Customer Reviews

Arnold and Me: In the Shadow of the Austrian Oak

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2 star:		(2)
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In her memoir, Barbara Outland Baker remembers her days as Arnold Schwarzenegger's first American girlfriend in the turbulent late 60s and early 70s. They dated for six years, and she explores both the happy and the not-so-happy times. However, she never stoops to revenge. Instead, her memories of a young Arnold are warm and touching. This Arnold is the insecure foreigner whom most contemporary Americans either forgot or never knew. This is the story of Arnold forging his career out of broken English and hours of body-building. But this book is more than just another biography of Arnold. Barbara's story is all her own. This is a story of a woman struggling to learn who she is the in shadow of a Titan. This is the story of a woman fighting to cast her own shadow. As such, she touches a nerve in every young woman who has ever sacrificed herself for someone she loved. Hers is a long and winding journey, and she took me right along with her.

A very well written and informative book about the early years of Arnold and his first love after arriving in America in the late 60's.
While reading this book one actually feels the emotions of the writer to a certain extent.

If you are interested at all in the story of Schwarzenegger and what he was like before his extreme fame,this is the one book you need to read.

I purchased this book hoping to learn more about Arnold. I found that this book is about Barbara, not Arnold. Arnold is just one of the main characters. She keeps writing adjectives about Arnold, but never really says why. I learned very little about Arnold that I didn't already know.

What struck me most was that Barbara knew from day 1 that Arnold was wrong for her, but she dove in anyway, and then wondered why life didn't turn out the way she wanted. She wanted to change Arnold into what kind of a man she wanted. That never works, but so many women think they can pull it off.
Later, she wonders where all the good men are. Well here's a newsflash, Barbara: You are not a good woman, how do you expect to get a good man?
She gave up all her morals and then wondered why she wasn't happy.

She also missed out on a wonderful opportunity to learn from a great man. Arnold may be flawed in many ways, but he knew how to be successful. So often during this book I wanted to scream, "HEY, Barbara, can't you see why Arnold is successful and you aren't? Arnold does it right, you don't." Arnold tried to inspire her to greatness, but she just selfishly wanted Arnold all to herself, to the exclusion of even his best friends. That's not love, that's obsession and ownership.

Frankly, I don't know why Arnold even put up with her for so long.
She says that they had good times, but once I finished the book, I wondered why they ever stayed together. It sure seemed to me that the good times were severely few and far between for Barbara.

I would recommend this book to teenage girls, as a don't-let-this-happen-to-you warning.

Well written, it kept my interest, but I am glad I am done with it.

I was looking for more insight into Arnold's psyche, and I found it - what made Arnold drive to be the best. The rest of this book deals with the author's emotional rollar coaster ride as to her relationship with Arnold and her subsequent relationships with men, and her inability to let Arnold go. The author over-emphasizes a "me-me" attitude that leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Having known Barbara Baker for over 30 years and being acquainted with many of the details of her relationship with Arnold, I would bet that no one knows Arnold like Barbara. Barbara was with Arnold supporting his personal and career growth long before he became the sensation he is now. And, being such a close and integral part of Arnold's life when he was younger, more vulnerable, more accessible and in general, less experienced, her insights into the man he is today are both interesting and heart warming. I truly doubt that there's anyone else who would have the perspective to write such a poignant reflection of who Arnold was then and the prelude of who he has become today.

Every woman who has soared and fallen in the throes of young love only to rise again as their own unique person can identify with this book. I hope this reaches Arnold fans and women everywhere.

Very good book about young Arnold and his first girlfriend
....a special gift for Arnold fans.

"I really appreciate how you have humanized Arnold in your book Arnold and Me. I've had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with him on two occasions and both were as one might hope when meeting someone whom you've always idolized since a young man.

Unlike those who may read a book cover to cover, I enjoy my daily trek through the life you and he shared and at times don't wish to put it down. Absolutely thrilled to read a few pages each day to get my fix so to speak."



Alex Shead, Alexander & Associates, Corporate Fitness, Inc., Lawrenceville, GA

Compelling, informing, intriguing, and motivational, more than a love story or a gossipy tell-all, this book is a must read of anyone who has ever had their lives touched by 'Arnold' (and very few have not felt his impact in some small way). I had a hard time putting this book down. It is the 'behind the scenes' of 'The Education of a Bodybuilder'. Not written by a gossip rag hack, or a biographical investigator with no inner circle connective experience, this is written from a first person perspective that only one person could have experienced. Thankfully, that person is Barbara Outland Baker. Her story is skillfully told with in-depth insight and fortitude. An extraordinary book about an extraordinary man and life situation. No one else could have written this book with such heart and soul.

Arnold and Me is just fantastic. I loved the journey that Barbara took me on. I loved her humor! I loved reading her words. I could hear her voice like she was telling me the story herself. What a great story that all can benefit from!

Tracie Trocki,, La Center, WA

What a fabulous read. The author has done a terrific job of tying events of the past with current times. I am fascinated with how she, first of all, got involved with a struggling Austrian bodybuilder who has become the governor of California! and then how their lives became so entwined despite going separate directions in life. The story flows very smoothly with great transitions. I am impressed ...