The Way We Lived Then : Recollections of a Well-Known Name Dropper

Rating:
Summary: very revealing about the author himself
Review: I am probably Dominick Dunne's biggest fan, and having said that I was at first a little disappointed (prior to reading it) at his most recent book. It didn't seem like one of his usual, deep juicy stories - more a photo album. Which is exactly what it is, and so much more. Aside from all the personal observations and memorabilia, Mr. Dunne's ability to chop himself down to size is truly amazing. The reader observed some of this in "Another Town, Not My Own" when Mr. Dunne portrays himself as Gus Bailey. Aside from a writing style that I find particularly enjoyable to read, the highest compliment I can pay Mr. Dunne is that I believe every word he says, always. From his articles in Vanity Fair Magazine, to his novels, and now this memoir, Dominick Dunne is truly one of America's greatest authors. His ability to keep the reader engaged and entertained is not to be underestimated.

Rating:
Summary: As Always - Mr. Dunne Delivers
Review: I am probably Dominick Dunne's biggest fan, and having said that I was at first a little disappointed (prior to reading it) at his most recent book. It didn't seem like one of his usual, deep juicy stories - more a photo album. Which is exactly what it is, and so much more. Aside from all the personal observations and memorabilia, Mr. Dunne's ability to chop himself down to size is truly amazing. The reader observed some of this in "Another Town, Not My Own" when Mr. Dunne portrays himself as Gus Bailey. Aside from a writing style that I find particularly enjoyable to read, the highest compliment I can pay Mr. Dunne is that I believe every word he says, always. From his articles in Vanity Fair Magazine, to his novels, and now this memoir, Dominick Dunne is truly one of America's greatest authors. His ability to keep the reader engaged and entertained is not to be underestimated.

Rating:
Summary: Thank you, Mr. Dunne
Review: I just finished reading Dominick Dunne's most recent book, the photo memoir The Way We Lived Then, and felt praise was in order for Mr. Dunne for the superb work he put into this book. At times funny, sad, touching, and very inspiring (especially for those who are aspiring writers, which I consider myself), The Way We Lived Then visually resembles an old family scrapbook (if members of one's family just happened to be famous). The text of the book reads like an unforgivingly honest account of someone who has been "through the fire," and lived to tell about it (unlike many, some of whom Dunne writes of in this book), wiser and stronger as a result. It was very unselfish of Mr. Dunne to share his life so openly with his readers, and to write as candidly, and movingly, of his pain, as well as his subsequent ascent as a writer. Thank you, Mr. Dunne, for an excellent book. I am eager to read more of Dominick Dunne's work, and share more of his experiences.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating Photos and Stories of Early Hollywood
Review: I loved this book. My only disappointment is that it ended and I didn't want it to. I wanted more photos and more stories. Dominick Dunne is my top favorite writer and I read all that he writes. In this book, he tells of his family - the happiness and the tragedy through pictures and prose - mingled with his fabulous party days as a Hollywood insider who knew many of the rich and famous. He has felt pain in the most tragic way - the murder of his beloved daughter and a divorce from the love of his life. I wish I could meet him in person as he is surely to be a fascinating man.

Rating:
Summary: Mr. Dunne, I adore you!
Review: I think I was probably one of the very first people who purchased this book...and I loved every page and every minute of it! Some of the earlier reviewers I read below simply don't seem to "get" this book. It is not meant to be great literature. It is meant to be a great read with one-of-a-kind photos, and it delivers both in spades! Also, I believe it is meant to be somewhat of a love letter, both to the parts of Mr. Dunne's ealier life that were happy and held great promise, AND perhaps to the fans of his books...giving all of us glimpses into what was an incredibly fascinating "Hollywood existence" and giving us a peek at the REAL people that he has thinly veiled, completely disguised, or combined to create the fascinating characters that populate his terrific books. Mr. Dunne, if you read these reviews (I know that I probably would!!), please know that I eagerly await everything you publish, including your monthly "Diarist" articles in Vanity Fair. Your writings are so incredibly enjoyable, fascinating, and provide a much-needed escape for me. You must feel very blessed to have finally found your calling - so many never do.

Rating:
Summary: Mr. Dunne, I adore you!
Review: I think I was probably one of the very first people who purchased this book...and I loved every page and every minute of it! Some of the earlier reviewers I read below simply don't seem to "get" this book. It is not meant to be great literature. It is meant to be a great read with one-of-a-kind photos, and it delivers both in spades! Also, I believe it is meant to be somewhat of a love letter, both to the parts of Mr. Dunne's ealier life that were happy and held great promise, AND perhaps to the fans of his books...giving all of us glimpses into what was an incredibly fascinating "Hollywood existence" and giving us a peek at the REAL people that he has thinly veiled, completely disguised, or combined to create the fascinating characters that populate his terrific books. Mr. Dunne, if you read these reviews (I know that I probably would!!), please know that I eagerly await everything you publish, including your monthly "Diarist" articles in Vanity Fair. Your writings are so incredibly enjoyable, fascinating, and provide a much-needed escape for me. You must feel very blessed to have finally found your calling - so many never do.

Rating:
Summary: Great book... Great pictures... Insightful self-analysis
Review: I've loved Dominick Dunne's articles and books since I was in college. This is perhaps his most insightful and introspective work simply because he turns on himself the same scrutiny he uses on "society"--he pulls no punches and is as critical with what he did with his life as he is of what those around him were doing. This is almost like a personal diary; a glimpse into someone's mind. Despite the fact that I did not recognize many of the "famous" names--I was a child when most of the events in book took place--I was still amazed at how Dunne and his wife were social magnets in Hollywood. It is often disappointing when an author writes about himself. The author is often "light" on the embarassing issues. Dunne will have none of this. His honesty makes this book worth a read.

Rating:
Summary: Dominick Dunne is fascinating
Review: It is easy to see why celebrities, criminals and perfect strangers have told Mr. Dunne their secrets. He is so interesting in a gossipy, name-dropping but sweet way. His Hollywood life makes an engrossing tale, much more entertaining than fiction.

Rating:
Summary: A Surprising Tour-de-Force
Review: It wasn't Dominick Dunne's vintage photos that caught me -- although some of them are stunning -- but the delicious text of this book. There are some quotable lines, like this musing on Lana Turner: "I have always been intrigued by the kind of people who call their lawyers before they call the police after a murder. It's a rich-people thing." What's best, of course, is that Dunne manages to capture the guilty innocence in post-war Hollywood manners and morals. And then that exquisitely sad coda! This book will be a minor classic. Dominick Dunne, thank you.

Rating:
Summary: A Surprising Tour-de-Force
Review: It wasn't Dominick Dunne's vintage photos that caught me -- although some of them are stunning -- but the delicious text of this book. There are some quotable lines, like this musing on Lana Turner: "I have always been intrigued by the kind of people who call their lawyers before they call the police after a murder. It's a rich-people thing." What's best, of course, is that Dunne manages to capture the guilty innocence in post-war Hollywood manners and morals. And then that exquisitely sad coda! This book will be a minor classic. Dominick Dunne, thank you.