bathsheba West

A True Original

Revisado: 01-17-25

Anthony Armstrong Jones ( Snowdon) was a memorable, talented and complex individual who really was his first wife’s equal. ( Princess Margaret)
He was witty and wicked but also could be kind and generous. This book does a very comprehensive study of his considerable artistic talents as well as his excessive search for constant and ever changing female companionship.
The story ends while Jones was still alive and kicking - though not as high as he once did. I found the reader a bit arch but his inflections gradually grew on me as the chapters quickly flew by.

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Real, Raw, Poignant, Witty and completely entertaining!

Revisado: 08-26-24

This memoir was so beautifully written and expressed- the characters vibrant and fascinating. I found Griffin to be a wonderful storyteller- much in the mode of my Irish uncles. His father Dominic was a larger than life presence- still resonating in the literary world as are his aunt Joan Didion and uncle John Gregory Dunn.His mother and siblings are fully realized as warm and intelligent but also the victims of tragedy- each in their own way . This is an American saga replete with joy, sorrow and redemption.

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Interesting and Unique Woman

Revisado: 06-07-24

I enjoyed hearing the many details of Carolyn‘s life and theories of „ what made her tick“. I had always admired and liked her and was not aware of the relentless bad publicity that the author emphasizes that she endured. Ultimately this is a story of a young woman thrust into an intense public situation that she probably would have learned to navigate if her life had not been cut short so tragically.
I felt the narrator was a bit preachy and her tone indignant at times which was distracting.

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Fantastic!!

Revisado: 03-08-24

Poignant, fun, historical- fascinating time and characters! I listened twice I enjoyed it so much!

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Finally Get To Meet an Icon and Know Her!

Revisado: 02-15-24

I always was in awe of Barbra’s Streisand’s gorgeous and remarkable voice and loved The Way We Were and her unforgettable performances- but she seemed a mysterious and remote figure. Her book altered that preconception- now I feel as though she is a friend and I will miss listening to her . She covers her sensational career but the really fascinating parts are her relationships with people and how they affected her life- something we can all relate to. Her references to food and fashion are wonderful and her eye for art very keen and not limited to music and film. She is a woman of strong convictions and integrity as well as empathy and wit. Wonderful memoir!

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Brilliant Man; powerful biography

Revisado: 07-19-23

Pope Benedict XVI comes to life in this excellent biography. He is a fascinating subject not just due to his immense intellect and gift of communicating the intricate tenets and scope of Catholicism but also his gentle, kind and unassuming way of presenting himself- a lion and a lamb in one being. He seems destined for sainthood.
The author has produced an engrossing and thoughtful study on the life of the truly remarkable Joseph Ratzinger/PopeBenedict XVI.

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Poignant, Fascinating and very Insightful

Revisado: 04-06-23

This book was difficult to listen to in parts- not because it wasn’t beautifully written but because of the depth of pain experienced by the author. It was an act of bravery for her to revisit what she went through during her incarceration in the «  teen camps » that parents sent their children to - unwittingly thinking they were places of good.
Paris is sensitive and probing- a strong and highly intelligent woman who has a story worth hearing and one that I will remember.

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Loved every chapter!

Revisado: 08-20-22

I had heard of Grace Coddington and her creative talent for many years- myself being involved in the creative side of retail as a fashion illustrator. I found her memoir fascinating from start to finish and was so sorry to reach the last chapter! Her recollections of the famous names in fashion are interesting and well rounded. She brings these people into clear focus as she does her own personality. I found myself thinking that I wished I had known her or worked with her. She is unique and colorful while still being grounded and very balanced . She tells the story of the fashion world both in Britain and the United States over the last half century with depth and exciting detail. As a reader I felt that I was experiencing those heady days right along with her! This is a memoir that I will read again - with relish!. Bravo Grace!

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Literary Catnip!!

Revisado: 08-14-22

This book was one of my all- time favorites- juicy, witty, thoughtful, poignant . Mr. Langella is an excellent writer and his recollections of the famous persons that he grew to know is captivating. His narration is first rate - his command of the language and melodious voice an added treat. Not to be missed!

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Unflinching, raw and bittersweet

Revisado: 05-28-22

I found this bio. by Ryan O’Neil to be surprisingly candid and affecting. His recounting of his relationship with Farrah and his children was turbulent to say the least but beneath the tangled uproar his genuine care for both was undeniable.
In many respects this is a cautionary tale of failed parenting and love relationships gone haywire but Ryan’s love for Farrah remained undimmed and ultimately went the distance. Beneath the veneer of glamour and fame they both had considerable sadness in their lives. I found his narration to be very genuine- his wistful longing for things to have gone differently in their lives palpable and agonizing as well. In summary, a very well done memoir and one that will be remembered.

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