A Book (Expanded Edition): The Outspoken Memoirs of the Man Who “Loved Lucy”—and Revolutionized Television

by Desi Arnaz, Lucie Arnaz - epilogue

Now featuring exclusive new material including excerpts from Desi Arnaz’s unpublished second memoir and commentary by daughter Lucie Arnaz, here is the expanded edition of the New York Times bestselling memoir of Cuban American entertainment legend, TV pioneer, and I Love Lucy star Desi Arnaz.

This expanded edition of A Book features additions from Desi Arnaz’s uncompleted, never published second memoir, a new Afterword by Lucie Arnaz, Foreword by granddaughter Kate Luckinbill, and new photos throughout. Desi’s original work and the additions paint a comprehensive portrait of a man beloved and admired by family and people he worked with despite admitted personal failings, and to whom Lucy herself gave credit for the success of I Love Lucy and pioneering television production in its infancy. This full story of a life and legend now completes one of the most fascinating and revelatory Hollywood memoirs ever written.

In the author’s own “Welcome to A Book, in which I try to explain how a kid from Cuba found a way to make a living in the United States. It’s all here—the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the unbelievably lucky breaks, and the heartbreaking failures. . . . You will learn what Lucy and I had to do to convince people we could play husband and wife in I Love Lucy. Shortly afterward Lucie and Desi Jr. were born and our world was paradise. The irony of it all is how our undreamed-of success, fame, and fortune turned it into hell. It wasn’t easy to write about all of it, but as my son said, ‘There’s only one way to do it, Dad. Tell it like it was.’”

Audible Audio

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

Desi Arnaz was a Cuban-American musician, actor and television producer. He gained international renown for leading a Latino music band, the Desi Arnaz Orchestra. But arguably, he is best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo on the classic American TV series I Love Lucy, starring opposite his real-life wife, Lucille Ball.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this view into the life of Desi Arnaz! I loved hearing his business mind making his various deal throughout his career! Getting the background on one of the best shows from my childhood (reruns) was so so sweet. The narration was perfect and I loved that it was delivered in a similar accent to Desi Arnaz! I am so glad I was able to listen to this audiobook thanks to Hachette Audio!

[Joanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic and fascinating!!!! I read this book every year - around Desi’s birthday. Never planned it that way - it just happens and works out so. THIS expanded edition is much different though and better!!! It was wonderful reading Desi’s story again and listening to Gregory Santos narrate was great too! Much better reading than Juan Pablo De Pace’s narration.

The expanded edition really soars here! Lucie Arnaz found notes, transcripts and documents that were from Desi’s unpublished 2nd memoir. It’s a truly personal; intimate and private look into his mind and further expresses the way his creative and business mind went. He was a genius! The final section is SO prevalent and relevant to America and the state of the country today. It’s staggering, chilling and deeply emotional. How SPOT ON he was - 50 years ago. Prophetic indeed and I pray every single one of us heed his words.

Get this book! 100/100!!!!!! Learn his story. Learn it again. Open your mind. Turn off the news and phone and go read… A BOOK.

[Jakki Huttoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid Lucille ball fan, it is never lost on me the fact that the two of them together were absolute forces and pioneers for their time. In a time where America simply did not accept anyone who wasn't a white American, it's fascinating to read about someone who broke those barriers. Lovely memoir from someone who created a path for those that came after him.