Audition: A Memoir by Barbara Walters Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $0.92 You Save: $29.03 (97%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Audition: A Memoir
Book Review: A Long Book, But Very Worth the Read
Summary: 4 Stars
I loved Ms. Walters' book. It was fun to learn the details of her young life and see how she developed into the journalist and TV personality she is today. The nice surprise is how exciting it was to experience again the important historical times she documented so well as she covered many really important stories over the years. We get to read behind the scenes happenings. For instance, years ago we saw her interview with Fidel Castro, but in the book there is so much more on the subject. Same thing about the talks leading to the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty, etc.
Ms. Walters was so careful to thank everyone who helped her in her personal and professional life--she seems like an extremely nice woman. I found myself cheering for all her successes, although she didn't shy away from admitting failures. I think the book is well-written and it was something I was happy to get back to in all my free moments until I finished it.
Book Review: A Thoroughly Engaging Read
Summary: 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. At 582 pages, it's a little large to lug to a beach, but it is definitely an engrossing read. I enjoyed the personal parts of the book, but I really enjoyed reading about the many celebrity interviews and meetings. I think one of my favorite stories was about Barbara and Henry Kissinger going to the sports arena; I also enjoyed reading the Monica Lewinsky section and admit, this book improved my opinion of Monica. What a life Barbara Walters has led!Book Review: A Truly Outstanding Memoir
Summary: 5 Stars
First, I want to say that this is a VERY readable book. Don't be put off by it's length---I read it over the Memorial Day weekend---along with entertaining dinner and lunch guests, attending a family surprise party and the traditional Memorial Day service at a country church. It's a VERY entertaining book. I kept picking it up again and again--in spite of being busy.
I grew up watching Barbara Walters on television. I remember her from my childhood. I watched her with great interest---even during the early days when she was doing the Alpo commercials. My mother never really liked her (born 1923),but I enjoyed her.
Reading this book made me admire Barbara. This woman has depth--she has love of family, friends---a sense of grave responsibility--- guilt---uncertainty---things that most of us feel in our own lives. These things are a big part of this book.
I saw no arrogance. I saw a lot of gratitude in what Barbara expressed in this book. The book is personal--- it is detailed---it truly gives the reader a window into Barbara's life. On one level the book is entertainment--on another level it is much deeper. I appreciate both levels and think the author has done a superb job of writing and communicating.
My favorite parts? Of course--the personal aspects of her life. Reading about her father's career and her mother's angst explained a lot about Barbara's drive to succeed in her career. Her obvious love and concern for her older sister was touching--as well as affirming. Reading about her three marriages made me a bit sad for her. Her trials and tribulations with her much loved daughter should be heartening for many parents.
I say--this is a book well worth reading. In spite of it's length, you can read it quickly. Then, you will want to pass it along to a friend.
Book Review: A Very Honest and Insightful Book.
Summary: 5 Stars
I was looking forward to this book coming out. I thought for a long time Barbara Walters should write an autobiography and that she could have a lot to share with the public. And I was not wrong.
Barbara Walters clearly paved the way for female journalists everywhere, and for that she should be applauded. She has interviewed world leaders, celebrities, royalty, sports stars and the infamous alike. And she has done so with ease on camera and a lot of hard work off.
I was very impressed of her writing in the book her determination and tenacity she displayed on trying to "get" the most wanted people in the public eye at the time. And I found it easy to read in how the book was compartmentalized into the different types of people she interviewed.
There were three things that bothered me in reading the book that did not take away from my rating, but more on how I felt about Barbara Walters, and that was in the way she discussed and viewed her family, the way she gave backhanded compliments to some of the people she discussed and how she always had to add the little extra in her description that made her sound as if she was bragging (i.e. - instead of saying she was on vacation, she had to say she was on vacation on a yacht ....) I felt those things were unnecessary and showed she is not very humble.
I was very disturbed on how I felt she sort of turned her back on her family. Through the later chapters in the book, she kept on stating how guilty she felt that she was not with her mother, father & sister when they died and how she wished she did more for them in their failing health.
I did not find that all that believable. More that she had to add that now because it made her not look like a very nice woman.
But those character flaws are what make the book so good. I felt she was very honest and I enjoyed her book very much.
Book Review: A book that takes you on quite a journey.
Summary: 3 Stars
After reading this book, there is so much more to Barabara than just the talk shows she has done over the years. This bring her up front and personable. Almost like the View and all the other jobs she has had. Barbara is a woman ahead of her time. She is to be congratulated.