A.K.A. Lucy: The Dynamic and Determined Life of Lucille Ball

by Sarah Royal, Amy Poehler (Foreword)

This stunning package offers a rich, intimate, and highly entertaining look at the remarkable life and work of the television pioneer, the First Lady of Comedy, the legend, Lucille Ball—AKA Lucy.
 
Full of fresh perspective, gorgeously designed, and richly informative, this is a book on Lucille Ball like none other. With profiles spotlighting the many different facets of the woman, AKA Lucy details how Ball changed the face of comedy and the entertainment industry. It sheds new light on the star's history, from her childhood through hard-scrabble days trying to make it in show business, falling head over heels in love and embarking on one of the great romances of the twentieth century, to becoming the biggest star in the world, a pioneer in television, and an icon for the ages. Filled with photos and highlighted by bright illustration and design, this is a volume almost as vivid and entertaining as the woman herself.

AKA Lucy is officially authorized by the estate of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

Published October 10, 2023

Reviews

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody I know loves Lucy like I do. As a young girl, watching her show on tape in my bedroom, on a tiny white TV, Lucy showed me that it was OK to be silly, goofy, and loud.

Lucy and Desi always made me believe in true love, even though their marriage ended. Just because something ends, doesn’t mean it wasn’t real.

“Lucy was the show. Viv, Fred, and I were just props. Damn good props, but props nevertheless. P.S.: ‘I Love Lucy’ was never just a title.”

UGHHH.

This book has wonderful quotes, photos I’ve never seen, and great information about Lucy that I never knew. I checked this out from my library, but will probably purchase a copy to keep. I love you, Lucy 💓

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this! loved Lucy all my life but never read any books about her. i think this is a good starting point with a general overview about her and glimpses into her real personality. this was a treat to read (and look at)!

[Janet Noonan · Rating 4 out of 5]

. I read the book in snippets and skipped around - and out of order . Nice blend of personal/ film info and a review of some of the more popular Lucy episodes.
Other sources have portrayed Lucy as cold and unhappy in real life. This book portrays her more as a Serious sort and not by nature a comic individual. She was a driven individual who worked hard to become the success she was.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning more about Lucille Ball. Interesting to learn how different she was from the character, Lucy Ricardo, who she played in “I Love Lucy.” Well written and great pictures.

“For many Americans, tuning in every week was a way of seeing what an old friend was up to.” - PBS American Masters

Lucy Ricardo was “the stay-at-home wife who wouldn’t.” - Molly Haskell

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author acknowledges the dozens of previous books about Lucy & says this book will take a different tack. I didn't notice any different tack, but enjoyed the book as I have enjoyed the previous ones :)

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful tribute to a fantastic woman! I Love Lucy is one of the first tv programs that I remember watching. To this day, she makes me laugh! I liked how the author presented the book. There are facts, stories, and beautiful pictures!

[Raquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully designed and packaged, AKA Lucy is a celebration of the beloved entertainer in book form. Biographical essays are interspersed with timelines and career analysis as well as quotes. Lots to enjoy here for I Love Lucy fans. Not as much for fans of Ball's film career (like myself).

Full review: https://www.outofthepastblog.com/2023...

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done. ❤️

[Ryal Mcmurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books about the life and career of Lucille Ball. This one is a little different. While it covers a great deal of the same ground as any biography of Lucille Ball, there is also some career analysis and even some reflecting on Lucille Ball through today’s lenses.

There is great content here. There are also some great photographs too. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book: a fun, loving tribute to the Queen of Comedy, Lucille Ball!

[Leslie Goddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with other reviewers that this book isn’t overflowing with content and perspectives that seem all that new, but it’s a fun, easy read with great photos.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Lucy, this book has it all: great photos, stories, trivia and more. Interesting and fun read.

[Honey Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

[Mary Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been slowly going thru' and savoring this wonderfully produced book --and enjoying all my memories from when I was a little girl, allowed to stay up late on Lucy nights

A few years ago, we made a side trip to Jamestown, NY. Unfortunately, it was evening and most "Lucy" displays were closed, but it was still exciting to visit there and buy some souvenirs.

Wonderful photos and side comments, eg that Lucille Ball is actually a blond, but had to keep up the dyed red hair after appearing as a redhead in her first movie. Many other stories! I love the story about her delivering the actual child right after the tv show birth. Sad about Desi straying and not even comprehending how much Lucy and their marriage would be hurt.

It'll be due soon, so if i can renew it, I'll write more later. Strangely IMO, there's not a big demand for the book at my local library. If i wanted to spend the $29 cost and had room at home, I'd buy a copy for myself.
Pure gold!

[Nancy Angiers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoiler alert: I did learn a few things about her childhood I hadn't known before, and how Desi ingeniously evented promotional products for the first time. People could actually buy reproductions of the I Love Lucy set furniture and baby items. I thought that all started with Starwars. A very driven life though, and not even ever sure that people loved her through all of it. I was surprised that as head of the Desilu studios (first woman to have that position), Lucy authorized the making of Star Trek and Mission Impossible - two wildly popular shows - against the advise of others. Very good judgement calls there. Lucille Ball will always be an icon.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot about Lucy/Desilu/I Love Lucy over the years so the information in here was mostly familiar; however, there were a few surprises (i.e. I Love Lucy was not the first TV show to show a woman’s pregnancy — it was Mary Kay and Johnny in 1948). The layout is beautiful with lots of gorgeous photos, many I’d never seen before. Sarah Royal writes about all the ups and downs without dwelling on the negatives or being catty or gossipy. You can tell this was a true labor of love. A must for every Lucy fan!

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way this book was divided more into subjects as opposed to strictly chronological. It was as though the author penned various essays about different affects of Lucille Ball's life - early life, career in cinema, marriage, stardom, motherhood, etc. And the sections that weren't strictly essays were really informative and entertaining. Not to mention, the book was beautifully illustrated. A unique approach that really works!

[John Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful book does a great job of telling Lucille Ball's story and explaining how the fantastic phenomenon of "I Love Lucy" happened. It includes her childhood, relationship with Desi, and the show itself. Hearing about the ubiquitous merchandising, her incredible comedic talent, and recounting of some of the best episodes reminds me of how much "I Love Lucy".

[Heather McC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expertly researched and beautifully crafted together, this illustrated biography serves as a loving tribute to one of comedy's greatest treasures. From the start, Ball was a dedicated craftswoman, earning the title 'Queen of the B Movies', eventually moving to radio, and then pioneering in the field of television.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am glad I requested this book through my library system. It was a joy to read. About the right amount of information about this remarkable star, her life, the times, successes and trials. The photos and quotes added a lot to the text. I repeat, it was a joy to read.

[Shirley Conley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on Lucy. So loved the back story of her success. I remember most of the tv shows mentioned in book. I could see them in my mind's eye while the author described them. Very well written and entertain. I miss Lucy.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved Lucy for most of my life and read a lot about her. This book was good, but did not offer many things that the other books don’t. It does do a good job of categorization and making things easily digestible. Not sure why the photos are in X-ray.

[Kelly Veatch]

This book was so fun! I've always loved Lucille Ball. I really enjoyed reading about her life, especially the chapter about her and Desi. What a love that had! This book had fantastic photos, quotes, and was full of color. I loved each chapter and getting to know Lucy!

[Megan Christman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this one!

[Phyllis Fredericksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a typical biography. Instead a story of a woman who was humble and lived to help people. Vignettes tell Lucy’s story. Very well done.

[Kim Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully presented

[Wesssss · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucille Ball was a trailblazer for women in movies and television.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Love Lucy 💕💕💕

[Dame · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so good, I read it cover-to-cover! You should too!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loveable the stories of her life