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rbixby's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this. It isn't a definitive biography her entire life. It just focused on the circumstances and events that make Elizabeth Taylor a STAR. Well worth the read if you want to get a sense of what it's like to live such a rarified existence as she did.
pocketvolcano's review against another edition
5.0
A rich and wonderfully well-written book on the iconic Elizabeth Taylor. It doesn't have a year by year timeline of her life, but it hits all the important parts and made me feel like I had gotten to know her. I loved reading this book and highly recommend it to Liz fans or for anyone who has an interest in how Old Hollywood morphed into New Hollywood.
buntyskid's review
4.0
Quite fascinating, and a bit of breath of fresh air after reading the snarky Kitty Kelley bio of Liz.
maxwellmski's review
5.0
"Making movies may never have been a passion for her—but living like a movie star certainly was" (177).
What a juicy surprise! Mann paints an incredible portrait of Elizabeth Taylor that's not just entertaining and glamorous, but tantalizing as well. I took one star off because I wish Mann had focused a little more on the badass second half of Ms. Taylor's life, such as: her AIDS/LGBT awareness and activism, various business ventures (White Diamonds, jewelry lines, etc.), friendship with Michael Jackson, marriage to Larry Fortensky, and nights partying at LA's Abbey nightclub. However, Mann delves exceptionally deep into Ms. Taylor's life from 1932-1981.
Highly recommend this biography!
What a juicy surprise! Mann paints an incredible portrait of Elizabeth Taylor that's not just entertaining and glamorous, but tantalizing as well. I took one star off because I wish Mann had focused a little more on the badass second half of Ms. Taylor's life, such as: her AIDS/LGBT awareness and activism, various business ventures (White Diamonds, jewelry lines, etc.), friendship with Michael Jackson, marriage to Larry Fortensky, and nights partying at LA's Abbey nightclub. However, Mann delves exceptionally deep into Ms. Taylor's life from 1932-1981.
Highly recommend this biography!
bobbert's review against another edition
5.0
Elizabeth Taylor is fascinating. If there was anyone who ever loved life, it’d be her.
I found this semi-biography book about her equally riveting. It’s not really a traditional biography; it’s as much about Taylor as it is about the public, her stardom, and those around her. There’s not unfounded or salacious remarks on her personal life, nor commonly parroted cliches about her. The book is refreshing and it focuses on something new, at least in my opinion. The tone is also wonderful; it’s not judgemental or overly reverential, in my opinion, but simply respectful. Mann also has a way of leading you into events and then getting into the crux of them without fluff, which made the whole book very readable. Unlike with some non-fiction, I didn’t end up with my eyes glazed over or going like “when are we going to get to the next part?”
There’s some minor grammatical issues and I didn’t feel extremely emotionally invested / wrenched nor did I learn much practical life lessons (other than on how to publicity 101 which… isn’t practical for an average person, really) but I’ve been really hard on the books I’ve read recently, so fuck it, 5*s.
I found this semi-biography book about her equally riveting. It’s not really a traditional biography; it’s as much about Taylor as it is about the public, her stardom, and those around her. There’s not unfounded or salacious remarks on her personal life, nor commonly parroted cliches about her. The book is refreshing and it focuses on something new, at least in my opinion. The tone is also wonderful; it’s not judgemental or overly reverential, in my opinion, but simply respectful. Mann also has a way of leading you into events and then getting into the crux of them without fluff, which made the whole book very readable. Unlike with some non-fiction, I didn’t end up with my eyes glazed over or going like “when are we going to get to the next part?”
There’s some minor grammatical issues and I didn’t feel extremely emotionally invested / wrenched nor did I learn much practical life lessons (other than on how to publicity 101 which… isn’t practical for an average person, really) but I’ve been really hard on the books I’ve read recently, so fuck it, 5*s.
maygparry's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.0
I love Elizabeth Taylor and I finished reading this very quickly.
meli65's review against another edition
3.0
A glittery, well-written, movie star biography? I can't resist!
lula's review
3.0
Her love for life
I always admired Ms. Taylor's love for life. I could see it her movies. I think Cat on a Hot Tin Roof was the first movie I saw of hers. This book describes how she lived her life with hints at why. She wanted fame, adoration and the glits and glamour (I can't blame her especially given her childhood. She was use to a certain lifestyle and wanted more of it). She seemed to be head strong and hedonistic (I can relate) did what she wanted and what to be done yo get her way. Enjoyed reading about her affairs and marriages and about the Hedda lady
I always admired Ms. Taylor's love for life. I could see it her movies. I think Cat on a Hot Tin Roof was the first movie I saw of hers. This book describes how she lived her life with hints at why. She wanted fame, adoration and the glits and glamour (I can't blame her especially given her childhood. She was use to a certain lifestyle and wanted more of it). She seemed to be head strong and hedonistic (I can relate) did what she wanted and what to be done yo get her way. Enjoyed reading about her affairs and marriages and about the Hedda lady
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