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Barry Cutler

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Fascinating and Deeply Moving

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 09-14-24

One of the most intellectually stimulating and tragically moving books I've ever read. I believe the author is about 15 years my junior but he lit up many of my most powerful literary, cinematic, and societal memories of the late twentieth century A deeply enriching experience.

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2 people found this helpful

Great Talent With Author's Agenda Interfering Some

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-22-24

I highly recommend this biography to learn about the life of one of the greatest talents, Elaine May. Unfortunately, the author's feminist agenda interferes when she attempts to make that May's story. No doubt, May suffered many of the prejudices many or all women suffer. But that's the author's spin. While the book is well-worth reading, the author should have stuck with May's life rather than muddying matters with her agenda.

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5 people found this helpful

One Long Humblebrag

Overall
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Story
1 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-05-24

This is one of the most -if not the most- tedious, off-putting books I've ever listened to or read. I had been a Streisand fan since my late teens; more than half a century. Now, I don't know that I ever want to hear her voice again. She was blessed with a strong singing voice and talent. She was smart and aggressive. She pretends to be humble about this but is anything but. She attempts to settle every score by slighting anyone who has ever slighted her. She goes to great lengths to read her positive reviews and letters. She seems to describe nearly every article of clothing she's ever worn. While she's shooting YENTL and people are dying to achieve freedom in Eastern Europe, she's praying for storms to cease so she can get a good camera shot. Among the best experiences I've ever had reading autobiographies is the wit and graciousness of the writer. David Niven, Michael Caine, Brian Cox, Oscar Levant, and so many others. Streisand seems to lack all wit and, despite the pose, any true humbleness. As well, given the length of the audio and the book, she could have used a strong editor. She seems to have done the final cut herself and it makes an irritating and boring experience. I tried to push through this mess of ego and brags but I finally gave up. Too much of my life was wasted on listening to hers.

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1 person found this helpful