Jane

Filled with spooky noir nuances, outrageous storylines and complex characters, this is a don't miss book. That's not to say that it doesn't have it's flaws. There are some plot points that make very little sense, and some of the story is downright gory. However, as a whole, it makes for great listening, full of old Hollywood lore and 40's detective lingo.
I purchased and downloaded this well before the film release, fully intending to have it listened to before I saw the movie. I'm actually glad that I didn't read the book before the movie, because while the movie stands on it's own as entertainment, it is nothing next to the book. It's lengthy and requires your full attention, but I think you will find it's worth it.

This book has been all over the news lately, rumors swirling that it is full of new information. This is not exactly true. There is some new innuendo, but most of the book is plain vanilla bio. It focuses way too much on the Burton years, but then again the whole world did. Still, it is a compelling portrait of the star, and the only thing bio buffs will have to complain about is the fact that it really isn't long enough.

In order to understand the odd facets of Elvis' life and style that the author chose to focus on (most disturbingly, constant comparisons of Elvis and Priscilla to Jackie and JFK), you must realize that her last two bios were on Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn. This is why she treats Elvis like a fashion plate to be examined in the same light as Coco Chanel rather than as a musical genius. Still, there is enough relevant facts on Elvis that it is worth the listen. You can tell that the author tows the party line on alot of subjects, but that is the risk you take when you have the cooperation of those who knew the subject. Not a gritty tell all by any means, but and interesting look at a man and an era.

The writer took on two seemingly insurmountable tasks with this book, he strove to paint an accurate portrait of Wayne, with little cooperation from those who knew the man, and 50 years of legend to dig through. As well he sought to find an answer to a question that's fascinated pop culture aficiondos for years: Why was John Wayne such an icon, and why is he still ingrained in the fabric of American Culture today? He accomplishes both well, and the story is fascinating throughout. He does his best to avoid rehashing too much of the worst of Wayne and tries to bring to light the best. The result is an intelligent portrait of the man who would be the Duke

Mr. Saunders has done it again. His most famous character, Archy Mcnally, sleuth to the rich and famous is back, and this time it's an art heist. This may be the best book in the series. the only noticible flaw is the absence of the loveably Binky. all in all though, a great whodunnit

Few detective novels of the last thirty years are as entertaining as the Archy Mcnally series,a series of charming tales of a Palm Beach playboy and sleuth. This is one of the better ones in the collection. All the characters are well developed and the famous Mcnally wit is present throughout. Sometimes the story gets a little far fetched, but all in all this is a charming gumshoe tale.

If you are expecting a tantalizing tell all, you will be sorely disapointed. Alda is merciful to his famous friends, mentioning them only to praise them. He is not nearly so kind to himself. He is honest in his portrait of his early life and the mental illness his mother suffered. All of the poignant episodes of this well loved actor's life are handled with grace and the famous Alda humor. I only wish that more time had been spent discussing M*A*S*H, which was perhaps his greatest contribution to popular culture. However all in all, this is a well done and witty memoir.

This audiobook is primarily concerned with Sinatra's mafia connections and the need he felt to be the toughest guy in the room. It is tough on ol' blue eyes, but honest and entertaining.Full of never before brought up anecdotes, and a full analysis of the films in Sinatra's career, this audiobook is a well done and truthful biography.

The genius of this book is that it tells this great entertainer's story against a parallel back drop of racism in America and the civil rights movement, thus allowing the listener to appreciate the justification behind the great entertainer's actions and the true scope of his accomplishments. It is a little slow to start, in fact the first hour or so revolves around the events that led to Davis' first autobiography. however, once it gets going it is a complex and captivating tale of the real Sammy, flaws and all, and the impact he had on Black entertainment.

Essentially this is a rehashing of all the other biographies written about the world's most famous billionare. There is little new information, and many pertinent facts are left out. The only redeeming quality is a thorough account of the battle over Hughes estate, which is often merely summarized in other volumes.If this is your first foray into works about Howard Hughes, it is a good start, but there are better references out there.