Customer Reviews

How I Lost 10 Pounds in 53 Years: A Memoir

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you're one of those people that think only of Kaye Ballard as one of the "Mothers-In-Law" from TV, or that funny album with the balloons on it, treat yourself to her wonderful autobiography, "How I Lost 10 Pounds in 53 Years.!" Not only a fascinating story of the lady herself, but a warm-hearted look at practically the history of show business (Vaudeville, Broadway, Night Clubs, movies, radio & television). She's done it all, and you'll meet your favorites (and a few not-so) as only someone who's been there and done it can tell. Best of all, Kaye is her honest and humble self (What? A star with humility?) Yup, throughout her illustrious career, she's still the star-struck kid in Cleveland's RKO Palace worshiping the idols on the silver screen, and dreaming of Hollywood. Haven't we all been there? Starting as a teenager, performing in a Chinese restaurant (it's funny already!), through to today's still very active cancer-surviving octogenarian, here's Kaye at her funny, loveable best, sharing her successes and disappointments in one of the best autobiographies in a long, long time! Read it, you'' love it!

I recently read Ms. Ballard's memoir in 10 days while I was staying with my parents as my mother recovered from knee replacement surgery. It was the perfect book to read during this time--very funny and light--but also an honest, heartfelt tale. If you don't know who Kaye Ballard is, well, you should. She's a wonderful comic actress who's starred in films (The Ritz), on TV (Cinderella, The Doris Day Show, The Mothers-in-Law) and on stage (The Golden Apple, Carnival, The Pirates of Penzance, Follies). I saw her perform back in the '90s in a small cabaret called Toulouse in Chicago (now sadly closed). It was a horrible snowy night--and my friends and I were the only ones who braved the elements to see her show. And so Ms. Ballard--being the classy, talented dame that she is--performed for us. We all LOVED her--and you will LOVE her book. The lady knows how to write an honest, entertaining account of her fascinating life. So sit back, relax and let Kaye tell you all about her legendary 60-year career. You'll have a wonderful time--I know I did.

I enjoyed reading this book very much - it gave real insight into the life of a single woman in show business. Kaye is a fantastic personality and very honest in this book about her career and friendshiips. She is a real lady with a great sense of humor. Nice photos too of some old favorites when they were younger. I would definitely buy this book again. A+

Kaye Ballard's name is well known in show business: she's performed in burlesque, nightclubs, big bands, and stage and here provides a memoir packed with anecdotes from her career. Her upbeat memoir comes packed with anecdotes from her 50-year career and will prove a real treat for any familiar with either Kaye Ballard's career or the world of stage and TV.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Loved it. Wish she had written more, could read her stories forever!!!! She is too funny...

I don't know why but I've always loved Kaye Ballard. I was a little girl, but boy I still remember her sitcom, the Mothers-in-Law and wish it would come out on DVD! I understand now, from her book, that because the show didn't run for 3 years, it didn't go into syndication, hence, no reruns!
The book was so fun, lively, sweet, and informative. Kaye has some great stories to tell! Her path crossed with many luminaries of the stage and screen. I had forgotten she did all those great impressions! I was moved by her stories about her "Chubbette" days as a child. I, too, am from the type of family that doesn't think you are healthy unless you're twenty pounds overweight.

I remember Kaye Ballard from The Mothers In Law, in which she starred with Eve Arden, and from the Doris Day Show - however, she had a complete career before this that I was never aware of. It seems as if Kaye has known all of the big stars, and told about some of them - she also is a character that you walk away from admiring for following her own path, and not worrying excessively about 'her career" but just being happy to continue working, doing what she loved doing - I never got to meet Ann Sothern - I hope to meet Kaye Ballard someday - who is still active and having fun!

Once I started reading Kaye Ballard's memoir, I could hardly put it down. She discusses not only her own life but her experiences with many other celebrities during her long show business career. Her writing style is very conversational and down to earth. I like her upbeat attitude -- her purpose is not to "dish the dirt" on other people, and I applaud that. I have always thought Miss Ballard was a gifted comedienne, but this book made me appreciate her even more.

Easy read, Kaye Ballard has an interesting past and a neat way of expressing herself. As one might imagine the book is very funny. East to pick up and read for a while then come back to. I heartily recommend it.

I bought this book because of all the rave reviews, but the reviewers must have been reading a different book! The depth of remembrances in this book amount to "I remember so and so. He was very talented. He was a good friend and was very protective of me. I learned a lot from him." Boring! Or "I went up against so and so. She must have known I would get the part, but she was a good sport." Boring! You do not really learn anything about anyone but Kaye, and she is just not that interesting. A much more interesting book is "Chloris" which is surprisingly witty and filled with wonderful stories!