Goldie

A Lotus Grows in the Mud

By: Goldie Hawn

Narrated by: Goldie Hawn

Length: 5 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

Goldie Hawn's life is an ongoing tableau of stories, and she has a born knack for telling them. In this candid and insightful book, Goldie invites us to join her in a look back at the people, places, and events that have touched her. It is the spiritual journey of a heart in search of enlightenment.

With her trademark effervescent humor, Goldie tells us about the lessons she's learned and the wisdom she feels she's been given in the hope of giving something back. Not a Hollywood "tell-all", A Lotus Grows in the Mud is a very personal look at moments private and powerful: her delight in her father's spirited spontaneity; the confidence instilled in her by her mother; the unexpected gifts of comfort from strangers many miles from home; and the joy of being a daughter, a sister, a lover, and a parent. This memoir is Goldie's chance to talk about everything from anger and fear to love, compassion, integrity, and friendship, to the importance of family and the challenges of show business.

Goldie writes about her younger self, the little girl who felt like an ugly duckling, and growing up in suburbia dreaming of becoming a ballerina. She takes us on a tour of her go-go dancing years in New York in the 60s, her phenomenal success on TV's Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, and then on to the world of Hollywood stardom and such memorable films as the Oscar-winning Cactus Flower, Swing Shift, and Private Benjamin.

A Lotus Grows in the Mud speaks of her relationship with her family: her partner, Kurt Russell; her children, Kate Hudson, Oliver Hudson, Wyatt Russell, and her stepson, Boston Russell; her growing faith; her curiosity for that which she doesn't yet know; and her unquenchable thirst for knowledge and understanding. Most of all, it is a trip back through a life well lived by a woman well loved.

©2005 Illume, LLC (P)2005 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Goldie Hawn's personal look at an unusual journey to stardom...Fans will enjoy getting to know [Goldie] in this frank, reflective memoir.” (BookPage)

“Positively overflows with spiritual enlightenment.” (Publishers Weekly)

Loved it!!

Goldies story was delightful read. More interesting than I expected. If you enjoy her movies i think you will enjoy listening to her stories.

This is no dumb blonde!

When I saw that the author was also the narrator I instantly thought of all those laugh-in shots of Goldie trying to get her lines right and giggling and laughing (which were great fun to watch) but which I did not think I could listen to for almost six hours...nevertheless I listened to the "sample" audio and was delighted to find that this woman has a real, natural, lovely voice...nothing as I had expected. We tend to think of famous actresses and actors as leading such exciting lives, all the money they could ever want, all the luxuries one could ever dream of and those fabulous mansions in Malibu and Beverly Hills. Goldie takes us beyond our limited thinking and shares with us her awakenings at various points in her life, her coming to terms with life and death and what life is really all about. I not only enjoyed listening to Goldie on my daily drive to and from work, but after I got out of the car I found myself pondering what Goldie had said and thinking so many times that so many women in this world have felt the very same feelings, rich or poor. Don't miss this one!

Awesome

I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. I love Goldie's voice. Her voice reminds me of my mom.

enlightening

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I love Goldie's voice and her laugh. I always had the sense she was spiritual and humble. now I know I was right.

Amazing!!!

I have been a fan of Goldie Hawn for years, but never knew much about her life. An incredible story and loved getting to hear all about these magical moments that made her who she was. Goldie is also an incredible narrator so it was entertaining as much as heartwarming. If you are a fan of Goldie Hawn, you must read this!!!

Beautiful story

What a beautiful story about and narrated by a beautiful woman. I so enjoyed hearing about the different stages of Goldie’s life. She is such an amazing person! Thank you!

Surprisingly, its refreshing and good.

I'm not a big Goldie Hawn fan, but this book was surprisingly good. Ms. Hawn's honesty with herself and her readers is refreshing. I was also surprised about the spiritual aspects of the book.

Strength: Ms. Hawn has a great capacity for love and thankfulness for the people in her life. I found it heartwarming.

Weakness: Ms. Hawn does not follow chronological order, leaving me a bit confused a few times. However this may be due to the fact that this is an abridged version of her book.

Recording: Ms. Hawn narrates this book herself, giving the recording an intimate feeling.

Delightful

I really enjoyed this book. Goldie tells her story in a fun, light, yet meaningful way. She sprinkles tidbits of wisdom in, but not so much that it comes off preachy. Having grown up watching her on Laugh In, this was a captivating nostalgic listen.

Goldie shares the wisdom she has gained

Goldie is wonderful. If you even kind of like her, you will love her book. She tells things as she saw it in her life and explains what she learned from the experience. I loved listening to her book and hope that others enjoy it as well.

Totally loved

Such a enjoyable positive story of Goldie and her life and thoughts. Highly recommend.