Kirk Douglas has been a Hollywood legend for more than half a century. His eighty-three films include The Bad and the Beautiful and Lust for Life. In addition, his company, Bryna, has produced such classics as Spartacus, Douglas has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award given by the President, as well as numerous other awards and honors. Currently he serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the State Department and the Legion de Honneur in France. The father of four sons, and grandfather of five, he lives with his wife, Anne, in Beverly Hills.
In 1996, film and stage star Douglas suffered a debilitating stroke at age 80, leaving him unable to walk or talk. Therapy helped him to speak and walk-with effort. In this memoir, he reflects on people with handicaps, having established a unit for those with Alzheimer's disease at the Motion Picture Home. Love comes from years of dedication, and in his case he thanks his wife, Ann. Douglas's sense of humor and irony fails only after a friend criticizes his "sucking up to God." Yet he does discuss the values of prayer and Judaism in his recovery. Still weak, he gives us vivid accounts of his memorable trips to Israel and Berlin. He reads a brief introduction and seven minutes of the last chapter with both feeling and understandable effort. His son, actor Michael, adequately completes the narration. Definitely recommended for popular biography collections.-Gordon Blackwell, Eastchester, NY Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
One of Hollywood's brightest stars since the late 1940s (Champion, Lust for Life, Spartacus), Douglas embarked on a literary career in the 1980s, with his bestselling memoir The Ragman's Son. He suffered a debilitating stroke several years ago, and now, at 84, he offers the inspirational but not at all Pollyannaish story of his recovery. A peculiarly painful sensation in his right cheek was the first warning, followed by a bewildering inability to talk. Lying in a hospital bed set up in his home, Douglas felt his situation was hopeless. How could he be an actor and not be able to talk? He contemplated ending his life, but when he put a gun in his mouth and painfully bumped his teeth, he withdrew the weapon and began to laugh at his own dramatic gesture. Douglas recounts how he battled his depression not only with medical care but also by recalling happy memories (he shares reminiscences about Sinatra, Reagan and others), and he explains tips and exercises he learned from his speech therapist. Inspired by the courage of others who endured physical or emotional illness, Douglas began to overcome his fears. With the help of his supportive family (who refused to coddle him), he even returned to the screen in Diamonds, playing a boxer who had a stroke. Entertaining and uplifting, Douglas's story is a lesson in survival, one that will entice readers whether or not they have had similar illnesses. B&w photos. (Jan. 14) Forecast: This book is a natural for the 65-plus crowd, especially those who enjoyed Tuesdays with Morrie. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
