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Summary: Great Insights Into one of America's Great Shows
Review: For those of us who grew up with "I Love Lucy", the comedic blend of the principal four characters of the show seemed perfect. After reading this book, one becomes aware that the interaction of the cast off the set was less than amicable. The book provides objective insights into the life of Vivian Vance and her desire to be a success in show business. This is a real page-turner and provides the reader with a fresh look at a much-loved television show and its stars. It is possible to experience a multitude of emotions about Ms. Vance and her acting abilities and desire for success. How does one work so closely with a television "husband" she can barely tolerate off the set and be so convincing in her role? This book provides insights into Ms. Vance's professionalism and commitment to her art.
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Summary: Good biography, poor chronology
Review: The book does a good job of offering a fuller view of this fine actress than what is known by most people. This includes her vast theatrical experience, her difficult personal life and a picture of one famous person's struggles to achieve success and fame. My major criticism is that the photographs do not carry dates for the most part. The list of theatrical productions she appeared in do not have any chronology at all.
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Summary: could not put it down
Review: I have not read any book in a while that had me glued from page to page. I have always enjoyed I love lucy. But reading a book with such insight to the characters just brings on a new meaning. i reccommend it to anyone who loves theater or just the classic that was the golden age of t.v enjoy
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Summary: An in-depth glimpse into the life of a legendary character.
Review: Everyone knows Ethel Mertz. It's almost impossible to think of Lucille Ball without immediately thinking of her primary cohort in shenanigans. It's amazing to realize that almost no-one knew the person behind the character. Vivian Vance was a singer, an actress and a celebrity long before she was Ethel. Her road to the fame she craved was rocky and took its toll. The writers have provided us a unique look into the life of someone we thought we knew, and realize after reading this wonderful book, we didn't know at all.... but sincerely wish we did.
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Summary: It's About Time!!
Review: I have been searching for a book on Vivian Vance for years. It is incredible that one has not been written before this! Thankfully, it also happens to be well-written and jam-packed with interesting stories about what really went on during the days of "I Love Lucy" and how the players from this immortal series interacted. We also get to find out about Ms. Vance's appearances onstage and a vivid picture of theatrical life in the 30's and 40's. I read it all in one sitting!
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Summary: I Loved "Ethel"!
Review: This is a wonderful book. There was so much more to this talented woman than we knew before. I could not put this book down, as I enjoyed hearing about other aspects of her career, her personal life, and the interesting relationships she had with Lucy and William Frawley!! There was a lot more going on there than I ever knew! A juicy read, but also an appreciation of a truly talented professional.
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Summary: Fascinating mix of humor and pathos
Review: Vivian Vance is at long last revealed as a complex, multi-faceted woman who was the world's greatest second banana and much more, in this fascinating new book, both superbly crafted and exhaustively researched. The book ranges from humor to pathos as it discusses Ms. Vance's relationships with her three co-stars in the classic series and delves into such little-known aspects of the talented comedienne's life as her Broadway career and her bouts with depression. A fascinating behind-the-scenes document of the legendary second-banana from TV's most beloved series. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Ms. Vance, the "Lucy" shows, and/or under-rated talent!
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Summary: This book is enjoyable and well researched.
Review: A revelation of the laughter and pain of Vivian Vance, who couldn't have been more different than the character of Ethel Mertz. I would dare to say it shows us another side of a woman we thought we knew (How many hours have you spent watching I LOVE LUCY?), however it would more realistic to say it shows us the side of a woman many didn't even care to know.(How wrong we've been.) This book follows Vivian Vance from Vaudeville to Hollywood and through all the ups and down in between. Enjoy!!
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Summary: Very Talented Vivian Vance deserves better
Review: I am a big fan of Vivian Vance and was very happy to see her honored with this book. Ms Vances' struggle to achieve stardom is well documented in this book. However, I felt the weak writing distracted from an otherwise compelling story. I hope this is not the final word on this extraordinary person and entertainer!
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Summary: Finally, a book for Vivian Vance!
Review: Though a talented actress, Vivian Vance is forever seen as the second banana to Lucy. So many books are written about Lucy and the show , but rarely would anyone pay close attention to others in the show. Finally, a book for our beloved Viv! PS- Vivian's life wasn't really a happy peppy one, so as you find out more about her in this book makes you feel so sorry for her. The problem is most people always think of her as "Ethel", so they might be shocked to find that she's definitely no Ethel Mertz, and Lucy certainly wasn't Lucy Ricardo either. But if you put away the "Ethel" image, I think you'll like this book a lot!
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