• Rita Moreno

  • A Memoir
  • By: Rita Moreno
  • Narrated by: Rita Moreno
  • Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (450 ratings)

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Rita Moreno  By  cover art

Rita Moreno

By: Rita Moreno
Narrated by: Rita Moreno
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Publisher's summary

In this luminous memoir, Rita Moreno shares her remarkable journey from a young girl with simple beginnings in Puerto Rico to Hollywood legend - and one of the few performers, and the only Hispanic, to win an Oscar, Grammy, Tony, and two Emmys.

Born Rosita Dolores Alverio in the idyll of Puerto Rico, Moreno, at age five, embarked on a harrowing sea voyage with her mother and wound up in the harsh barrios of the Bronx, where she discovered dancing, singing, and acting as ways to escape a tumultuous childhood. Making her Broadway debut by age 13 - and moving on to Hollywood in its Golden Age just a few years later - she worked alongside such stars as Gary Cooper, Yul Brynner, and Ann Miller.

When discovered by Louis B. Mayer of MGM, the wizard himself declared: "She looks like a Spanish Elizabeth Taylor." Cast by Gene Kelly as Zelda Zanders in Singin’ in the Rain and then on to her Oscar-winning performance in West Side Story, she catapulted to fame - yet found herself repeatedly typecast as the "utility ethnic", a role she found almost impossible to elude.

Here, for the first time, Rita reflects on her struggles to break through Hollywood’s racial and sexual barriers. She explores the wounded little girl behind the glamorous facade - and what it took to find her place in the world. She talks candidly about her relationship with Elvis Presley, her encounters with Howard Hughes, and the passionate romance with Marlon Brando that drove her to attempt suicide. And she shares the illusiveness of a "perfect" marriage and the incomparable joys of motherhood.

Infused with Rita Moreno’s quick wit and deep insight, this memoir is the dazzling portrait of a stage and screen star who longed to become who she really is - and triumphed.

©2013 Rita Moreno (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“It's clear Rita Moreno was a pioneer in every aspect of her life.” (The Huffington Post)

“Sure to inspire and empower, straight from our very own living legend and the original triple threat: Rita Moreno.” (Being Latino)

What listeners say about Rita Moreno

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

Such a beauty!

What did you love best about Rita Moreno?

I enjoyed her humor, the impersonations and the overall narration was fantastic. Her voice and storytelling made for a very enjoyable listening experience (I've listened to the book twice already).

What other book might you compare Rita Moreno to and why?

Since this book I realized that all narrators aren't as engaging, clear or entertaining... I really enjoyed her story and the life lessons she shared with the reader/listener.

What does Rita Moreno bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This was my very first audiobook and first memoir via Audible. I appreciated and enjoyed the candor with which she described her life and life lessons, it felt conversational and honest. It was a wonderful purchase, very glad it was my first audiobook. I thoroughly enjoyed her life's ups and downs (as she told it), the book made me laugh, reflect and cry. She's a strong, talented and funny woman. Thank you Rita Moreno.

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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 did not want to put this book down!!

Would you listen to Rita Moreno again? Why?

Yes, I would listen to Rita Moreno again, because I felt her heart in every word. She owed her story. It was the truth!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rita Moreno?

For me, the most memorable part of this book was the end when she spent the final days with her husband. I lost my husband of 48 years and I identified with that part of the story. I felt her pain and sorrow.

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

I've followed Rita from back in the 60's. I watched her appearances on film and television when ever I had the chance. A lot of which she talked about in this book. I liked her honesty! She revealed so much about herself that it changed a lot of ideas I've held about her and her celebrity.

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

This was a book I would listen to in three sittings.

Any additional comments?

I want to say that this book reminded me of so many of the performances I saw over the years. A lot of it sent me searching them, as I read about them, on the internet. I watched the video's on YouTube. I really had to laugh my guts out watching Googie!

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6 people found this helpful

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

Very colorful life.

Rita I've always thought you were a free bird and you lived your life as you wanted. Thank you for a wonderful story.

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3 people found this helpful

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

Excellent book!

This is an excellent book. It captures your attention and stirs your emotions. Well read by the author herself!

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3 people found this helpful

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

What a woman

What made the experience of listening to Rita Moreno the most enjoyable?

I love how she talks right to you. Like you are sitting down to a meal with her and she is telling you her life story.

What other book might you compare Rita Moreno to and why?

Unsinkable by Debbie Reynolds.

What does Rita Moreno bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her voice and the way she acts out some parts of the book. She has a great story telling voice.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The Life, The Love, The Rita you never knew.

Any additional comments?

This is a book you can listen to over and over. I only wish she did not end it right after... (SPOILER) her husbands death. It made it seem like her life ended also, but it has not. She went on to do Happily Divorced and many other things. I can only hope there is another book to come.

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3 people found this helpful

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

Sweet and spirited actress!!

I've always loved watching Ms. Moreno act especially in West Side Story, but I was really drawn in by listening to her own life. You feel her ups and downs as if she was telling you everything right next to you.
I would definitely recommend it for listening! Great autobiography!

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3 people found this helpful

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

Love Rita!

Would you listen to Rita Moreno again? Why?

I definitely would! Rita is genuine. As a Puerto Rican, I have a special place in my heart for Rita.

What did you like best about this story?

A heartfelt retelling of those private moments that I otherwise would not have known. I enjoyed it all. So happy for her getting her opportunity to be in and achieving great success with West Side Story!

What does Rita Moreno bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It's like have a series of dinners with Rita where she shares her life. The experience of hearing her tell her story, the inflections, the little touches of her native language, the emotion. Simply no comparison to the written page.

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

I wouldn't have been able to do it for lack of time, but otherwise, Yes!

Any additional comments?

Thank you Audible!

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3 people found this helpful

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

Never got bored

I am very inspired by Rita and her memoir only made me admire her even more, shes been through so much but so lucky to meet and live unforgettable moments. what a Beautiful Warrior Queen

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

My first biography heard

This is my first biography book I've heard auto and I can relate to the stories. Thank you Mrs. Moreno Dios me la cuide.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Puerto Rican Inspiration

I love her. I never wanted the book to end. It was like she was sharing her personal with just me.

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1 person found this helpful