Doris Day: The Untold Story of the Girl Next Door by David Kaufman
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Book Reviews of Doris Day: The Untold Story of the Girl Next Door
Book Review: Enjoyable Read
Summary: 4 Stars
Despite knowing that fans of Miss Day were mounting an effort to post negative reviews of this book in order to discourage people from reading it, I tried to approach the story with an unjaundiced eye. And it didn't take long before I forgot the hype and became totally absorbed in the story of Doris Day, legendary singer and movie star. Yes, there are no astounding new revelations (unless one has not read previous Day biographies), but her story is one that deserves to be told, including the years since her authorized biography was published many years ago. The book was hard to put down, and I loved looking at the pictures.
Contrary to the opinions of some, I don't believe this book casts aspersions on Miss Day. It simply portrays her as she is...determined, talented, intelligent, generous, and a powerful friend for creatures who have no voice to speak for themselves.
I truly respect Miss Day, and am certain that this latest biography will spark interest in her work from a whole new generation of admirers. And what's wrong with that?
Book Review: Biographer does not seem to like his subject
Summary: 3 Stars
I thought the author was a bit unfair to Day. He seems to have written the book to show that her life was miserable and she refused to admit it, which really ticks him off. Rather than descending into an alcoholic or drug addicted mess, becoming suicidal or losing her mind, she kept her chin up in the old fashioned style. Good for her.
If there is one thing that we can all be sure of in life this is it: no one who only wants to be a wife and mother ends up a major motion picture star. It takes a lot of ambition and guts to become a star. I don't think that it just happens when the person is not looking. Day seems to have been conflicted about her success. We're all conflicted about something, however. It does not necessarily lead to misery.
The author has an idea that the "girl next door" image is something bad. He does not seem to understand why so many millions liked this woman. She seems like someone you could know, there is something real and authentically American about her, which is why some don't like her. She is one of the few movie stars who seemed like someone you could encounter in real life who is terrifically likable, direct, good natured, humorous, and trustworthy, kind of like Jennifer Aniston is today, intelligent without being intellectual, honest. Day was believable as a "career girl" and as a mother and housewife. She is attractive in a normal real way, not enough to be stared at by strangers and seeming to be so "hot" every minute of the day, but lovely in a way someone can be that you know. At least this is the viewpoint of a woman. Men may differ.
Book Review: Not even worth one star...
Summary: 1 Stars
This book is a sad waste of time and money. Unfortunately the reader leaves this book not knowing any more truth about Doris Day than what Ms. Day already made public to the world. Instead, the reader will leave with unsubstantiated opinions, which can not be proven to be fact. And taints the truth about an amazingly talented, and decent human being. If you want to read the hard, real facts of Doris Day's life, read her own autobiography. You can purchase it right here on Amazon for a minimal price. In her own book, Doris Day was extremely transparent about her life. Joys, mistakes and life lessons. It is all there in "Her Own Story", written with A.E. Hotchner. Book Review: Malicious Exaggeration
Summary: 1 Stars
I loath people that exploit others for the benefit of their own monetary gain. Mr. Kaufman has done just that in this "Enquire like" book. He writes about Doris as if he knew her personally. When in fact, all he has done is taken excerpts from liner notes, here say from so-called reliable sources, and bits and pieces from her own autobiography. He has used these findings to his own advantage in creating what he calls the untold story of the girl next door. Now in retirement, Doris deserves the right to her own privacy and need not be the subject of Mr. Kaufman's malicious exaggeration.
Book Review: Love Doris Day
Summary: 5 Stars
A great book about a great actress and lady. Could not put it down.