Rating: 
Summary: A minor biography.
Review: What you get here is a slanted look at Sinatra's life through lots of stories, from lots of people & that's entertaining, but we've heard some of them before. There is some obvious hero worship here by the author, but that seems to be the case with most of the people in Sinatra's life. We learn of his politics,(Democrat) his racial tolerance & hatred of bigotry. Yet he had a conservative, traditional side which he held closely.
There are contradictions to be sure in this talented, complex man. But that the case in all great men. He was always the leader & had to dominate any setting & set the mood.
He was quick to anger but also forgiving, loved his friends & was fiercely loyal & generous.
He was always a professional, giving his best to his fans. They were not cheated when Frank sang. He was his worse critic. Known as a one take artist as far as his movies were concerned, he was never satisfied with his singing, finding minute flaws in his most memorable performances. Sinatra & his closest friends, "the rat pack" if you must, had their own code & language. Sort of like the beatnicks of their time. Despite the obvious talents of Frank, Dino, Sammy etc. they reminded me of aging hep-cats. That is kind of sad. Sad too, is that most of them are gone.
Rating: 
Summary: A Swingin' Kinda Tribute...
Review: ...but it ain't a biography. Zehme cooperates by presenting us with the Frank that Frank wanted us to know. He doesn't really plumb anywhere that Frank hasn't already gone in a song or a late-night early-morning cocktail confession (read: performance). But, hey, I'll buy every round just to bask in the presence. After reading this paean to a world into which I was meant to be born, I was put back in touch with the simple pleasures like friendship, loyalty, and good scotch. I pulled the book out again after a argument at a party the night of his death. I was countering the position that he was "very bad man". This book will help to allay that attitude and understand the man a bit more. If nothing else, you will understand the allure of the man and his lifestyle. (The many photographs help in this respect.)
Rating:
Summary: Thats Life!
Review: A great book, lots of "Frankism's". It must have been a blast to run with Frank.
Rating: 
Summary: Zehme's "The Way You Wear Your Hat" a towering achievement
Review: Bill Zehme hits one out of the park with his brilliant new book: The Prophet reviews it here... Long time readers of the Prophet's work will recall that I have praised Zehme's article about the Rat Pack that apeared in Esquire back in March, 1996 as one of the finest pieces ever written about Sinatra and company. Now he's expanded that article into a book that is simply essential reading for all Prophet posse members. He's combined the 'guide to life' genre with a biography of Sinatra, and the result is nothing short of awesome. Visually, the book is beautiful and includes a lot of never-before published pictures of Sinatra and his minions. The content of the book attempts to dissect the Chairman's own unique take on living a civilized life, and illustrates its points with a lot of quotes direct from the man's mouth. In addition, this information is supplimented with biographical information and andecdotes from Frank's posse. The result is not only a first rate blueprint for a more civilized existance, but an insightful biography of a great entertainer. The book covers it all--Frank's take on wine, whiskey, women, food, song, dress, and most importantly the essential element of personal integrity. It is that very integrity and unwavering committment to personal vision that has elevated Sinatra above so many other entertainers. Strength of his personal identity is what enabled him to grow as a man and artist, and these are the qualities that are celebrated in this book. Bill Zehme is one hell of a good writer. It would be very easy in this instance to credit the success of this book with the magnitude of the subject, but Zehme does a masterful job of weaving Frank's philosophies, biographical stories, the recollection of friends, and examples from Sinatra's work into a complex and rich tapestry that does justice to his subject's amazing life and powerful influence on popular culture. Zehme's a lot like another guy who's written about Sinatra--Pete Hammill; everything they write is very good, and with the right subject their work is damn near flawless. Of the many great quotes in the book, here's one of my favorites. Asked "What is the secret to doing good work", the Chairman responds: "Never to accept anything without question. Never ignore an inner voice that tells you something could be better, even when other people tell you it's okay." It's this commitment to excellence that made Sinatra who he is, and something that a lot of people could benefit from today. Maybe I'll send Harry Connick Jr. a copy of this for Christmas. Hard to think of anyone that needs a good dose of character, integrity and commitment to excellence more than he. At any rate, Bill Zehme's book is a majestic achievement that should not be missed.
Rating:
Summary: If you want to learn about style...
Review: Everything you ever wanted to know about how to make your life your own. This is one of the most real biographies that I have read in a long time. Not just the dirt, but all of the heart and the finesse that was Frank Sinatra. This is a must read for Frank fans. (More a must for those who are not) The Way You Wear Your Hat is one of the best!
Rating:
Summary: Sinatra without the warts.
Review: First, you have to understand it's not a biography. Actually the book's premise is summed up very well by the Sinatra quote on the dust jacket. "I think my real amibition is to pass on to others what I know. It took me a long, long time to learn what I now know, and I don't want that to die with me." I think this book does that very well using a series of ancedotes culled from Mr. Sinatra himself as well as others. It covers things such as the Las Vegas "Rat Pack" years, his style of dress, his code of conduct, his loyalty to friends. The book succeeds in what it was meant to do, but to get a real feel for the total man I'd suggest reading one of the many fine biographies that are out there. Whether you love or hate Frank Sinatra you'll have to admit he was a very complex man who lived life on his own terms. This book will give you some insights into what drove him to be the way he was.
Rating:
Summary: Sinatra without the warts.
Review: First, you have to understand it's not a biography. Actually the book's premise is summed up very well by the Sinatra quote on the dust jacket. "I think my real amibition is to pass on to others what I know. It took me a long, long time to learn what I now know, and I don't want that to die with me." I think this book does that very well using a series of ancedotes culled from Mr. Sinatra himself as well as others. It covers things such as the Las Vegas "Rat Pack" years, his style of dress, his code of conduct, his loyalty to friends. The book succeeds in what it was meant to do, but to get a real feel for the total man I'd suggest reading one of the many fine biographies that are out there. Whether you love or hate Frank Sinatra you'll have to admit he was a very complex man who lived life on his own terms. This book will give you some insights into what drove him to be the way he was.
Rating:
Summary: A must read
Review: I finished this book about a week before he died and loved it. No, there isn't a lot of dirt, but so what? This book portrays a passionate man who lived every moment with wit and style. A lesson most of us need to learn. It's exactly like the title says...The Lost Art of Livin'. The anecdotes are hilarious and make you feel that you're right there living it with him. A must read for anyone who loves Sinatra or 50's/60's retro.
Rating:
Summary: With ice
Review: I got to know the guy, maybe more than he would have liked. Sinatra was many things to many people. Probably the most envied and copied guy in the world. When he says he sang every song, and made every record, because people will be hearing them for a long time- you can appreciate him for what he was. I may never wear my hat the same again.
Rating:
Summary: The Most Revealing Book Yet on MR SINATRA!!!
Review: I have been a long-time fan of SINATRA, and I found this book to be so revealing about his beliefs, the kind of father he was, the fact that he was a great American. Any true Sinatra fan should read this book...and they will thank me for recommending it so highly. Meanwhile, Sleep Warm. Clara Watson Elkins
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