• By Myself and Then Some

  • By: Lauren Bacall
  • Narrated by: Lauren Bacall
  • Length: 6 hrs and 49 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (321 ratings)

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By Myself and Then Some  By  cover art

By Myself and Then Some

By: Lauren Bacall
Narrated by: Lauren Bacall
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Publisher's summary

The epitome of grace, independence, and wit, Lauren Bacall continues to astound generations with her audacious spirit and on-screen excellence. Together with Humphrey Bogart, she produced some of the most electric scenes in movie history, and their romance on and off screen made them Hollywood's most celebrated couple.

But when Bogart died of cancer in 1957, Bacall and their children had to take everything he had taught them and grow up fast. In a time of postwar communism, Hollywood blacklisting, and revolutionary politics, she mixed with the legends: Hemingway, the Oliviers, Katharine Hepburn, Bobby Kennedy, and Gregory Peck. She was engaged to Frank Sinatra and had a turbulent second marriage to Jason Robards. But Bacall never lost sight of the strength that made her a superstar, and she never lost sight of Bogie.

Now, on the silver anniversary of its original publication, Bacall brings her inspiring memoir up to date, chronicling the events of the past 25 years, including her recent films and Broadway runs, and fond memories of her many close lifelong friendships. As one of the greatest actresses of all time turns 80, By Myself and Then Some reveals the legend in her own beautiful frank words, encapsulating a story that even Hollywood would struggle to reproduce.

©1994, 2005 Lauren Bacall (P)2005 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Bacall's a class act." (Publishers Weekly)
"Certainly more intelligently written than your average celebrity autobiography, this memoir tells a fascinating story of one woman's journey through life with an intimacy that's sure to engage legions of readers." (Booklist)

What listeners say about By Myself and Then Some

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    192
  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Wish it had been unabridged

Narrated with an engaging, friendly, bits of humor delivery by Ms. Bacall. Respectful of others, she shares what she admires and loves about others to the extent that they are part of her story. She tells of her humble beginnings in NYC, her loving & supportive mother, of following her passion for acting, traveling widely, meeting and working with what seems all of the greats in theater and movies over her lifetime, losing the love of her life too soon, loving being the mother of 3 children and a friend to many. The forthright style is who she is, I think, but I'm wondering if the nonabridged version might have felt less succinct -- thus the 3 rather than 4 stars for this version.

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting, but a lot is missing

It may be the fault of the abridged version, but after reading the original BY MYSELF years ago, I found a lot of the material about Ms. Bacall's earlier life missing; the making of DARK PASSAGE isn't mentioned, for example. Instead, as is common in updated memoirs, preference is given to lists of lifetime achievement awards won, praise given, etc., which for some listeners will be less compelling than the how-to details of moviemaking and the actor's craft.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

She has such a great voice! A great Listen.

A fascinating stroll down memory lane with such a great talent who knew so many legends. Very gracious and classy lady with a great voice to listen to.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I loved all except when

it was a great listen I have always liked Luaren Bacall and loved listening about her career the only downer was when she delved into politics that made me want to stop it but I didn't.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
  • c
  • 05-17-19

Hollywood legend starts strong, finsishes poorly

The first half of the book is fascinating, with memories of her career and personal life written and read in a wizened voice not unlike the cadences of her character in To Have and Have Not. Particularly interesting are her childhood and early career days trying to find work in New York, and her life with Humphrey Bogart.

The second half, written many years later goes off track. Most of it is a series of name dropping; memories of funerals and celebrities she says she knew well. The prose is a little syrupy. The last couple chapters have her complaining of the present state of America with a liberal perspective. She comes off as a little snobbish and cantankerous. She represents a certain time and a persona of class, and she is right that the world has lost some of its past sophistication and charm.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Disappointing

Would you try another book from Lauren Bacall and/or Lauren Bacall?

I would not try another book written by Lauren Bacall, but I would certainly listen to a book narrated by her.

Would you ever listen to anything by Lauren Bacall again?

Her voice is wonderful.

Which scene was your favorite?

Bogart's death was heartbreaking to read.

Any additional comments?

I was disappointed. A huge Lauren Bacall fan, I am less so now. The book lacked depth. I hoped for more context, to hear in depth about Hollywood of yore, about the world at that time and how that shaped her experiences. Instead, it felt as if she skimmed the surface of events. Several character moments were disappointing, but I will not list them, not wanting to spoil it for others. Also, these disappointment are rooted in a conflict with my own personal morals, to which others may not agree.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Great For The Beginning Story

Would you listen to By Myself and Then Some again? Why?

Yes but only the first 3 hours - it was great but then after her 3rd engagement her story started to lose me.

Who was your favorite character and why?

bacall & bogie who has any other answer?

Have you listened to any of Lauren Bacall’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

nope but i love her asan actress

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

bacall& bogie

Any additional comments?

pretty great to listen to but after hour 4 kinda becomes a drag or a little slow

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful look at an extraordinary life

What did you love best about By Myself and Then Some?

I love Lauren's narration, as I always do when the author narrates his/her own book. I truly enjoyed how she allowed us to look into her life and that of those who surrounded her. I could only dream of finding the kind of love she and Bogie shared.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lauren and Bogie's timeless romance.

What about Lauren Bacall’s performance did you like?

Wonderful...I loved every minute of it!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it was so hard to take a break and I found myself excited to continue on.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A Must Have for Hollywood Fans

The biography is one of the best written of all Hollywood biographies, and to have the author, Lauren Bacall, read her memoirs in her smoky voice is sheer heaven. Highly recommended.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Missing parts

Really disappointed that many parts that are in the book are missing in this audiobook

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