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Make 'Em Laugh: Short-Term Memories of Longtime Friends
The beloved Hollywood star and New York Times bestselling author of Unsinkable continues her intimate chat with fans in this entertaining collection of anecdotes, stories, jokes, and random musings from a woman who has seen it all—and done most of it.
From her acclaimed performances to her headline-making divorce from Eddie Fisher, raising a famous daughter to hitting the road with a successful one-woman show, Debbie Reynolds was in the spotlight for decades. Over her more than six-decade-long career she met presidents, performed for the Queen of England, and partied with kings.
In this fabulous personal tour, she recalls wonderful moments with the greats of the entertainment world—Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra, Bette Davis, Phyllis Diller, and many, many more—sharing stories that shed new light on her life and career and the glittering world of Hollywood then and now. Debbie has plenty to tell—and in Make ’Em Laugh, she dishes it in the warm, down-to-earth voice her fans adore.
Debbie shares memories of late night pals and some of the greatest comedians of all time, stories from the big screen and small, and tales of marriage, motherhood, and children. Combining her wicked sense of humor and appealing charm, she reveals the personal side of show business and fame in funny, poignant, and delightful reminiscences. Nothing is off limits: Debbie talks about her sex life, her family drama—and even shares a few secret recipes.
A true Hollywood icon, beloved by millions of fans around the world, Debbie Reynolds died on December 28, 2016, at the age of 84, just one day after the death of her daughter, actress and author Carrie Fisher.
From her acclaimed performances to her headline-making divorce from Eddie Fisher, raising a famous daughter to hitting the road with a successful one-woman show, Debbie Reynolds was in the spotlight for decades. Over her more than six-decade-long career she met presidents, performed for the Queen of England, and partied with kings.
In this fabulous personal tour, she recalls wonderful moments with the greats of the entertainment world—Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra, Bette Davis, Phyllis Diller, and many, many more—sharing stories that shed new light on her life and career and the glittering world of Hollywood then and now. Debbie has plenty to tell—and in Make ’Em Laugh, she dishes it in the warm, down-to-earth voice her fans adore.
Debbie shares memories of late night pals and some of the greatest comedians of all time, stories from the big screen and small, and tales of marriage, motherhood, and children. Combining her wicked sense of humor and appealing charm, she reveals the personal side of show business and fame in funny, poignant, and delightful reminiscences. Nothing is off limits: Debbie talks about her sex life, her family drama—and even shares a few secret recipes.
A true Hollywood icon, beloved by millions of fans around the world, Debbie Reynolds died on December 28, 2016, at the age of 84, just one day after the death of her daughter, actress and author Carrie Fisher.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 10, 2015
281 people are currently reading
1791 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Reynolds
17 books76 followersDebbie Reynolds was an Oscar-nominated American actress, singer, and dancer. She was one of MGM’s principal stars of the 1950s and ’60s in such films as the 1952 classic “Singin’ in the Rain” and 1964’s “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” for which she received an Oscar nomination as best actress. Reynolds received the SAG lifetime achievement award in January 2015.
Reynolds's first marriage, to popular singer Eddie Fisher, produced a son, Todd Fisher, and a daughter, Carrie Fisher, but ended in divorce in 1959 when Fisher fell in love with Reynolds's former (and later) friend Elizabeth Taylor. Reynolds married twice more, both ending in divorce.
On December 27, 2016, Reynolds's daughter, Carrie Fisher, died. The following day Reynolds suffered a stroke and died. Her son, Todd Fisher later said Reynolds had been seriously impacted by her daughter's death, and grief was partially responsible for her stroke, noting that his mother had stated, "I want to be with Carrie," shortly before she died.
Reynolds's first marriage, to popular singer Eddie Fisher, produced a son, Todd Fisher, and a daughter, Carrie Fisher, but ended in divorce in 1959 when Fisher fell in love with Reynolds's former (and later) friend Elizabeth Taylor. Reynolds married twice more, both ending in divorce.
On December 27, 2016, Reynolds's daughter, Carrie Fisher, died. The following day Reynolds suffered a stroke and died. Her son, Todd Fisher later said Reynolds had been seriously impacted by her daughter's death, and grief was partially responsible for her stroke, noting that his mother had stated, "I want to be with Carrie," shortly before she died.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
March 9, 2017
Audiobook- excellent narration
Debbie Reynolds just passed away just hours after her daughter left this world. The two of them had a strong bond, beyond blood. I was named after Debbie, she was my mother's idol when she was young, everything she wanted to be. I wanted to know this person who inspired my mother so I grabbed this for a peek of who this woman was.
Debbie Reynolds was a strong independent woman who alway held her head high, and never forgot she was just a human. She was funny, with an off center sense of humor. She traveled with the royalty of Hollywood and is honest about her feelings about them. I was surprised by many of these famous personalities, it was nice to see the person see got to know not the publicized version. Most were better than expected a couple were complete jerks, but that's the way it goes.
I laughed, chuckled, and felt sorrow as she told some of her most memorable moments. It was so bittersweet, knowing this was just 2 years ago and she was so alive. I recommend this to anyone who wants to remember the days of old and an interesting lady.
Debbie Reynolds just passed away just hours after her daughter left this world. The two of them had a strong bond, beyond blood. I was named after Debbie, she was my mother's idol when she was young, everything she wanted to be. I wanted to know this person who inspired my mother so I grabbed this for a peek of who this woman was.
Debbie Reynolds was a strong independent woman who alway held her head high, and never forgot she was just a human. She was funny, with an off center sense of humor. She traveled with the royalty of Hollywood and is honest about her feelings about them. I was surprised by many of these famous personalities, it was nice to see the person see got to know not the publicized version. Most were better than expected a couple were complete jerks, but that's the way it goes.
I laughed, chuckled, and felt sorrow as she told some of her most memorable moments. It was so bittersweet, knowing this was just 2 years ago and she was so alive. I recommend this to anyone who wants to remember the days of old and an interesting lady.
April 7, 2017
Ah, Debbie, you will be greatly missed. This book was published in 2015, which seems to make it feel more poignant. Debbie Reynolds was quite a gal and her stories are terrific! It's like listening to stories from your mom or grandma about her friends. She's not actually 'name dropping' just reminiscing about her life that just happened to involve some of the great names in comedy.
June 4, 2025
Debbie Reynolds second book, a more intimate memoir filled with stories about her friends and entertainment co-stars. An ambitious book for Debbie at 82. Quite the memory although I imagine much of it was helped by her friend and co-author and family.
Some of the stories about friends and entertainers didn’t fit. When you read those stories, it left me wondering why was that even in there.
I knew she could be funny, but I was surprised at what a smart ass she is.
Not a bad memoir but not a great one either. It was kind of all over the place with no clear direction to it. Quite tiresome by the time you are nearing the end.
Some of the stories about friends and entertainers didn’t fit. When you read those stories, it left me wondering why was that even in there.
I knew she could be funny, but I was surprised at what a smart ass she is.
Not a bad memoir but not a great one either. It was kind of all over the place with no clear direction to it. Quite tiresome by the time you are nearing the end.
November 20, 2015
Fascinating glimpse into the life of actor Debbie Reynolds, a woman who has clearly enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. This is a sequel to Unsinkable which is more of a traditional memoir or autobiography perhaps, and this is more anecdotal, more of an account of humorous incidents in her career and especially her friendships with some of the Hollywood's greats. It's unremittingly upbeat, candid and engaging, charming, really, with bits of gossip and lots of name dropping. At first I was disappointed that she doesn't read it, but after listening to her recent appearances on Youtube, I think that's beyond her these days. Judith Ivey does an excellent job matching voice and inflections--but she can't mimic Mae West and others the way Reynolds can!
March 18, 2017
With the recent passing of actress Debbie Reynolds, I wanted to get to know her more. I have always been a big fan of hers ever since I saw her in the movie Singin In the Rain. I absolutely loved her performance as Molly Brown in The Unsinkable Molly Brown and loved her with Bette Davis in The Catered Affair. She did it all and much more.
Make ‘Em Laugh are short stories Debbie tells about her life in show business and all the people she met along the way. For a girl who was named Miss Burbank of 1948, she had quiet an interesting life.
Sadly, Debbie would never really find the man of her dreams. She would marry singer Eddie Fisher. The marriage unfortunately would not last. However in that marriage Debbie did give birth to her children Carrie and Todd Fisher. Her second marriage to Harry Karl who only last about 13 years. Unfortunately when her second husband passed, he ended up being broke and in debt. Debbie would then marry her final husband Richard Hamlett for 11 years. Poor Debbie, she never really found what she was looking for.
Though Debbie never really had it easy in Hollywood as one might suspect, she was still able to find humor in it all. Dealing with her own troubles and then having to face problems with her daughter Carrie was anything but an easy job. Carrie was a tough person to raise and control, though through it all both mother and daughter were able to come together and reconcile.
The book talks about how she was neighbors to some famous stars such as Agnes Moorhead (gave great Christmas parties), Lucille Ball and Jimmy Stewart. She tells stories of movie stars who she admired and who she did not. The public loved Melton Berle but Debbie thought he was a jerk. According to Debbie, had a foul sense of humor and always felt the need to be the center of attention. It interesting to see the real side of movie stars and not the side that the public only wants you to know.
Debbie and her friend Sandy formed a Girl Scout troop when Debbie’s daughter Carrie was young. Though Debbie haven been a Girl Scout herself loved the troop, Carrie was not as thrilled about it all as her mother was.
The book is a wonderful glimpse into Hollywood when it had class and about a woman who went through a lot yet was still able to make people laugh.
Make ‘Em Laugh are short stories Debbie tells about her life in show business and all the people she met along the way. For a girl who was named Miss Burbank of 1948, she had quiet an interesting life.
Sadly, Debbie would never really find the man of her dreams. She would marry singer Eddie Fisher. The marriage unfortunately would not last. However in that marriage Debbie did give birth to her children Carrie and Todd Fisher. Her second marriage to Harry Karl who only last about 13 years. Unfortunately when her second husband passed, he ended up being broke and in debt. Debbie would then marry her final husband Richard Hamlett for 11 years. Poor Debbie, she never really found what she was looking for.
Though Debbie never really had it easy in Hollywood as one might suspect, she was still able to find humor in it all. Dealing with her own troubles and then having to face problems with her daughter Carrie was anything but an easy job. Carrie was a tough person to raise and control, though through it all both mother and daughter were able to come together and reconcile.
The book talks about how she was neighbors to some famous stars such as Agnes Moorhead (gave great Christmas parties), Lucille Ball and Jimmy Stewart. She tells stories of movie stars who she admired and who she did not. The public loved Melton Berle but Debbie thought he was a jerk. According to Debbie, had a foul sense of humor and always felt the need to be the center of attention. It interesting to see the real side of movie stars and not the side that the public only wants you to know.
Debbie and her friend Sandy formed a Girl Scout troop when Debbie’s daughter Carrie was young. Though Debbie haven been a Girl Scout herself loved the troop, Carrie was not as thrilled about it all as her mother was.
The book is a wonderful glimpse into Hollywood when it had class and about a woman who went through a lot yet was still able to make people laugh.
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November 27, 2015Debbie Does Make Me Laugh!
I have loved Debbie Reynolds for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, my parents got me the record of her singing "Tammy". I seriously think I wore a hole through it, I played it and sang along so often. Reading the memories of her life and friends brings me back to my own childhood and watching all of Debbie's movies. It also gave great insight into her crazy life off stage as well. The friends she had (Debbie and Elizabeth Taylor? After that divorce from Eddie, who would have thought?), Ava Gardner and Lana Turner, even Liberace! The parties, the heart aches, the hugs they had for each other. Debbie's stories show that actors are really just people after all.
Thanks for sharing the memories with us. This is one book I will definitely re-read several times.
PS- the story at the end was beyond hysterical! I could visualize Debbie and Carrie trying to get Todd's dog out of the tub, with Todd's lovely wife Catherine Hickland standing there in a bit of shock!
Great read all the way through!
I have loved Debbie Reynolds for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, my parents got me the record of her singing "Tammy". I seriously think I wore a hole through it, I played it and sang along so often. Reading the memories of her life and friends brings me back to my own childhood and watching all of Debbie's movies. It also gave great insight into her crazy life off stage as well. The friends she had (Debbie and Elizabeth Taylor? After that divorce from Eddie, who would have thought?), Ava Gardner and Lana Turner, even Liberace! The parties, the heart aches, the hugs they had for each other. Debbie's stories show that actors are really just people after all.
Thanks for sharing the memories with us. This is one book I will definitely re-read several times.
PS- the story at the end was beyond hysterical! I could visualize Debbie and Carrie trying to get Todd's dog out of the tub, with Todd's lovely wife Catherine Hickland standing there in a bit of shock!
Great read all the way through!
May 4, 2018
This was wonderful! This book is like listening to old stories told by your grandma. The narration was great.
Debbie is a gem and, truly, a very funny lady. I can see where Carrie Fisher got her wit from.
Debbie is a gem and, truly, a very funny lady. I can see where Carrie Fisher got her wit from.
September 4, 2024
I have read all three of DEbbie Reynold's memoirs. The first one was in the 1980s, she wrote her second memoir"Unsinkable" a couple years ago which continued from her first memoir. This book is more like snippets of her six decade career focusing on many of the famous people she has worked with or are friends with. She also mentions a few she was not so fond of. I enjoyed reading this book myself. Debbie Reynolds has a wonderful sense of humor and has shared many wonderful memories of her famous friends.She has met a lot of Hollywood famous people. She mentions famous friends as Lucille Ball,Ava Gardner, Frank Sinatra, Don Rickles, to name a few. Not so happy memories of Milton Berle,and Shelly Winters.this is a fun whose who of some famous celebrities Debbie Reynolds has known. She also mentions her famous daughter, Carrie Fisher and even Elizabeth Taylor. If you are a fan of Debbie Reynolds, you may enjoy this fun filled book. Update: I read this book for the second time. I am a big fan of the talented Actress so it was nice to re-read this book.
April 5, 2016
Debbie Reynolds is a very funny lady, and a surprisingly kind one. (I say 'surprisingly' not out of any idea that Ms. Reynolds was mean or vindictive, but because a memoir out of Hollywood carries certain expectational baggage.) She has 90% glowing words to give to her many, many friends, both A-listers and commoners. The other 10% seemed to go towards skewering deserving parties.
The funniest chapter was the one where she talked about her appearances on talk shows. You try to read about Debbie Reynolds tackling Regis Philbin to the ground and see if you don't start laughing in public.
But, really, she seems very kind, if a little Hollywood-style flighty or occasionally self-absorbed. No one's perfect. (I also enjoyed the peek into Carrie Fisher's and her brother's lives, because I'M A NERD.) She has so many sweet things to say about the people she loved, even the ones who were far from perfect as well. I like the book. I like her. I feel the need to watch a few of her movies now.
The funniest chapter was the one where she talked about her appearances on talk shows. You try to read about Debbie Reynolds tackling Regis Philbin to the ground and see if you don't start laughing in public.
But, really, she seems very kind, if a little Hollywood-style flighty or occasionally self-absorbed. No one's perfect. (I also enjoyed the peek into Carrie Fisher's and her brother's lives, because I'M A NERD.) She has so many sweet things to say about the people she loved, even the ones who were far from perfect as well. I like the book. I like her. I feel the need to watch a few of her movies now.
January 26, 2016
Interesting, easy to read and invest in. Definitely made me laugh!
May 15, 2019
What a great memoir by one of the funniest ladies in Hollywood. I miss her and reading this book made me feel a little closer to her. She co-starred with many of Hollywood's leading men and shares her memories here. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
November 11, 2021
Lovely, nostalgic, cozy, uplifting. Debbie Reynolds only recounts her happy memories here with people from her past - actors and entertainers that I know well. This was my cup of tea. 🎆
February 2, 2017
What can I say, I adore Debbie Reynolds. I loved her before I even heard of Star Wars and Carrie Fisher and knew their connections. My favorite movie as a little girl (well, one of them), was Singing in the Rain. I was always hoping Cathy would choose Cosmo.
January 22, 2017
This book reminds me of eating a bowl of M&Ms -- they're delicious and easy to eat and fun, although they don't provide a lot of really satisfying nourishment. I enjoyed her anecdotes about famous celebrities and lesser (or non) famous friends of Reynolds, and the book certainly captures her sense of fun and love for doing anything for a laugh. She doesn't really grapple with any serious issues or reveal anything unexpected about herself. An easy, fun read but not one that left me feeling with more insight or knowledge or inspiration.
December 4, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It delivers on all its promises. Make 'Em Laugh is funny, entertaining and interesting. Keep 'em coming, Debbie!!! I have been a fan since I was a little girl and recommend this to others like me. I think as a goal for 2016, I am going to try to read all of her books in succession! Wish me luck!
July 23, 2017
In 2015, Debbie Reynolds penned this lovely book about her experiences in Hollywood. Written in a non-linear fashion, Debbie dishes on her experience in Hollywood from the fifties to, well, a couple of years ago. She talks about fabulous parties, her love of performing, and her relationships with countless celebrities such as Lucille Ball, Judy Garland, Milton Berle, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra . . . the list goes on and on. She offers a rare glimpse into celebrity interactions of days long passed. Reading this made me feel like I was listening to an elderly aunt talk about the good ol' days. Better to remember her in this light than her failed Las Vegas casino from not that long ago.
Unless you've been living totally off the grid, you are aware of the deaths of Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds within days of each other in 2016. Carrie, of course, is Debbie's only daughter. It was the stuff TMZ is made for. Sadly, Debbie wraps up her memoir by stating: "It feels like I'm coming full circle with my children and grandchild." She also says: "Carrie is acting and writing. I believe her best work is still ahead of her." Oh boy. More chilling, in reference to her granddaughter, she states: "I pray I'll be here to see her fly. I'll always look after her, even if it's in a heavenly way." RIP Debbie. Hopefully, you're cutting a rug with Gene Kelly and making everybody laugh in the big cocktail party in the sky.
Unless you've been living totally off the grid, you are aware of the deaths of Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds within days of each other in 2016. Carrie, of course, is Debbie's only daughter. It was the stuff TMZ is made for. Sadly, Debbie wraps up her memoir by stating: "It feels like I'm coming full circle with my children and grandchild." She also says: "Carrie is acting and writing. I believe her best work is still ahead of her." Oh boy. More chilling, in reference to her granddaughter, she states: "I pray I'll be here to see her fly. I'll always look after her, even if it's in a heavenly way." RIP Debbie. Hopefully, you're cutting a rug with Gene Kelly and making everybody laugh in the big cocktail party in the sky.
December 21, 2021
This was a delightful little book about family and an aging Hollywood superstar. Debbie Reynolds gave so many golden nuggets about how to handle life. Naturally, we have nothing in common but I think that the idea is transferable to everyone's lives. Some of the name-dropping was difficult to keep up with but it was fun and full of joy.
March 9, 2023
This book! Debbie Reynolds had a very colorful life and interesting friendships. I didn’t realize that was just as witty and quick as her daughter Carrie was. Such talent! I also was not aware of how often she was on tv shows and talk shows. This is a fun, quick read.
April 24, 2025
A treat for anyone who loves old Hollywood and the MGM musicals. Debbie spills the tea and tells you everything you didn’t know about your favorite movie stars. I enjoyed the audiobook. It was short, sweet and very entertaining—just like Debbie.
July 30, 2017
If you love, or even just like, Debbie Reynolds, you will love this book! Such a fun little book of her memories with a variety of celebrities and her adventures. I knew she was a great actress and a delight to watch, but I didn't realize until now how much fun she had in her everyday life. She was definitely a person who loved life and was able to laugh about even the not-so-funny parts, like several mentions of her failed romances that she seemed like she had the "well, that's life!" attitude. She also tells quite a bit about her family and her love for each one of them. It was a bit bittersweet to get to the end and read about how she can't wait to see her granddaughter grow as an actress, but if for some reason she couldn't be there, she'd be watching from Heaven. This was really a fun book to read and had quite a few laughs. I'm now adding her memoir "Unsinkable" to my to-read list!
June 28, 2023
If you are looking for a biography, this is not it. This is a group of small stories/memories. It was a fun and quick read..
May 15, 2019
A beautiful book, made slightly sadder by both the passing of its author and her daughter. You can feel the warmth radiating off each page, even as Debbie pulls no punches if she has a negative opinion on something or someone. It’s pure Debbie Reynolds, through and through.
March 2, 2016
"Make 'Em Laugh: Short-Term Memories of Longtime Friends" is actress comedienne Debbie Reynolds hilarious recall of Golden Age Hollywood and times following. Now in her eighties, she goes beyond name dropping and reveals personal stories in length of her association with some of the greatest actors and legendary icons that made the modern television and film industry.
Avoiding dwelling on her highly sensational break-up and divorce from first husband Eddie Fisher, she happily developed a life long friendship with Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011), who was also supportive of the work of her two adult children with Fisher, Carrie and Todd. Carrie Fisher is a bestselling author and celebrity advocate for the mentally ill.
In 1967 Regis Philbin declared that he was the first man molested on national television by Debbie Reynolds when Reynolds suddenly and impulsively jumped into his lap when they appeared together on TV. Reynolds further developed her comedy skills when she was advised to entertain rather than attempt to just be funny. Friends with all the comedians George and Gracie Burns, (who won his first Academy Award when he was 80) Mae West, Lucille Ball, Joan Rivers, Shelly Winters, Phyllis Diller, Milton Berle, Jack Benny, and a host of others. Many of her stories were previously unheard/published, Reynolds continues guest star on various award and talk shows. There are pages of great photos included. ~With thanks to the Seattle Public Library.
Avoiding dwelling on her highly sensational break-up and divorce from first husband Eddie Fisher, she happily developed a life long friendship with Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011), who was also supportive of the work of her two adult children with Fisher, Carrie and Todd. Carrie Fisher is a bestselling author and celebrity advocate for the mentally ill.
In 1967 Regis Philbin declared that he was the first man molested on national television by Debbie Reynolds when Reynolds suddenly and impulsively jumped into his lap when they appeared together on TV. Reynolds further developed her comedy skills when she was advised to entertain rather than attempt to just be funny. Friends with all the comedians George and Gracie Burns, (who won his first Academy Award when he was 80) Mae West, Lucille Ball, Joan Rivers, Shelly Winters, Phyllis Diller, Milton Berle, Jack Benny, and a host of others. Many of her stories were previously unheard/published, Reynolds continues guest star on various award and talk shows. There are pages of great photos included. ~With thanks to the Seattle Public Library.
October 14, 2016
Reading Debbie Reynolds’s Make ‘Em Laugh is like sitting in her living room on a cozy couch, sipping a cool drink, and listening to Debbie herself tell you her stories. The book compiles several stories from Debbie’s memories of both celebrities and non-celebrities. And with them all, you get a sense of what a beautiful woman Reynolds is. Despite being a movie star from the era when stars were truly stars, she is down to earth, a little ditzy, and very loving. Sadly, many of the stars she writes of are now dead, but how wonderful it is to have Debbie’s memories of them. Reynolds is a powerhouse performer and a loving mother and grandmother. My only complaint is that I expected this book to be filled with belly laughs. I did laugh out loud a few times, but mostly I chuckled. And sometimes, I almost cried at the sadness surrounding some of the folks she tells of. The underlying sadness is that, in her early 80s, we may not have Debbie around too many more years to entertain us. But we have the next best thing: this book.
May 4, 2017
I love Debbie Reynolds more each time I read one of her books or read an interview with her or watch one of her films. She is a spirited woman with a lot of passion and no arrogance.
She writes here that she loves getting autographs from her favorite stars, and that she often sent portraits to them to autograph and return. I am also an autograph collector, and when I received my autographed photo from Debbie I was shocked and thrilled to have it. I assumed that since she was still such a busy actress she wouldn't have the time for me. I was wrong. That's what makes her great. Additionally, I asked her some questions about her affiliations with Dick Powell, and although she didn't respond via letter, I get the feeling she included mention of him in this book just for me. Even if I'm wrong I was delighted to see her talk about her experience on This Is Your Life.
This book is easy to read and amusing.
She writes here that she loves getting autographs from her favorite stars, and that she often sent portraits to them to autograph and return. I am also an autograph collector, and when I received my autographed photo from Debbie I was shocked and thrilled to have it. I assumed that since she was still such a busy actress she wouldn't have the time for me. I was wrong. That's what makes her great. Additionally, I asked her some questions about her affiliations with Dick Powell, and although she didn't respond via letter, I get the feeling she included mention of him in this book just for me. Even if I'm wrong I was delighted to see her talk about her experience on This Is Your Life.
This book is easy to read and amusing.
February 5, 2017
"Life is fucking hilarious-especially when it's not-because that's the only time it truly has to be"
This was the first non-fiction book I've ever leisurely read... and finished. It was a quite an interesting read. I honestly felt like Debbie was personally telling me these stories. Almost as if she were my own grandmother. It made me want to learn more about classic Hollywood, because a lot of the people she mentioned I only knew of vaguely.
It was quite an enjoyable read and made a few parts where she talked about her family so much more emotional due to the fact that she recently passed away. I'm curious to read her first memoir Unsinkable if I ever stumble across a copy of it. Also I would like to watch the movie the Unsinkable Molly Brown since it seems like it was one of her most popular films from her youth... next to singing in the rain of course.
Rest in peace Grandma Aggie. You were / remain a legendary human being.
This was the first non-fiction book I've ever leisurely read... and finished. It was a quite an interesting read. I honestly felt like Debbie was personally telling me these stories. Almost as if she were my own grandmother. It made me want to learn more about classic Hollywood, because a lot of the people she mentioned I only knew of vaguely.
It was quite an enjoyable read and made a few parts where she talked about her family so much more emotional due to the fact that she recently passed away. I'm curious to read her first memoir Unsinkable if I ever stumble across a copy of it. Also I would like to watch the movie the Unsinkable Molly Brown since it seems like it was one of her most popular films from her youth... next to singing in the rain of course.
Rest in peace Grandma Aggie. You were / remain a legendary human being.
October 3, 2016
I didn’t realize this was a fairly recent book. I was hoping Debbie voiced the audio, but she didn’t, which was ok. Not everyone in their 80’s has the same voice they had in their younger years.
This is the first book of Debbie’s I’ve read so many of the stories were new to me. I enjoyed the short snippets of her life…..and loved that she didn’t hold back on any personal feelings..no nice nice for Debbie! She doesn’t have to make nice if she doesn’t want to.. She always looked so sweet and innocent…but to have survived in Hollywood you needed a strong back bone and tough constitution…The woman certainly has that. The book went quick for me and I enjoyed it all. I do have to read her other books. After finishing the book…I did have a Twilight Zone moment…her movie version of Tammy was on tv, of course I watched it.
This is the first book of Debbie’s I’ve read so many of the stories were new to me. I enjoyed the short snippets of her life…..and loved that she didn’t hold back on any personal feelings..no nice nice for Debbie! She doesn’t have to make nice if she doesn’t want to.. She always looked so sweet and innocent…but to have survived in Hollywood you needed a strong back bone and tough constitution…The woman certainly has that. The book went quick for me and I enjoyed it all. I do have to read her other books. After finishing the book…I did have a Twilight Zone moment…her movie version of Tammy was on tv, of course I watched it.
November 12, 2015
My Thoughts...
Ms. Reynolds has always been a favorite entertainer of mine. I remember as a teen-ager taking the Greyhound bus to a town 30 miles away to see her movies. I had a sister who lived in that town, so I would make a week-end or week of it. So, when I see a book by Debbie Reynolds, I just have to read it. I enjoyed her last book, "Unsinkable" a memoir, in 2013.
I was not disappointed reading this one of her collections of stories, jokes, and musings. It is a quick read, with pictures, that brought back memories of more innocent times. It is always fun reading her stories, and watching her movies.
I enjoyed this enough to award it 4 "Laughing" stars. This book is a part of my Nook library.
Ms. Reynolds has always been a favorite entertainer of mine. I remember as a teen-ager taking the Greyhound bus to a town 30 miles away to see her movies. I had a sister who lived in that town, so I would make a week-end or week of it. So, when I see a book by Debbie Reynolds, I just have to read it. I enjoyed her last book, "Unsinkable" a memoir, in 2013.
I was not disappointed reading this one of her collections of stories, jokes, and musings. It is a quick read, with pictures, that brought back memories of more innocent times. It is always fun reading her stories, and watching her movies.
I enjoyed this enough to award it 4 "Laughing" stars. This book is a part of my Nook library.
December 28, 2016
A lovely collection of hilarious stories scattered over this amazing woman's life. They are told by theme more than chronological order but it still flows wonderfully. She keeps her grin, always looking on the bright side even (especially?) during the crazy, unexpected, and difficult events in her life. A comic always needs more material after all. And her own life and those of her friends are her prime source here. :)
November 14, 2015
Not really a biography but more of a reminiscing of who Debbie Reynolds worked with in Hollywood. Unlike other tell-all books by celebrities that expose damaging personal information, this book is Debbie's recollections alone. A breath of fresh air.
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