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Betty White: In Person
Book by White, Betty
201 pages, Hardcover
First published September 2, 1987
93 people are currently reading
1407 people want to read
About the author
Betty White
82 books541 followersBetty White was an American five-time Emmy Award-winning film and television actress with a career spanning sixty years. She also appeared in radio programs, movies, theater, commercials, and was also a talk show and game show host. White is perhaps best known for her roles in the sitcoms The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 15, 2017
I just love Betty White! Having been a fan of her character Rose, from the Golden Girls for most of my life, I was intrigued to read a bit more about Betty's personal life. It's very refreshing to know that one of your favorite celebrities is so similar to yourself!
February 18, 2020
The Best of Betty White
If you love Betty White as I do, you will love this book. There is so much to admire and respect in and about this lady. Betty White is a Princess that walks among us all.😘😍
If you love Betty White as I do, you will love this book. There is so much to admire and respect in and about this lady. Betty White is a Princess that walks among us all.😘😍
December 10, 2011
Betty White never gets old. Okay, that is obviously figurative but you know what I mean. One never tires of her comedic talent and shining face. Let’s take a step back into 1987, during the second season of “Golden Girls”…
Like Betty White’s 2011 release, “If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won’t)”, 1987’s Betty White: In Person is a collection of Ms. White’s perceptions, thoughts, and feelings on various topics and life itself ranging from the obvious (show business) to heartfelt areas such as love, marriage, and widowhood. In fact, If You Ask Me appears to almost be an update/sequel to In Person. The difference? Although an older book, In Person has more depth and well-rounded aspects than her 2011 release which are certainly welcome.
In Person is by no means an autobiography or memoir. You won’t get a chronological listing of events in Betty White’s life or detailed descriptions of highs and lows. However, Betty DOES open up to the reader on her own terms with no restrictions or filters allowing the reader to become acquainted with Betty’s inner thoughts on a friendship level. The quips and thoughts streaming from Betty’s brain are quite entertaining, philosophical, and rather insightful. They are simple and yet contain pure honesty which makes the reader ponder the topic. One which stood out to me: “There is rarely, if ever, a winner in any heated verbal exchange. No one’s opinion is altered…probably only reinforced…and so much more is dredged up then the issue of the moment”. Yes, this is something that we know, but it takes eloquent words to really have it sink in, sometimes. Don’t expect some mundane thoughts of an elderly woman; Betty is certainly wise with age.
Although you get a feel for Betty in the respect of her thoughts on the world, she doesn’t really evaluate herself or talk about her career as a whole. This will either disappoint a reader or brighten the day of the one seeking to know Betty on a more intimate level. Sometimes the blurbs can seem slightly disorganized and repetitious but it adds to the charming quality of who Betty White truly is.
The most endearing sections read like diary entries with juicy bites of honesty. Would you admit to a superstitious habit of having to step on a comb before picking it up had you dropped it? Or having to sit and count to 10 before leaving the house if you forget something and had to go back? Well, Betty admits it… and with a proud strut. Also interesting are Betty’s idiosyncrasies and emotion-coping mechanisms such as “The Drawer” and “The Box” but you will have to read In Person to understand. Equally touching (and detailed) were the sections on her love, proposal, wedding, and marriage to Allen Ludden. Perhaps it is because it was woman-to-woman on my part, but it was emotional, indeed.
For the Golden Girls fans, In Person does offers laughable cast stories regarding the other ladies we all know and love. All of these stories are lively and teach an underlying message/theme. In no way does Betty try to brag or put on airs about the success of the show. Every blurb has a reason for being included.
In Person is a quick read (it took me only 2 days) but inspirational, hopeful, and with a rather well-written text. Great for a book to read while in the doctor’s office, when needing a pick-me-up, or simply because of our mutual love for Betty White.
Like Betty White’s 2011 release, “If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won’t)”, 1987’s Betty White: In Person is a collection of Ms. White’s perceptions, thoughts, and feelings on various topics and life itself ranging from the obvious (show business) to heartfelt areas such as love, marriage, and widowhood. In fact, If You Ask Me appears to almost be an update/sequel to In Person. The difference? Although an older book, In Person has more depth and well-rounded aspects than her 2011 release which are certainly welcome.
In Person is by no means an autobiography or memoir. You won’t get a chronological listing of events in Betty White’s life or detailed descriptions of highs and lows. However, Betty DOES open up to the reader on her own terms with no restrictions or filters allowing the reader to become acquainted with Betty’s inner thoughts on a friendship level. The quips and thoughts streaming from Betty’s brain are quite entertaining, philosophical, and rather insightful. They are simple and yet contain pure honesty which makes the reader ponder the topic. One which stood out to me: “There is rarely, if ever, a winner in any heated verbal exchange. No one’s opinion is altered…probably only reinforced…and so much more is dredged up then the issue of the moment”. Yes, this is something that we know, but it takes eloquent words to really have it sink in, sometimes. Don’t expect some mundane thoughts of an elderly woman; Betty is certainly wise with age.
Although you get a feel for Betty in the respect of her thoughts on the world, she doesn’t really evaluate herself or talk about her career as a whole. This will either disappoint a reader or brighten the day of the one seeking to know Betty on a more intimate level. Sometimes the blurbs can seem slightly disorganized and repetitious but it adds to the charming quality of who Betty White truly is.
The most endearing sections read like diary entries with juicy bites of honesty. Would you admit to a superstitious habit of having to step on a comb before picking it up had you dropped it? Or having to sit and count to 10 before leaving the house if you forget something and had to go back? Well, Betty admits it… and with a proud strut. Also interesting are Betty’s idiosyncrasies and emotion-coping mechanisms such as “The Drawer” and “The Box” but you will have to read In Person to understand. Equally touching (and detailed) were the sections on her love, proposal, wedding, and marriage to Allen Ludden. Perhaps it is because it was woman-to-woman on my part, but it was emotional, indeed.
For the Golden Girls fans, In Person does offers laughable cast stories regarding the other ladies we all know and love. All of these stories are lively and teach an underlying message/theme. In no way does Betty try to brag or put on airs about the success of the show. Every blurb has a reason for being included.
In Person is a quick read (it took me only 2 days) but inspirational, hopeful, and with a rather well-written text. Great for a book to read while in the doctor’s office, when needing a pick-me-up, or simply because of our mutual love for Betty White.
April 3, 2022
Love it ❤
an easy & enjoyable read. this was first published in 1987 but it aged well because it's a collection of essays on her thoughts about love, marriage, grief, friendship, etc. told in that familiar Betty way - uncomplicated, intelligent, witty & non-pontificating. a pity there is not an audiobook of this. I smiled at the end when she described the "This is Your Life Betty White" show because I recently discovered that on YouTube. i teared up watching it. passing at 99, we can all agree that she still went to soon.
an easy & enjoyable read. this was first published in 1987 but it aged well because it's a collection of essays on her thoughts about love, marriage, grief, friendship, etc. told in that familiar Betty way - uncomplicated, intelligent, witty & non-pontificating. a pity there is not an audiobook of this. I smiled at the end when she described the "This is Your Life Betty White" show because I recently discovered that on YouTube. i teared up watching it. passing at 99, we can all agree that she still went to soon.
June 8, 2011
A biography...of sorts, this is collection of random thoughts and ideas from the television star. Nothing earth-shattering or life-changing, just some folksy ramblings dusted with a hint of Hollywood glamour. Entertaining and a quick read, you don't get a whole view of who Betty White is (or was, considering the publication date), but you do get a big helping of her wit and humor.
May 18, 2010
I didn't think it was possible, but I love Betty White more now after reading this book! I want to be just like her when I grow up. :-D A fabulous read from a girl who's always gonna be golden to me! Can't wait to get started on "Here We Go Again"!
June 20, 2010
This is a simple book but its filled with wisdom and now I love Betty White even more (didn't think that was possible).
June 27, 2018
Trifle too bubbly so that, despite even her written protestations, the reader doubts the sincerity or clarity... Thank heaven for Google... hahaha... as a large amount of names, places, & shows were completely unknown to me due to three length of time between Betty writing the book and me reading it. It was superficially interesting though often difficult to follow -- it was as if she was SO determined to be of strictly beautiful character, when she referenced events, ESPECIALLY those with any sort of negative tone, they were described as nearly hypothetical. Obscurity in her own memories, descriptions and life events! Seemingly because heaven forbid (!!!) someone reading who knew who, where or what she was referring to might get contrary feelings or opinions. So she shied away from just opening up. It was random dribble overall-- sometimes amusing, but must often confusing!
January 13, 2022
Betty White!This is your Life!
This is a wonderful intimate view of Betty! Her thoughts, fears, triumphs, loves but most of all her love of life, animals and people! Her positive attitude of a glass half full instead of empty is how we should all live! Life is so short! To the young 100 years appears long but I can tell you at 65, it is far from long!
When she wrote this she was still filming the Girls! Many of us feel those girls are friends, I know I have. They have kept me sane when I have been sad and frustrated with the chronic pain I live with! We should all live life like Betty did! Fill it keep busy and live each moment to the fullest for we never know when its our last! Read this wondeful book and learn how to live, really live life to the fullest!
A must read whether or not you are a fan and love Betty!
This is a wonderful intimate view of Betty! Her thoughts, fears, triumphs, loves but most of all her love of life, animals and people! Her positive attitude of a glass half full instead of empty is how we should all live! Life is so short! To the young 100 years appears long but I can tell you at 65, it is far from long!
When she wrote this she was still filming the Girls! Many of us feel those girls are friends, I know I have. They have kept me sane when I have been sad and frustrated with the chronic pain I live with! We should all live life like Betty did! Fill it keep busy and live each moment to the fullest for we never know when its our last! Read this wondeful book and learn how to live, really live life to the fullest!
A must read whether or not you are a fan and love Betty!
March 18, 2018
I've always enjoyed Betty White. From her days on the Mary Tyler Moore Show all the way to Hot in Cleveland, she never failed to make me laugh. Reading this book gave a small insight into how she thinks. She is funny, she is compassionate & she can be just as confused by life as the rest of us. She is a beautiful soul, a rarity for Hollywood. I have one of her other books I plan to read soon, hoping it will be just as good & fun.
January 26, 2022
A Class Act!
Who doesn't love Betty?! It was a pleasure to hear from Betty first hand what her life was like. In some ways, it's like a fairy tale... the fame and fortune. Yet, Betty never forgets her humble beginnings, nor takes her good fortune for granted. In this memoir, we are reminded what an incredible individual Betty was and her shared wisdom will resonate long after she is gone. RIP Betty...you are greatly missed!!
Who doesn't love Betty?! It was a pleasure to hear from Betty first hand what her life was like. In some ways, it's like a fairy tale... the fame and fortune. Yet, Betty never forgets her humble beginnings, nor takes her good fortune for granted. In this memoir, we are reminded what an incredible individual Betty was and her shared wisdom will resonate long after she is gone. RIP Betty...you are greatly missed!!
January 25, 2022
If you were wanting to get to know Betty White, after reading this, trust me, you already know her! She is exactly what you think she is like: warm, caring, funny-although a quieter wit, and clever. Reading her thoughts on things was like putting on winter socks, grabbing some hot chocolate and discussing things with a close friend. Comfortable, warm and loving.
March 17, 2023
Due to my distractions and at times off putting schedule, every-time I started reading it was difficult to stop. Very interesting in knowing about Betty and obstacles she had to overcome and experiences. Very well written and the lay out for each chapter kept me engaged. I will be seeking more work by Betty she is admirable and very inspiring!
March 29, 2025
I loved this book. It was just as I thought Betty White was. I would recommend all to read. She’s a good decent down to earth person that has had many hard times just like us. I loved the way she has written the book so I could even stop & ponder me own life & think about things. We love you Betty thanks for being an inspiration to all of us.
February 28, 2021
Since I was a child, I loved Betty White on the Golden Girls! Always inspired by her enthusiasm and longevity, I thought her biography would give more insight to her secret of a fulfilling and long life. It was an enjoyable read and I learned a lot more about Betty!
September 5, 2021
This is the second book I’ve read by Betty White and I’m already excited to read the next. Reading her books is like sitting down and talking to her over coffee. I highly recommend this book if you just want a real ‘feel good’ experience. Enjoy!!
August 3, 2022
These books are more like a collection of mini-essays or thoughts than actual autobiographies. However, the format is nice, organized, and easy to read.
I did enjoy the one I read previously more than this one, but this one was enjoyable, too.
I did enjoy the one I read previously more than this one, but this one was enjoyable, too.
August 4, 2023
It wasn’t what I was thinking. Just musings really. It was nice because I could hear Berry White saying most of these things. It was weird because in a few places it says “Betty” instead of “I,” makes me wonder.
July 19, 2025
Reading this was like getting letters from Betty White. Makes me wish she had written more books like it. I have her "Betty White - If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won't)" ready for reading. I've been saving it like a special chocolate. We need more people like her in the world. RIP Bets!
August 27, 2018
Enjoyable
Wasn't what I expected. I thought it was more about her life. I just saw her PBS special and wanted to learn more about her life. This however turned out to be enjoyable
Wasn't what I expected. I thought it was more about her life. I just saw her PBS special and wanted to learn more about her life. This however turned out to be enjoyable
December 20, 2018
Very enjoyable even though it is rather old! Like you would imagine a conversation with her would be!
April 6, 2019
Just not what I expected.
April 20, 2019
Used ... too much - should only have taken a day to read but didn't like it so took longer
August 2, 2019
Love me some Betty White but this book was not that good. Her thoughts on random things and part memoir.
December 27, 2019
Very amusing and putting things into promotions.
This is lovely book or a collection
of thoughts. Always entertaining sometimes I laughed out loud, sometimes I was close to tears.
This is lovely book or a collection
of thoughts. Always entertaining sometimes I laughed out loud, sometimes I was close to tears.
July 24, 2020
I love Betty White!
Read
January 18, 202101.17.2021
August 11, 2021
Love Betty and loved this glimpse inside her life and thoughts. Short light hearted read. Definitely recommend
February 17, 2022
She would have been a lovely person to know and talk to.
February 21, 2022
Fast read, Betty is a hoot! The book was written in ‘87 when she was on Golden Girls. Great insight.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews