Dean and Me: A Love Story

This is one of the 3 best audio books I've ever listened to - gripping, entertaining, and full of memories. If you've ever seen a Martin/Lewis movie, or remember either of the stars on TV or film, or even just watched the MDA fundraiser - you'll laugh out loud and sometimes tear up listening to this 50-year love story by Jerry Lewis. The narrator Stephen Hoye is phenomenal - his mimicry of Jerry's Jersey and "jerk" voicing, plus Dean Martin's soft mid-western/Italian, makes you feel like they are sitting right beside you. Hoye is so perfect in the reading I came back to Audible to look him up - I was convinced that Mr. Lewis must have picked the reader from the professional acting community, but Hoye has numerous books to his credit and I intend to seek out his readings (which I've never felt compelled to do before). The pacing is superb - there are no boring parts - you're engaged every minute. Mostly, this audiobook is a walk down memory lane - not only Dean and Jerry, but Sinatra and the Rat Pack, June Allyson, Marilyn Monroe, and many many more. Mr. Lewis seems to hold nothing back - including his own addiction to prescription painkillers, the tragedy of his son Gary and Dean Martin's son Dino, divorces, the acrimony of the act breaking up, the tearful reunions years later. Mr. Lewis is painfully honest, yet forgiving and compassionate in describing himself and all the others - giving us an open, often hilarious and sometimes teary behind-the scenes of two of the greatest names in comedy entertainment of our time. If you are younger than 40, you may not recognize many of the names, but that is a minor matter - you'll love this read anyway. Buy this audiobook. (I note there is an abridged version, but don't know why and haven't heard it. The unabridged is just over 8 hours to about 5 for the abridged. Get this one.)

The story of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, as only Jerry Lewis could tell it.

Along with the great anecdotes, and the meteoric rise and fall of their partnership and what made it work so well for 10 years, Jerry tells about Dino's real unrecognized comic genius, long overlooked by the critics until Dino and Jer went solo. It takes a real genius to play the straight man, and Dino was every bit as good as George Burns in that regard.

A must listen for fans of classic comedians and especially Martin & Lewis.

This really is a love story. Jerry Lewis speaks reverently and with great affection for his long time partner and good friend Dean Martin. From their humble beginnings to the height of their popularity in the 1950's to the tragic break ten years after they teamed up, Lewis hits all the highs and lows with vivid portraits, humerous anecdotes and most importantly a touching and loving portrait of the complex man that was Dean Martin. While Lewis is not at all modest (he seems to take credit for most of their successes), he still cops to his own demons and the effect they had on the partnership.It is so emotional at times this listener found herself in tears listening to the loss and pain the break brought both stars. Peppered with portraits of famous stars, mobsters and studio bossess, and narrated with an uncanny similarity to Lewis' voice,This audiobook is among my favorites, and it is a timely and lovely tribute to the great Dino.

Please..get the unabridged version, if only for the narrator, Stephen Hoye-he is magnificent and brings the characters to life, especially Jerry. Now that I've purchased and listened,curiosity led me back to the narrator sample of the abridged vesion. Suffice to say, I made the correct choice.

Whether you just love Dean Martin's songs, have been captured by his persona or just want to know more about Dean and Jerry, this is a must hear. The book is very well done and provides information on Jerry and Dean's relationship from a suprising prespective. You will laugh, you will be surprised and you will cry. It well worth reading!

What an interesting and wonderfully done memoir. Some audiobooks, I find myself drifting away, but not this one. This one had my undivided attention throughout the whole book. Well worth listening to.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. What a golden time - 1946-1956 - and what a pair of performers. The book content was very interesting and the reader's voice capabilities added to the enjoyment. He came close to sounding like Jerry and Dean when he read their parts. I highly recommend the book to almost anyone but the strong language made it impossible for me to recommend it to my 89 year old mother.

I loved this book! I have always been a fan of the Lewis and Martin team but this book gave them heart and soul. Jerry Lewis does not shy away from stating his love for Dean and there was nothing phony about his approach to their story. I've listened to it several times now and still think it is great. The narrator uses his voice beautifully to reflect accents and emotions throughout the book. Many thumbs up!

Enjoyed this book very much, more about the story of two friends that became too successful and forgot how they got there. The history and show biz names made this a very enjoyable and interesting listening experience.

Was very suprised, downloaded for my mother and thought I would give it a try. Was very pleased. The story was very good. Is worth a listen.