Bogart: In Search of My Father

Rating:
Summary: Sketchy memories
Review: As a fan of Bogart movies,I found this to be an interesting read, even though it is really a collection of Bogart stories, told by his old friends. Humphrey Bogart died when his son was only 8 years old and his memories of his father are as sketchy as one would expect. What annoyed me was his whining attitude towards his father for dying and leaving him (as if he could help this !) and towards his mother, for her love and loyalty to her husband. This was a much loved and cherished child who blamed all of his failings in life on the fact that he was left fatherless as a child, but enjoyed a loving home and what would have been a fine education if he had applied himself and stopped drowning in self pity.

Rating:
Summary: STEPHEN:LOST AND CONFUSED
Review: As I read the other reviews I looked back to see if we were
rating the same book. Unlike one of the other reviewers, I DO
like biographies and as an avid reader ,have read many...
20 last month. This book is 2-1/2 stars at most..Certainly not a "five".
Stephen Bogart allowed himself to become cynical, tortured and lost, with a chip on his shoulder the size of Idaho.
I'm sorry he had such a short relationship with his father, but it isn't too late for him to have a true relationship with his
Father. Without Him , Stephen will have everlasting, unending problems !
As long as his heart is beating, it's not too late, but when it stops, it's irreversible and set forever!

Rating:
Summary: a pleasing reading
Review: I read this book only in search of some of the memorable sentences of Bogart. I'm no fan of biographies of stars. However I must say that I was happily surprised by this book which is quite well written, even with some originality. It is too rare a fact not to be noticed. As to what's inside, I effectively found what I looked for, but I can't tell if bogartmaniacs will learn something new. My only point is that Stephen's position and remarks stroke me by their earnestness and lucidity. I would feel stupid saying that it is one of the best book I ever read, but it is a very pleasing reading. And I would add : happy for you Stephen, even more than for your father.
Refers to french translation

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: Stephen did a wonderful job of trying to sort out his feelings for the father he never really knew. He has a very nice writing style, must of got it from his mom. He took me inside his heart and I was able to feel the pain of the eight year old in the tree screaming at god. I recommend this book to everyone.

Rating:
Summary: By far the best bio I've read...
Review: This book is the best biography I ever read! You learn what Bogart was really like when he wasn't on set doing a movie. You get a real good idea about how he really was in real life. Stephen Bogart tells wonderful stories that he's heard about his father and puts an end to some of the rumors about him. You learn about the last days Bogie was living and what everyone close to him went through. You get to read about the first time Bacall and Bogie met and their love story! Great book!

Rating:
Summary: one of the best books I have ever read
Review: This is one of the best most complete accounts of Humphrey Bogart that I have ever read. Stephen has a wonderful literary style that is fast and easy to read, yet still pulls at your heart strings. I laughed and cried and felt like I knew the whole family just a little bit better by the end

Rating:
Summary: a tiring search
Review: Well written but hardly engaging, Stephen Bogart descends to the predictable far too often. Open any section and the recipe will be identical: Fascinating anecdotes about Humphrey Bogart & mid-century Hollywood are sandwiched between massive slabs of "oh my daddy died and thats why life has been so hard for me me me!" The mantra of selfpity continues throughout. For those who blame their parents for the crippling hardship of adulthood (!) this is the book for you. Bogart fans will perhaps be less pleased - 2 stars for fluid prose & the bits which actually deal with Bogie, icon & man

Rating:
Summary: a tiring search
Review: Well written but hardly engaging, Stephen Bogart descends to the predictable far too often. Open any section and the recipe will be identical: Fascinating anecdotes about Humphrey Bogart & mid-century Hollywood are sandwiched between massive slabs of "oh my daddy died and thats why life has been so hard for me me me!" The mantra of selfpity continues throughout. For those who blame their parents for the crippling hardship of adulthood (!) this is the book for you. Bogart fans will perhaps be less pleased - 2 stars for fluid prose & the bits which actually deal with Bogie, icon & man

Rating:
Summary: a tiring search
Review: Well written but hardly engaging, Stephen Bogart descends to the predictable far too often. Open any section and the recipe will be identical: Fascinating anecdotes about Humphrey Bogart & mid-century Hollywood are sandwiched between massive slabs of "oh my daddy died and thats why life has been so hard for me me me!" The mantra of selfpity continues throughout. For those who blame their parents for the crippling hardship of adulthood (!) this is the book for you. Bogart fans will perhaps be less pleased - 2 stars for fluid prose & the bits which actually deal with Bogie, icon & man