Kate Remembered

By: A. Scott Berg

Narrated by: Tony Goldwyn

Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

For seven decades Katharine Hepburn played a leading role in the popular culture of the 20th century, reigning as an admired actress, a beloved movie star, and a treasured icon of the modern American woman. She also remained one of the most private of all the public figures of her time.

In 1983, at the age of 75, her career cresting, the four-time Academy Award-winner opened the door to biographer A. Scott Berg, then 33, and began a special friendship, one that endured to the end of her illustrious life.

Here are the stories from those countless intimate conversations, and much more. In addition to recording heretofore untold biographical details of her entire phenomenal career and her famous relationships with such men as Spencer Tracy and Howard Hughes, Kate Remembered also tells the amusing, often emotional story of one of the most touching friendships in her final years. Scott Berg provides his own memories of Katharine Hepburn offstage: quiet dinners in her town house in New York City; winter swims (she swam, he watched) in the Long Island Sound at Fenwick, her home in Connecticut; weekend visits with family members and dear friends...even some unusual appearances by the likes of Michael Jackson and Warren Beatty. Finally, Kate Remembered discusses the legendary actress's moving farewell, during which her mighty personality surrendered at last to her failing body, all the while remaining true to her courageous character.

Kate Remembered is a book about love and friendship, family and career, Hollywood and Broadway, all punctuated by unforgettable lessons from an extraordinary life.

©2003 A. Scott Berg (P)2003 Putnam Berkley Audio and BBC Audiobooks America

Critic reviews

"Sharp, funny, and poignant." (New York Times)

"Engrossing...leave it to Hepburn to make a grand exit." (Newsday)

"Intimate, thoughtful, and considerate...an intensely personal book." (Salon.com)

3 ways to love this excellent story

1. Kate herself, unlike any woman of her time and place, ditto for her life.
2. Scott Berg's wonderful writing and detailed memories of their unexpected friendship, which drew him into her life, home and family for decades.
3. Tony Goldwyn's narration, who beautifully captures all sides of Kate and her speaking style, along with Berg's compassionate and at times amused, amazed and also frustrated observations. Here is someone whose family was deeply connected to Kate and the author, perfect as narrator

What a self-centered woman!

Well, for 50 yrs, I thought I was a Hepburn fan, but this author sure disabused me of that notion. We all love the "free" women's parts she played, but in real life, she derived her freedom from complete seflishness.

So, that was a real disappointment, but also ya gotta wonder why Kate let this guy into her life. He sure is good at dropping names and inserting himself into the story.

Don't waste your money.

Why Do I Bother

I keep buying these kinds of books and am always dissappointed. I love Hepburn as an actress. But this author seemed to be trying to say "See how wonderful I am because I knew her." He wasn't wonderful just for that. And as much as he offered personal insights, it is not a thrlling biography. Watch her movies to be entertained by her, rather than reading this book.

Too much Scott Berg

I enjoyed this book for the most part however the author pushed himself into the book too much. He tries too hard to let everyone know about his opinions and his friendship with K.H. more than he focuses on K.H. herself. The narrator did a great job, and makes the book more enjoyable than it would have been without him.

Tony Goldwyn narration is superb!

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The book is fine and has some memberable information and insight into the personality of Katherine Hepburn. The narration by Goldyn is what makes this audible book fantastic.

Disappointing

I thought I wanted to learn about Katherine Hepburn but turns out a couple of chapters would have been enough. After 4 hours it seemed repetitious and her pious personality left me feeling indifferent. The book could have been a biography of the author, Mr. Berg.....the part I heard they had equal billing. I started listening to another book in my library and never turned back.