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21 Reviews

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
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4.7 out of 5 stars (21 customer reviews)

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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shows one of the actor's other talents, June 10, 2000

By

Reginald D. Garrard "the G-man" (Camilla, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Ragman's Son (Mass Market Paperback)

I read "Ragman" many years ago and still find it to be one of the most entertaining star autobio's that I have ever read. Douglas is very straightforward in his retelling of his humble beginnings, his personal triumphs and tragedies, as well as his long and distinguished career. I recently found his follow-up "Climbing the Mountain." If it is half the book the former is, my financial investment on both would be worth it.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars VERY INTERESTING STORY AND A GOOD READ, October 6, 2005

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D. Blankenship (The Ozarks) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER) (TOP 50 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: RAGMAN'S SON (Hardcover)

I read very few "star" auto-biographies so have little to judge this one by. But I must say, I was impressed. The writing was good, the story seemed to be truthfully told and it held my interest. I have always enjoyed Kirk Douglas the actor and was pleased that I was able to enjoy Kirk Douglas the autobiographor. Mr. Douglas has certainly led an interesting life and has seemingly been able to keep his prespective on life. As I said, I am impressed and highly recommend this one.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kirk Unbuttoned...., February 14, 2005

By

L. Shirley "Laurie's Boomer Views" (Huntington Beach,CA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: The RAGMAN'S SON (Paperback)

Born in 1916, little Issur Danielovitch grew up in upstate New York, the poorest of the poor. Son of illiterate Russian/Jewish immigrants, taunted by the other children, Issur breaking past every barrier imaginable became the great Kirk Douglas. This is his life story from birth through 70 years of age(before the stroke).

As his life story unfolds in this well written account, you will feel like the tales of his climb out of poverty are being told to you by an old friend. Kirk doesn't hold back. He's as open about his misdeeds as he is with his fine accomplishments.
And he doesn't hesitate to name names either!

He talks about everything. From his troubled boyhood and distant relationship with his father, his dream of making it big on stage, his time spent in the service, his escapades, his loves and family, relationships with the rich and famous, his good-will tours around the world, and of course his films. It is nice that the films are discussed chronologically, and you will know exactly where he was physically and emotionally during the filming. Almost all the films are touched upon and some including "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral", "Lonely Are The Brave", "Lust For Life" and Spartacus", have whole chapters devoted to them. The directors, other cast members,and Hollywood in general, do not get away scott free either.

His writing is funny, poignant, inspirational and heartfelt. There are times when you may not even like the things he has done, and other times may get you thinking deeply or angered about life's circumstances. But you know that he's being about as honest as they come.

There are also many personal photos included of his family, fellow actors, and the good-will trips he made for the United States.

Closing the book after the last page, I was sad to be at the end. Kirk Douglas's words touched me as much as his work in film, and...made me feel not only proud, but lucky to be an American. I am looking foward to reading his other works as well.

"The Ragman's Son" is highly recommended for fans of Kirk, aspiring actors and writers(this is a great example for writing memoirs), and for those who loved to be touched or inspired by a good book.

Way To Go, Issur...Way To Go!
Enjoy....Laurie

hardcover:Kirk Douglas: The Ragman's Son, An Autobiography

more memoirs:
Patient the True Story of a Rare Illne

On Writing

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful read but a bit disappointed...
It's a facinating tale of such a remarkable life story but was really dissapointed with the discription of the condition of the book. Read more

Published 16 months ago by Nicole D. Mason

5.0 out of 5 stars Ragman's Son
A great listen especially if your a fan of the golden days of hollywood. Having Kirk reading his own memoirs adds a nice touch to the incrediable story of the offspring of an... Read more

Published 16 months ago by jampar

4.0 out of 5 stars Kirk Douglas biography
This is a gossipy kiss and tell autobiography of Kirk Douglas. You can see where his sons get their self confidence from. Great for a real Douglas fan.

Published on October 23, 2009 by Patricia Roberts

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Tale
This book tells the story of Kirk Douglas, from his humble beginnings in a small upstate New York town to his years in Hollywood. Read more

Published on July 1, 2005 by Erika Mitchell

4.0 out of 5 stars Kirk Douglas -- What a Surprise
I was quite surprised to like this book as much as I did. As Kirk Douglas' autobiography, I expected it to be a little egotistical and over-explanatory. Read more

Published on April 14, 2005 by Rebecca Kinson

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best screen autobiographies
Kirk Douglas story of growing up one of the seven - children in an Amsterdam New York Jewish family, and of working and fighting his way to the top of his profession is in one... Read more

Published on February 7, 2005 by Shalom Freedman

5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible American life story...
The autobiography of Kirk Douglas should be required reading for all American high school students. He proves that you can overcome any obstacle in America, no matter what... Read more

Published on February 18, 2003 by rheishman

3.0 out of 5 stars Sometimes Movie Stars SHOULDN'T Tell All
I was born in the mid-forties and grew up with Kirk Douglas in his career prime. I thought I was a fan of his, having seen Spartacus and The Vikings many times. Read more

Published on February 16, 2003

4.0 out of 5 stars Great summer reading
Kirk Douglas gives the reader a great life story
It has been a while since such an autobiography has been onthe market.

Published on May 24, 2002 by Renata Baybis

5.0 out of 5 stars Ragman
Read this years ago -very well written-honest. If you like this type you will love the book Harpo Speaks -6 stars.

Published on January 15, 2002

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Inside This Book (learn more)
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First Sentence:
"Nobody" meant being the son of illiterate Russian Jewish immigrants in the WASP town of Amsterdam, New York, twenty-eight miles northwest of Albany. Read the first page

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
house privileges

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
New York, United States, Kirk Douglas, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Burt Lancaster, Eagle Street, World War, Sam Norton, United Artists, Dalton Trumbo, John Wayne, Katharine Cornell, Lonely Are the Brave, Beverly Hills, Yul Brynner, Greenwich House, Hal Wallis, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Academy Award, American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Charlie Feldman, Eddie Lewis, Paths of Glory, Bryna Company

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