I Only Mark the Hours That Shine, Little Edie's Diary 1929

by Edith Bouvier Beale

Shows some signs of wear, and may have some markings on the inside. 100% Money Back Guarantee.

202 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Lauren Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her diary was adorable. I related to this a little too much. Very interesting as a time capsule and knowing her life afterwards, at least in part from the documentary.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating and delightful. Loved it!

[Tanja M. Laden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most people know Edith Bouvier Beale from the Maysles brothers' captivating 1975 documentary "Grey Gardens," in which she and her mother bravely shared their lovably quirky daily life and unconventional values through a fascinating and complex relationship. Relatives of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, "Little Edie" and "Big Edie" continue to provide an inspiring story that has since been adapted into an HBO movie starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange. Now, Bouvier Beale Jr., the first grandson of Big Edie and the eldest nephew of Little Edie, has teamed up with his wife of 30 years, Eva Marie Beale, to bring us even more from Little Edie: "I Only Mark the Hours That Shine: Little Edie's Diary - 1929."

Long before she set the precedent for modern-day shabby chic in the "Grey Gardens" documentary, Edith Bouvier Beale faithfully documented her affluent youth during the Roaring Twenties. Set against a backdrop of salons, theaters, exclusive clubs, and private beaches, Little Edie's passionate account primes the canvas for her equally unusual and fascinating adulthood. A writer, model, socialite, and the epitome of the modern woman, Little Edie continues to serve as a muse, even after her death in 2002. She's since inspired a Tony Award-winning musical, an HBO movie, and a song by Rufus Wainwright.

The elaborate life of Grey Gardens' own Little Edie is chronicled in her newly published 1929 childhood diary, which reveals the roots of her creative genius and trademark eccentricity, providing an endearing and touching chronicle of her childhood while setting the stage for who she would become later in life. Highly recommended read for any fan of "Grey Gardens," the Edies, or anyone interested in the history of childhood. Simply put, it's wonderful!

(Originally published in Flavorwire: http://flavorwire.com/110533/daily-do...)

[Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone who is a real "Grey Gardens" fan should probably give this book a try. However, it took me a long time to get through it because there's no particular narrative thrust. It is a just a diary of an 11-year-old girl, albeit one who writes well and already displays the distinctive verve of the Little Edie we've come to know. Still, she writes an entry for every single day, even admitting on some days that there is just not a lot to say. Her titles are cute but usually repetitive: A Rainy Day, An Empty Day, At the Movies. I'm always interested to hear what movies she sees, even though 1929 was not the most exciting year for Hollywood. The diary comes alive during summer, particularly her crush on Ring Lardner, Jr. It becomes less interesting when she returns to school and struggles with Latin and French. She also seems to be sick quite often, being relegated to bed rest for days at a time. There was not a lot about her mother that would give us any particular insight into their later relationship. And Little Edie at this point still has conventional aspirations like having a family. I'm glad I read it but I'm glad I finally finished it.

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to me!