Enjoyable book--Diane Keaton like she really is
356976
Diane Keaton is one of my favorite actresses.  I've loved her in everything, although Baby Boom is my favorite, for the heady mix of independence, helplessness, ditziness, and sheer stubborn determination she portrays as her character.  This book was quite a bit like that too.  Diane is a profound person. She has a curious and analytical mind.  But she's also quirky by virtue of not being sold out to convention, and she is strong and determined just like her character in Baby Boom.  She does not allow anyone to dictate to her what she should value or do, and I think that is the secret of her unfailing appeal.  She's one of the few women in Hollywood who is still beautiful at 68, and it's because she has chosen not to distort her features with plastic surgery.  She has her own identity and is not trying to look like anyone else.  I love that about her.  This book reflects all of these things about Diane, and more.  Her reminiscences of encounters with various film stars adds to the interest value of the book, but ultimately, it is just getting to know more about her in its pages that makes it an interesting book, because she is a real person--not a phony.  She is authentic and genuinely remarkable.  If you like her in the movies, no doubt you'll like her in her own book, just as I did.
3115597
New Yorker contributor Michael Schulman takes readers on a journey through a decade that shaped Meryl Streep's career: the beginning of the 70s when she graduated from high school, where she was the homecoming queen; to her enrollment at the Yale School of Drama, where she survived four years of grueling training; to the beginning of the 80s at the Academy Awards when she won her first Oscar. (As of the printing of this book, she has been nominated for 19 Oscars and won three.) In just 10 short years, Streep went from just another unknown actress to a force to be reckoned with.

Streep starred in three major films during that time period --- The Deer Hunter, Manhattan and Kramer vs. Kramer --- in addition to the dozens of productions she was cast in that included Shakespeare, comedy, drama, live theater and movies. She was exposed to the idea of "method acting" at the Yale School of Drama, but prefers drawing from her own life experiences and observations, and using her imagination to immerse herself in her roles.

In addition to making a name for herself as an actress during this decade, Streep also suffered a major loss when the first love of her life, John Cazale, died of lung cancer. A few months later, she married the second love of her life, Don Gummer, a man to whom she is still devoted.

Schulman clearly did his homework. Twenty-four pages of "Notes" are included at the end of the book showing the research done to make the contents authentic, which enables him to give readers insight into what makes Streep tick. But the book is not written as an academic thesis; rather, he writes with a lively style that is easy to read. In fact, the story almost reads like a novel instead of a biography.

My only complaint is the lack of pictures; only eight pages are devoted to them. While I realize that the focus of the book is on one decade, I think more photos could have been included from that time period. I, for one, would have enjoyed seeing more of them.

I have long been a fan of Meryl Streep, who I think is an incredible actress. By reading HER AGAIN, I learned that she is accomplished in many pursuits: She can sing, dance, paint, cook, knit, write, play the guitar, do perfect voice imitations, and even do gymnastics. And, oh yeah, she can act. Boy, can she act!

Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin
4453464
Don't worry about the negative reviews on this book if you're looking for a fun summer read -- it's actually quite a breeze. Yes, Tolstoy, Peggy G. is not. She is, however, a good story teller with a whale of a memory and a dash of brutal honesty that keeps the book moving. It's a gossipy romp through Europe in the last century -- loads of fun if you are familiar with the basic players of the Surrealist art scene -- I picked it up out of sheer curiosity while in Venice. Having read about her wonderful home/museum in Venice and the amazing collection of art there, I simply started wondering who Peggy G. was. I'm only 1/4 of the way through and have come see her as a smart, rather crusty old aunt with whom I'd love to sit on a wide veranda, with afternoons drinks and time on my hands just to listen to her quirky, odd ball, sometimes run-on tales of times gone by. She was wealthy enough to go where and do what she chose, but that still didn't protect her from the vicissitudes of life. Don't look to Peggy's autobiography as a deep read -- but it's still a bit more the icing on the cake -- light, and fluffy, and ultimately done with a bit of taste.

** After nearly finishing this book, I have to say that I can appreciate it even more than while I was in the long, chatty first third of the book. Beyond that point, the book takes an especially interesting turn as Peggy seems to meet just about anyone who was anyone during the surrealist and later abstract art movement -- sure, everything is seen through the eyes of Peggy, blind spots and all -- but it gives quite the perspective on the personal lives of many artists who were then budding but are today household names. I've grown quite fond of Peggy in reading this book -- you may, too.
3817051
Love the concept, the design and the printing. Diane Keaton has had a love affair with individual architecture and architects for many years. Now she shares her knowledge and experience with us. Hope she continues to do more.
3580955
A great little movie.  Light hearted and fun.  No blood, guts and gore.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Diane Keaton is always great as it Michael Douglas.
1493818
Fabulous book in Bette's own honest words and a great glimpse into her real life, which shows she is not who most people think she was, and was actually a bit uncomfortable with her looks and men. I love Bette's wit and strength and it is a great book. My favorite line is when she was given an award the person who announced her said "it is often easier to celebrate a woman's genius then to forgive her for it". That, you will see, is very true of Bette. She was not so much "difficult" on set, although she was strong willed, but she wanted to do (always) what was best for the ENTIRE picture and would voice her thoughts. Back then, that was unheard of, so she was labeled "difficult". Not true. There is a difference in standing up for what  you truly believe and being simply a difficult star due to ego. I am not sure she had an ego. She was confident in her talent, but never in her looks. She also said that "Jack Warner liked to look around room when you were talking to demean/disarm you, so she simply wore sunglasses when she talked with him. She stood up for herself. If you want to truly know what she was like...this is a great way to do so. Her friendship with Mr. Stine (the author) is also very well done.
22358
i'm a grandfather, and a huge Cameron Diaz fan. I knew her book was for women, but i bought and read her book cause i'm a fan. The book is delightful just like Cameron Diaz is, easy to read, informative and inspirational. I recommend reading this book.
4897547
I loved Laverne and Shirley when I was little, and ran across this book when it was offered for free.  It's a fast and easy read, and I really enjoyed the whole book. I never knew much about Penny Marshall and her life story is quite interesting. Humorous style, loads of facts that will help you understand her achievements and challenges, and just an overall authentic-self presentation of her life up until now. No pretense at all about who she is or where she comes from; no vindictive jabs at fellow actors or disgruntles family; no personal PR inserts to help bolster her box office draw.....just open, casual and refreshingly good story telling. Great beach or airplane read - can put it down and pick it back up easily.
566578
Read this book for my monthly book club, after pleas that we PLEASE choose something "lighter" for a change. Our club gravitates toward books that range from thought provoking to downright depressing.
In the "lighter" regard, this story really delivered.  If you are a "modern working mom" in the range of late thirties to mid fiftys, I think you will identify with many aspects of the main character's persona. She is exaggerated for the purpose of a good story, of course, but there is a little piece of many of us in Eleanor Flood.  (I should note this book is not without its share of thought provoking themes and moments. It is far from all fluff.  Still plenty of content that lends itself to spirited discussion.)

I also read "Bernadette" by this same author (which I liked a bit better, by the way) and was entertained by some minor intertwining of people and places from that novel to this one.

Overall, a great little escape from the happy chaos of your life to another.
3817099
This book is engaging and witty, light without losing its literary merit. The narrator, assistant to a publisher, is sent to California to type out the upcoming, long awaited second novel of a reclusive (think Harper Lee) author. Once she arrives, she realizes that the author is NOT going to let her see her unfinished manuscript, and instead her job is to babysit the author's lovable but difficult 10 year old son. The child likes old movies and dressing like a walking anachronism in zoot suits and other clothes from bygone eras (where they get them to fit him, I don't know). Somehow the author keeps him just the right side of the line between interesting and believable and ridiculous.

One thing I appreciated about this book is that all of the loose ends were wrapped up by the end, but naturally and without any "ta-da!" hokiness.
2606997
I had rented Poseidon Adventure as a friend about my age had never seen it. After watching the movie, I was once again intrigued by Shelley Winters and decided to purchase this book. I do not read many books about "celebrities," but this one is very good. I am truly enjoying her story! I'm about half-way through the book. Shelley Winters does not hold anything back, but she is refreshing, interesting, and fun. This is an easy read and flows well.
2684804
A very honest and down to earth Diane Keaton talks about her life and friends.  The book was a quick and easy, and heartfelt read.
54110
First of all, let me say that as "celebrity biographies" go,  this is one of the better ones. Rather than produce a mere catalogue of  people, places, and events, Faye Dunaway gives her readers impressionistic  peeks into her life; her words are used like water-colored pastels to  create a pleasing but not too controversial work. Although she  overemphasizes pop-psychology explanations, Faye Dunaway still manages to  bring her readers closer to Faye Dunaway the Woman and the Actress while  chipping away at Faye Dunaway the Icon. It's a nice compliment to her work  on film.
3667580
Reading this book was like losing myself in an old movie from the 30's or 40's - - - but seeing behind the scenes.  This isn't a mystery, it isn't a romance, it isn't just chick lit - - it's a good, old-fashioned STORY!  For me, it was a delightful escape to a bygone era of perceived glamour - and what happens in real life to the glamourous people.

Elsa Emerson wanted to be an actress from the time she was a child and acted in her parents Wisconson theatre.  She married as much  for a way to leave Wisconsin as for love but her dreams of being in the movies were put on hold when she had children.  When Elsa is 'discovered', she's christened Laura Lamont - - and goes on to become a famous actress and movie star.  The book takes a look at what goes on in real life for the glamourous stars.  Some of the characters were thinly veiled portrayals of well-known stars from the era which made for interesting guessing.

The novel follows Elsa/Laura throughout her life from her childhood with an early trauma, through her marriages and children, and her struggles to remain in the public eye as she aged.

I liked the way the book ended - - still hopeful and with a promise of more happy times to come.
332987
Just saw this movie,for the first time, two weeks ago and have seen it at least a dozen times since then and still counting! This is definitely and absolutely an Oscar winner!  Diane Keaton was more than perfect for this role!!!  More power to her!  Hope she makes a lot more movies.  Can't seem to get enough of her movies!
4928387
Diane Keaton carries this movie.  It's an okay film, but not great.
4260829
A sequel to the author's original Fabulous Faces, this book is a real delight for the eye as well as the mind. While this book is absolutely crammed with vintage photographs of the actresses included in this collection, it meanders through the years to show how these ladies evolved from the start of their careers and how they changed in terms of style and the roles they played.
The subjects for analysis were Bette Davis, Katherine Hepburn, Carole Lombard, Myrna Loy, and Dolores Del Rio. I thought the choices intriguing and logical. Davis, Hepburn, and Loy were among the most successful and lauded actresses for decades and had careers that took them into old age. Lombard didn't have the luxury of a long life or career. She died in her early thirties in an aviation accident and was probably just at a point where she had moved away from her reputation of being primarily a comedian and began to see an upsurge in not only her popularity but in her work which had really blossomed in the last few years of her life. Lombard left behind a surprisingly substantial catalog of work since she started working as an actress as a child. As for Del Rio, her film work was not as prolific and became sporadic as she aged, but she was one of the most naturally gorgeous women in Hollywood and had the added cachet of being married at one time to the ever tasteful art designer Cedric Gibbons.
The text of this book is as prominent as the multitude of photographs and is full of insight as well as thoughtful observations regarding the careers of these ladies and their physical and personal evolutions.
This was a tastefully done book that is interesting as well as thought provoking.