KOS

Beautiful memoir by a most special man

Revisado: 11-19-24

I’ve been a fan of Al Pacino since I saw Serpico and Dog Day Afternoon in the Seventies. I watched many of his films over the years and even got my photo taken with him when I and a group of fans waited at the back entrance of the theater in Los Angeles where he starred in Salome. But I knew little about him until I listened to his wonderful performance reading his excellent autobiography. His story is fascinating and told with authenticity and love. Maybe someone will make a biopic from this masterful work? I loved Scent of a Woman, Sea of Love and so many others. I enjoyed listening to Pacino discuss what was going on behind the scenes while he was making various films and performing on stage. I re-watched The Godfather I & II, Serpico and Dog Day Afternoon with new appreciation. Pacino is truly one of the greatest actors of his generation. He is wise, intelligent and humble. I’m so glad he decided to share much of his life story with us. Truly a remarkable story about a remarkable man.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Excellent Overview of CG Life & Films

Revisado: 09-29-24

Enjoyed learning about the details of many of Grant’s films and his relationships with his parents and his Hollywood friends and costars.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Excellent

Revisado: 07-29-23

Narrated by Priscilla Presley, she tells the personal story of her life with Elvis Presley: the good, the bad and the ugly. But overall, she emphasizes the love between them in spite of many challenges. Highly recommend.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Wow! Just Wow. Great book.

Revisado: 07-23-23

This and volume 1 by this author-(Last Train to Memphis) comprise the definitive biography of Elvis Presley. You’ll learn almost everything you ever wanted to know and a lot that you may not want to know about the life and times of Elvis Presley. I
listened to both volumes in preparation for a trip to Graceland in September. Presley was a victim of his fame and fortune. He got what he wanted at a very young age and had no clue how to handle it. He ended up addicted to an entire pharmacy of prescription drugs that eventually killed him. A great entertainer and humanitarian. A sad and lonely death. Hopefully he’s resting in peace now with his beloved grandmother, parents, daughter and grandson.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

The (almost) definitive story of Elvis’ first 23 years

Revisado: 06-20-23

This book has been called a masterwork and it is. It’s meticulously researched. You will learn not only about Elvis, but about the music industry from about 1930 to 1958. The cast of real life characters is humongous. The author is a fantastic writer and storyteller. The narrator is perfect. I did not want the book the end. Fortunately, Guralnick wrote volume two of Elvis’ life story: “Careless Love,” which documents the rest of Elvis’ life. I look forward to listening.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

What a Life Story!

Revisado: 06-03-23

Elvis Presley, the man and the myth, is endlessly fascinating. Though some of the details presented in this book may be inaccurate, the overall picture of Presley’s life is accurate. Sadly, since this book was published in 2016, Lisa Marie died at age 54. Her only son Benjamin, preceded her in death. He died by suicide at age 27. Gunshot to the mouth. Presley’s daughter and grandson struggled with addiction just as Presley did. Presley was a great entertainer but also became a prisoner of his fame. He left the world hundreds of fabulous recordings, over 30 films and a huge warning about the perils of drug addiction. I’m sorry his life ended so tragically. But grateful that he lived. One of these days I hope to visit Graceland.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

This book is a treasure.

Revisado: 02-04-23

Jerry Schilling does an admirable job reading his wonderful memoir. By chance, 12 year old Jerry meets 19 year old Elvis when he wanders over to Guthrie Park in Memphis looking for something to do. He’s recruited to be the sixth player on a touch football game with a bunch of “older boys.” Elvis turns out to be the quarterback for Jerry’s team. The beauty of this book is the sincerity and respectfulness with which Jerry tells the story of his friendship with Elvis for the next 23 years. The reader gets to know Elvis, Jerry and others in Elvis’ inner circle as humans with complex personalities. The story is endearing and heartfelt. This trip down memory lane is a journey worth taking. We get to know Elvis, the man behind the icon.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Powerful Account of One Man’s Struggle With Alcohol

Revisado: 01-05-23

I commend the author for sharing a frank account of his life as an alcoholic, how he stopped drinking and created a better life. I’ve read that alcohol is the most abused substance in the US. At the beginning,
the author states that this is not medical advice, rather his own personal story. His account of addiction and recovery could apply to other types of substance addiction. I wish him continued sobriety.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

“What did I miss?” Ponders Congressman Raskin

Revisado: 02-26-22

When reflecting on his son’s death by suicide. I have the same question. “This time the disease won,” read Tommy Raskin’s suicide note. The disease apparently was depression or perhaps bi-polar disorder. Hard to tell as every mention of Tommy In the book is about how happy, kind, and positive he was. Why are there no accounts of Tommy’s battle with depression? There’s nothing that illuminates or foreshadows his suicide.

The bulk of the book is Raskin’s account of January 6 and his account of the 2nd impeachment of Trump. It’s well written, personal and in depth.

But why is there nothing about any bouts of serious depression Tommy apparently suffered. He lived a glowing life for 25 years and then one New Years Eve he decides to hang himself? Either Raskin deliberately chose to omit this aspect of Tommy’s life. Or indeed he missed Tommy’s depression. Doesn’t make sense.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona