Good Read Review

I've been on the hunt for a good Doris Day biography for a long time. After carefully reading several book reviews, I was excited to finally get my hands on Doris Day Her Own Story. And I can tell you, it did not dissapoint. A collaborative autobiography written with A.E. Hotchner in 1973, this is a story that’s as relevant today as it was back then. It’s the first and, in my opinion, best portrayal of Day’s life in print. It's as perceptive as it is intriguing.

Sitting down with this book is what I can only imagine a face-to-face conversation with this amazing woman would be like—an experience to remember.

I was enlightened by her story, not knowing much about her life behind the camera before I opened this book. Down to earth and charming, Day tells her story, her way.

She strongly expresses in the forward that she was never fond of being thought of as the girl next door because in reality she was not. Her life was far from the bright good girl character you saw on the screen. Full of broken marriages, deceit and abuse, her story will bring you to tears at some points and inspire you at the same time. Even in some of the worst of times, including her late third husband leaving her broke after a lifetime of hard work, she rose above it and did what she needed to do with a smile on her face. Through all her tragedies, there are many triumphs. A captivating career she was truly passionate about. Countless box-office smashes. Studio albums that left a mark on music history. Great friends that became like family. Day discusses all of her films and the stars she worked with, highlighting her favorites with little details any Day fan will eat up. One of the things I enjoyed the most about this unique autobiography was the insight on Day provided by those who knew her best. With commentary from Rock Hudson, James Garner and her son Terry Melcher, the star Doris Day and the soul Doris Day come full circle, giving the reader a story that is as candid as it is compelling. It’s not like we need any more reasons to love her, but you’ll walk away from reading this with a newfound appreciation for America’s sweetheart. A champion of compassion and courage, she’s a true inspiration.

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