Customer Reviews

Life After Lucy: The True Story of Keith Thibodeaux--"I Love Lucy's" Little Ricky

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is eloquent in revealing the "glitzy" life of a child star's life (Keith Thobodeaux) that turns from comically entertaining to dramatically disheartening and then to peacefully satisfied. A truly enjoyable book. The writer (Audrey Hingley) did a great job of letting the reader picture every detail of Mr. Thibodeaux's life from his years with Lucy & Desi to his life now as a Christian.

Of all the "Lucy" books, this one is unique since it's from the perspective of the only child involved in the show: Keith Thibodeaux (Little Ricky). Perhaps there's not a blockbuster story here, but Audrey Hingley has done a good job of making it interesting. Especially enjoyable are the stories of the relationship between Thibodeaux and the Arnaz children and the family's life at home. This book shows Lucy as a Mom and Desi as a Dad through the eyes of a child not their own - something not seen in other Lucy books. It's a complete puzzle to me why so little attention is given to this book by those "hawking" Lucy/Desi memorabilia. Most other books about them seem quite repetitive - this is the only one I've seen that has a different point of view. Some parts of the picture are, perhaps, a little troubling, but other parts are very warm and complimentary. Even if one is not at all interested in the last part of the book (Keith's personal story), any true Lucy and/or Desi fan should find his memories of them interesting and enlightening. I personally don't usually choose to read biographies/autobiographies of celebrities -- as a matter of fact, I read this one as a favor to a friend - but I did enjoy it because it's such an honest portrayal from such a different point of view, coming from the memories of one so young. And since Thibodeaux was actually taken into the Arnaz home and had such a close relationship with the family beyond the studio work on the show, it contains invaluable information for the Lucy/Desi fan.

Keith Thibodeaux's got very early talent with drums, which launches his career.
Lucille Ball is skeptical after hearing that the child had not studied acting. When she and Desi watch him play the drums, they are quick to get the boy onto their show.
Unknowingly his father signs a contract whereas Desilu virtually own the youngster.
Happily Desi Arnaz is fond and encouraging to Keith.
Keith is a musician, not an actor, he feels and at such a young age finds himself sometimes with stagefright.
He prefers his own family,but The Arnaz like his company for their own two children.
Eventually, he goes on to The Andy Griffith Show, is disappointed by his father.
Finally,in short, he finds all that matters in his family and religion.
I remembered how exceptionally well 'Little Ricky" played the drums on the one hour long 'I Love Lucy with Maurice Chavalier and Desi Arnaz singing 'Valentine" and admired the little boy's mastery on the drums.
Four stars because the book at times, seemed to drag on a subject nearly the point of seeming repetitive.
For the average reader, it may be a little too much.

I really highly recommend this book by "I Love Lucy's" little Ricky , Keith Thibodeaux. He talks of his days of working on the "I Love Lucy show" and about finding Christ. He talks a lot about his faith as well, which I think is wonderful. I really enjoyed this book and would give it ten stars if I could.

Keith Thibodeaux effectively communicates the truth about the real meaning of life and the facades that the public believes about celebrities is brought to light. A must read that will guarantee you insight into the human experience.

I have been wanting to get a copy of this book for a long, long time. It was written back in 1993 and I just now got around to getting a hold of a copy through Amazon used sellers. I wish I would have gotten a hold of it sooner. Keith Thibodeaux makes no apologies for his troubled life after "Lucy". He cuts to the chase and gives us a rare glimpse into what it was like to be on the most famous sitcom of all time with the queen of comedy and her pioneering husband. Anyone who knows anything about Lucy knows that the driving force behind her success was Desi Arnaz. Keith paints a flattering picture of both stars in his book but is particularly partial to Desi. As a child star he tells of his relationship with his domineering father and submissive mother (whom he divorced for a younger woman)which led to Keith's low self-esteem and foray into sex and drugs. Then, without being oversentimental and sugary, Keith takes on his journey to his conversion and finding the Lord! This book is certainly a true testament to courage, faith and overcoming obstacles! Its a true happy ending and God Bless Keith Thibodeaux and his beautiful family!!

This book was great! It started out teling how he was a wonderful drum player to the death of Desi and Lucy. It tells some how he truly loved Desi and all the time he spent at their house. It also talks about his drug problems to his faith in Christ. This truly is a wonderful book to read! Also, thanks Lucy and Desi for making I Love Lucy so funny. And thanks Keith (Lil' Ricky) for putting so much hard work in I Love Lucy!

I normally don't write reviews, but, I have to say, this is a good book. It takes a good look at what some child stars go through. I basically wanted to see if Keith was still playing drums or not, and when he started playing. I always enjoy watching him on Lucy playing drums or singing and playing with Desi Arnaz. It's also interesting to see what went on behind the scenes with Keith, Lucy, Desi, and the Arnaz kids. I also did not ever hear of how Lucy and Desi died of, that was interesting. I'm glad you turned your life around, Keith, for the better. He was so cute on that show, I couldn't imagine him going through all that afterwards.

My sister got an autographed copy of Keith's book and loaned it to me. I live in Japan and began reading it. I find it to be very informative and just good story reading. It's not a book to keep you on the edge of your seat but keeps the imagination going about what it would've been like to be a "child star", starring on the most famous sitcom during the last century. Also, what it would be like to continue on with life after such a famous sitcom. I'm buying more copies for myself and friends. All I can say at this point is...read it! You'll love it!

Understably good story with plenty of information dealing with the life of a child star and his greater understanding of himself and who he owes his life to. The author describes every detail with the richness of life. A must read book.