Rating: 
Summary: E. Wiiliams depicts herself in a very unfavourable light
Review: I ordered this book specially because I have a particular interest in Hollywood in the 1950s. I was already aware that some of the content was proving controversial. E. Williams describes her relationship with Jeff Chandler in 1957-1960. After telling the reader of his many good qualities - she says that he treated her with a love and respect she had not experienced before (she had already been married and divorced twice) - she then proceeds to write about him with a total lack of respect and in a way that is really very cruel and can only cause distress to Mr Chandler's family if they learn about it. Mr Chandler - altho a B+ rather than a A list star- seems to have had a great deal of class as a person. E. Williams, I'm sorry to say,in what she says about him just shows her lack of class. The chronology is unclear also. Their breakup appears to have been in the first half of 1960 - E Williams says that Mr. Chandler was making the film "Thunder in the Sun" at the time. This is impossible since according to "Variety " it was previewed on 18 March 1959 - it is clear elsewhere in the book that the affair was still in progress later in 1959. E. Williams says that he proposed marriage to her saying "We're both divorced and free" - her final divorce decree from her second husband was on 20 April 1959; his initial divorce decree from his wife was on 29 June 1959 and the final decree was on 19 August 1960. So when did he really propose to her ? Yes, he was "divorced" after June 1959 but I assume not "free" until August 1960 i.e. after he and Esther Williams had broken up. These may seem like small points but people should get their facts right. Whatever the facts about the marriage proposal the reference to "Thunder in the Sun" must be wrong. One starts to wonder what else is wrong. E. Williams has interesting material about her life in Hollywood in the 1940s and early 1950s but she could have produced a much better book than this.
Rating: 
Summary: Not worth the hardcover price
Review: Esther Williams is an interesting combination of glamour girl, athlete and Calvinist. One has to admire her fortitude and righteousness for what they helped her to accomplish. Too bad these virtues have made her so judgmental and superior.Million Dollar Mermaid has been recommended in the press for its array of funny anecdotes and withering character sketches. Unfortunately the best of these have been related in the national reviews and the author's interviews. The book on the whole is not as much fun as these parts. It's kinda flat, superficial and repetitive. Unless you're a big fan, wait for the paperback, and read it by the pool.
Rating: 
Summary: Why it was an incredible book.
Review: Esther Williams portrays herself very detailed and well throughout the book. Remembrances of certain events are painted for you with words. Picturing her life is very easy. She is a very important person in her era. definitely 5 stars.
Rating:
Summary: Delightful, Classy, Wonderful Book
Review: What Southern California girl has never played "Esther Williams and the WaterBallet" while swimming? This is a well done, thoughtful book about a woman who made water glamourous. Miss Williams does not come across as a "STAR", but as someone who worked for a living. Most people have made mistakes in life similar to hers, but we have not had to see it in headlines. This is a wonderful, well-told book written by a very classy woman. Definitely worth your time.
Rating:
Summary: A self important woman still diving off the backs of others
Review: If you are of an age which allows you to remember Esther as your favorite pool pal don't destroy your fantasies with this book. Following endless self aggrandizing tales of "besting" the moguls of Hollywood with her youthful wit and intellect the book descends into a smarmy tell-all about people no longer with us. When not outsmarting the movie industry leaders Esther recalls the size and power of genitalia belonging to husbands, lovers and even acquaintances. Of course, what would you expect from someone who allowed one set of genitals to keep her from her own children for 22 years! As she says at the close of this effort, referring to the Olympic medal, "Even I never won one." Good reason, Es, as this book goes to show - you are no champ.
Rating: 
Summary: A great read! Perfect companion for the plane from NY /LA
Review: Really loved Ms. Williams' book. Just the right amount of wit, candor and attitude. I'd really like to get to know this woman. How could she stand the Lamas guy? She says it in so many words. "This was a problem in a package - and an attractive package. I knew there would be a price to pay..." I heard Ms. Williams on an interview say that men have more difficulty understanding this concept than woman. I think she knows what shes talking about. She's been to the top. I recommend it highly.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I love Hollywood biographies. I live for them. I can sit down with a juicy one and read it straight through. The fact is , it took me over a week to get thru this book. I can't quite put my finger on why, but it was disappointing. I found it rather dull, there weren't very many Hollywood stories (maybe they've all been told already), and descriptions of family members seemed superficial. (Ms. Williams' mother and sister, both psychologists, seemed very interesting and insightful but are given extremely short shrift.) And as for that inexplicable marriage to Fernando Lamas, who walked around nude, screamed at her and made her into a slave - hard to see the attraction for 20 years!
Rating:
Summary: Seem like a good idea at the time?!
Review: Having been a huge fan of Williams movies I looked forward to reading this book. However, Ms. Williams drives her main point across-that one should never expect too much of their favorite stars. The book seemed more like a way of therapy for Ms Williams, who seemed unable to realize the responbility that her behavior lead to some of her problems. I find it bizzare that in one chapter she can be staring down Mayer and four chapters later cowaring under an oppressive husband. I was disappointed in this biograpghy. While lengthy, it had little depth or writing style, other than as shock vaule. But, if you like books that are short on substance and long on style, by all means read it. My recommendation, check it out from the library
Rating:
Summary: This is entertainment
Review: I remember the MGM movies of the 50's and going to many Esther Williams films. I thought they were great fun and her autobiography is one of the best "tell all" bios I have read in a very long time.There are a few sketchy things about her life...particularly why she stayed with Fernando Lamas. Outside of that, she dishes up a veritable poutpourri of insight in the running of MGM. She tells of Mayer's tantrums, Joan Crawford's confrontation, Mickey Rooney, Ava Gardner, Lana Turner, Arlene Dahl.The book is written with wit and a wonderful sense of humor. It makes you want to meet her. Highly recommended!!!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Look Back at Old Hollywood
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Highly recommend
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