A Book (Expanded Edition)

The Outspoken Memoirs of the Man Who “Loved Lucy”—and Revolutionized Television (Exclusive New Material with Commentary by Lucie Arnaz)

De: Desi Arnaz, Lucie Arnaz, Kate Luckinbill - introduction

Narrado por: Gregory Santos

Now featuring exclusive new material including excerpts from Desi Arnaz’s unpublished second memoir and commentary by daughter Lucie Arnaz, here is the expanded edition of the New York Times bestselling memoir of Cuban American entertainment legend, TV pioneer, and I Love Lucy star Desi Arnaz.

This expanded edition of A Book features additions from Desi Arnaz’s uncompleted, never published second memoir, a new Afterword by Lucie Arnaz, Foreword by granddaughter Kate Luckinbill, and new photos throughout. Desi’s original work and the additions paint a comprehensive portrait of a man beloved and admired by family and people he worked with despite admitted personal failings, and to whom Lucy herself gave credit for the success of I Love Lucy and pioneering television production in its infancy. This full story of a life and legend now completes one of the most fascinating and revelatory Hollywood memoirs ever written.

In the author’s own words: “Welcome to A Book, in which I try to explain how a kid from Cuba found a way to make a living in the United States. It’s all here—the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the unbelievably lucky breaks, and the heartbreaking failures. . . . You will learn what Lucy and I had to do to convince people we could play husband and wife in I Love Lucy. Shortly afterward Lucie and Desi Jr. were born and our world was paradise. The irony of it all is how our undreamed-of success, fame, and fortune turned it into hell. It wasn’t easy to write about all of it, but as my son said, ‘There’s only one way to do it, Dad. Tell it like it was.’”

👏👏👏

Amazing narration and bonus section by Lucie Arnaz. 💯 worth it for any fan of I Love Lucy. However, Desi was so much more than "Ricky Ricardo". He was a survivor, an immigrant arriving in the United States under political asylum, became a US citizen, and was Instrumental in developing sitcom and series television as it still stands today.

there’s no one like desi arnaz sr

Desi was both funny and factual, listening transported me in time throughout his life. I loved listening to his perspective of all the incredibly major things he happened into just by the family he was born into, chance, hard work, and personality. He and Lucy shaped the world and the world of tv and film it for the better. I’m so grateful for this book that memorializes the story and in particular his voice, because in the rhythm of his voice, so much is captured ~ love, loss, humor unique to him, and a spirit of anything is possible if only given a chance. I love listening to every word. It was a joy and a pleasure listening to A Book. The only part that I did not love is the way his daughter spoke the words at the end of the book. i’m sorry to say she sounded bitter and judgmental. i know the kids went through a lot, and maybe she’s just not comfortable being recorded, but I’m glad she at least ended with ‘thank you.’ Thank You, Desi, for all the laughs over the years. You were special and are missed.

Candid and so interesting

He was ahead of his time and his life story kept me hooked. I was sad to reach the end. Outstanding narration by Gregory Santos!

One of the best books I’ve ever read.

I read this book a few years ago or I should say the older version. I found it to be very entertaining, informative and super well written. I never once got bored with any of the details that he gave about camera angles and such.

This is a nice update to that book. With some very interesting information at the end of it talked about by his daughter Lucy Arnez.

Sorry to hear that he had planned on writing a second book, but unfortunately did not live long enough. I would’ve loved to have read it.

If you are a fan of I love Lucy, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz this is a must read!

A BOOK

Absolutely fantastic and fascinating!!!! I read this book every year - around Desi’s birthday. Never planned it that way - it just happens and works out so. THIS expanded edition is much different though and better!!! It was wonderful reading Desi’s story again and listening to Gregory Santos narrate was great too! Much better reading than Juan Pablo De Pace’s narration.

The expanded edition really soars here! Lucie Arnaz found notes, transcripts and documents that were from Desi’s unpublished 2nd memoir. It’s a truly personal; intimate and private look into his mind and further expresses the way his creative and business mind went. He was a genius! The final section is SO prevalent and relevant to America and the state of the country today. It’s staggering, chilling and deeply emotional. How SPOT ON he was - 50 years ago. Prophetic indeed and I pray every single one of us heed his words.

Get this book! 100/100!!!!!! Learn his story. Learn it again. Open your mind. Turn off the news and phone and go read… A BOOK.