Being Martha

The Inside Story of Martha Stewart and Her Amazing Life

By: Lloyd Allen

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor

Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

When Martha Stewart was under investigation for insider trading and later on trial, the media served up countless gratuitous stories describing her ornery character. Now, Lloyd Allen, Martha's old friend and neighbor, is out to set the record straight. Drawing on hundreds of hours of interviews with Martha, her family, and her close friends and colleagues, Allen reveals the other side of the story, bringing to life the real woman behind the controversial and glamorous public image. From her childhood in New Jersey to the early days of her catering business, her rise as lifestyle guru, the huge success of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, and now two new television shows, Allen weaves together fascinating observations and details that show how Martha made it to the top and stayed there through talent, passion, and hard work.

©2006 Lloyd Allen (P)2006 Blackstone Audiobooks

Fabulous

I learned so much; this book is delightful ‼️ Martha definitely is a ROCK STAR. All her hard work has paid off & we have all benefited.

Nothing to learn, but crappy stories

It’s kind of wack. Nothing new. More like a story you can tell about any stranger you just met.

an enjoyable biography.

A bit dated now (it ends over ten years ago) but a well written insight into Martha Stewart, her background, personality. and business savvy. Great read for the female (& male) entrepreneur, if a bit daunting as nobody is going to be Martha and not everyone is that driven or comfortable with being that driven. Her strength through her trial, incarceration and her return/comeback is inspiring to anyone.

Tribute to a Very Creative Woman

At first I thought it was going to be a nauseating, one-sided tale by a devotee of Martha Stewart's. Instead, it became an honest assessment by a friend. He goes into Martha's faults -- angry outbursts and refusals to apologize -- as well as her enormous creativity and kindness. It also delves into her prison sentence, where we learn how paltry and unhealthy is the prison diet, which the prisoners must consume; along with Martha's humorous description of the culinary delights. "Bring a lot of quarters," she warns her visitors, for the vending machines. All in all, a pleasant, positive book about a woman often knocked.

Loved the book

Enjoyed narration and friendship stories. Learned a different side of Martha with family ties.

Martha Stewart revisited...

This is my 2nd time listening to this audio book. I truly enjoy hearing about Martha's personality, drive, and grit. She is a so self driven and head strong. I find this book uplifting and a pleasure to listen to. 🙂

Love this book and narration

The narration is excellent and the story is beautifully written and narrated. Definitely speak out a lot about this book.

good not great

I enjoyed learning about Martha's life. She is amazing! But the book was hard to follow. It seems as if it was all quotes from different people close to her.

I’m so glad to know Martha a little more.

I have always known that I loved Martha Stewart. This book helped me understand a little more why. Like her daughter says in this book Martha is about introducing wonderful and good things into peoples lives in the best way possible what’s not to deeply appreciate about that!

A view to Martha Stewart's life from the inside

The author is Martha Stewart's friend and he makes that perfectly clear. That said, I think he does a good job at being impartial. Provides good descriptions of how it all started however doesn't go as much into how the business grew after a while.
If you want to know more and learn from Martha Stewart, I find this a good book to start.