You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
I read this while listening to Katharine Hepburn narrate the audiobook, which was much faster. Plus, she scattered around in the book, which made it difficult for me to follow. However, I still enjoyed listening to her read her book. I thought it was cute.
Quite a lovely book about an amazing actress. Katharine Hepburn has always been an old Hollywood actress I found fascinating. She was one of the few women of the 30s and 40s that marched to the beat of her own drum and did things her way. I liked that she wasn't into the whole Hollywood glamour thing and put a lot of emphasis on bodily autonomy and dressing in a way that made her feel comfortable. I think she and Spencer Tracy had one of the most iconic secret Hollywood relationships of all time!
If you are a film buff, you should definitely read this book
Quite a lovely book about an amazing actress. Katharine Hepburn has always been an old Hollywood actress I found fascinating. She was one of the few women of the 30s and 40s that marched to the beat of her own drum and did things her way. I liked that she wasn't into the whole Hollywood glamour thing and put a lot of emphasis on bodily autonomy and dressing in a way that made her feel comfortable. I think she and Spencer Tracy had one of the most iconic secret Hollywood relationships of all time!
If you are a film buff, you should definitely read this book
This was a wonderful read, and the life of this woman was nothing short of amazing. I must admit I was more interested in her life before movies.
I would recommend sourcing the audio version of this as hearing Katharine Hepburn speak about her life is just as rewarding.
One of my favourite things from this book was the story of when young Kate was up the top of this rather large tree and their neighbour went to Kate's mother and said you should get her down the tree before she falls down. Her mother's reply was something life 'if she doesnt know she can fall then she wont'. Made me realise we teach people what they should fear.
I would recommend sourcing the audio version of this as hearing Katharine Hepburn speak about her life is just as rewarding.
One of my favourite things from this book was the story of when young Kate was up the top of this rather large tree and their neighbour went to Kate's mother and said you should get her down the tree before she falls down. Her mother's reply was something life 'if she doesnt know she can fall then she wont'. Made me realise we teach people what they should fear.
informative
medium-paced
Fascinating, almost stream of consciousness writing. She was a fantastic woman.
reflective
medium-paced
Katharine Hepburn was arguably Hollywood's greatest female actor of the 20th Century. In this memoir we get to know more about her, in her own words (and she was nothing like what you saw in "The Aviator"). Read my full review here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2014/08/08/get-kissed-by-kate-and-her-stories/
This book read like a conversation with a friend. One of those where wine is involved and you're reminiscing about everything you've done together. The stories aren't linear but they are compelling.
IQ "You give because you love and you cannot help giving. If you are very lucky, you may be loved back. That is delicious but it does not necessarily happen. It really implies total devotion. And total is all-encompassing-the good of you, the bad of you. I am aware that I must include the bad" 389
As many reviewers have noted I too was disappointed at how unrevealing I found Hepburn's autobiography. However I also appreciated the tone of her memoir, she does not tell it in a linear manner. It really does read as though she's sitting right beside you, sharing tales as they come to her. This is one of the few books I can wholeheartedly say I would buy the audio version of just to hear Hepburn read aloud. On a personal note I also walked away from this book feeling very strongly that I knew a bit more about K.Hepburn and that she wouldn't like me. But no matter. The little that she does reveal is powerful. It's not salacious gossip but rather full of funny stories and tender moments, the little she says speaks volumes. I honestly teared up reading the few bits about Spencer Tracy although her thoughts on love are extremely interesting and somewhat troubling to me. I understand the quote I included but Hepburn then goes on to talk about how she changed parts of herself that Tracy didn't like and that she never knew if Tracy loved her and that just seems like an odd kind of love to me and very very sad. However I can agree with her that if Tracy 'put up' with her for all those years he must have indeed been quote fond of her, dare I say in love with her.
She's full of hilarious and honest one liners; "Ambition beat love, or was it like?" (202) and ins unapologetic about the fact that she sought fame however avoided celebrity. It's an interesting contradiction. She never complains about her struggles in the beginning, including the terrible reviews (the fact that Dorothy Parker wrote about her just killed me) and the times when she was led to believe she would get paid and then wasn't. She's also open about the fact that she used her husband, Luddy. I was surprised by the number of movies she chose not to reminisce on, she says that she's only going to talk about the movies she remembers. And she talks about many of the obvious ones (Cary Grant, even SYLVIA SCARLET) except for the one she made with Tracy. I also feel she should have included the RAINMAKER, I'm sure other readers will have opinions on what they wished she had discussed. A. Scott's Berg memoir of Katharine Hepburn remains my favorite of the grand total of three books that I've read about her. I hope I can have an ounce of her gracefulness about aging. If you want to know the nitty gritty about her life this is not the book for you, rather this is the book to read to get an idea about Katharine Hepburn. Or maybe just the character of Katharine Hepburn...
As many reviewers have noted I too was disappointed at how unrevealing I found Hepburn's autobiography. However I also appreciated the tone of her memoir, she does not tell it in a linear manner. It really does read as though she's sitting right beside you, sharing tales as they come to her. This is one of the few books I can wholeheartedly say I would buy the audio version of just to hear Hepburn read aloud. On a personal note I also walked away from this book feeling very strongly that I knew a bit more about K.Hepburn and that she wouldn't like me. But no matter. The little that she does reveal is powerful. It's not salacious gossip but rather full of funny stories and tender moments, the little she says speaks volumes. I honestly teared up reading the few bits about Spencer Tracy although her thoughts on love are extremely interesting and somewhat troubling to me. I understand the quote I included but Hepburn then goes on to talk about how she changed parts of herself that Tracy didn't like and that she never knew if Tracy loved her and that just seems like an odd kind of love to me and very very sad. However I can agree with her that if Tracy 'put up' with her for all those years he must have indeed been quote fond of her, dare I say in love with her.
She's full of hilarious and honest one liners; "Ambition beat love, or was it like?" (202) and ins unapologetic about the fact that she sought fame however avoided celebrity. It's an interesting contradiction. She never complains about her struggles in the beginning, including the terrible reviews (the fact that Dorothy Parker wrote about her just killed me) and the times when she was led to believe she would get paid and then wasn't. She's also open about the fact that she used her husband, Luddy. I was surprised by the number of movies she chose not to reminisce on, she says that she's only going to talk about the movies she remembers. And she talks about many of the obvious ones (Cary Grant, even SYLVIA SCARLET) except for the one she made with Tracy. I also feel she should have included the RAINMAKER, I'm sure other readers will have opinions on what they wished she had discussed. A. Scott's Berg memoir of Katharine Hepburn remains my favorite of the grand total of three books that I've read about her. I hope I can have an ounce of her gracefulness about aging. If you want to know the nitty gritty about her life this is not the book for you, rather this is the book to read to get an idea about Katharine Hepburn. Or maybe just the character of Katharine Hepburn...
Not sixty seconds ago did I finish reading Katharine's words, all of them, and I am floored with emotions. So many feelings, so many chaotic sensations tumbling through my body that I turn laughably poetic at just trying to express how deeply I am moved.
I've read many novels in my life, many nonfictional works designed to engage me, make me think, entertain me, do something. And, yet, of the no doubt thousand bindings of paper and electronic ink I've perused, never, ever, have I felt as I do now. That is not hyperbole, or dramatization, that is simplistic fact.
Oh, yes, I'm a fan of Kath's movie, sure. I have my favorites, and she's certainly unique on screen as she is...was...in life. But, reading Me: Stories of my Life gave me what I always have wished for, what I used to dream about as a little kid, seeing Desk Set for the first time with no real comprehension of the plot. All I knew was this pretty lady, with her pretty eyes and even prettier voice was fun. I liked her. Then, as I have until just tonight, I always wished to sit down with Kate, Kath, Miss Hepburn...to just...listen to her, and her words. Thank God she wrote this book, because I finally got that chance.
Some would no doubt bemoan this book's meandering structure, its lighting-fast pace and jumpy sequencing, but not I. Rather, I feel blessed this book has such uniqueness, because, as is obvious, it's befitting of its creator. Oh, there are flaws, no question. Superfluous "wrongs," such as a few dialogue entrances between Kate and William Rose and some such thing about planting plants, removing plants? And, no reflection on Desk Set. Three flaws, really, when considering it now. And, that's it. Three parts of lackluster in a 418 page volume. Three moments. Is it any wonder she was so fascinating?
It's cliche, but I laughed, I smiled...and, shockingly, I cried. Throughout the book, I had fun. It was engaging, and an intimate saga that satisfied me, but tears; that I absolutely did not expect. I read this to hear whatever Kate wanted to tell, and did not hold to any expectations in regards to Spence. In truth, Miss Hepburn held off on his subject until almost the very end, and such was perfectly fine by me, truly. First, she tells of a relationship which, for me, took the romance out of "Spence and Kate," for the picture she painted, and happily so, was one of total isolation and sacrifice on her part. In point of fact, Kate notes not even being sure if Spence loved her, or how he felt about her as a woman.
Upon reading the above, well, I first got angry on her behalf. Stupid me. For, really, how could I? I'm not she, and she was happy...truly, truly happy with Spence. I thought I would surely read through the "Spencer" segment of her work with smiles, but certainty not emotional heart-wrenching. Damn, I was so wrong. Kath tantalized us with "Her and Spence," her first segment about him entitled "Spencer," at page 275. It's short, barely three pages, and ends with "But more about Spencer later. Don't be impatient. I wasn't." Oh, so typical Kate. I read that, and heard her voice, so clearly, so tangibly in my head, my ear. Classic Kate.
Interestingly, the book somewhat concludes with Spencer, starting with the chapter "Love," all the way later at page 389. This is where my heart hurt for her, the story she relates with no martyrdom of how, frankly, she loved him and gave him her all, but never knew if Spencer was hers, truly hers. I'm angry here, but not long into the "Leaving the California House" chapter, I'm bawling. Bawling like a little baby with massive tears rolling down my face. I can't see the words on the page, so much I am crying. And, this emotional gut-punch concludes with the most beautiful, powerhouse, tell-all-subtly letter to Spencer that Kate wrote after his death. What's more, this is not by any means the first time I've heard this letter. Below is the link to Kate herself reading it, verbatim, and as within every viewing of the video, I cried right along with the transcript in the book.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aThAMG-cdpc
But...what amazes me is that this work impacted me with a gut-slam of emotion at the end. Throughout my absorption of the book, and, hell, my whole inspiration and desperation for reading it was because I wanted to know. I desperately, tirelessness wanted to know how she thought, what she did, what her struggles, her triumphs, her goals, her family, her childhood, her career...what all that was like. Her father, mother, siblings, loss, love, growth. I sound like a stalker, and I probably am, being half (oh, hell, all) in love with Katharine Hepburn. I'm so many generations removed from her, and I bet she's laughing at me in the afterlife right this very minute. She pursued Hollywood for the goal of fame, but she wasn't much for being admired. What a contradiction.
You were both, darling, and we miss you so terribly. You'd no doubt laugh at the cliche, but the world truly sucks more for your absence.
Quotes:
"Our house is gone - Victorian Gothic - three gables, trimmed with black lace. The driveway - the trees - gracious, simple - the brook - the daffodils. Gone. Even the brook has been put into a pipe. Well, that's the style today - pipe things - can things - freeze things - computerize things. Have to be careful about that. You can't develop a mind full of beauty or tender imagination and independence of spirit tearing along in a box without a bit of space and air - number XY-133-609-00. Well, yes, there are indeed so many of us and we've got to make room. "
“Everyone knew everyone. They – that is, most of them – came from Washington Street in Hartford. They were Brainards and Brainerds and Davises and Bulkeleys and Buckleys and Goodwins. They were very nice – very Republican – very Aetna Life Insurance.”
"All of a sudden I heard: "Kate! Kate! Come here!" His tone of voice made me leap out of the tub. I rushed in. Luddy was in flames - a trail of flames to the fireplace. The kerosene can in Luddy's hand burning and he couldn't drop it. I was stark naked. I belted Luddy in the stomach, knocked him down, grabbed a throw rug, smothered the fire on Luddy and knocked the kerosene can out of his poor hand - yelled, FIRE!"
"He was an angel. However big the flop. "Well, I don't know, Miss Hepburn. They just love you. That's all I can say. I just hear what they say. You're the greatest." All those heartwarming lies. They keep you going. Those liars who love you and protect you. For better or for worse. Till death do us part. How lucky I've been."
"Howard Hughes was a curious fellow. He had guts and he had a really fine mind, but he was deaf - quite seriously deaf - and he was apparently incapable of saying, "Please speak up. I'm deaf."...This was tragic...This is the real tragedy of any sort of personal defect. Just say it. Admit it. The person you say it to is not at all embarrassed. He or she just speaks up. He's just happy that he himself is not deaf. I think that this weakness went a long way toward ruining Howard's life and making him into an oddball."
"Then we got Cary Grant for the $150,000 for three weeks' work. He said that he would do it and that he wanted first billing over me. "O.K.," I said, "that's easy." He gave his salary to the Red Cross."
"It's rather the style now to romanticize certain of the older actors...No matter what you want to say, you just can't toss the parental figure. You can spit on it all you like, but eventually it has to come back. It's the strong thing to us, because it affects us very early on. It's something you can cling to."
"John Wayne is the hero of the thirties and forties and most of the fifties. Before the creeps came creeping in. Before, in the sixties, the male hero slid right down into the valley of the weak and the misunderstood. Before the women began dropping any pretense to virginity into the gutter. With a disregard for truth which is indeed pathetic. And unisex was born. The hair grew long and the pride grew short. And we were off to the anti-hero and -heroine."
"Now, why don't you stop, Kath - just admit it. You're dead and go in and take a bath and lie down...No, I'm not going to do that. I'm too proud. I'm going to stay out here and struggle until they quit or until I die."
"And anyway, down went the tire and off came the lugs. Then he jacked her up again and on went the good tire so that the tire spun free. On went the screws again, and holding them with the handle wrench, he spun the tire, to wind one up. Great, thrilling - a ballet. So lovely - to change a tire, to know what you're doing. Head down, enjoying it."
"Now I'm going to tell you about Spencer. You may think you've waited a long time. But let's face it, so did I. I was thirty-three. It seems to me I discovered what "I love you" really means. It means I put you and your interests and your comfort ahead of my own interests and my own comfort because I love you. What does this mean?...Think. We use this expression very carelessly. LOVE has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get - only with what you are expecting to give - which is everything."
"I have no idea how Spence felt about me. I can only say I think that if he hadn't liked me he wouldn't have hung around. As simple as that. He wouldn't talk about it and I didn't talk about it. We just passed twenty-seven years together in what was to me absolute bliss. It is called LOVE."
