport's most unlikely hero: Mick Foley. With a less-than-stellar physique, Foley sometimes didn't have the visual appeal of other would-be wrestlers, and consequently had to work many times as hard for what he achieved. This book follows Foley during his fourteen year (I believe) career as Cactus Jack, from wrestling in small high schools to touring Africa to tangling himself in barbed-wire in Japan and earning the title "King of the Deathmatch." It also covers his stint as Dude Love in the WWE, and his most recent character, Mankind. Through it all Foley gave it his best, not being afraid to bleed even when only a few fans would see him. Foley was bruised, battered, beaten, cut open, torn up, blown up and otherwise abused during his climb to the top of the WCW, IWA, ECW, and WWE (which eventually happened in late 1998, when Foley won the world championship belt), but he gave it all for the sport he loved. Foley is an unlikely hero, but is nevertheless a good example of what hard work and determination can get you in life. After reading this book I'm compelled to agree with the masses: Foley is good.

One giant step for Mankind
Wow! This is truly an amazing book! After reading this book, I felt as if I had some sort of understanding of Mick, a seemingly peaceful man whom in his career always chose the most violent and painful path. From his misunderstood beginnings as a Long Island teen fantasizing about Jimmy Snuka, throughout his travels and travails through the outhouses of professional wrestling, to the pinnacle of his trade, the World Wrestling Federation, Mick shows all, in his own idiosyncratic way in his own painstakingly written words, what this business is all about.

If you ever wanted to understand why the millions that watch this Pop Cultural Phenomenomon unfold each and every Monday night, this is your opportunity. If you are interested in a book of inspiration, seeing a man who was told at every turn that his dream was unattainable, that he was too different, that he was not a person that would sell out arenas, overcome and succeed, this is your book. If you want to enjoy a book, have a good laugh, lose complete track of time because the book is so engrossing, this is your book. Thanks Mick, and as always, HAVE A NICE DAY! ... Read more

Book Description

The true, behind-the-scenes story of television's happiest couple, andHollywood's most tumultuous marriage.

Fifty years ago the magical union of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz enthralled American audiences who couldn't got enough of the fiery redhead or her sexy Cuban husband. But off camera the situation couldn't have been less comic, with backstage battles, oversized egos, drinking, philandering, and the demands of phenomenal success undermining what was once a storybook romance.

With exclusive access to family members (including daughter Lucie Arnaz) and rare photographs, Desilu is the first candid, inside account of a celebrated, complex, passionate, but ultimately tragic relationship -- as well as a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at Desilu Studios, the Golden Age of Television's most powerful production empire.

Reviews (24)

Intensely moving!
This ine of the best Lucy-Desi books ever written. The only book I enjoyed as much as I enjoyed this one was Lucy's own autobiography, although I have to admit this gives a lot more detail. This one of the few books written about the team that is actually accurate and correct. The only people who know what happened better are Lucy and Desi themselves. At the end of this book, I cried for hours. I cried my eyes out. It's so obvious that Lucy and Desi loved eachother to their dying days. This book will make you laugh and cry. Words cannot describe how wonderful this book is. It is so incredibly moving. It's a facinating book. I never wanted it to end. I just couldn't put it down. If you love Lucy and Desi, this is THE book to read. Desilu lets you take a peek into the minds of TV's favorite couple, the making of the world's most loved and successful TV show, and Lucy and Desi's life before and after the show and eachother. You may think you know Lucy and Desi, but you don't really know them until you read this book. Only Lucy herself gave a more accurate account of what happened, but this book gives more detail. All in all, this book is GREAT. You have to read it if you are a true Lucy and/or Desi fan.

Desi Arnaz & Lucille Ball....The Best Story Yet !
Candid account of televisions best known duo during TV's begining. A must read for any Lucy and Desi fan. Television's most beloved red head and the love her and Desi had for each other to the very end. A lot of input from those that knew them best and how Lucy a dedicated perfectionist in whatever she did to her ski accident in which she never fully recoverd to Desi's bout with alchole & cancer that would claim his life. Her marriage to producer Gary Morton and Desi Jr's bout with drugs. This book is by far the best that's been written on this great team from accounts of Studio people at Desilu Productions to people that were closet to them. Loaded with never before seen photo's including tremendous input from daughter Lucie Arnaz. Thanks for memories, Lucy and Desi! Larry Dodson

THIS IS IT--'FILMED IN HOLLYWOOD BY DESILU'!
This is the ultimate book for those who love not only Lucy but the fabled studio that did so much interesting TV. It's all here--I Love Lucy, the Specials, the Lucy Show, Star Trek, Mission Impossible, Mannix... full and never dull rundowns on the lives of Lucy and Desi and how their lives impacted television and the hundreds that worked for them. Not a love letter to either of them but not a Desilu Dearest either. This is the one you must have--this and "The Lucy Book" are essential.

This Is Really How It Was!
I was transfixed by reading the comprehensive and well documented non fiction book DESILU written by acclaimed entertainment journalist Tom Gilbert and Coyne Sanders. These authors did their extensive research and transposed their factual material into an engrossing, extremely well written and fascinating account of how one of the entertainment industry's most famous acting, creative and producing teams- Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz- created the most beloved sitcom in history I LOVE LUCY as well as a television mega-empire in the early days of the industry (long before AMERICAN IDOL and SURVIVOR became the current rage!). The book gives a detailed inside look into the dynamics of their personalities, joys and conflicts. I would recommend DESILU without hesitation to anyone interested in a) the life and career of Lucille Ball b)the life and career of Desi Arnaz c)the early days of television d)the company that created some of the most beloved televsion shows in its time and of all times. An engrossing read!

Lucy, I'm home...
This is a really nice book on the real inside story about America's favorite sitcom couple, Lucy and Desi Arnez. The authors have taken great care to present these two television icons with dignity and respect. In doing so, much of the glitz of these stars is torn away, showing two determined and driven people grasping to hold on to their marriage while making millions laugh every week on their tv show. This book takes you through the careers of Lucy and Desi and explains the complex relationship they had. Both were highly motivated to be successful and this strain on the their personal lives proved to be fatal. A great deal of background material is covered as to the "I Love Lucy" show's inception, the chemistry between all the characters such as Vivian Vance and William Frawley, plus the various directors and producers who prepared the show. Unknown to many, it was Desi who served as the show's guiding creative talent and business executive in managing the show and other spinoffs. At the end of the book, you feel that you have gotten to know these two people a lot better. As the book ends, there is a certain sadness that overtakes the reader. It leaves you thinking how ironic that they brought so much happiness to so many while they themselves found it so elusive. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you're looking for something in between Charles Dickens and James Thurber, try Walter Cronkite'sA Reporter's Life. This humble but very exciting autobiography is full of interesting characters andlightly told anecdotes. (Early on in the narrative, young Cronkite recalls running from a cigar store, wherehe has surreptitiously memorized box scores, down the street to the radio station where he can report themover his daily news broadcast.) The full, even tones of Cronkite's voice rise to describe the best fight he'dever seen on a movie screen and fall to recall the day John Kennedy died. A hundred years of Americanhistory are offered with refreshing color and candor, a tale many may only know as a semester-long dronein high school. The audio version of A Reporter's Life has the advantage of Cronkite's famouslyunassuming voice, perfectly suited to the weight and manner of prose that delights with understatement.Cronkite's affections, both for his wife and for his own success, are tempered with charming modesty. Hedelivers keen and respectful observations of U.S. presidents and other heads of state that he has workedwith, as though they were simply colleagues he has known through the years. For example, when WalterCronkite returned from Vietnam after the Tet Offensive, he announced on national television that hedeemed the war to be a stalemate, after which President Johnson is said to have turned off the set and said,"Well, we've lost middle America." ... Read more

Reviews (40)

You'd think the guy could write
This is a surprisingly bad book, written essentially as a string of anecdotes on interesting things that happened to Walter Cronkite in his years as a newsman. For a guy who used to complain that a half-hour newscast wasn't long enough to adequately convey news, it's disappointing to see so many interesting moments in time (Walter's role in covering the Apollo 11 moon landing is a good example) get such short shrift.

This book reads like it was dictated into a tape recorder. There's a continual "then there was the time I..." approach to introducing the various anecodtes, and while I suppose a straight chronological approach might not have worked, it's jarring to read about LBJ's reaction to the Kennedy assassination several chapters BEFORE Cronkite recalls the assassination itself.

It'll be up to someone else to do the definitive Cronkite biography.

Good, light read.
I've always regarded Walter Cronkite simply a news-writer/wire service reporter/voice-over narrater/anchorman-presenter. I think he purposely reflects this same idea in his title, A REPORTER'S LIFE -- nothing more, nothing less. His memoir is written similiary in a frank, concise, matter-of-fact style, and is unpretentious (most mercifully). A blue-collar reporter; I was born, went to school here, got a job at the local paper there, went overseas and covered the war, did some radio work, went to TV, retired, and here's what I think of network news today... (That's all). Don't look for any insights or deep introspections. For instance; I was truly interested to know his thoughts, feelings, and dealings with Ed Murrow and The Boys, and how he won CBS news from them. Walt only devoted 2 short paragraphs bascially saying: They were editorialists, and I was more front page news. (That's it?) How about working with Eric Severide? A sentence here, another one there. (Yep, that's it).

The first half of the book is devoted to Walt growing up, working in newspapers, becoming a wire service reporter, and covering the war in Europe. This is some good stuff. Again, nothing intensive, but interesting. The second half of the book is about his television career with CBS. If you grew up watching Walt during this time, well -- there's not many surprises. He repeats how he choked up announcing JFK's death, calling the Vietnam War to be a lost cause, learning of LBJ's death with a phone call live on the air, watching Dan Rather getting slugged (woohoo!) at the Democratic Convention, etc. In the last chapter Walt gives his views on the state of network news and how it can be improved. To me, it was kind of sad. He doesn't fully appreciate or understand that it's dead. Yes, he gives some credit to the alternative news sources and how they're contributing to the demise of network news; but with all the 24 hour cable news channels, satellite TV, 2 channels of CSPAN; and the NY Times, Washington Post, BBC, foreign newspapers, and wire services on the Internet -- why would anyone want to suffer under the 3 network Ted Baxters we have now?

All in all, it is a light, entertaining, and enjoyable read. It's like sitting with a favorite, jovial uncle at the dinner table, while he recounts his life's adventures.

The Man Who Killed American Soldiers
General Weyand presented this speech at the GEORGE CATLETT MARSHALL MEMORIAL RECEPTION AND DINNER for the Association of the United States Army Convention, held in Washington, DC on October 18, 2000 GEORGE CATLETT MARSHALL MEMORIAL RECEPTION AND DINNER Association of the United States Army Convention
Washington, DC October 18, 2000
"After Tet, General Westmoreland sent Walter Cronkite out to interview me. I was in Command of the Forces in the South around Saigon and below and I was proud of what we'd done. We had done a good job there. So, Walter came down and he spent about an hour and a half interviewing me. And when we got done, he said, "well you've got a fine story. But I'm not going to use any of it because I've been up to Hue. I've seen the thousands of bodies up there in mass graves and I'm determined to do all in my power to bring this war to an end as soon as possible." It didn't seem to matter that those thousands of bodies were of South Vietnamese citizens who had been killed by the Hanoi soldiers and Walter wasn't alone in this because I think many in the media mirrored his view. It was a far different situation for me than when I was in Korea with my Battalion. I had a fellow named John Randolph who was an Associated Press Correspondent. He literally lived with our Battalion and he wrote about the men in a way that was good for them. It raised their morale. He never undercut their effort nor maligned the cause for which they fought. He became like one of them. He was awarded the Silver Star for Valor for helping them retrieve wounded and dead from the field of battle under fire. When I was in Paris at the Peace Talks, it was the most frustrating assignment I think I ever had. Sitting in that conference, week after week listening to the Hanoi negotiators, Le Duc Tho and his friends lecture us. Reading from the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Herald Tribune, the Atlanta Constitution, NBC, CBS, you name it. Their message was always the same. "Hey, read your newspapers, listen to your TV. The American people want you out of Vietnam. Now, why don't you just go ahead and get out?" So finally a Peace Agreement was signed that everyone knew would be violated and with no recourse or hope of enforcement on our part.

Walter Cronkite, the 'Reporter's Life' is a fraud, weak in story and rambles on and on about his sailing boat. In his first ever, televised editorial about the evnst of Tet 1968 barely offer a page in his book. He was not balanced or based on any facts whatsoever his fact-finding few days to Vietna during Tet 1968. It was his "personal opinion" telling his audience and or our government what he thought about foreign affairs. Sounds a lot like what is going on today with the media being more entertainment than news? It's like actors today criticizing American soldiers and Marines in Iraq. The massive numbers of dead were South Vietnamese that were murdered by the Viet Cong terrorists meant nothing to these liberal evil do-gooders like Cronkite, John Kerry and Hanoi Fonda. The "Killing Fields of Cambodian" mean nothing to these liberal holier-than-thou, know-it-alls. People who worshiped Mr. Cronkite as a so-called "fatherly figure" jumped on his bandwagon like Jane Fonda and college hippies. Walter had a new following of young minded zombies for peace.

As Richard Rowere wrote in his book, WAIST DEEP IN THE BIG MUDDY, "This is the first war of the century of which it is true that opposition to it is not only widespread but fashionable."

Sleep well Walter and that's the rest of the story he omitted in a 'Reporter's Spoiled Life.'

Nothing new
I enjoyed the book. But I felt the book lacked any new insights into all of the history this author lived through. While the book gave some interesting background on the author's family, the rest of it was like watching reruns of the 6:30 news.

It left me wanting more of what wasn't there.

A good book by the best news man ever!
I've always been a big fan of Walter Cronkite (I even got to meet and interview him while I was in college), but I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I was not disappointed. Cronkite takes the reader through his start in journalism and through all of the important events that he reported on while serving as managing editor of the CBS Evening News. He does jump around a little bit, but that is a very, very minor complaint.

What I like most about the book is that Cronkite is honestly and genuinely modest. If there ever was a news man that would have cause to brag and take stock in his accomplishments in a high-handed manner, it's Cronkite, but he does not at all. Uncle Walter writes his book like he conducted his broadcasts - he just tells it like it is. This is a wonderful book not only for newshounds and journalism aficionados, but also for anyone who would like to read about a figure of Americana. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

Now you can see how the other half lives -- and get expert design tips to boot! Step inside the private domiciles of

Destiny's Child
Tommy Lee
Ice-T
Mariah Carey
Moby
Snoop Dogg
Boy George
Master P
Missy Elliott
Nelly
Usher
Lil' Romeo
Pamela Anderson
O-Town
Rob Zombie
Joey McIntyre

...and other luminaries in this revealing companion book to MTV's hit show Cribs. This exclusive behind-the-scenes tour takes you through the English estates, glam-rock living rooms, chic L.A. bungalows, Manhattan lofts, gothic mansions, French country bedrooms, playrooms, hideaways, and hangouts of the rich and famous. MTV's Cribs calls on architects and interior decorators to re-create their spaces on a less-than-celebrity-size budget. With a little creativity and ingenuity, you can make a style statement or surround yourself in faux fabulousness -- when you get "home-schooled" by MTV's Cribs! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

SO DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SHOULD HAVE READ THE REVIEWS BEFORE BUYING!!! As stated by previous victims, pictures are small, blurry screen shots from the tv show. Gets 2 stars because the book gives SOME good pointers and gossip into some of the famous peoples' lives or whatever. NOT WORTH IT!

Blurry pictures, not worth it!
This book was very disappointing. As someone stated before, the pictures are very blurry and are video captions. The print is so small, you need a damn magnifying glass to read it. It was not what I was expecting. My advice to all potential buyers is to save your money and just watch the re-runs.

Disappointing...
I love Mtv's Cribs and couldn't wait to get the book. Unfortunately, all the pictures in the book are NOT photographs, but video stills from the show. The pictures are rather small and the clarity isn't very good.

good
this is a great book if you want to be an interior designer ... Read more

Amazon.com

Those expecting a vicious Hollywood tell-all from Stefan Kanfer’s Ball of Fire: The Tumultuous Life and Comic Art of Lucille Ball will be disappointed. Kanfer, whose past work includes a biography of Groucho Marx and a history of the animation industry, comes to his famous red-headed subject with admiration, and readers will be drawn by his exuberance for early film and television history.

Kanfer opens with a brief recounting of Ball's tragic childhood (her father died of typhoid when she was 3 years old) and her early career as an unintentionally starving model in New York City. The significant portion of the book begins, however, when Ball gets her first offer for a stint of film work in California and finds herself launched on a moderately successful film career. Here Kanfer provides details of the inner workings of United Artists, Columbia, and RKO as Ball does battle with Ginger Rogers, Kathryn Hepburn, and a host of other young actresses struggling for screen time. But, as Kanfer notes, it was in television that Ball made her great mark, starring with her husband Desi Arnaz. I Love Lucy debuted in 1951, and readers will delight in Kanfer’s behind-the-scenes details of the show’s production. The first situation comedy to be filmed before a live audience, Lucy offered countless challenge--technical, professional, and personal—for the volatile couple.

Kanfer argues that Ball is one of the few truly enduring television personalities to emerge from the early years of television. His book, entertaining as it is educational, does much to secure her legacy. --Patrick O’Kelley ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Did Kanfer Ever Watch Any Interviews with Lucy?
Kanfer gets Lucille Ball's place in the history of comedy right, that alone gets him three stars. The rest of the book reads like an assignment from his editor. Most of the information is taken from previously published books. Most importantly, Kanfer must have missed Lucy's many TV interviews. I remember late in life, Lucy turned to Johnnny Carson on the Tonight Show and asked why
he did not seem to like her all that much. It was unclear whether
she meant personally or her work. I suspect it was the later. JC
quickly changes the subject, but it was a revealing moment about Carson's possible preferance for male comics. Did Kanfer bother to visit the Museum of Radio and TV? There's a tape of Ball giving a class in comedy at the museum, which is worth watching over and over.

Maybe after all the books and interviews, there is not much new to say about Lucy. But, she remains one of the most popular figure in the history of show business. Too bad, Kemfer did not take this assignment more seriously.

Behind the Scenes Where No One Loved Lucy
Ball of Fire concentrates on the I Love Lucy show, how it came about (and almost didn't get off the ground), behind the scenes tidbits, its effect on America. Kanfer doesn't stint on the rest of Lucy's life, both before and after the Show, but I Love Lucy really is the star of this book.

Never having read a biography of Lucille Ball, this was all news to me, and I enjoyed discovering that Vivian Vance loathed William Frawley, and that Ball was such a stickler and control freak. Kanfer's style is easy and very readable, and there are plenty of photos to round things out, including an unexpected one of a young topless Lucille Ball.

If you are in the mood for an entertaining and, let's face it, unimportant, book, this one is worth the money.

Lessons on How to Learn From Each Other
Do wealth and distinction necessarily produce happiness?

This book although generally accentuates the negative side of Lucille and Desi's relationship and their struggles with Desilu, can be considered a well-written and informative collection of biographical information.

Why did she marry him?

Apparently Lucille, fascinated by the 22-year-old good-looking drum player, singer and bandleader with a cute Cuban accent, overlooked the Latino macho thing; or worse yet; she did not know.

In the Hispanic American cultures, especially during the 50s and 60s and 70s total submission in marriage was expected from the female side. It was considered a macho thing to lie, cheat on your wife, drink and stay late on weekends while expecting her to be submissive and passive.

The day he asked for a divorce Lucy angrily called him: a bum, a drunk, a cheat, a spick, and a wetback, showing there was more hate than "I love Lucy" attitude in those days.

Desiderio Arnaz although charming at times, and incredibly clever for show business management was evidently not the kind of man suitable for a committed relationship. Even though financially successful, they were not pleased with each other; unhappiness that was reflected in their careers resulting in the eventual failure of their joint venture.

Beyond and above human shortcomings and appearances we know we all Love Lucy, and we love Desi as well. All in all this biography is well organized, absorbing, and a good read.

What a pity.
My esteem for Lucille Ball fell while reading this book. And I don't think it's her fault, I think it was Kanfer's. He doesn't miss a chance to give you the overall impression that she was not in charge of her own life. Anybody who ever saw Lucy knows that she was a woman who had her own demons, but it takes a biographer like Kanfer to show just how much the terrible past reached out its claws and choked her life free of pleasure and fun. To the outside, she gave a vivid impression of a daffy screwball, but to those who attempted to get close to her, she couldn't help revealing the tightly wound, neurotic worrywart. Her relationship with Ginger Rogers was just about the only one she found a jot of comfort in, and Kanfer makes it seem as if she reached out to Ginger as a way to complete her education. All her life she was made to feel inferior to other people. Even marrying an immigrant did nothing for her self-esteem, for he wound up cheating on her. What did Lucille Ball do to deserve such a constricted, joyless life or such an inept and colorless biographer? What a pity.

Good and straightforward
This was the first and so far only biography I read of Lucille Ball; I found it to be good. It covers her life from childhood to death and discusses everything that seems important: her years starting out in modeling and show business in New York, moving to Los Angeles, meeting Desi, starting the show that became so famous, Desilu studios, the breakup with Desi, her later years. I would've liked to read more about her kids and her relationship with them, but it's her biography, not theirs, and maybe that kind of information isn't forthcoming to a biographer. I would've liked more photos, too. But I shut the book feeling that I've gotten a good solid basis for my Lucille Ball education. This seems like a good book from which to go on to others. ... Read more

Reviews (50)

Even more foul than his Private Parts (and shorter)
Howard Stern is an American icon. There is no denying it. I read every blasphemous page of Miss America. It made me feel belittled, sullied, and degraded; and I loved it. From his quest to become a gubernatorial rubber stamp for the death penalty in New York to his almost adulterous encounters with trolls posing as on-line goddesses to his pitiful enslavement to obsessive-compulsive dementia, I found this book to be enormously therapeutic in showing that Howard's life is even more pathetic than my own. While it may be yet another slap in the face to his long suffering wife, it is an important step in Stern's eventual monopoly of American popular culture. I would rank this book alongside Bocaccio's Decameron as the most significant dirty book to come along in the last thousand years.

And Baba-Booey to y'all...
People can put him down left and right about this book (as well as countless other things), but I have yet to encounter another novel that is as funny and entertaining as Howard Stern's "Miss America". With this literary effort, Stern manages to top his earlier work, "Private Parts". I feel that Stern should have adapted THIS book into a movie, rather than his first one. But, what can you do?

My favorite chapter is Stern's morning radio takeover of the Philadelphia market, his first foray into national syndication. I've found his story of the taking down- and humiliation of- the "Zookeeper" John DeBella, Philly's top morning man, to be the novel's zenith. Also recalled are the antics of Captain Janks, the first Stern-fan phony phone caller, whose first phone attacks were against DeBella. Most of the time when I pick this book up, I read just this one chapter over and over again, and rarely looking at the rest.

Another chapter I like to peruse repeatedly is "News Stories of the Century". None of them had much coverage, nor were they particularly ground-shaking moments. In fact, until you read the chapter, you've likely never heard about these events before. The top story has to do with a woman who found some, um, extra toppings in her sloppy joe sandwich. But my personal fave is about "Uncle" Ed, a rather disturbed elderly "gentleman" whose little fetishes were some of the sickest sexual perversions I've ever read about. I can't really describe it any further... you'll have to read it to believe it.

But I'm not saying I don't enjoy other parts of this literary find. Stern's secret "meeting" with Michael Jackson, as well as his battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder were also interesting additions to this tome. This is mainly because until this book came out, he never discussed either of these things on the air. Just when I thought he told me everything about him, Stern still surprises me.

The hardcover edition includes color pages in the center of the novel. One segment, "Rejected Book Covers", displayed some examples of what Stern wanted to name his second work, but was turned down by the publisher. My favorite cover is "Mein Kampf", featuring a photo of Stern (sporting his goofiest facial expression ever) saluting Hitler. Also shown in the color insert is a four-page comic book adaptation of the opening to "Fartman", the King of All Media's first attempt at a movie. It never got produced because of merchandising disagreements. Sigh... what could have been...

Stern also devotes a chapter to his radio comrades. Not one to sugar-coat anything, he lets you know the things he likes and dislikes about each person, as well as how he met each one. He also considers each one to be an invaluable contributor to the show's success. One particular character, the infamous Stern show hit-and-run interviewer "Stuttering John" Melendez, has an entire chapter devoted to him and some of his most memorable celebrity interviews.

But, there are many more chapters, many more stories, each one entertaining in its own way. Howard's cybersex chats, his riff on the Kennedys and stuck-up celebrities, his campaign for governor of New York, his favorite phony phone callers... there's so much more to see. Take a look!

'Late...

Howard's back for more of the same?
It would be far too easy to dismiss this book as "just more of the same from the author of Private Parts" because by and large it is just that. But if you do write off (no pun intended) Howard's second novel, then you will truly miss out on discovering the real Howard Stern.

What Howard does in Miss America that he did not in Private Parts, is take his time to think. In his second novel he does not seem in such a mad rush to blurt out every intimate detail of his existence and of those around him. This time we discover a slightly older and more thoughtful Howard Stern. Don't get me wrong he has not seen any error in his ways, nor does he intend to change them. But he does stop to consider why and it makes the whole reading experience far more enjoyable.

Howard has still not lost his rapier wit and it is still delivered with a sledgehammer. Nor has he lost his love of naked females and that is sort of reassuring, for if he were to change at this point, we would know he was a phoney.

In Miss America Howard does go back over some old territory, but this time gives us another perspective. For Example we see the World of Howard, from Robin's eyes and it is an eye opener. Howard also has fun exploring and analysing his friendship with Fred Norris and this all makes for great reading. But the fun really begins when he gives us full chapter and verse on how he totally destroys a rival DJ and it is then that book becomes (to use a cliché) a real page turner.

Miss America is not as funny as Private parts, but a more thoughtful and enjoyable read as once again we are get another look at the world through Howard's small and very dark glasses.

American Psycho
Man, I've been reading this thing over and over and over again for a solid 7 years now. It never gets old. It's always as blazingly hilarious as the first time. Stand-out moments include surfing for cybersex, Michael Jackson, Stern's 2nd family (the part on Baba Booey is pure gold), prank calls, Stuttering John's highlights, Stern's appearance on Hollywood Squares (a brief but hilarious little segment), and of course, the DJ war. That's just a FEW of the funniest things about this book.

Bottom line, if a book can keep me coming back for more after 7 years, you know it's brilliant.

Funniest book ever. Period.

Not Very Impressive For The King Of All Media
First off, I would like to state that I never read Private Parts by Stern, which I was told was a better book. I personally was disappointed in this book. After reading this book, I felt like he was just writing another book because Private Parts did so well. It had some parts that were funny, but for the most part, I felt like it was a book for Stern to insult everyone that he could in a book. I believe that Stern is one of the smartest men in radio, and that he does what he does very well. I am not part of that audience, and perhaps that is why this book did not appeal to me very much. After having read this book, I felt like I had gained nothing by reading it. It left me with no good feeling, and I really wasn't any more educated because of it. I was quite disappointed to say the least. ... Read more

Book Description

Actor and singer Clary, born in France before the Nazi occupation, tells the story of his survival of the concentration camps, and the years that followed World War II, which included a successful show-business career (he was Corporal Louis Lebeau on the ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Short
First, I would like to clarify something that another reviewer apparently didn't understand. Robert Clary was NOT in a "death camp." He was in a "forced labor camp."

Second, based on what I have heard from him in several documentaries made for PBS, Robert Clary has a lot more that he could have said in his autobiography. He was obviously holding back on information or censoring his experiences. My feeling was that he would take his experiences to the moment of pain and then pull away from them. As much as I liked Robert Clary as Corporal Louis Lebeau on Hogan's Heroes and as a narrator of Holocaust documentaries, I must admit that his writing is not as intense as I was expecting.

A Biography Worth Reading
"From the Holocaust to Hogan's Heroes", is a fascinating account of Robert Clary's experiences growing up amid the backdrop of the Nazi occupation of France. Robert proves to be a remarkably 'lucky' individual who has had to face extra-ordinary circumstances and yet has not allowed the scars of Genocide to prevent him from finding personal joy, while allowing that joy to touch others. His exuberance and boyish charm punctuates the pages of his book as he recounts his innocent childhood, the horrific 31 months in Nazi prison camps from the age of 16, and the eventual realization that almost every member of his beloved family had been literally wiped out. His remarkable flight out of purgatory leads him to a renewed zest for living and to his own personal success on stage, television and pictures. His personal insights of the personalities that he met along the way, as well as his jaunt on Hogan's Heroes, keeps you from putting the book aside. Robert Clary literally leaves you wanting more.

Interesting Account of the Holocaust
I have been familiar with Robert Clary's work in soap opera, particularly DAYS OF OUR LIVES. I had read several accounts in various magazines, mentioning his experiences in the concentration camps and was quite interested in reading his experiences in his own words.

As an account of the Holocaust, it is of value. However, this was not an easy book to get through. Clary makes reference to so many friends and relatives that after a while it becomes difficult to keep any of them straight. The book varies from depressing to matter-of-fact, without very much relief for the reader from the overwhelming depression of the Holocaust. I had been looking forward to reading about his entertainment career after the camps to get relief from the grief, and then started to feel bored.

A powerful, highly recommended biographical journey
From The Holocaust To Hogan's Heroes is the autobiography of Robert Clary (born Robert Max Widerman in Paris in 1926), who is perhaps most famous for his portrayal of Corporal Louis Lebeau in the widely syndicated television comedy series Hogan's Heroes. But unlike his jovial television character, Robert Clary's personal experience with World War II was much more horrific - he was among those deported to the Nazi concentration and extermination camps at age 16 in 1942, and although he barely survived, his parents, two sisters, two half-sisters, and two nephews did not. From The Holocaust To Hogan's Heroes is a powerful, highly recommended biographical journey that enfolds the reader in a strong life with the will to survive and pass on personal knowledge of the past's abominations to the present generation.

Bland
Bland book written by a man with a huge ego and an appetite for embellishing history in an effort to elevate his own status as an entertainer.
Also, I found it curious how Mr. Clary (like apparently hundreds of thousands of others) could have survived a staggering 31 months in a German "death camp"? ... Read more

Book Description

In the 1960's Soupy Sales was a national phenomenon with his whimsical, live TV show and the hottest record in America. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Soupy Gives Us His Story with his own warm but crazy Spin!
Here for the first time in print.Soupy Sales gives his fans his life story.As he takes his fans thru his early days in Franklinton,N.C.to his formative years in Huntington,West,Virgina.(The place that he still calls his home town),where he developed his talents as a radio broadcaster and as an entertainer.To his work in Cincinatti and Cleveland ,Ohio.Where he not only continued to work as a radio broadcaster and nightclub performer.But where he was introduced to the medium that would make him famous:Television.The book also looks at the creation of the kidult tv comedy show( on WXYZ TV Ch.7 in Detroit,Mi.,on KABC TV Ch.7 in L.A.,Ca. and on WNEW TV Ch.5 in NYC) for which he is still remembered.That was seen on Network and on local tv and his constant fighting with network and local station execs for creative freedom.Which he eventually lost and he was forced to work in other ventures.

While Soupy's memiors are not written in the tell all vein.He does gives us insight into the development of his many show business ventures and he allows us all to share in the memories of his childhood and his love for his family,his friends,his fans, for his hometowns:Huntington,West, Va. and NYC and for his work.

The book also recalls the recent accident that has impaired his physical stammina but not his ability to perform for his audiences and the love that has been expressed to him
at a recent Birthday Tribute that was held for Sales at The NYC
Frair's Club a few years ago.Where he still was able to maintain
a successful rapport with his fans.

The book also has some rare photos from Soupy's private
collection and a complete videography of his tv work(Which I have complied for the manuscript)that not only looks at his most
famous tv shows:"Lunch With Soupy Sales"/"The Soupy Sales Shows".The Tv Ography also recalled his guest appearances on many tv series and specials and his appearances at NYC's Macy's
Thanksgiving Day Parades on NBC TV In the mid 1960's.

If you're looking for a truly enjoyable and informative
autobiography? This is the best gift to have for Christmas and/or Hankakah! BTW:"Soupy Sez!:My Life & Zany Times!" is also
available in both hardcover and in paperback. Kevin S.Butler.

A VEY GOOD LOOK AT A COMIC'S LIFE
THIS BOOK IS ABOUT THE LIFE AND CAREER OF ONE OF THE MOST FUNNY AND BELOVED COMICS OF ALL TIME. IT IS WELL WRITTEN AND VERY INTERESTING. SOUPY IS TRULY CREATIVE AND GIFTED. HE IS A LEGEND AND THIS STORY TELLS MOSTLY OF HIS CAREER. I RECOMMEND THIS FOR ANYONE WHO APPRECIATES HUMOR AND FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO READ A GOOD BOOK. TV AND RADIO BUFFS WILL LOVE THIS MUST READ BOOK.

Duck Soupy?
There's no doubt Soupy Sales is truly an American original, and I just had one comment to make about that, relating to how he got kicked off the air for a year back in the 60's.

He was angry at the producer of his show for some reason, and so at the end of the hour-long show, where Soupy says goodbye to all the kiddies, he holds up his hand, and says, (I think I'm recalling it more or less correctly, but cut me a little slack, since it's been almost 40 years). Anyway, at that point he said: "This is for White Fang, this is for Pookie, and this is for our producer," as he ticked them off on his fingers.

Unfortunately for both Soupy and the producer, he curled each finger down as he did this, leaving only his middle finger sticking up at that point, and was now basically giving his boss the finger on national TV, for all the little kiddies and their now outraged parents to see.

I read the show immediately got thousands of calls from angry parents all over the country, and that this led to his one-year long hiatus from the air-waves.

Anyway, that was probably one of the most outrageous moments in kiddy TV ever, and it probably took someone as funny, feisty, and as off-the-wall as Soupy to bring it to us. I was delighted to find Soupy is still around and kicking at age 75, and that he could bring this engaging and funny story of his life to us.

Excellent Autobiography of Soupy!!Where's His Movie?!!!
This book is a highly recommended,excellent autobiography of Soupy Sales.Hopefully Someday his reknowned 1966 Movie"Birds Do It"co-starring Tab Hunter and Arthur O'Connell will be released on dvd/vhs including the film trailer that's been very,very long overdue and should be a smashing hit!!Video distributors both large and small should aggressively pursue the released of this superbly Soupy overlooked gem of a movie!!So spread the word!!

Soupy's book is a winner . . . just like he was AND is!
Read SOUPY SEZ! by Soupy Sales with Charles Salzberg, the
tale of the TV/Radio personality that helped me grow up . . . before reading the book, I had the impression that Soupy was a real nice guy . . . I'm now convinced.

I never felt he talked down at me . . . rather, he invited me
into his world . . . and what a world it was!

This book gave me a better feel for what I saw on an almost
daily basis . . . Soupy had been and still is one of my heroes . . . in fact, he helped teach me the one dance that I could do without making too much of a fool of myself: the mouse.

I liked his tales of showbiz, as well as the recollections of
several of his friends and colleagues . . . the many pictures
were an added "plus."

There were several memorable passages; among them:
There is a definite art to pie-throwing. You can use whipped
cream, egg whites or shaving cream, but shaving cream is
much better because it doesn't spoil. And no tin plates. The
secret is you just can't push it and shove it in somebody's
face. It has to be done with a pie that has a lot of crust
so that it breaks up into a thousand pieces when it hits you.

[his infamous request of kids that got him suspended]
So I moved up as close to the camera as I could, and I
said, "Hey, kids, last night was New Year's Eve and your
mom and dad were out having a good time and it's only right,
since they work hard all year long. And they're probably still
in the bedroom asleep. Now, what I want you to do is tiptoe
into the bedroom and don't wake them up and you'll probably
see your mom's pocketbook on the floor along with your dad's
pants. Now, be real careful, because we don't want to wake
them up, but I want you to go into your mom's pocketbook
and your dad's pants and you'll find some little green pieces
of paper with pictures of guys with beards on them. Now,
what I want you to do is take those little pieces of green
paper and put them into an envelope, and on the envelope,
I want you to write Soupy Sales, Channel 5, New York,
New York, and you know what I'm gonna send you in
return?A postcard from Puerto Rico."

Soupy's Definitions:
Apple turnover--a command a fruit peddler uses when training
an apple.

Bacteria--the back door of a cafeteria.

Bewithces--the way people in Brooklyn say, I'll be right
there"--I'll bewitches in a second!"

Blue jeans--tight pants that tell dirty jokes.

Chestnuts--people who are crazy about Dolly Parton.

Dialogue--how you make a phone call to a tree.

Operating room--Warren Beatty's bedroom.

Stopwatch--the command a policeman gives to a Rolex
who's going too fast. ... Read more