Top Ten Tuesday My Favorite Books on Film Stars

Today’s Topic: Freeebie

Hosted by: That Artsy Reader Girl

Anyone who has hung around here long enough knows two of my passions are books and classic films. I really love when I get a chance to combine the two, which is why for this week’s freebie, I am sharing my favorite books on film stars.

Self-Portrait – Hands down, the best auto-biography, I’ve ever read. She’s objective and honest about her life, while also sharing enough details without allowing the telling to become salacious.

Hank & Jim: The Fifty Year Friendship of Henry Fonda and James Stewart – I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. I loved the unique approach the author had in writing about both men’s lives through the perspective of their friendship. It’s so good, I had to review it.

Cary Grant: A Celebration of Style – Perhaps no one is more of a self made man than Cary Grant. This creative book details how he formed his famous persona through the use of style details. It’s absolutely fascinating. For a little more information about the book, I wrote about it here.

Every Frenchman Has One – Who knew Olivia de Havilland had such a charming sense of humor? Though this book only covers a small portion of her life, I love her take on the benefits and challenges of life in France.

Lana Turner: The Memories, the Myths, the Movies – I particularly enjoy reading about stars as seen through the eyes of their children as is the case with this book co-written by Lana’s daughter Cheryl. The collection of photos included here is spectacular.

Natalie Wood: Reflections on a Legendary Life – Natalie Wood is a personal favorite and I really enjoyed the presentation of her life in this book. The research is well done, and it includes pictures I’ve not seen before. A special inclusion of an article Natalie wrote about herself for a magazine gives great insight into her own perspective of her career.

Good Stuff: A Reminiscence of My Father, Cary Grant – My obsession with Cary Grant has been one of a few constants in my life and I’ve read almost every book about him in existence. This one written by his only child is really special as she gives a glimpse of Grant outside of and separate from his career.

Without Lying Down: Frances Marion and the Powerful Women of Early Hollywood – As a film fan who has also long been interested in film history, this particular book was fascinating. Though it focuses on successful screenwriter Frances Marion, it also shares details about the other  influential women of early Hollywood. The glimpse it shares of these founding years and how these women contributed is so fascinating.

Living with Grace: Life Lessons from America’s Princess – A quick little read which uses Grace’s life as an example for important life lessons, it also shares quotes and memories from those who knew her and even Grace herself. It’s a new angle on an iconic star. Here’s my more in-depth review.

Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry – Well-known for her love of jewelry, the grand dame herself shares memories of her life as they relate to various pieces purchased and gifted over the years. I thought it was a very creative way to talk about her personal life while also sharing her vast knowledge of gems.

Miss D and Me: Life with the Invincible Bette Davis – Strong, stubborn, irascible and principled, no one can argue Bette Davis wasn’t a force of nature. This book was written by her long time personal secretary/companion about the last years of her life and gives a more personal, intimate look at a woman who refused to compromise, but could also be very thoughtful and generous.

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