Customer Reviews

Inside Graceland: Elvis' Maid Remembers

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is the best Elvis book I have ever read and I have read many.most Elvis books have a small mention of Elvis's grandmother and his aunt Delta but Nancy tells us a lot about these two strong women. I really liked learning more about them also Nancy goes into great detail about Elvis and his last days. I also enjoyed the stories about the strange things that went on in Graceland after Elvis died. Nancy also mentions Lisa's marriages. and tells us a little about that this is just a very very interesting book on Elvis as well as the Presley family. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could!

Unlike many other books on Elvis, this one seems very genuine and authentic with no agenda other than to share memories of life Inside Graceland. Rather than a slick, professionally written biography, the style of writing feels as if you were sitting down over a cup of coffee with Nancy as she remembers the years she spent working in Graceland - unstructured and unpolished....just as thoughts pop into her head. There are many interesting little tidbits and details she offers that really humanize Elvis and bring him to life as a real person instead of a celebrity. The personalities and interaction of all members of the family really come out. A pure joy to read - thanks Nancy!

Nancy Rooks comes across as an innocent and largely credible witness to Elvis's life at Graceland. I wondered, just a bit, how much her loyalty to Elvis might have resulted in omitting some information.

Describing the roles of Aunt Delta and Grandma Presley help to fill out the story of Elvis's home life as presented in other books. Nancy accounts for her own experiences, almost autobiographically. In a sense, she is that fly on the wall that we wished we could have been at Graceland. Most important is her account of Elvis's death. You see her perspective as she watches people rushing through the kitchen. The book has a diary-like nature, laid down as though she were dictating her experiences to a scribe, which in large measure she was.

Unfortunately, the book is small and only 149 pages long. There should have been much more. Page numbering starts with the title page, a telltale sign that the book is too short. A half-page table of contents is provided, 16 pages of poor quality photographs, and 143 pages of text divided into ten chapters.

This is one of the best books I have ever read about Elvis, and I have read a lot of them. Nancy was not only Elvis' maid, but also a true friend. It is so refreshing to read the good things about Elvis. Thank you Nancy for such a great book.

A memorable read from Nancy Rooks. Her recollections of going to work each day at Graceland are priceless. I only wish the book had shared more of her memories.

THIS BOOK IS INDEED ONE OF THE BEST THAT REFLECT THAT THERE WAS MORE TO ELVIS THAN THE PILL POPPING MANIAC PEOPLE THINK !! HE WAS A DAD ,AND BLED AND CRIED AND LAUGHED MRS ROOKS THANK YOU FOR LETTING THE PUBLIC KNOW THE ELVIS WE KNEW GOD BLESS YOU!! YA KNOW ELVI SAID THE IMAGE IS ONE THING THE HUMAN BEING ANOTHER ITS TOUGH TO LIVE UP TO THE IMAGE AND AT HOME HE DIDNT HAVE TO ACT LIKE ANYONE !! MRS ROOKS WE MET ALONG TIME AGO ,
"BACK IN THE DAY" LOL THANKS I HAD FORGOTTEN THE ICE TEA !!

It had a few tidbits that were interesting. I would have like to have had more about Elvis and what he did and less about his grandmother and
aunt. We know this author must have seen and heard a lot while she was at work in his home - but on the other hand - maybe it is good she did not feel the need to really exploit her relationship with him as his
employee and maintain her loyalty. However, I felt it did drag at times and I read way too much about Dodger!

I have been and Elvis Fan since he started out , I have also read a lot of "crap" about him that was written just for monetary reasons and to make the author a "hero"..Nancy's book was refreshing as I feel it was a more honest version of "Inside Graceland "..I would recomend it to true Elvis Fans as it is a good and I feel honest report..I have read all the latest books about him, and it is the only one I would recomend as a good read..I enjoyed it very much and "Hats Off to You Nancy"...Rosemary

In a quest to find out as much information as I can about the life of Elvis Presley, this book written by his maid was very informing. I especially enjoyed the part of the book where Elvis was found dead, it answered a lot of questions for me. A must read for all Elvis Fans.

This book is the best book I have ever read about the life of Elvis Presley, and I have read many Elvis books. This is the most charming and real book of them all. You get the true feeling of life at Graceland during the time that it was a very busy household. Nancy tells of "Dodger" and Aunt Delta, and Vernon as well, and brings you into the home as no other book has done. Nancy writes simply, and clearly, and makes you wish you not only knew Elvis, but that you knew her, as well. Elvis was lucky to have Nancy in his employ for so long. And we are lucky to have her book to tell us about it.