Review: Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball

Oh no! Another post from Jess! Three in one day! It's too much! 

Okay, for realz, just one last post today. I finished two books today that I've been meaning to finish, so here comes the second one!

Summary: 


A recently discovered treasure, Love, Lucy is the valentine Lucille Ball left for her fans--a warm, wise, and witty memoir written by Lucy herself over thirty years ago. The legendary star was at the pinnacle of her success when she sat down to record the story of her life. No comedienne had made America laugh so hard, no television actress had made the leap from radio and B movies to become one of the world's best-loved performers. This is her story--in her own words. The story of the ingenue from Jamestown, New York, determined to go to Broadway, destined to make a big splash, bound to marry her Valentino, Desi Arnaz. In her own inimitable style, she tells of their life together--both storybook and turbulent; intimate memories of their children and friends; wonderful backstage anecdotes; the creation of the most popular show on TV; the production empire they founded; the dissolution of their marriage. And, with a heartfelt happy ending, her enduring marriage to Gary Morton. Here is the lost manuscript that her fans and loved ones have been waiting for. Here is the laughter. Here is the life. Here's Lucy. 


And here's what I thought: 



  Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm desperately trying to think of a way to start this review without saying something about loving Lucy. 


But you know what? Whatever. I'll say it. 


I love Lucy. 


I loved reading her autobiography, too. 


From the very start, I was pulled into her story. In her very own words, readers get to learn what makes Lucy tick and where she got her start. The one thing that struck me about her was her determination and her confidence. Lucy had to work and work hard to reach success, unlike so many Hollywood actors and actresses today, it seems. Lucy was not born with a silver spoon in her mouth and in the beginning, many told her that she was not good enough and that she would never get anywhere. But she knew what she wanted and she stuck to it. This is where she shines in telling her story. 


She never sounded like she was bragging and she never spoke with a sense of entitlement or condescension. Like I said, she worked hard to get where she got, and she was entirely grateful to everyone who helped her along the way. That's why this was a true joy to read. If there would have been one ounce of pretentiousness, I would have put this down. But there wasn't, and I was pleased with this entire book. 


One thing that was also kinda cool was getting to read about the beginnings of Hollywood. I think it would have been so fascinating to be living during those glamorous, classy days of L.A. and NYC. Beloved names like Katharine Hepburn and Bob Hope and Ginger Rogers are mentioned in these pages, much to the reader's delight.  


I also particularly liked when Lucy described meeting and falling in love with Desi and their first few happy years together. It was sweet to hear it told in her own words, and it definitely pulled some heartstrings. Even when describing her difficult separation and subsequent divorce from him, she never stooped to the level of blatant bashing. This is a woman who respects herself and those around her. I was a little nervous knowing that she married a second time. I was afraid that I would get to that part and somehow it would just seem all wrong. But I was pleasantly surprised, and I see that her second marriage was good for her and was a necessary mode of therapy after the last few rather negative years with Desi. 


She never talked like she was above anyone. She didn't see herself as any different than anyone else, and as a reader, I could definitely appreciate that. She is clearly confident, but confident in a good way and in a way that everyone should strive to be. 


Lucy is an excellent and strong woman, mother, wife, comedienne, and actress, and I really enjoyed reading her story told in her own unforgettable words. 




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Happy reading and until next time, 


xx
Jess