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First to Leave the Party: My Life with Ordinary People... Who Happen to be Famous
INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER
A marvelous and compulsively readable collection of stories from the life of Salah Bachir — philanthropist, art collector, movie industry insider — who, through his sheer joy of life, art, giving back, and human interaction, has endeared him to some of the most famous and creative people in recent times.
Salah Bachir’s encounters with stars who have passed through his beloved Toronto over the years opens on a backyard garden barbecue with Marlon Brando, and bread continues to be broken with icons as fascinating and seemingly disparate as Muhammad Ali and Liberace, Margaret Atwood and Cesar Chavez, Andy Warhol and Princess Margaret, to name just a few. But the true literary coup is that the biggest, brightest star we encounter is the author himself.
Alan Cumming
Salah is the patron saint for all of us who are full of curiosity, hungry for celebration, horny for fun, and who won’t stop until every need is fulfilled. His appetite and passion for life is voracious. His ability to transform those passions into making life better for others is even more impressive.
Atom Egoyan
Salah Bachir, who immigrated to Canada from Lebanon in the 1960s, has been a gay activist who has worked in the film world for over four decades. While this has given him undeniable front-row access to Hollywood’s biggest stars, it is Salah’s personal charm and kindness, his philanthropy, his overall style (think hats, scarves, brooches, pearls, diamonds) and deep involvement in the art world that has made him a friend, companion, confidante, and/or lover to so many — including Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, Joan Rivers, Mary Tyler Moore, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Edward Albee, Orson Welles, Aretha Franklin, Norman Jewison, and Elizabeth Taylor — although it’s true that Katharine Hepburn once turned him down, very nicely.
Collected here in this wonderful book are personal stories of them all — some short, some long, some surprising, others juicy, and all fascinating. Through them we get to know Salah, a larger-than-life character that embodies the many worlds he shapes — the kind of person it would be hard to make up if he didn’t already exist.
A marvelous and compulsively readable collection of stories from the life of Salah Bachir — philanthropist, art collector, movie industry insider — who, through his sheer joy of life, art, giving back, and human interaction, has endeared him to some of the most famous and creative people in recent times.
Salah Bachir’s encounters with stars who have passed through his beloved Toronto over the years opens on a backyard garden barbecue with Marlon Brando, and bread continues to be broken with icons as fascinating and seemingly disparate as Muhammad Ali and Liberace, Margaret Atwood and Cesar Chavez, Andy Warhol and Princess Margaret, to name just a few. But the true literary coup is that the biggest, brightest star we encounter is the author himself.
Alan Cumming
Salah is the patron saint for all of us who are full of curiosity, hungry for celebration, horny for fun, and who won’t stop until every need is fulfilled. His appetite and passion for life is voracious. His ability to transform those passions into making life better for others is even more impressive.
Atom Egoyan
Salah Bachir, who immigrated to Canada from Lebanon in the 1960s, has been a gay activist who has worked in the film world for over four decades. While this has given him undeniable front-row access to Hollywood’s biggest stars, it is Salah’s personal charm and kindness, his philanthropy, his overall style (think hats, scarves, brooches, pearls, diamonds) and deep involvement in the art world that has made him a friend, companion, confidante, and/or lover to so many — including Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, Joan Rivers, Mary Tyler Moore, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Edward Albee, Orson Welles, Aretha Franklin, Norman Jewison, and Elizabeth Taylor — although it’s true that Katharine Hepburn once turned him down, very nicely.
Collected here in this wonderful book are personal stories of them all — some short, some long, some surprising, others juicy, and all fascinating. Through them we get to know Salah, a larger-than-life character that embodies the many worlds he shapes — the kind of person it would be hard to make up if he didn’t already exist.
- GenresAudiobook
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2023
10 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 8, 2023
Chock-a-block with fabulous, intimate insights to the world of celebrity through the eyes of a candid, insightful, and sensitive participant. What a great read. The life Salah Bachir has led -continues to lead - is remarkable.
December 19, 2023
I am lucky enough to have met Salah Bachir on a number of occasions. He is a charming host, gregarious, loyal, generous, compassionate, and wickedly funny man with an infinite reserve of energy for his many passions. You know that saying "He knows everyone" ? Well, Salah does, and not just in the Entertainment, Music, Art, and Philanthropy circles - this was fun to read and I could hear his voice throughout the passages of the book. He is a special man and this book is a unique history, not just stories of celebrities or the progression of the Home Video industry, but of a time in culture, a record of a type of coming-out that is not often captured in media or literature.
October 7, 2023
A fun rollicking book full of fun and insights into the world of a renowned philanthropist and activist, art collector and friend to many, both famous and not so famous…
November 24, 2025
Fresh out of high school in the summer of 1972, I visited my older cousin in Toronto for a few days in July. She and her roommate decided to take me to Ontario Place to see the Irish Rovers, but we had to catch a shuttle bus at the side entrance of the Royal York Hotel to get there.
As we stood there, a long black limousine pulled up, and a group that seemed to be arguing came out of the hotel. The beautiful, well-dressed woman in the group pulled away and plowed right into me, knocking me to the ground while she fell almost on top of me before catching herself.
Graciously, she got her balance and reached down to help me up, dusting me off like a concerned mother, apologizing and calling me ‘dear.’ We laughed it off while holding each other's hands until one of the men took her by the elbow and told her they had to get going. She climbed into the limo, rolled down the window and waved goodbye as they pulled away.
She was so beautiful. Petite, blonde with huge eyes and the warmest big smile.
My cousin and her roommate were jumping up and down and yelling: “Do you know who that was???”.
I was 17. No, I had no idea who that was!
“That was Phyllis Diller!” they yelled in unison.
I was confused. My dad liked Phyllis Diller, the crazy laugh, the wild hair, and Fang, the Campbell's Soup-eating husband. How on earth could this earthbound Goddess be one and the same?
That’s the crux of the matter. We all expect celebrities to be something they aren’t – their persona or the characters they take on – rather than themselves and humans like the rest of us. We really shouldn’t have any expectations when you think about it – we don’t know ‘them,’ do we? We only know the roles they take on and the perceptions they perpetuate and create.
Salah seems to pierce that veil in his relationships with those who dance with stardom. He is like a beacon, a haven for celebrities, a place where they can simply be themselves when they aren’t performing and entertaining the rest of us. He brings that sense of openness and trust to his accounts of his time with them, eloquently and gracefully, respecting their vulnerability as they shed their illusory self. You fall further in love with some of the celebrities he writes about, while others you will see in a different light, maybe not so bright as it once was.
Even more interesting, you fall in love with this person, this Bachir, this self-made Canadian success who is more focused on giving than taking, on admiring the arts rather than seeking artistic admiration.
I felt a kindred spirit in Salah. We likely bumped elbows or crossed paths in our lives: the same age, the same geography, the same universities and the same attitudes and perceptions. I, too, left parties early, even when I was young and full of angst. I do not drink, and things tend to get goofier as you marry time, people and booze to one another. People are not so charming in that state, and I prefer them when I can make a connection or share an interest. So, I have always left when things were on a high note rather than a nasty high.
This book was a gift from my ancient mother. She fell in love with the title and Salah’s attire on the front cover and thought I might enjoy reading it. As a person with a severe attraction to brooches, my mother fell in love with the brooch Salah was wearing more than anything else. Who says covers don’t sell books? The surprise was on her in the end, though, as I raved about the book and how she had to read it, too.
Her comment after reading it summed up the book simply and purely: “I learned a lot about love; how it can mean so many things, an expression, an action, a feeling, a relationship, an art, a good meal and a place to escape undue attention. It doesn’t really matter, as long as it is.”
Well said, mother. Well said.
As we stood there, a long black limousine pulled up, and a group that seemed to be arguing came out of the hotel. The beautiful, well-dressed woman in the group pulled away and plowed right into me, knocking me to the ground while she fell almost on top of me before catching herself.
Graciously, she got her balance and reached down to help me up, dusting me off like a concerned mother, apologizing and calling me ‘dear.’ We laughed it off while holding each other's hands until one of the men took her by the elbow and told her they had to get going. She climbed into the limo, rolled down the window and waved goodbye as they pulled away.
She was so beautiful. Petite, blonde with huge eyes and the warmest big smile.
My cousin and her roommate were jumping up and down and yelling: “Do you know who that was???”.
I was 17. No, I had no idea who that was!
“That was Phyllis Diller!” they yelled in unison.
I was confused. My dad liked Phyllis Diller, the crazy laugh, the wild hair, and Fang, the Campbell's Soup-eating husband. How on earth could this earthbound Goddess be one and the same?
That’s the crux of the matter. We all expect celebrities to be something they aren’t – their persona or the characters they take on – rather than themselves and humans like the rest of us. We really shouldn’t have any expectations when you think about it – we don’t know ‘them,’ do we? We only know the roles they take on and the perceptions they perpetuate and create.
Salah seems to pierce that veil in his relationships with those who dance with stardom. He is like a beacon, a haven for celebrities, a place where they can simply be themselves when they aren’t performing and entertaining the rest of us. He brings that sense of openness and trust to his accounts of his time with them, eloquently and gracefully, respecting their vulnerability as they shed their illusory self. You fall further in love with some of the celebrities he writes about, while others you will see in a different light, maybe not so bright as it once was.
Even more interesting, you fall in love with this person, this Bachir, this self-made Canadian success who is more focused on giving than taking, on admiring the arts rather than seeking artistic admiration.
I felt a kindred spirit in Salah. We likely bumped elbows or crossed paths in our lives: the same age, the same geography, the same universities and the same attitudes and perceptions. I, too, left parties early, even when I was young and full of angst. I do not drink, and things tend to get goofier as you marry time, people and booze to one another. People are not so charming in that state, and I prefer them when I can make a connection or share an interest. So, I have always left when things were on a high note rather than a nasty high.
This book was a gift from my ancient mother. She fell in love with the title and Salah’s attire on the front cover and thought I might enjoy reading it. As a person with a severe attraction to brooches, my mother fell in love with the brooch Salah was wearing more than anything else. Who says covers don’t sell books? The surprise was on her in the end, though, as I raved about the book and how she had to read it, too.
Her comment after reading it summed up the book simply and purely: “I learned a lot about love; how it can mean so many things, an expression, an action, a feeling, a relationship, an art, a good meal and a place to escape undue attention. It doesn’t really matter, as long as it is.”
Well said, mother. Well said.
November 1, 2023
Salah Bachir's book "First to leave the Party" is just marvelous.
It's a great read. Salah's collection of stories about his encounters with celebrities is delightful and entertaining. It's about friendships and connections with ordinary people who happen to be famous. You will meet many stars and appreciate how these magnificent movie stars lead ordinary lives and make a difference to the world, not just by entertaining but by giving back to communities and charities. The author of "First to leave the Party" Salah Bachir is a celebrity himself with a big heart, who has given generously of his time and money to many communities and charities to make the world a better place. I highly recommend it.
It's a great read. Salah's collection of stories about his encounters with celebrities is delightful and entertaining. It's about friendships and connections with ordinary people who happen to be famous. You will meet many stars and appreciate how these magnificent movie stars lead ordinary lives and make a difference to the world, not just by entertaining but by giving back to communities and charities. The author of "First to leave the Party" Salah Bachir is a celebrity himself with a big heart, who has given generously of his time and money to many communities and charities to make the world a better place. I highly recommend it.
May 14, 2024
An absolutely delightful listen. Salah Bachir truly has met everyone in Hollywood and elsewhere. He is a genuine, kind and loving man, proud to be a gay man, funny and respectful. He has stories about many of the stars we know and love but it’s not a gossip laden book, it’s full of his stories and interactions with so many famous people. He is a lover and collector of art and artists. Marlon Brando had dinner with his family in Rexdale!
His sense of style is all his own and now I’ll be digging through my own jewelry looking for fabulous statement pieces!
And I love that Ann Marie MacDonald is the reader.
His sense of style is all his own and now I’ll be digging through my own jewelry looking for fabulous statement pieces!
And I love that Ann Marie MacDonald is the reader.
July 1, 2025
Light hearted, honest, refreshing and humorous! Salah, never Sal! Dishes out about many celebrities, Brando, Rivers, Doris Day, Liza Minnelli, Warhol, Plummer, Douglas Fairbanks Jr….they are all just people! Some gay, some not so “gay” and some incredibly hypocritical. He is a Lebanese Canadian philanthropist and fundraiser. I had never heard of him but he has raised millions for AIDS and LGBTQ community, as well as Margaret Atwood’s Pelee Island Bird Observatory. He is a passionate collector of art and jewellery. He believes strongly in giving back to his community.
A person who cares deeply for his friends!
A person who cares deeply for his friends!
Read
October 31, 2023The first to leave the party by Salah Bachir was a stellar success.
I have been an avid reader since the age of 7, covering the greek myths, the arabian nights, frankenstein, the history of broadway by the age of 12. Perhaps I was out even at that age.
Salah has created a compelling invitation for the reader to lean in and ask for me.
He presents the real lives of real people.
It is an invation to the green room of the world of the silver screen and entertainment.
Is there a sequel.
Who could ask for anything more.
Celebrations.
Here's to life, here's to love, here's to you.
I have been an avid reader since the age of 7, covering the greek myths, the arabian nights, frankenstein, the history of broadway by the age of 12. Perhaps I was out even at that age.
Salah has created a compelling invitation for the reader to lean in and ask for me.
He presents the real lives of real people.
It is an invation to the green room of the world of the silver screen and entertainment.
Is there a sequel.
Who could ask for anything more.
Celebrations.
Here's to life, here's to love, here's to you.
November 10, 2023
Bachir's book is a collection of short, pithy stories about all the celebrities he has known and encountered in his life & is the worst example of dropping names one could try to read. It is akin to an old women decking herself in gems afraid of looking at herself in a mirror. Bachir's life is fascinating on its own & a good ghost writer would have been able to turn his story into something more readable and enjoyable.
November 1, 2023
This book made me realize how important it is to be vulnerable and be your authentic self. Salah's courage in sharing his story, culture, his food, his family, his insecurities... is truly inspiring. He has a gift in making others feel safe. Celebrities take off their masks and their armour and simple be. Be human. I loved every moment! We need more love and more Salah in the world!
October 30, 2023
Funny, engaging, smart and thoughtful. I enjoyed every moment spent with this charming book. Side effects included wanting to read it again, watch classic movies, listen to Ella Fitzgerald on repeat and put a little extra sparkle and kindness back into the world.
October 31, 2023
Thoroughly entertaining!! Salah, shared juicy, funny, sad, stories of a range of talented people that we could only have wished to have met or spent time with. Salah gave us a window into their and his life. Reading this book is like you're at THE most fascinating dinner party.
November 1, 2023
What a fun and thoughtful read on the often ordinary interactions of famous people with the author, which feels like an invitation to a private party. The stories bring home the humaneness of the “celebrities” we encounter and the friendships Bachir nurtured.
November 4, 2023
"First to Leave the Party" by Salah Bachir, a gay philanthropist, self -made multi-millionaire, art collector etc. who has rubbed shoulders with the biggest names in show business, hence a deliciously gossipy story and mostly set in Toronto.
November 6, 2023
A marvellous read that kept me wanting more!
I would highly recommend to anyone interested in a unique view into celebrity life. The stories are glitzy and glamorous and filled with heart, humanity and connection (and some great tea!). Once you start reading you won’t want to stop.
I would highly recommend to anyone interested in a unique view into celebrity life. The stories are glitzy and glamorous and filled with heart, humanity and connection (and some great tea!). Once you start reading you won’t want to stop.
Read
January 1, 2024Did not finish this book.
January 10, 2024
I received a complimentary audiobook from the publisher via libro.fm.
February 6, 2024
So interesting, great stories
April 21, 2024
An excellent book about an incredible Canadian.
August 3, 2024
Salah Bachir has led an interesting life and met many famous people. This book is a series of anecdotes about those people and it is very interesting. I highly recommend it.
November 17, 2024
Never underestimate the power of any "unassuming" individual. Great read!
April 28, 2025
what a wonderfully charming read with a truly compelling and endearing narrator
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews