Rating: 
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
Rating: 
Summary: Kirk Unbuttoned....
Review: Born in 1916, little Issur Danielovitch grew up in upstate New York, the poorest of the poor. Son of illiterate Russian/Jewish immigrants, taunted by the other children, Issur breaking past every barrier imaginable became the great Kirk Douglas. This is his life story from birth through 70 years of age(before the stroke).
As his life story unfolds in this well written account, you will feel like the tales of his climb out of poverty are being told to you by an old friend. Kirk doesn't hold back. He's as open about his misdeeds as he is with his fine accomplishments.
And he doesn't hesitate to name names either!
He talks about everything. From his troubled boyhood and distant relationship with his father, his dream of making it big on stage, his time spent in the service, his escapades, his loves and family, relationships with the rich and famous, his good-will tours around the world, and of course his films. It is nice that the films are discussed chronologically, and you will know exactly where he was physically and emotionally during the filming. Almost all the films are touched upon and some including "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral", "Lonely Are The Brave", "Lust For Life" and Spartacus", have whole chapters devoted to them. The directors, other cast members,and Hollywood in general, do not get away scott free either.
His writing is funny, poignant, inspirational and heartfelt. There are times when you may not even like the things he has done, and other times may get you thinking deeply or angered about life's circumstances. But you know that he's being about as honest as they come.
There are also many personal photos included of his family, fellow actors, and the good-will trips he made for the United States.
Closing the book after the last page, I was sad to be at the end. Kirk Douglas's words touched me as much as his work in film, and...made me feel not only proud, but lucky to be an American. I am looking foward to reading his other works as well.
"The Ragman's Son" is highly recommended for fans of Kirk, aspiring actors and writers(this is a great example for writing memoirs), and for those who loved to be touched or inspired by a good book.
Way To Go, Issur...Way To Go!
Enjoy....Laurie
Rating:
Summary: Blunt!
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.
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully written!
Review: I couldn't stop reading this book once I got it and finished it in two days! What a full life Mr. Douglas has. I look forward to reading more of his books! Keep up the great work, Mr. Douglas!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best autobiographies I have ever read
Review: I like autobiographies because I think that is the best way to get to know someone. Not that they are always honest and completely open although Kirk Douglas seems to be in this one. I suspect some things are prettied up particularly in the latter portions of this book. I read the hardcover and I don't know if the paperback covers the more recent years. The best part of the book is the early years, particularly his college days and early career
Rating:
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.
Rating:
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.
Rating:
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.
Rating: 
Summary: Sometimes Movie Stars SHOULDN'T Tell All
Review: I was born in the mid-forties and grew up with Kirk Douglas in his career prime. I thought I was a fan of his, having seen Spartacus and The Vikings many times. However, in reading about his life story, the respect I had for him got less with each chapter of this book. Well-written and fast reading, he narrates a very interesting life, and his years-long struggle to become a movie actor should be read by every wanna-be actor who thinks he or she can march into Hollywood and "make it." It was his rampant promiscuity that really turned me off. He seemed to believe it was all right to pick up any woman for his needs and dump her while he was married or engaged to other women. But his bigger than life ego seemed to justify all this catting around. I also disagree with his leftist politics, and fighting to get an avowed communist back into the arts (Dalton Trumbo) opened a Pandora's box...but I won't go there now. Anyway I would recommend this book as a good fast read, but Mr.Douglas' morals may turn you off in the long run.
Rating:
Summary: Great summer reading
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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