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If I Can Dream: Elvis' Own Story
A long-time confidante of Elvis Presley reveals intimate details of the legendary performer's dreams and disillusionments, showing his disintegration due to drugs and the harm he inflicted on himself
- GenresBiographyNonfictionMusic
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 3, 2022
3.5 stars. This wasn’t particularly well-written, and I’ve read many, many books about Elvis, but this was still enlightening in many ways, and written by one of his closest friends, spiritual guide, and long-time hairdresser, Larry Geller.
Let’s see. What sticks out in my mind?
Elvis slept around mostly in his younger years but then he pretty much cut that out. He wanted and needed to have a true spiritual connection with a woman to have sex with her. Many times, later on, he wouldn’t even have sex with the women; he would just read to them from his spiritual books for hours upon hours and have them sleep in his bed because he hated to sleep alone. He stopped having sex with Priscilla because he told Larry that he started to see her more as a little sister. He also didn’t have a spiritual connection with her. Apparently, Elvis told Larry that he was impotent at the end.
He was actually really in love/infatuated with with 20-year old Ginger Alden (he said she had his mother’s eyes) but put off having sex with her for many months—it’s unclear whether they ever did have sex—and was getting fed up with her clinging to her family so much and not wanting to go on tour with him, so he told Larry that he was unsure whether he would end up marrying her. He was in love with Ann Margret at the same time as Priscilla, but Priscilla won out because he preferred a demure, passive, well-mannered, soft-spoken woman who never used profanity and would stay home to raise his children and not have or want a career. Ann Margret was already famous, had an established career, and wasn’t a pushover. It appears the Memphis Mafia (his friends and bodyguards) all preferred Ann Margret over Priscilla because she was more friendly, liked hanging out with the guys, and enjoyed having them around, whereas Priscilla never did.
Larry Geller introduced Elvis to some heavy-duty New Age spiritualism, with which he became obsessed. Elvis read over 1,000 books on this topic and carried about 300 of them with him whenever he travelled. Elvis believed that he had seen a vision of Jesus Christ up in the sky and that Christ “exploded” within him, but Priscilla poo-pooed all his spiritualism and, while Larry encouraged him, Priscilla was dismissive of it, and of Larry himself. Priscilla even made him burn all his New Age books at one point. But he later just bought them all again.
Elvis’ maternal grandmother was Jewish, so he was actually Jewish, although his mother hid it and told him not to speak to his father about it since his father and the rest of his family were highly church-going, Bible-thumping, God-fearing, tongue-speaking Christians. I’ve also previously read that there was Native American (Cherokee) on his mother’s side, so how that works out I’m not quite sure. Elvis (and some others in his group) believed that he had healing hands and there were those who believed he had healed them, Jerry Schilling for one.
Elvis loved to give more than to receive. He was extremely generous to those he loved, and even to strangers, buying them cars and homes and paying his entourage’s and their families’ hospital bills. His generosity is legendary. He also was known to be very appreciative and loving towards his fans, and never turned down a request for an autograph or a photo.
There were other tidbits of information here that were eye-opening, but the final one that stands out in my mind is that two days after his death (after the medical examiner pronounced his official cause of death to be “cardiac arrhythmia [erratic heartbeat] possibly precipitated by mild hypertension and coronary-artery disease”), they discovered that Elvis had cancer of the bone marrow, leukemia, which would have been a very painful death, and which explained why he complained that his body was always in pain, he was exhausted all the time, and he was covered in bruises for years before his death. He also had an enlarged and twisted colon, high sugar content (he once ate 5 sundaes in a row—each with 3 scoops of ice-cream, a banana, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup with a cherry on top—in front of Larry), hypertension, extensive liver damage, and glaucoma. So I guess that also explains, at least to some extent, why he took so many prescription drugs.
Elvis was interred in a 900-pound copper casket (no wonder his pall bearers seemed to be struggling under its weight) in the mausoleum at Forest Hills Cemetery in Memphis; however, less than 2 weeks later, he ended up having to be moved to the Meditation Garden that he had had built behind Graceland after there was a foiled kidnapping attempt by two men who were planning to ask for $10 million to release his body.
Oh, and his favourite movie of his was “Blue Hawaii,” which totally surprised me because I had always thought it was “King Creole,” for which he received excellent reviews. But, hey, that’s cool because the song “I Can’t Help Falling in Love” from “Blue Hawaii” is my favourite song of all time.
Let’s see. What sticks out in my mind?
Elvis slept around mostly in his younger years but then he pretty much cut that out. He wanted and needed to have a true spiritual connection with a woman to have sex with her. Many times, later on, he wouldn’t even have sex with the women; he would just read to them from his spiritual books for hours upon hours and have them sleep in his bed because he hated to sleep alone. He stopped having sex with Priscilla because he told Larry that he started to see her more as a little sister. He also didn’t have a spiritual connection with her. Apparently, Elvis told Larry that he was impotent at the end.
He was actually really in love/infatuated with with 20-year old Ginger Alden (he said she had his mother’s eyes) but put off having sex with her for many months—it’s unclear whether they ever did have sex—and was getting fed up with her clinging to her family so much and not wanting to go on tour with him, so he told Larry that he was unsure whether he would end up marrying her. He was in love with Ann Margret at the same time as Priscilla, but Priscilla won out because he preferred a demure, passive, well-mannered, soft-spoken woman who never used profanity and would stay home to raise his children and not have or want a career. Ann Margret was already famous, had an established career, and wasn’t a pushover. It appears the Memphis Mafia (his friends and bodyguards) all preferred Ann Margret over Priscilla because she was more friendly, liked hanging out with the guys, and enjoyed having them around, whereas Priscilla never did.
Larry Geller introduced Elvis to some heavy-duty New Age spiritualism, with which he became obsessed. Elvis read over 1,000 books on this topic and carried about 300 of them with him whenever he travelled. Elvis believed that he had seen a vision of Jesus Christ up in the sky and that Christ “exploded” within him, but Priscilla poo-pooed all his spiritualism and, while Larry encouraged him, Priscilla was dismissive of it, and of Larry himself. Priscilla even made him burn all his New Age books at one point. But he later just bought them all again.
Elvis’ maternal grandmother was Jewish, so he was actually Jewish, although his mother hid it and told him not to speak to his father about it since his father and the rest of his family were highly church-going, Bible-thumping, God-fearing, tongue-speaking Christians. I’ve also previously read that there was Native American (Cherokee) on his mother’s side, so how that works out I’m not quite sure. Elvis (and some others in his group) believed that he had healing hands and there were those who believed he had healed them, Jerry Schilling for one.
Elvis loved to give more than to receive. He was extremely generous to those he loved, and even to strangers, buying them cars and homes and paying his entourage’s and their families’ hospital bills. His generosity is legendary. He also was known to be very appreciative and loving towards his fans, and never turned down a request for an autograph or a photo.
There were other tidbits of information here that were eye-opening, but the final one that stands out in my mind is that two days after his death (after the medical examiner pronounced his official cause of death to be “cardiac arrhythmia [erratic heartbeat] possibly precipitated by mild hypertension and coronary-artery disease”), they discovered that Elvis had cancer of the bone marrow, leukemia, which would have been a very painful death, and which explained why he complained that his body was always in pain, he was exhausted all the time, and he was covered in bruises for years before his death. He also had an enlarged and twisted colon, high sugar content (he once ate 5 sundaes in a row—each with 3 scoops of ice-cream, a banana, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup with a cherry on top—in front of Larry), hypertension, extensive liver damage, and glaucoma. So I guess that also explains, at least to some extent, why he took so many prescription drugs.
Elvis was interred in a 900-pound copper casket (no wonder his pall bearers seemed to be struggling under its weight) in the mausoleum at Forest Hills Cemetery in Memphis; however, less than 2 weeks later, he ended up having to be moved to the Meditation Garden that he had had built behind Graceland after there was a foiled kidnapping attempt by two men who were planning to ask for $10 million to release his body.
Oh, and his favourite movie of his was “Blue Hawaii,” which totally surprised me because I had always thought it was “King Creole,” for which he received excellent reviews. But, hey, that’s cool because the song “I Can’t Help Falling in Love” from “Blue Hawaii” is my favourite song of all time.
May 18, 2017
I read this book from back to front and most likely will check out again in the future.
One of the first things I hope I can do, is check some of these books Elvis read and Larry Geller recommended. Many of course are old, outdated, but I'm curious. The interest elvis had in some of those books are understandable and there is so much truth in numerology and universal language.
Loved this book - I do believe that Larry published this book for the fans. I think it tells a story of Elvis who was really lonely inside as many entertainers come to be. Also, I think he was a bit gullible not being able to handle his own affairs or take complete charge of his life, for one, firing his manager. I never cared for the way that man did buisness from day one. Elvis wanted to do so much more but was restricted to do so because of him, however, he could have gone forward with his wishes and goals with his career. Instead he just continued to be ruled by this one incompetant greedy individulal.
Anyone who is interested in Elvis or his life just as a human being, I recommend this.
One of the first things I hope I can do, is check some of these books Elvis read and Larry Geller recommended. Many of course are old, outdated, but I'm curious. The interest elvis had in some of those books are understandable and there is so much truth in numerology and universal language.
Loved this book - I do believe that Larry published this book for the fans. I think it tells a story of Elvis who was really lonely inside as many entertainers come to be. Also, I think he was a bit gullible not being able to handle his own affairs or take complete charge of his life, for one, firing his manager. I never cared for the way that man did buisness from day one. Elvis wanted to do so much more but was restricted to do so because of him, however, he could have gone forward with his wishes and goals with his career. Instead he just continued to be ruled by this one incompetant greedy individulal.
Anyone who is interested in Elvis or his life just as a human being, I recommend this.
July 12, 2025
I had been put off reading this on the basis that Gellar's involvement with Elvis Presley was in periods of Elvis's decline i.e. Mid Sixties and mid 70's .The book purports to "contain Elvis's story in his own words and shows off his unusual intelligence " .I am not sure the achieves either aim .
The parts of the book that stayed with me were the more unsettling parts namely his being attracted to women on the basis they remined him of his mother , a Christ complex and an inside view of Elvis's last few months in diary form .
The book provides a different insight from someone who was Elvis Hairdresser, gofer and spiritual adviser .An alternative view to other members of the Memphis Mafia .
An uneven read moving from broad overview to day by day diary .
One for fans wanting to read all first hand accounts of Elvis rather than a person with a casual interest in Elvis .
The parts of the book that stayed with me were the more unsettling parts namely his being attracted to women on the basis they remined him of his mother , a Christ complex and an inside view of Elvis's last few months in diary form .
The book provides a different insight from someone who was Elvis Hairdresser, gofer and spiritual adviser .An alternative view to other members of the Memphis Mafia .
An uneven read moving from broad overview to day by day diary .
One for fans wanting to read all first hand accounts of Elvis rather than a person with a casual interest in Elvis .
May 31, 2023
Interesting book told from Larry Geller's description of Elvis' spiritual life. It also talks about Elvis having cancer, but that has been proven wrong. It told a lot about Elvis' private life and how he survived through his 20 years of being a spectacle that was created in large part by the Colonel. It also pointed out how he was scared to be alone. He always needed someone to be with him especially when he slept. Talked about his relationship with Ginger, who did not pursue his idea of true love.
November 10, 2024
As much as I'm not sure about what I've researched about Larry Geller is true about him and Elvis, I did find this book fascinating. I'm sure that much of this actually happened, but I think some was also a fabrication of Mr. Geller. He does state that he was trusted confidant of Elvis's and I do know that he was into spiritual healing, numerology and various other self help rituals and telepathic communications. What I am sure of is that he really did care about Elvis as a person, and tried to get him on a path of taking better care of himself and being healthy.
January 27, 2024
Such a special book. Elvis’s own words resonate through the pages like as if he wrote it himself. Some of the passages in this book changed my life. It is so incredibly deep and so raw that it was something I will go back to time and time again.
The closest thing we will get to knowing Elvis’s real thoughts in my opinion.
The closest thing we will get to knowing Elvis’s real thoughts in my opinion.
December 3, 2023
A very interesting book to read as Larry Geller Elvis hairdresser and friend goes into the spiritual part of the life of the king and deeps into his drug self destruction I would definitely recommend it for Elvis fans
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2022
An interesting read, showing another side of Elvis. Once again, as with all stories about Elvis, one is left with a feeling of such sadness and loss.
August 3, 2023
Found this book a great source of personal information about Elvis Presley.
October 16, 2023
I really liked this view of Elvis through Larry Geller. Elvis wanted him to write this book so fans would see the real Elvis.
December 4, 2023
⭐⭐⭐½ stars
July 12, 2025
Could not finish this book. I did read it a few years ago and also wasn't into it. I love seeing Elvis's story through his hairdresser but...just can't get into it.
June 2, 2018
This was an okay book not really the best book someone can read when reading a non-fiction about someone's life let alone someone like Elvis Presley. This book was written by Elvis' good friend and hair dresser Larry Geller.
The book made me look at not only Elvis' but other celebrity's in a whole new light. The story made me realize that celebrity's are people too, they have feelings, likes, hobbies, desires, and some didn't grow up in the best conditions. I and lots of other people often forget that celebrity's are people too and they deserve to have a private life just like the rest of us. And there are some messed up fans out there that will anything to get close to their favorite celeb, and I mean anything.
Elvis: He was very demanding of his friends and employees, he expected them to be able to drop their whole lives at a moments notice and serve him. I would classify him as a asshole at times, but hey that's just me some people may say different. He had no good judgement of money, don't get me wrong, a kid that had absolutely nothing growing up wants to spoil his mother and friends I say go for it, if you want to do it but there is a limit. He gave people often the same people 2 or 3 cars, Jewry that he bought a week before and just give them away on a whim. He gave a car to a random fan just because he had an extra one (Hell I wouldn't mind having that happen) just why have a extra one to began with. Elvis really loved his fans and friends though. Some celebs don't appreciated how they got to the top but Elvis did and he wanted to give them everything he had to show how grateful he was to them but as he said many times "If it wasn't for them man, I wouldn't be here." Towards the end of his life get sick more often and started to gain some serous weight but a lot of it had to do with his eating habits and how he took care of himself. He would eat 2 or 3 hamburgers before he would go to bed. He had ate 5 ice cream sundaes in a row. And he had a prescription drug addiction. (Which that isn't that big of a secret.) Days before he died he went to the doctor for a check up and 2 days after his death they found out that he had cancer of the bone marrow. Rumors had it that he was a sex addict but he wasn't he wanted to care for a woman before going any further. And I learned that Elvis dyed his hair black I did not know that.
The Colonel: I hated him. He had no respect for Elvis. All he seen Elvis as was a big ass pay check. He was sick one night and he really shouldn't have gone out but the Colonel told Larry that he wanted him out on stage that night if he wasn't he wouldn't get paid for that night. What a scumbag. A few month before Elvis' death he had been thinking about replacing the Colonel.
Priscilla: She did not support anything that Elvis wanted to do or liked. He became super religious after Larry joined the gang and she hated him for that, at one point when Elvis was sick and confused, she had Elvis burn the books that Larry ave him. She was a complete bitch. There is a book that is on my to-read list by her telling of her experiences with Elvis and I'm seriously considering not reading it because she pissed me off so bad and I will go into reading the book with a sour attitude about her and not enjoy reading it at all.
The book made me look at not only Elvis' but other celebrity's in a whole new light. The story made me realize that celebrity's are people too, they have feelings, likes, hobbies, desires, and some didn't grow up in the best conditions. I and lots of other people often forget that celebrity's are people too and they deserve to have a private life just like the rest of us. And there are some messed up fans out there that will anything to get close to their favorite celeb, and I mean anything.
Elvis: He was very demanding of his friends and employees, he expected them to be able to drop their whole lives at a moments notice and serve him. I would classify him as a asshole at times, but hey that's just me some people may say different. He had no good judgement of money, don't get me wrong, a kid that had absolutely nothing growing up wants to spoil his mother and friends I say go for it, if you want to do it but there is a limit. He gave people often the same people 2 or 3 cars, Jewry that he bought a week before and just give them away on a whim. He gave a car to a random fan just because he had an extra one (Hell I wouldn't mind having that happen) just why have a extra one to began with. Elvis really loved his fans and friends though. Some celebs don't appreciated how they got to the top but Elvis did and he wanted to give them everything he had to show how grateful he was to them but as he said many times "If it wasn't for them man, I wouldn't be here." Towards the end of his life get sick more often and started to gain some serous weight but a lot of it had to do with his eating habits and how he took care of himself. He would eat 2 or 3 hamburgers before he would go to bed. He had ate 5 ice cream sundaes in a row. And he had a prescription drug addiction. (Which that isn't that big of a secret.) Days before he died he went to the doctor for a check up and 2 days after his death they found out that he had cancer of the bone marrow. Rumors had it that he was a sex addict but he wasn't he wanted to care for a woman before going any further. And I learned that Elvis dyed his hair black I did not know that.
The Colonel: I hated him. He had no respect for Elvis. All he seen Elvis as was a big ass pay check. He was sick one night and he really shouldn't have gone out but the Colonel told Larry that he wanted him out on stage that night if he wasn't he wouldn't get paid for that night. What a scumbag. A few month before Elvis' death he had been thinking about replacing the Colonel.
Priscilla: She did not support anything that Elvis wanted to do or liked. He became super religious after Larry joined the gang and she hated him for that, at one point when Elvis was sick and confused, she had Elvis burn the books that Larry ave him. She was a complete bitch. There is a book that is on my to-read list by her telling of her experiences with Elvis and I'm seriously considering not reading it because she pissed me off so bad and I will go into reading the book with a sour attitude about her and not enjoy reading it at all.
May 12, 2011
Elvis' hairdresser writes about his relationship with the King.
July 17, 2013
Interesting insight into Elvis' life. Poorly written, however.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews