Grade 7 Up–This biography covers Schwarzenegger's life and careers, beginning with his disciplined boyhood in a small Austrian town. Readers discover the secret of the man's success in becoming Mr. Universe, a Hollywood star, and the governor of California: confidence and dogged determination. The chapter "Going Hollywood" describes how he turned what some considered liabilities–that is, his accent, surname, and bodybuilder image–into trademarks. Schwarzenegger is portrayed as the consummate salesperson with relentless skill at marketing himself. Sidebars, quotes from numerous sources, and average-quality, black-and-white photos are included.–Ajoke' T. I. Kokodoko, Oakland Public Library, CA
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From Booklist
Reviewed with Colleen Sexton's Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Gr. 5-8. Remarkably similar in format, length, grade level, and content, these two biographies introduce Arnold Schwarzenegger from his childhood in Austria through his election as governor of California. Both books are informative and interesting, and they show their subject in a positive light while also discussing areas of controversy. Each includes photos, sidebars, and extensive source notes for the many quotes. Brandon's biography, from the People in the News series, appends a time line and an annotated lists of recommended books and Web sites. A 5-page source bibliography comments on 13 books. Along with source notes, Sexton's book, part of the A & E Biography series, appends a list of the actor's films, a selected source bibliography, and 8 titles (of which 5 were also published by Lerner) recommended for further reading on subjects from Schwarzenegger to Ronald Reagan to Jesse Ventura to Austrian cooking. Although Sexton's book looks more inviting, with more white space, larger type, and color as well as black-and-white photos, Brandon's presentation offers a more detailed and compelling portrait. Carolyn Phelan
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