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Summary: This is Actually a Good Book - But Its Genetic
Review: Before writing this review I have of course read the book and then I read what the other reviewers said.My take is a bit different. Okay he has too many girlfriends along the way, and he is is Jewish and he comes from a small town in New York - that town Amsterdam by the way is actually not such a bad place - and he did grow up poor. But that misses the whole point of the story. The Douglas family this father and one famous son Michael, are just extremely likable people who are also very very talented. It is genetic!! So it should be no surprise that once going to a local college and getting a break or two that he (Kirk) would rise to the top. Once the money and fame came his life like many other people got complicated and he made a few mistakes. Now for the book, it is well written and moves along with the story. No slow spots. A nice read. Jack in Toronto
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Summary: Ragman
Review: Brutal no restraints forwardness about growing up a Russian Jew in Amsterdam, New York and eventually becoming a very talented actor. Stayed up quite a few nights and early mornings page after page not being able to stop until sleep crepted over! His accounts of going to college, actors school, early arrival in Hollywood, many encounters with other well known actors, directors and producers gives everyone an inside view of the lives behind the faces we see on the screen. One of the most memorable scenes is when he gets employment in a summer inn that caters to wealthy single ladies after he changed his name so as not to be rejected for being Jewish. The female owner of the inn takes a liking to him (and confesses her dislike of Jews often) and on the last night of the summer she invites him to her room. While Douglas is having intercourse with her he whispers in her ear. "how does it feel to be contaminated by a Jewish penis inside of you" as he climaxes. It does not get more prsonal than that.
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Summary: Shows one of the actor's other talents
Review: I read "Ragman" many years ago and still find it to be one of the most entertaining star autobio's that I have ever read. Douglas is very straightforward in his retelling of his humble beginnings, his personal triumphs and tragedies, as well as his long and distinguished career. I recently found his follow-up "Climbing the Mountain." If it is half the book the former is, my financial investment on both would be worth it.
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Summary: Shows one of the actor's other talents
Review: I read "Ragman" many years ago and still find it to be one of the most entertaining star autobio's that I have ever read. Douglas is very straightforward in his retelling of his humble beginnings, his personal triumphs and tragedies, as well as his long and distinguished career. I recently found his follow-up "Climbing the Mountain." If it is half the book the former is, my financial investment on both would be worth it.
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Summary: Sometimes Movie Stars SHOULDN'T Tell All
Review: Kirk Douglas gives the reader a great life story
It has been a while since such an autobiography has been onthe market.
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Summary: One of the best screen autobiographies
Review: Kirk Douglas story of growing up one of the seven - children in an Amsterdam New York Jewish family, and of working and fighting his way to the top of his profession is in one sense a typical American rags to riches story. It is the triumph of ability and will and courage, and another startling example of how the American dream can be realized. It is also on a parallel track a story of assimilation in America, of denial of one's own identity.This is also often part of the American reality. In Douglas case however this was modified by his return to his Jewish religion and identity after having gone through a serious accident. This story has something of the energy and vibrancy of Douglas' screen personality. It is rich with anecdotes including many celebrity anecdotes as Douglas and his wife were long a part of Hollywood's social world. The question of his morality in relation to women , his many 'conquests' is a real one. But all in all he beside being one of the best American actors in the past half - decade has made a very positive contribution to his society.
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Summary: An incredible American life story...
Review: The autobiography of Kirk Douglas should be required reading for all American high school students. He proves that you can overcome any obstacle in America, no matter what circumstances you were born into, if you are willing to work hard, stay focused, and never stop following your dream. He overcame abject poverty, flagrant anti-Semitism, family dysfunction, and a society that all but guaranteed that he would never amount to anything. He was blessed with a passionate zest for living and learning, a voracious curiosity, and a fearlessness that allowed him to take risks that lead to great achievements in his life. He truly is bigger than life. He tells his story with brutal honesty. He has a great personal integrity that shines through the entire book. He is, like all the rest of us, imperfect. But he had the tenacity to tell his story, imperfections and all. He has worked hard for everything he has. He was NOT an overnight success. He is highly educated, and is a veteran of the U.S.Navy. And he remains his own man. His life is a great example of the kind of people who made this country the power that it is today.
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Summary: Great book about Kirk's Life. before and now as an actor.
Review: This is a great book about Kirk Douglas as he was a child through his manhood! Great writing! Definately worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific book
Review: This is the most interesting autobiography I have ever read. In addition to being a great actor, Kirk Douglas is also a terrific writer. The book is written in a crisp, lively pace with plenty of fascinating stories. Mr. Douglas discusses the good things he did during his life, and the not-so-good. He's definitely had a full life.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific book
Review: This is the most interesting autobiography I have ever read. In addition to being a great actor, Kirk Douglas is also a terrific writer. The book is written in a crisp, lively pace with plenty of fascinating stories. Mr. Douglas discusses the good things he did during his life, and the not-so-good. He's definitely had a full life.
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