Customer Reviews

Ava: My Story

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In addition to demonstrating a self-deprecating wit and a candor that is often surprising, even in an autobiography, in this memoir Ava Gardner conveys a warmth and genuineness that makes her (in my opinion) an instantly likable narrator. Then, the fact that the events of her life would have given enough material to make a great story even if she herself wasn't such an engaging storyteller.
This book is tempered with irony. Ava's reflections on some of her greatest times are presented through a veil of bittersweet nostalgia. That her life was a sad one is evident; she details three failed marriages to some of the era's more notable celebrities/womanizers and her constant sense that her career path was accidental, and her eventual phase as recluse and expatriate. These events told from the perspective of an aging woman - one who seems to have been truly convinced that her fading (?) beauty is her only marketable asset create an exquisitely tragic heroine. Consistently smart and irreverent, Ava balances this obvious sadness and feeling of being misplaced with a stoic insistence that she's had "a hell of a good time." In all, her willingness to poke fun at herself and her open examinions of her personal weaknesses provide a refreshing counterpoint to the usual self-aggrandizement of the Hollywood auto-biography. I strongly recommend the book, if not for pure entertainment, for a compelling portrait devoid of literary pretensions.

I also was initially distracted by the country girl narrative ("and honey, let me tell you...") but settled into it. It's a good story and to me writing style is secondary when reading an autobiography.

I have always had the impression that Ava was a man-eating femme fatale but this book cast her in a much more human and humble light. I did get the impression that she softened some stories or left some out entirely. I was touched by what she did reveal - her humble beginnings, painful shyness, lack of self esteem, and her deep love for Frank Sinatra. All in all, this story contained all the elations and tragedies you'd find in anyone's lifetime.

It's a great read and I'd recommend it to anyone who would like to learn more about this beautiful star.

Worth reading for her version of a life full of events that many others have previously chronicled. Written it seems to set the record straight, one is still left wondering when comparing her version to others whether she remembers it a little differently from the way it happened. One notable variation lies in the Howard Hughes connection. She stedfastly refuses to admit that there was any sexual relationship at all where her biographers previously have assumed that there was. In putting together other impressions about Mr. Hughes and in evaluationg her book, I would personally believe her. I believe that she finished all she had planned to say before she died, but I'm not sure of that, if seems that she never saw the final printing of the book. I would also wonder if the book was almost completely composed by others instead of her having any direct role in it because, at times it seems that there is too much of an effort made by the narrative to "sound like she would sound" but, of course, she gave it her complete blessing and it belongs to her estate, so I am not sure that it makes a material difference, but one would hope that the book is her own words as captured on tape. Especially if you like old Hollywood an or if you are curious about what the wealth and fame syndrome seems to entail and or if you just are fascinated by her entire generation a la Tom Brokaw, you'll find it quite worthwhile.

If you can imagine what Ava Gardner was like, then this book is a must. It reads just like you'd imagine it would. This is absolutely the best-of-the-best autobiography I have read to date. I have read Marilyn Monroe's and Maureen O'Hara's, and they weren't nearly as captivating. When I think of Ava Gardner, I use to think of sexuality and booze. Now after having read this book, I still think that. She has quite the sense of humor and makes numerous witty retorts in regards to her life and the studio system that she fervently disliked. This is most evident in her words on husbands Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw, and Frank Sinatra, and how they were in bed. Also, not to be ignored is her unique relationship with "the Aviator" himself, Howard Hughes. Ava is the only woman who could have turned him down, and gotten away with giving him a scar to remember her by. She also discusses her love of Spain, which made me want to visit the place instantly, even though I have yet to do so do to limited means (I don't have a job and still live with my parents - get the picture?). This is probably the best book I have ever read.

This was a wonderful book, which kept me engrossed until I finished it in 2 days. Ava tells a wonderful entertaining version of her life, warts and all. Afterwards, I rented as many movies as I could in which she starred. The book was well written, and the story of her life and loves interesting.

If you enjoy biographies, this is definately one to select.

A breezy book, with comments/chapters by her friends, so it's not all in Ava's words. And, as happens, I've read others' perspectives of stuff mentioned in here, and Ava wasn't as selfless and vain-free as this book suggests. But she seemed warm, and insecure (I once saw Roddy McDowell speak. He said, "Ava had no self confidence at all."). She seemed generous. She was beautiful, and I would have loved to have been one of those matadors she had an affair with! A good, undemanding Hollywood book to read.

This is an enjoyable, engaging memoir and while entertaining is also surprisingly sad. I knew, before reading the book, who Ava had married but had no idea how tumultuous were these relationships. As I've not read any other books about Ava Gardner, I can not tell whether this book's contents closely resemble truth but, frankly, I don't really care. I read autobiographies so I get a better sense of the author and in this case, Ava's wit, intelligence and humanity shine through. I certainly don't agree with the reviewer who says Ava painted herself as a goody-goody - that is the last thing she seems to do. This is a woman who, to me, has struggled with relationships, insecurities and addictions and still managed to enjoy and relish life - like many of us. If anything, I felt positive and connected to Ava for her candour! And, if, factually speaking, Ms. Gardner was not completely accurate in her own story, so what? I would rather read her story in her own words. The saddest thing to me was that she passed away at such a young age. I think "Impertinent" gives an excellent and articulate review and all I can say is read this book if you'd like to know about one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood.

I thoroughly enjoyed this auto-biography by Ave Gardner. She really said what she thought. Her writing style seemed to be her true personality, since she was from rural N. Carolina. She was the definition of a "broad". She was a great beauty, but she seemed to definitely dwell on her looks. She may have thought she didn't have much else going for her. Having recently read Gene Tierney's autobiography, I noticed that difference between the two. Tierney was fabulously beautiful, but didn't mention her looks but a few times,(possibly because it was so obvious). Ava Gardner also drank heavily. I'm amazed she was able to keep her looks for being such a heavy drinker. But in her films, around the age of 40, when she should have still been gorgeous, not having had children, she began to have a droopy face. That had to be the result of all that alchohol. It saddened me that she felt the need to abort the child she concieved with Frank Sinatra, even though they were married! It's no wonder she died a lonely woman.

I have a confession to make -- I am in love with Ava Gardner.

I have read many autobiographies in my time, especially movie star ones, being the devoted cinema scholar that I am. Ava's story tops it all, rivaled only by Rosalind Russell's.

This book of average length is literally a breeze. People say some books have them flipping pages because they're so engrossed. This is one of them. You don't even need a great concentrating ability. I mean, I woke up this morning and the first thing I did was to finish reading this gem. On one occasion, I was flipping through with great enthusiasm and found myself absolutely absorbing in her account of a fight with Frank Sinatra, when this experience came to an abrupt end due to the picture pages in the middle of the book. I nearly found myself cursing. That's how interesting her stories are. I have to add, though, that the pictures were so beautiful to look at and the captions so full of Ava's voice that I soon forgot my previous complaint. The story was resumed after a number of breathtaking photos, and I was put in an overall marveling mood.

The thing that surprised me the most was the amazingly fresh candor she displays. It is by far the most down-to-earth book that I have ever read in my entire life. She is so honest throughout the entire book, about the goods and the bads. She is not above admitting her faults, and in fact, clearly shows tremendous understanding of herself as well as of others. As her friend Franka says, she never badmouths anybody. She loved people in spite of their down sides, or perhaps even because of them. And when she couldn't stand somebody, she simply didn't bother. Her vocabulary is equally as frank and varied, making for hilarious lines and extremely touching passages. This book was the first that made me laugh and cry, which is one hell of an achievement for a book.

Aside from the delightful words from Miss G. herself, there are a few pages filled by some of her friends, including Gregory Peck and Arlene Dahl. These portions more-or-less corroborate the image of Ava Gardner you get by reading her story, and then some. Truth be told, I've always liked Ava, but had admittedly identified her with the roles she has played on-screen. Frank and funny -- which she is -- but also assertive and dominating. That would have been a fine character, but instead who I found was completely fresh. A lovely, honest Southern girl with a robust appetite for life. I don't think I know anyone like that, but if I did, I would be the first to be an appreciative friend. And the beauty of this book is that for a few hours in your life, you are. Because she is right there with you in the room, talking to you. All you have to do is provide an attentive ear... or eye!

I loved this book! I actually picked it up because I knew nothing about Ava Gardner, except that she was a film star/sex symbol, and I wanted to find out who she really was. I'm so glad I did! Ava was so funny, endearing, and genuine in her thoughts and actions. This book has it all! I laughed out loud at her stories from childhood on up-it's amazing how cinematic her real life actually was! There were sad and touching moments too and I found her to be relatable in a lot of ways. When she first arrived in Hollywood as an extra, the picture she painted of her view of the studio was so down to earth that it seemed like she could have been practically any country girl and at any Hollywood-esque time (including now). I was intrigued by how she dealt/coped with terrifying and dangerous situations. Wow! I also loved how loyal she was to her husbands and was so impressed with her refusal to give in to Howard Hughes' offerings of anything she wanted in the world, since she didn't love him (the icing on the cake were the little lines at the end of those sentences, something like.. "I would do it all over again... I think"). :) I smiled most of the way through and could hardly put this book down! I definitely recommend it!