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thebookishpersuasion's review against another edition
2.0
Trigiani is a great storyteller, but this book was SO drawn out, especially from 40-50% to the end.
mbondlamberty's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed listening to this book. Liked the memoir-y approach to Hollywood history.
Couldn't give it 5 stars because in the back of my mind I had a different view of how Gretchen / Loretta Young's daughter was conceived (google it) and that kept on popping up in my mind.
Otherwise very enjoyable listen.
Couldn't give it 5 stars because in the back of my mind I had a different view of how Gretchen / Loretta Young's daughter was conceived (google it) and that kept on popping up in my mind.
Otherwise very enjoyable listen.
lola425's review against another edition
3.0
Thoroughly enjoyable fictionalization of Loretta Young's life. Captures that Old Hollywood glamour. Used the book in a book discussion with a senior citizen book group and it was a big hit as everyone got to reminisce about the movies and actors and actresses and also opened up great discussions about chemistry in love, Holly wood today vs. now, motherhood. Recommend for book groups and people who like fictionalized biography.
betho23's review against another edition
It was boring book. It had lots of explanation and not a good story. I couldn’t get into it. My book club didn’t like it either.
tomaind's review against another edition
5.0
Another wonderful story from Adriana Trigiani! Although this was not her usual Italian family drama, there were still a few Italian characters and a trip to Italy. Based somewhat on the lives of Loretta Young and Clark Gable, much of the story was fiction. As Adriana does so well in all her books, she pulls you into the story and makes you feel like you are a part of everything. I loved feeling like I was a part of old time Hollywood. I have only ever seen Clark Gable in "Gone With the Wind" and Loretta Young in "The Bishop's Wife". I've always enjoyed classic movies and this book has gotten me in the mood to watch more of these actors movies. I especially want to watch "Call of the Wild". My favorite quote in the book: "You know, Sister, we think we have the luxury of time. We figure that there will always be a moment to have the conversation that we meant to have, and then the moment passes and it's too late." This is so true. It makes you think about making sure to do this in your own life and also how things may have been different if Loretta & Clark would have handled the issue of their illegitimate daughter differently. If that would have happened in the Hollywood of today, they would never had to keep it a secret.
sheloves_toread's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kemilyh1988's review against another edition
1.0
DNF. Why introduce an excellent character if you are going to quickly put them on the backburner and speculate about real people's lives?
julsmarshall's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
So interesting, so good. All about the movies during the silver screen heyday. Loretta Young, Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, Spencer Tracy, and more! Trigiani does a great job of weaving the true story lines we know with the movie making stories we don’t. I really enjoyed the set painting, artistic and religious elements too.