Detour

I'm too young to know about Cheryl Crane, but, after Googling her, I had to know more! This book is a fascinating look into the life of old Hollywood through the eyes of Lana Turner's only child. She tells all about the highs and lows of being an A-list celebrity daughter in the 50s. She also takes on the topic of Johnny Stompanato's murder and tells her side of the story. Ms. Crane is a wonderfully honest story-teller and this riveting book had me turning pages at lightening speed. If you're a fan of creative non-fiction & Hollywood stories, you'll love it as much as I did.

Great story of behind the scenes of what went on in Hollywood. I was glad to read the first hand story of Cheryl Crane's version of what really happened while she was growing up. Thank you Cheryl.

We like to think that movie stars and their families have perfect lives - that because fame, riches and power is at their disposal, that nothing can ever go wrong. Cheryl Crane bravely rips down this glossy facade and tells what it was really like growing up as the daughter of Lana Turner, a "star baby" who appeared to have it all. But in reality, her childhood years were full of confusion, longing for love and acceptance, and unspeakable horrors. From her yearning for her mother's love and affection, her father's distance, the horrific sexual abuse by one of her stepfathers, actor Lex Barker, to the fatal Good Friday when she stabbed mobster Johnny Stompanato to protect her mother, Crane tells it all in candid detail. Here too is her struggle to find an identity away from her mother's fame, her own noteriety and the glare of Hollywood. Through it all, Cheryl has made peace with her past, her parents, and found an unconditional love that she always sought. And her touching comments on how children should always be heard, that abused kids should not have to be silent, accused of dishonesty, or continue to suffer the pangs for years because what happened to them was not acknowledged. She also gives some interesting ancedotes of quite a few Tinsletown personalities. A moving and inspiring book, and above all, a darn good read.

"Detour: A Hollywood Story" is the deeply personal account of Cheryl Crane's life as a 'star baby'. She is the daughter of Lana Turner. Her life was privileged, sheltered, and yet emotionally chaotic. She grew up playing only with other 'star babies'(that is, when she got to play at all). Her mother's best friend was Judy Garland, she called Frank Sinatra, 'Uncle Frank'. Cared for mostly by Nannies, and her 'Gran", Lana Turner's daughter did not even realize what a huge celebrity her mother was, and wasnt even allowed to view her films(or any films) for most of her childhood. She viewed her mother as two separate people...Mommy and "that Lana Turner person", the latter of which could make people appear or disappear on a whim. Cheryl Crane saw a steady stream of step parents and "uncles". Lana's love life, kept her as busy as her career, and spending time with her mother, was a real treat for Cheryl. She digs down deep as she describes her longing for her mother's affections, a young girl's admiration of her father, the sexual abuse she(Cheryl) suffered at the hands of Lex Barker(from the Tarzan movies),and the stormy relationship of Lana and Johnny Stompanato, who she would kill by her own hands(she was only 14 at the time), in defense of her mother. Her life goes on a downward spiral afterwards, being sent to Juvenile Hall, schools for troubled girls, and even a santitarium, where she is kept heavily sedated for most of her incarceration there. And this all before she even turned 18. Lana is not painted as Joan Crawford was, in "Mommy Dearest", but it seemed to be more about the lifestyle of the rich and famous in the 1940's and 50's that goes on trial here. Cheryl Crane must have had to summon up quite a bit of courage to tell this story. It could not have been easy reliving many of the events. She describes in remarkable details, her life as a child, her "detour" through life, and how she finally found peace with herself. It is a compelling and inspiring story that evoked quite a bit of emotion throughout the read, as she sets the record straight for us and for herself. Thank you and enjoy the read....Laurie

I have read dozens of non-fiction books, many in the True Crime and Hollywood genres, but no book left me more stunned that the spectacular, horrifying, amazing story of screen siren Lana Turner's daughter Cheryl Crane. Cheryl grew up during the heyday of movie gods and goddesses, and, as a bona fide Hollywood princess herself, saw first-hand the over-the-top lifestyle of excess and spoilage the industry wrought. The heart of the book is about one of the most talked-about scandals in Hollywood history--the murder of reputed mob soldier Johnny Stampanato. It was 14-year-old Cheryl, overhearing a fierce argument between her mother and then-boyfriend Stampanato, that compelled her to rush into the boudiour and stab the man to death. What followed is a well-documented, horrific life that only the softspoken and well-mannered Cheryl Crane could live to tell--the true detour of this forceful and harrowing story. Throughout the book are tales of growing up abused, rich, spoiled and sheltered in the demanding world of Old Hollywood. Ms. Crane's story is sure to shake awake the demons of yesteryear with her unblinking portrayal of her mother, Ms. Turner, and the situations that led up to her betrayal by the Juvenile Courts and her own family. If the classic Mommie Dearest was about murder, you'd have Detour. An amazing read that deserves a space on your shelf.

Maybe I am the wrong person to ask since Lana Turner is my all time favorite hollywood star but her daughter's book "Detour" is the best hollywood book I have ever read. She tells what it was like to be a Hollywood Princess, back when the word really ment something. The tells what it was like to be pampered and spoiled. She tells about having one of the most famous stars in the world as her mother. She lived next door to Judy Garland and across the street from Humphry Boogart. Ava Gardner gossiped in her mother's room and Tarzan star Lex Barker became her step father-later sexually abusing her for years. But mostly, she tells the story that only Cheryl Crane can tell-what it was like to be the key player in one of the great Hollywood scandals of all time; the murder of Johnny Stompanato. Cheryl lived an amazing life under amazing situations and now lives quietly in a loving, stable relationship of love and respect. She writes a true Hollywood story, un! like anyone else could write.