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Me and My Shadows: A Family Memoir
The question follows Lorna Luft to this day: "What's it like to be Dorothy's daughter?" Although by appearances glamorous and truly thrilling, growing up as the daughter of Judy Garland was anything but a journey over the rainbow.
With unsparing candor, Lorna Luft offers the first-ever insider portrait of one of Hollywood's most celebrated families: a rare story of a little girl, her half-sister Liza, and her baby brother trying desperately to hang on to the mother whose life seemed destined to burn brightly but briefly. Lorna makes an extraordinary journey back into the spiral of love, addiction, pain, and loss that lurked behind a charmed facade.
Filled with behind-the-scenes dramas, hilarious untold stories, and little-known details of Garland family life, Me and My Shadows is a tribute to Lorna's victory over her own past, a story of hope, of love and its limitations, and a deeply moving testament to the healing powers of embracing one's past and charting a course of self-love and discovery.
With unsparing candor, Lorna Luft offers the first-ever insider portrait of one of Hollywood's most celebrated families: a rare story of a little girl, her half-sister Liza, and her baby brother trying desperately to hang on to the mother whose life seemed destined to burn brightly but briefly. Lorna makes an extraordinary journey back into the spiral of love, addiction, pain, and loss that lurked behind a charmed facade.
Filled with behind-the-scenes dramas, hilarious untold stories, and little-known details of Garland family life, Me and My Shadows is a tribute to Lorna's victory over her own past, a story of hope, of love and its limitations, and a deeply moving testament to the healing powers of embracing one's past and charting a course of self-love and discovery.
432 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 1998
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1116 people want to read
About the author
Lorna Luft
8 books20 followersLorna Luft is an American television, stage and film actress and singer. She is the daughter of the singer/actress Judy Garland and Sidney Luft who was Garland's third husband and manager. She is the half-sister of Liza Minnelli.
Lorna Luft lives in Beverly Hills with her husband, musician Colin R. Freeman, and her two children from her first marriage to musician and artist manager Jake Hooker. Her children, Vanessa and Jesse Richards, are the only grandchildren of Judy Garland.
Lorna Luft lives in Beverly Hills with her husband, musician Colin R. Freeman, and her two children from her first marriage to musician and artist manager Jake Hooker. Her children, Vanessa and Jesse Richards, are the only grandchildren of Judy Garland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
August 7, 2015
Touching insight about Judy, Liza, and the effects of addictions, but only 2 paragraphs on Grease 2?!?! WTF!?
December 29, 2014
This was interesting enough, with a lot of insight into Judy Garland's spiral at the end of her life. I think Lorna did a good job of portraying what she went through without demonizing Garland; she says numerous times that her mother was under the oppression of pill addiction and that the disease was not her fault or something she could control at the end. She also says many times how much she loved her mother and knew that her mother loved her. So it is not in any way comparable to the books written by Joan Crawford or Bette Davis' daughters. I admit my interest waned as we got into Lorna's adult years; I really don't know what to think about how she dealt with Liza's issues. I am sure it is all true, but seeing as how she noted in the book that she and Liza were not on speaking terms at the time of the book's publication, one has to wonder if she could have handled it better. Of course, these days the two seem to have patched everything up and Liza may or may not be doing a lot better, so hopefully everything worked out for the best.
I do think Lorna may be in denial about some things, especially about how great her dad was and his role in her mother's financial problems. When reading anything about famous people, you have to take it with a grain of salt. People who write autobiographies have reason to sweep things under the rug or minimize events, and people writing unauthorized biographies have reason to sensationalize or go with stories that they don't have firsthand knowledge of. So you just have to pick and choose what stories or notions you find credible.
I do think Lorna may be in denial about some things, especially about how great her dad was and his role in her mother's financial problems. When reading anything about famous people, you have to take it with a grain of salt. People who write autobiographies have reason to sweep things under the rug or minimize events, and people writing unauthorized biographies have reason to sensationalize or go with stories that they don't have firsthand knowledge of. So you just have to pick and choose what stories or notions you find credible.
December 5, 2021
A solid, enjoyable memoir that deftly delivers a primer on Judy Garland, plus an interesting and satisfying "after" walking through Lorna Luft's life (up to the point of publication) and the long-lasting impacts of grief. I found it compelling, thoughtful, and honest. Not my first Judy Garland biography, but I appreciated the inside look with frank insight into the family's demons and dynamics. And just heartbreaking to understand what Judy's children went through through her decline.
I recommend if Judy's life, career, and decline are of interest... I personally was also very interested in Lorna's life, and the perspective of a child with a drug addicted, famous mother, but I recognize that flavor of memoir vs. biography isn't for everyone. I do think it's worth the tradeoff you get with intimate insights, but readers less interested in the personal memoir aspect (ie: the back half of the book after Judy has passed away) may consider this a pass.
I recommend if Judy's life, career, and decline are of interest... I personally was also very interested in Lorna's life, and the perspective of a child with a drug addicted, famous mother, but I recognize that flavor of memoir vs. biography isn't for everyone. I do think it's worth the tradeoff you get with intimate insights, but readers less interested in the personal memoir aspect (ie: the back half of the book after Judy has passed away) may consider this a pass.
December 14, 2014
A compelling read for anyone who likes Judy Garland, the book is both heartbreaking and funny, and most of all brims with a love for life and joy, and for each other, that transcend the page.
August 8, 2020
I'm not sure what to think of this one. It was a quick read, and mostly held my interest, even though over half the book takes place after Garland's death. It isn't so much about Garland as it is about Luft and all the celebrities she knows (though I'm sure publishers encouraged the namedropping).
These memoirs always make my skin crawl. On one hand, you want the author to tell THE TRUTH about what happened with their families, or whoever the book is ostensibly about. But on the other, you can't help but wonder how it would feel if someone categorized your failings in a book from their perspective. (Without you being able to defend yourself.)
Judy is dead, but Liza isn't. The end came across as very judgmental on Lorna's part in regards to her sister, and I hope that this memoir didn't hurt Liza or negatively affect her recovery, but I can't see how it wouldn't. It also seemed a little like "the lady doth protest too much." Lorna says over and over that she isn't jealous of her sister's success and vice-versa. First of all, Liza is a star. Of course she's not jealous of Lorna's success in show business. (Not to be mean, but why would Liza be jealous of a bit part on Trapper John MD and Grease 2, one of the worst movies ever made?) And second, I'd find this easier to believe if Lorna wasn't trying hard to be in show business. Since it sounded like she was, and found it frustrating to be known as the "other daughter," how could resentment not play a role? Because of this, her detailed dive into Liza's addictions and her role of saviour came across as bitter and self-righteous.
Some reviewers also slammed Lorna's rosy portrayal of her father. I don't know enough about other versions of Sid Luft's role to comment on that, but it did come across as "Other biographers have blamed my dad. Here's the real story." But of course it can't be the real story, because any daughter will be biased, one way or the other. He does come across as the ever-loving saint in this story, and life is usually a bit more nuanced than that.
All in all, an interesting read--if you don't mind learning a lot about Lorna's personal trials and tribulations--but I'm glad I'll never be the victim of one of these books. Fame comes with a price, that's for sure.
These memoirs always make my skin crawl. On one hand, you want the author to tell THE TRUTH about what happened with their families, or whoever the book is ostensibly about. But on the other, you can't help but wonder how it would feel if someone categorized your failings in a book from their perspective. (Without you being able to defend yourself.)
Judy is dead, but Liza isn't. The end came across as very judgmental on Lorna's part in regards to her sister, and I hope that this memoir didn't hurt Liza or negatively affect her recovery, but I can't see how it wouldn't. It also seemed a little like "the lady doth protest too much." Lorna says over and over that she isn't jealous of her sister's success and vice-versa. First of all, Liza is a star. Of course she's not jealous of Lorna's success in show business. (Not to be mean, but why would Liza be jealous of a bit part on Trapper John MD and Grease 2, one of the worst movies ever made?) And second, I'd find this easier to believe if Lorna wasn't trying hard to be in show business. Since it sounded like she was, and found it frustrating to be known as the "other daughter," how could resentment not play a role? Because of this, her detailed dive into Liza's addictions and her role of saviour came across as bitter and self-righteous.
Some reviewers also slammed Lorna's rosy portrayal of her father. I don't know enough about other versions of Sid Luft's role to comment on that, but it did come across as "Other biographers have blamed my dad. Here's the real story." But of course it can't be the real story, because any daughter will be biased, one way or the other. He does come across as the ever-loving saint in this story, and life is usually a bit more nuanced than that.
All in all, an interesting read--if you don't mind learning a lot about Lorna's personal trials and tribulations--but I'm glad I'll never be the victim of one of these books. Fame comes with a price, that's for sure.
November 30, 2019
This will probably be the best first hand account of Judy Garland's life you are going to find. This is more a memoir of her daughter's than it is a biography. After Judy's death the story continues about Lorna's relationships and her drug use as well as Liza's. People with a parent that has an addiction will likely identify with a lot of this book. I dont think Judy would be considered a neglectful parent, as when she was clean she was an excellent mother, but when she was using...well, we all know a parent cant be attentive to anything else when they are high or drunk and it seems Judy also had a lot of mental issues as well. It would be interesting now to read an unbiased view and compare.
September 5, 2008
Sid Luft the saint. Give me a break.
June 19, 2009
I think it takes a lot of courage to write a book about your own life especially when you come from a family of celebrities. Lorna Luft is getting the same flack that Christina Crawford got because she wrote about her experiences and people don't like that because it means having to see their idols as human and not as the Hollywood gods or godesses they prefer.
This book made me laugh and cry, and it made me angry too, but not because she "badmouths" her mother. It made me angry to see a beautiful, talented, woman like Judy Garland, give in to the addiction that took her life. But just as Lorna said, "Judy led a happy life regardless of what others may believe."
As for name dropping, it's a silly phrase. If your are raised in a celebrity family and live among celebrities, who are your friends going to be? You have to write about your experiences and that is just what Ms. Luft is doing. Let's remember that this is her point of view. People can argue and disagree over her motives but in the end it's still her point of view.
The book has many beautiful family photos and is very well written. Congratulations to Lorna Luft for writing such a wonderful history about her family and not shying away from the grim, sometimes tragic, aspects. It is a life filled with all the colors just like everybody else's--only she lived it in the spotlight.
This book made me laugh and cry, and it made me angry too, but not because she "badmouths" her mother. It made me angry to see a beautiful, talented, woman like Judy Garland, give in to the addiction that took her life. But just as Lorna said, "Judy led a happy life regardless of what others may believe."
As for name dropping, it's a silly phrase. If your are raised in a celebrity family and live among celebrities, who are your friends going to be? You have to write about your experiences and that is just what Ms. Luft is doing. Let's remember that this is her point of view. People can argue and disagree over her motives but in the end it's still her point of view.
The book has many beautiful family photos and is very well written. Congratulations to Lorna Luft for writing such a wonderful history about her family and not shying away from the grim, sometimes tragic, aspects. It is a life filled with all the colors just like everybody else's--only she lived it in the spotlight.
April 5, 2020
After seeing the movie, Judy, about Judy Garland's last months, I wanted to read more. This autobiography by her youngest daughter gave me more info. The book is only moderately well written. There is a lot of whining. Being raised by an RX drug addicted mother is whine worthy, but being approached by people who want to tell you how much they love your mother or hearing your mother's songs wherever you go, is not! Appreciate what you have.
March 23, 2009
this is the story of lorna lufts life as the little sister of liza minelli, and her life with her sister and their lives as the daughters of the late judy garland before and after their mothers tragic untimely death
October 16, 2023
Is it bad if I say everyone should watch the miniseries instead?
This book was so rambly. The timeline jumps around. I understand it’s a memoir and all about perspective, but holy moly, her perspective is super tinted.
This book was so rambly. The timeline jumps around. I understand it’s a memoir and all about perspective, but holy moly, her perspective is super tinted.
October 26, 2020
I've read a few books about Judy Garland so it was interesting to read an account written by one of her children. The timeline of the book wasn't always clear and the story skipped around a bit, but the stories of coping at an early age with her mother's addiction to pills and prescription medication and how she dealt with things after her mother's untimely death were enlightening. There was so much that wasn't understood at the time, about addiction and all that goes with it.
September 7, 2021
I am so happy that I read this book, I almost decided not to because of some reviewers had complained about Lorna's whining. I never felt that way at all and believe me I have in the past abandoned books that have a mere thread of whining in it. Lorna's experience with her mother's addictions was straightforward, matter of fact with the appropriate emotion and reflection. A very good book about one of my favorite actresses, well worth the read.
August 28, 2020
Really candid stories of Judy Garland. I wanted more about her, even though this was somewhat hard to read because her behavior was so erratic. Lorna is an interesting lady, but I got bored and didn't finish.
May 14, 2023
"It's hard to be a legend's child. She's everywhere I turn like a shadow. It's remarkable, really, how much of our life begins before we're even born. I wonder sometimes what might have happened to us all if mama had just stayed Baby Frances Gumm... but she wasn't allowed to. She became Judy Garland. She became a legend." - Lorna Luft
"Me and My Shadows" is an unflinching exploration of the life and legacy of one of Hollywood's most iconic stars. Lorna Luft delivers a powerful and deeply personal account of her mother, Judy Garland, taking readers on a journey through the highs and lows of fame, the undeniable brilliance of her mother's talent, and the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. From the unforgettable moments that made Garland a legend, to the struggles she faced with drug addiction and abuse, this memoir offers a raw and honest portrayal of a Hollywood icon. "Me and My Shadows" is a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of Judy Garland, a woman who will always be remembered as one of the greatest performers of all time. Perhaps, at long last, Judy Garland has found her happiness at the end of the rainbow.
"Me and My Shadows" is an unflinching exploration of the life and legacy of one of Hollywood's most iconic stars. Lorna Luft delivers a powerful and deeply personal account of her mother, Judy Garland, taking readers on a journey through the highs and lows of fame, the undeniable brilliance of her mother's talent, and the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. From the unforgettable moments that made Garland a legend, to the struggles she faced with drug addiction and abuse, this memoir offers a raw and honest portrayal of a Hollywood icon. "Me and My Shadows" is a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of Judy Garland, a woman who will always be remembered as one of the greatest performers of all time. Perhaps, at long last, Judy Garland has found her happiness at the end of the rainbow.
August 15, 2010
Well... the jury is really out on this book. It's interesting but I have a feeling that I could get much more detail and see fewer instances of important information being brushed by in another book. This is NOT a biography of Judy Garland, it's more a biography of Lorna Luft, her daughter. Skip the book and watch the TV Miniseries. It was awesome. Was going to read: Get Happy: The life of Judy Garland next but I'm kind or tired of the subject for now though I think it's going to be a more satisfying experience. As for this one, I finished the Judy Garland parts of the book, then put it down. Gave it away. Not interested in the rest or a re-read.
September 27, 2019
This book definitely lost my interest after Judy died. Which I know isn't fair, but then again I did really only read this book because I was curious to see Judy through her daughter's eyes. Plus, I know virtually nothing about Lorna Luft's career. I hate to have to pit sisters against each other, but, honestly, couldn't we have gotten a book out of Liza Minnelli instead? I'm sure Lorna is lovely, but after Judy died and there was still three quarters of a book to go, I didn't have fun anymore.
I will say, however, that this book served as the basis of the most excellent TV movie (of the same name) starring Judy Davis, so that's a positive I guess.
I will say, however, that this book served as the basis of the most excellent TV movie (of the same name) starring Judy Davis, so that's a positive I guess.
October 27, 2019
What an amazing, honestly written, inspiring and sometimes heart wrenching memoir. This was a book I literally couldn't put down. Having always been a fan of Judy, Liza and Lorna's, I kept away from all the other biographies written, but not this one because I knew it would be the real deal. So very often the general public tends to view Hollywood legends and their families as somehow different, but they're not different. They're regular human beings just like everyone else with all the issues, problems and the various situations that life throws at you both good and not so good. Kudos to Lorna Luft for writing this memoir and for being you.
January 9, 2017
I have read many memoirs from Maureen O'Haras Tis herself, to Mommie Dearest. This is by far one of best memoirs I have ever read its funny and terrifying and just about every emotion in between. Lorna Luft gives you a rare and brutally honest glimpse of Judy Garland. Its a beautiful story that everyone needs to read. Simply amazing!
March 12, 2019
Awful writing, strings of cliches.
October 7, 2023
Wow. Until recently, all I knew about Judy Garland was that she starred in The Wizard of Oz. I'd heard of Liza Minelli but didn't know she was Garland's daughter and until recently wouldn't have cared.
I'd been in the mood for watching a musical and stumbled on Easter Parade and The Good Old Summertime. I've been in awe of Judy Garland ever since.
Whilst reading about her I discovered the dark side of her career and began watching interviews from the 60s. I also stumbled across the American series based on this book. Within a matter of weeks I'd seen the "Dorothy" I knew as a child suddenly become a very real person. After I watched the series I was truly amazed so I ordered this book.
Whilst waiting for it to arrive I saw an interview with Lorna and her sister Liza. I instantly loved Lorna - her humour, her character, she came across to me as such a warm Auntie-like figure. After seeing her in the interview I couldn't wait for my book.
Fast forward a few weeks and I now realise whilst watching the series of the same name, I'd been focused solely on Judy - and of course her story is quite amazing and Judy Garland's talent is jaw dropping. Having now finished the book I am in awe of Lorna (Liza and Joey too) and her life.
Lorna's story is fascinating, funny, sad, outrageous and empowering.
When I get to Heaven, I am walking right up to Lorna to either hug her, give her a hi-five, or to just sit and chat. In-fact I think I'll do all three. What a woman.
Edited to say....lest I come across as completely enamoured. The book loses a star as some parts seemed repetitive - certain sentences copied and pasted perhaps, and at times I got confused by all the names (thank goodness for the internet and ability to look people up! And goodness some people seemed/were utterly selfish, pompous ratbags). But overall, I enjoyed the book - though some parts were not enjoyable, but deeply upsetting and rightly so.
Edited again to say...the partying, drugs, and drinks...I can't help but wonder what celebrities, who look like they have it all together in the media, are actually living a life propped up by drugs, and whose life is actually, behind the scenes, quite a disaster.
I can see how being in a little "celebrity" subculture - a kind of "cool" in-crowd, "famous people" peer pressure, and no responsibilities could create situations (much like teens pressured by other teens to smoke cigarettes) where individuals do things they'd never consider doing were not "everyone" doing it....until it just spirals out of control. It'd be easy to judge - but having read Lorna's upbringing - well context is everything.
It certainly makes my life, on one hand, seem quite boring (compared to Harrods, private plans, fancy gowns etc) and yet as helpful as money is (and it really is), some things money can't buy.
I've come to love Judy Garland the past few months, I've also come to love her daughter Lorna. Their grit, humour, and hopefulness give me courage.
I'd been in the mood for watching a musical and stumbled on Easter Parade and The Good Old Summertime. I've been in awe of Judy Garland ever since.
Whilst reading about her I discovered the dark side of her career and began watching interviews from the 60s. I also stumbled across the American series based on this book. Within a matter of weeks I'd seen the "Dorothy" I knew as a child suddenly become a very real person. After I watched the series I was truly amazed so I ordered this book.
Whilst waiting for it to arrive I saw an interview with Lorna and her sister Liza. I instantly loved Lorna - her humour, her character, she came across to me as such a warm Auntie-like figure. After seeing her in the interview I couldn't wait for my book.
Fast forward a few weeks and I now realise whilst watching the series of the same name, I'd been focused solely on Judy - and of course her story is quite amazing and Judy Garland's talent is jaw dropping. Having now finished the book I am in awe of Lorna (Liza and Joey too) and her life.
Lorna's story is fascinating, funny, sad, outrageous and empowering.
When I get to Heaven, I am walking right up to Lorna to either hug her, give her a hi-five, or to just sit and chat. In-fact I think I'll do all three. What a woman.
Edited to say....lest I come across as completely enamoured. The book loses a star as some parts seemed repetitive - certain sentences copied and pasted perhaps, and at times I got confused by all the names (thank goodness for the internet and ability to look people up! And goodness some people seemed/were utterly selfish, pompous ratbags). But overall, I enjoyed the book - though some parts were not enjoyable, but deeply upsetting and rightly so.
Edited again to say...the partying, drugs, and drinks...I can't help but wonder what celebrities, who look like they have it all together in the media, are actually living a life propped up by drugs, and whose life is actually, behind the scenes, quite a disaster.
I can see how being in a little "celebrity" subculture - a kind of "cool" in-crowd, "famous people" peer pressure, and no responsibilities could create situations (much like teens pressured by other teens to smoke cigarettes) where individuals do things they'd never consider doing were not "everyone" doing it....until it just spirals out of control. It'd be easy to judge - but having read Lorna's upbringing - well context is everything.
It certainly makes my life, on one hand, seem quite boring (compared to Harrods, private plans, fancy gowns etc) and yet as helpful as money is (and it really is), some things money can't buy.
I've come to love Judy Garland the past few months, I've also come to love her daughter Lorna. Their grit, humour, and hopefulness give me courage.
March 6, 2024
A raw memoir detailing what it was like having the iconic and celebrated Judy Garland as a mother.
I don’t think I was fully prepared for how raw and detailed this book might be. I was no stranger to Judy’s struggles and how tough she’d had it, but this book saddened me further; especially given how different things might have been for her today.
A global phenomenon and one of the greatest voices ever. But come and meet the woman behind the movie screens. A mother who loved her children dearly, worked extremely hard and victim to the unregulated world of child-stars that shaped her life.
Lorna does provide lots of humour amongst her stories and the tales of the glamour that led her childhood were really interesting.
What comes full circle is Lorna’s own recovery as an adult and her realisation of generational addiction problems. It’s touching to read.
This is a book which starts with the life of the Gumm family, the transformation of Judy Garland and her life as a movie star, into motherhood where we meet more of the life of Lorna Luft herself. We move throughout her childhood, Judy’s struggles and untimely death, a few chapters of her own adulthood and career and finish with portions of Liza’s life and addictions too.
It’s a book with really interesting tales of Judy and her family, and proof that it isn’t all smiles and glamour over the rainbow…
I don’t think I was fully prepared for how raw and detailed this book might be. I was no stranger to Judy’s struggles and how tough she’d had it, but this book saddened me further; especially given how different things might have been for her today.
A global phenomenon and one of the greatest voices ever. But come and meet the woman behind the movie screens. A mother who loved her children dearly, worked extremely hard and victim to the unregulated world of child-stars that shaped her life.
Lorna does provide lots of humour amongst her stories and the tales of the glamour that led her childhood were really interesting.
What comes full circle is Lorna’s own recovery as an adult and her realisation of generational addiction problems. It’s touching to read.
This is a book which starts with the life of the Gumm family, the transformation of Judy Garland and her life as a movie star, into motherhood where we meet more of the life of Lorna Luft herself. We move throughout her childhood, Judy’s struggles and untimely death, a few chapters of her own adulthood and career and finish with portions of Liza’s life and addictions too.
It’s a book with really interesting tales of Judy and her family, and proof that it isn’t all smiles and glamour over the rainbow…
January 21, 2019
As a big fan of Judy Garland I was very keen to read this. 'Me and My Shadows' provides an intimate portrait of Judy through the eyes of one of her children. As such, the early years of Judy's life are explored in less depth compared to her later years.
Where the book really excels is in providing a harrowing insight into what it is like living as a child of a parent who is suffering with addiction. The connections Luft draws between her mother's addiction and the subsequent addictions of her children was particularly interesting. Luft also makes it clear that Judy's life wasn't a tragedy, despite her problems and that she always tried to make the best of things. This is a great perspective and one that is not necessarily focused on by other biographical treatments.
If I had to make a criticism, I would have liked a more in depth look at Judy's MGM years, more info on some of her more famous films such as 'Meet Me in St. Louis' and how her experiences there impacted on her later life I also think that Luft could have been slightly more critical of the Studio's role in Judy's issues. This book is essential reading for any fan of Judy Garland. Best read in conjunction with the film of the same name and perhaps another biography of this legendary woman.
Where the book really excels is in providing a harrowing insight into what it is like living as a child of a parent who is suffering with addiction. The connections Luft draws between her mother's addiction and the subsequent addictions of her children was particularly interesting. Luft also makes it clear that Judy's life wasn't a tragedy, despite her problems and that she always tried to make the best of things. This is a great perspective and one that is not necessarily focused on by other biographical treatments.
If I had to make a criticism, I would have liked a more in depth look at Judy's MGM years, more info on some of her more famous films such as 'Meet Me in St. Louis' and how her experiences there impacted on her later life I also think that Luft could have been slightly more critical of the Studio's role in Judy's issues. This book is essential reading for any fan of Judy Garland. Best read in conjunction with the film of the same name and perhaps another biography of this legendary woman.
May 15, 2024
I was finding myself wanting to learn a lot about Judy Garland. After watching Judy, and the miniseries Me and My Shadows, I thought I would read the book. The mini series was MUCH better.
I was hoping this book would give lots of stories about Judy as a mother, actress and person. It was a rambling mess. I admit, I’ve never heard Lorna sing or act, so it’s hard for me to believe she was THAT prominent in the Hollywood/NYC scene. Maybe her connection to Liza?
It got boring 2/3 of the way in and I felt it was repetitive about the addictions, the partying and how she called Liza out in her problems without taking full ownership of her own. Also, I couldn’t believe all those funny scenarios were that hilarious where people were falling over laughing, crying their eyes out,
I finished it but I am now done with my Judy Garland research.
I was hoping this book would give lots of stories about Judy as a mother, actress and person. It was a rambling mess. I admit, I’ve never heard Lorna sing or act, so it’s hard for me to believe she was THAT prominent in the Hollywood/NYC scene. Maybe her connection to Liza?
It got boring 2/3 of the way in and I felt it was repetitive about the addictions, the partying and how she called Liza out in her problems without taking full ownership of her own. Also, I couldn’t believe all those funny scenarios were that hilarious where people were falling over laughing, crying their eyes out,
I finished it but I am now done with my Judy Garland research.
February 2, 2025
Very honest and heartbreakingly real, this memoir will make you marvel that Lorna Luft was able to endure her teenage years. I found it absolutely remarkable that Luft continues to love her mother with all her heart, despite the things Judy put her children through in her later years. Addiction is a tragic disease and Lorna Luft has faced it from all sides. She always takes full responsibility for her own decisions in every relationship and that was admirable. The book is somewhat inspiring, but maybe not a great page turner (especially after Garland's death). I didn't love the fact she put so much of Liza's business out there; I understand her sister's life is, naturally, entangled with hers, but it felt kind of mean to share things that maybe should only come from Liza. Anyway, the book is fascinating while Garland is alive in it, but loses its full throttle drive after that.
October 7, 2023
A better book than I'd expected. At first I was bored with the story of Judy's parents and her beginnings in show business; we've heard it all before. But once we reached the point when Lorna was born, I found it interesting to read of her experiences and reactions to her mother's career and decline. I liked that she was honest about the destructive ways Judy acted but also still showed how much she loved and missed her.
I am so annoyed with reviewers who accuse celebrities authors of name-dropping. These are their friends. This is their life. How are they supposed to tell what happened to them without mentioning other people who were involved?
I hope I run into Lorna in PS so I can ask her to sign my book. :)
I am so annoyed with reviewers who accuse celebrities authors of name-dropping. These are their friends. This is their life. How are they supposed to tell what happened to them without mentioning other people who were involved?
I hope I run into Lorna in PS so I can ask her to sign my book. :)
July 27, 2020
I found this book to be readable and sincere. Luft shares more inside detail than will ever be available, some moments which are memorably sad and some that reveal the clever, smart Judy that her mother was. This is a book about living with a parent who has an addiction, who also happens to be famous and beloved worldwide.
There are very few books about Judy Garland written by women and this will likely be the only one written by her daughters. I read this as part of research for a podcast series on Judy Garland I produced for Advanced TV Herstory.
Recommend to vintage Hollywood buffs, media and pop culture scholars and of course, fans of Judy Garland, her legacy and music.
There are very few books about Judy Garland written by women and this will likely be the only one written by her daughters. I read this as part of research for a podcast series on Judy Garland I produced for Advanced TV Herstory.
Recommend to vintage Hollywood buffs, media and pop culture scholars and of course, fans of Judy Garland, her legacy and music.
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December 16, 2025I made it over half way and I'm DNF'ing. Judy Garland is my favorite artist of all time. Has been since I was a little girl. Lorna and I have allot in common as far as growing up with a mother who has a prescription chemical dependency and has lost them because of it. Her "woe is me" because her mom is a legend and that made her grieving process more difficult than someone who's loved one wasn't famous, came off a touch delusional. I had to push to get where I was because the name dropping got old real quick. I had to push myself to get over half way and couldn't find myself to pick it back up. I'm marking it as read for the time and effort it took to get as far as I did.
January 7, 2019
Very compelling book and tv movie that i saw years ago. Her mother had so many struggles that she had to over come and face. I also felt that if her mother was maybe more force ful or someone that was mentor to judy then she would've lived. Its also sad that her kids had to sometimes be the parent was also hard to read
September 30, 2020
You'd have to really be interested in this family to enjoy or feel like you got anything out of this book. I happen to like Judy Garland so I was mildly interested in this book. However I really didn't learn anything new about Judy. I did pick up a few things I didn't know about Lorna and her sister Liza.
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