The Ragman's Son

Rating:
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.


Rating:
Summary: fascinating account
Review: of an actor i always enjoyed, but did not know too much about him . . . now i do . . . note: this review is based on the two-cassette abridged version of the book . . . ordinarily, i only like to listen to full version (or read the book), but i made an exception in this case . . . and am glad that i do . . . however, i think that anybody who read the full book would probably like it, too.

Rating:
Summary: Ragman
Review: Read this years ago -very well written-honest. If you like this type you will love the book Harpo Speaks -6 stars.

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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.

Rating:
Summary: Very Interesting!
Review: This was a great hollywood autobiography. Not only was it interesting to get all the behind the scenes stories, but Douglas also discusses the effects of hiding your identity. I enjoyed and was very interested by Douglas's inner struggle to hide his Judaism while breaking into Hollywood. Can You imagine Issur Danielvich in Spartacus? Its a shame, people need to change their identity to break into movies. The book was great. A Great actor and a great story.

Rating:
Summary: A inspiring and inspiteful autobiography.
Review: What impressed me most about this story is that's frank, without a lot of self-delusions that characterizes a lot of autobiographies. It succeeds because it accomplishes what autobiographies set out to: to see and feel what the writer feels. Also, it presents to the reader vivid decriptions of various celebrities he encounters in his remarkable, and Douglas's often wry opinions of them, including Marlene Dietrich, Burt Lancaster, Ronald Reagan, etc. A delightful read, highly recommended.