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Loading... Dean and Me: (A Love Story)by Jerry Lewis
Well written and surprisingly subtle autobiography of Jerry Lewis's days with Dean Martin. It's the kind of book that takes you back through time. You feel as though you are Jerry, just getting started in the unique New York show business world of the 1940s, desperately trying to get a foothold. Then you suddenly discover magical on-stage chemistry with an older, equally ambitious singer. Both of your lives change overnight from hungry wannabe to wealthy superstar. More than just an autobiography, it's a slice of show business history and an insight into the personality and life story of Dean Martin by his closest friend. Jerry was an only child whose Vaudevillian parents were often absent, and he found the older brother he unknowingly craved, in Dean. It is an emotional, funny and dramatic story, unforgettable. Especially vivid is the one time Dean openly revealed his ambitiousness and drive to succeed, after seeing Frank Sinatra brilliantly perform at the Paramount, to the adulation of his fans. He and Jerry sit at a deli after the show , and the not-so-young, struggling singer Dean bangs on the table, saying "That should be me!" Listened to the audio recording a few months ago. I really could not stop listening. Very enjoyable and I'm not a big Martin and Lewis fan. Detailed, humorous tell-all from Jerry Lewis about Lewis and Martin. xoxoxo Nice anecdotes and some good bittersweet looks at the relationship, but Lewis' famous ego is almost too much to take. Still I recommend it. |
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The admiration and love he had for Dean is unmistakable. He was just as mad as anyone that Dean wasn't getting the respect he deserved. Dean was always a clever and masterful comedian, but in a way that was subtle. He could spew off one-liners without even thinking about it.
The honesty and the love that went into this book is well worth five-stars. The last chapter and afterword had me in tears.
Bravo, Jerry. (