Helpful Score: 1
Autobiographical potpourri by one of the screen's most renowned actresses begins in 1983 with Davis's mastectomy and stroke. From there her recovery is chronicled, along with flashbacks and observations of her long career and often turbulent personal life. She is direct and never self-effacing in retelling her story; and even this hodge-podge of a book is pure Davis, as her fans know her on screen and off. The book ends with an open letter to her daughter, B. D. Hyman, in reply to the latter's book, My Mother's Keeper. A good purchase for all film collections.
A fun ride with Bette as she discusses her tremendously interesting life.
Like her famous characters, she's tough, confident, and never minces words. This frank, no-nonsense account features Bette Davis in her best role: her own remarkable life--on-screen and off...
This frank, no-nonsense account features Bette Davis in her best role: her own remarkable life -- on-screen and off....
From the back cover.
From the back cover.
Written late in her life it contains a few tid-bits about her experiences in final films, but I got tired of it being a love-letter to her companion Kath. Not really the tell-all expose it was touted as. A remarkable woman not well served by this book.
I found this book and B.D. Hyman's book (My Mother's Keeper) at the same time. I was tickled. I am the type of woman who will read (if I can) each person's version of their lives with each other. Needless to say these 2 women see their life together in completely different ways. I started reading B.D.s book first but had to put it down-to many big words, to many confusingly constructed sentences. Bette's book is a romping, hold unto to someone and fasten your seat belts read. I LOVED it! She wrote this book after her bout with breast cancer and her nearly crippling strokes. She wrote it to help others who may be faced with medical problems. She also wrote it for her audience a put it out there story if you liked it fine if not that was fine to- she had a story to tell. However, if you had never been a fan or seen one of Bette's better films there is wisdom for you here. A collection of experience that sticks with you what Bette did wrong, what she would do different if she could, what she wouldn't change, she advises how to avoid common mistakes, she tries to help you from repeating her mistakes, how to find happiness, lessons from a woman in her late 70s. I love this book even if I don't always agree with Bette but it wasn't often. She is very funny, profound and her forthright story telling is very much appreciated. I felt as if Bette was right there with me as I read her book. I felt her pain and she had much but she met each challenge with courage that I don't even know that I could muster. It pains me that Bette Davis was still alive when her daughter's book was published at least Joan Crawford was dead when Christina's book Mommie Dearest was published. She takes the book with the blow and hurt it gave her but resolves to get through it. I admired her greatly by the end of her book and you will to respect and admire this lady.
The title describes this book perfectly. It's little tidbits of Bette's rememberings cobbled together in no particular order. She jumps around quite a bit from different times & experiences in her life but it was a fascinating glimpse into the life of a star.
It was a little bit of "kiss & tell" and somewhat of a boastful ego trip but since I've always liked Bette Davis I feel she was entitled to boast a little. Her boasts were well deserved.
It was a little bit of "kiss & tell" and somewhat of a boastful ego trip but since I've always liked Bette Davis I feel she was entitled to boast a little. Her boasts were well deserved.
