Customer Reviews

Remember Elvis

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I just received this book in the mail and I have to preface my review of it with a story of sorts.

I went to Joe's website to check out the book, and while I was there I signed up for the "Talk with Joe" fan phone call list. I was initially of the opinion, after reading the synopsis, that is was a transcript of the documentary "The Defininitive Elvis - 25th anniversary edition" A few weeks later I got a call from Joe's sidekick asking me if I would like to talk to Joe. I said "yes" and he asked me a few general questions about Elvis and my being a fan. One of the comments I made, he asked me if he could use it possibly in the book. I said, "Of Course" and then he went on a serious selling spree of the book. I asked him about the documentary and he said"Yeah it's based on that but it's not like it at all. It's so much more. The way it's layed out, the stories, the photos, it's unlike anything you've seen before. It'll blow your mind. And it's a huge book, over 500 pages". After talking to him for a while I was left with two things on my mind: a different impression of the book and that, definately Joe would call. I got my questions ready then I went to the website and ordered the book. I was also told that those who pre- ordered would get a discount. I ordered the book and a window popped up to sign me up for the sweepstakes. I signed up.
Anyway a while later, never got the call from Joe but I got the charge and it was for a little over $50.00. Did I get that wrong? Oh, well, it's a huge, colorful great book and it will be worth it. I've paid more for a Tunzi book.

Now, I have the book and here's my impression of it. I get the box and right off, I'm dissapointed. It's about the size and weight of the latest Dean Koontz novel I bought . A little larger, but not by much. I open it and browse through. Cool! my quote is in the back! Not cool, very small black and white, low resolution images/screen captures from the documentary bordering every page next to the excerpt from interviews that fit with that chapter. Layed out like a screenplay, more or less. Lots of typos and grammatical errors. Intermixed are excerpts from the narrarator, clips from Elvis interviews and in the front, a poem by Joe. Fairly nice poem and a bit cheesy at the same time. And it comes in at exactly 450 pages.

I was expecting a big, coffee table type book with wonderful color photos and stories, etc. layed out in a Joe Tunzi type book. It is not that at all.

Now, if you have not seen the documentary it might be great, exept that it feels like what it is, a transcript/screenplay. You're left wanting to watch it because the production, Elvis clips, peoples expressions, etc.. along with the stories, are what keep you riveted. It's good as a companion to the documentary and that's all.

It is not worth $49.99. I expect that Jerry Shilling's book will be leagues better at half the price.

It is self publised by TCB Joe Publications.

It's good as a reference but at this price, buy the documentary . It's way, way better!

I have read every Elvis book worth reading out there and by far this book surpasses them all, even though I am not a die hard Joe Esposito fan.

Remember Elvis goes away from convention as you will quickly discover starting from the cover art, to the layout and yes including the price. Weighing in at over $39.00 you might have to save alittle, but let me tell you that you are not getting the average Elvis book here, you are getting the BEST Elvis book that reflects everything an avid Elvis fan like myself would ever want to know. You will find out about what it was like to truly know Elvis the man, the performer, the lover, the husband, the friend etc. From the people that were actually there!

Not like the books put out by the househelp and a person that saw him in the street. What's next the gardner or the trash man!

Remember Elvis is the real thing.

You will find it packed with stories from people like Jerry Schilling, Sam Phillips, George Klein, Loanne Parker, Sam and Linda Thompson, heck anyone that is worth following in the Elvis world is in it.

If you want the BEST Elvis book ever written get a copy of this book. It is in my opinion the Ultimate book tribute to the KING and will leave you feeling like you actually met Elvis yourself.

I have to give Joe Esposito credit for creating a book that should have been created a long time ago, and he did it the right way by respecting Elvis and his fans in the process. I hope that this book will finally get EPE's attention and give Joe credit and open support for being such a great and loyal friend to Elvis and pro actively keeping the Elvis legacy alive and well through the years.

Cliff Wells

This book was refreshingly upbeat about Elvis and reminded one of his good qualities. And isn't that the way we should try to remember people? So much of what is out there in the written realm about Elvis is so sleazy -- and from people who considered themselves to be close to Elvis. Thank you, Joe, for reminding us that Elvis was such a talented and giving individual. Clearly, you were a friend.

No words can express how happy I was when people told me about how great this book was.I read the reviews and said yeah right no book is that good. I picked myself up a copy and was very much in awe the moment I picked it up. It's as good as what people are saying. As an Elvis fan since the 50's I have learned more from this book alone than all of the previous books and documentaries about Elvis put Together. My suggestion for you is to Stop wasting your money and time on books written by people who never met or were not considered key figures in Elvis' life and put your money on this book it's a keeper. You will enjoy it, you will learn from it and it will appeal to your intelligence and most of all you can comfortably mention it to fellow Elvis fans or people that want to know more about Elvis without losing face. Actually it's the only book I know of that will make your friends buy you a drink just to talk about how great it was.
One word of caution DO NOT LEND THIS BOOK OUT! you won't get it back.

Without having known Elvis personally I would probably guess that he would have been very proud of this book and certainly would have endorsed it as the definitive biography on his life. By what I can see posted on the internet and on tv and radio I am not alone in my thinking regarding this fantastic book.

A few observations about this book you should be aware of.

This is not a photo book it is written based on compiled interview transcripts most likely a movie or tv biography.
It is very very well done and visually stimulating.

The design and layout of this book is very unique and very entertaining when you look at the people that are shown right next to their comments and stories, you will get the sense that you are listening into a very private conversation.

The cover of the book is great and the weight of the book is solid and comfortable so it travels well and you can read it anywhere.

About the content:

If you know anything about the producer of this book you can naturally count on Remember Elvis being done in a realistic and believable way that captured the complete Elvis Presley Story from early childhood until August 16, 77 in a warm,honest and respectful tone.

My first observation when I read the chapters is that it is very organized and follows Elvis' life accurately and chronologically.

My impression from the people appearing in the book would be that they all held Elvis in high regard and respected him as a friend, performer and person; unlike to so many other mediocre books available out there today.

I will mention without mincing words that this book is NOT one of the typically common fluffy and kitschy or fairytale Elvis books written by family members, cousins, maids, disgruntled employees or outsiders like Nash, Goldman and the likes etc.

Remember Elvis is a book you will enjoy reading from the moment you get until you lay it down....for the first time.

My Verdict

If you want to have something exceptional in your Elvis collection you get Remember Elvis by Joe Esposito

You will read it and fall in love it just like everyone that has read it before you guaranteed.

"Remember Elvis",produced by Joe Esposito,Elvis Presley's former body guard, road manager, and best friend is a "must-have" for Elvis fans. This book is primarily based on a 16 hr documentary consisting of interviews with Elvis's former girlfriends, co-stars, movie producers, friends, and others who personally knew him. Sales of this documentary DVD set called "Definitive Elvis" were halted due to allegations of copyright infringements.
Joe Esposito and TCB publishing company have given Elvis fans access to what was contained in the DVD set,and even more,through this book.You will find no photographs of Elvis,so if you are looking for a picture book this is not it.The only pictures contained within are of those who were interviewed.

The last chapter is devoted to Elvis fans, beginning with a quote from a fan, Marion Lindsay, who is also the writer of this review ....
"Elvis has left the building but the lights are still on,brightening the world with the gift of his song."

-Marion Lindsay

The last chapter, titled "Undying Love" contains comments from Elvis fans world wide.
Thanks to Joe Esposito, Daniel Lombardy,Lauren McMullen, Darwin Lamm, and the rest of the TCB Joe team,who have provided Elvis fans with a treasure of information that allows us to know our favourite star better. Just as importantly, this book is produced so that future generations will "Remember Elvis".
-Marion Lindsay
Squamish BC Canada
mariontl@telus.net

REMEMBER ELVIS is a 450 page text book of compiled interviews initially conducted for the hallmark 8-volume home video documentary THE DEFINITIVE ELVIS.The text is culled from transcripts of the 200 or so on-camera interviews done for that monumental video series.If you do not own the video set,which unfortunately is no longer available,or even if you do,REMEMBER ELVIS is a recommended purchase,as additional material not found on the video is included in the book.

The list of Elvis friends,co-workers and admirers interviewed for the project reads like a "Who's Who". Everyone from intimate insiders like Linda Thompson,Jerry Shilling,Joe Esposito himself,and Charlie Hodge to movie co-stars,band members,producers,songwriters,former lovers,celebrity fans,etc. They all speak candidly about what it was like knowing and loving the "real" Elvis Presley.The quotes are arranged in chronoligical fashion,starting at the beginning years and ending in August of 1977.

I have heard some grumblings from those expecting a coffe-table photo book.Please be aware this is a hardcover book of text,it is NOT a picture book, like Esposito's own ELVIS-INITMATE AND RARE.Elvis is pictured on the cover and once inside-that's all.It is a loving,intimate portrait of Elvis Presley.Each interview quote is accompanied by a "screen grab" image,identifying the individual being quoted along with their "title".The stories,anecdotes and insights are fun,entertaining,touching and sometimes even sad-but always sincere and from the heart.It is a compelling read and I highly recommend it for those who wish to gain a greater insight of what Elvis Presley was like on AND offstage.

I have recently been given this book as a present and hhave tough time stop reading the book. I would give 100 starss if it were possible. Elvis is alive in de book.

This book that was produced by Joe Esposito has all the honesty that one should hear about Elvis Presley.
You get right into it with "The Cradle That Rocked The World" and through the book features like "GI Shuffle" "The Memphis Mafia" "My Boy" "Comeback Of The Guitar Man" to name a few.
People that worked with him dated him and close friends that new him will give you such an understanding about this fascinating man.
Remember Elvis is that good and I enthsiastically reccomend it.

I read this book several times, it will make you laugh, it will make you cry but most of all it will make you feel like you knew who the real Elvis was when you have completed your initial reading.

I love the way the photos are positioned next to the text. It gives you the impression that you are watching a movie.

I really like what they have done with this book and have already recommended it to several Elvis Fan Clubs around the world.

It is a very strong Elvis book and is in my opinion the best one you can buy if you are interested in finding out about Elvis.

Two thumbs up!!!

If you are an Elvis fan get this book it is simpy the best.
It is worth every dollar.