Don't Mind If I Do

This was a delightful book to read! I inherited my love of George Hamilton from my mother who was a young fan in the early 60's when I was born. While "All the Fine Young Cannibals" may be listed as one of the worst films, she loved it and I learned to love it and his other films. I was expecting a standard movie star autobiography and was pleasantly surprised. With his wit and candor, Hamilton tells of his dysfuctional childhood and does not blame it for everything that happened in his life. How refreshing! The tales of his family moving from pillar to post on the whims of his Auntie Mame-like mother are told as precious family stories, not dwelling on the pain or sadness. It takes a strong person to see humor in adversity. Hamilton has not led a "charmed" life by any means. One begins to like the man behind the persona as well as the persona itself. Hamilton's stories of being a movie star amuse and can shock, but are classy and never told in a "kiss and tell" fashion. The co-stars of the book are treated kindly and sometimes get more kindness than they deserve. Hopefully, Hamilton has another book in store for us. One gets the sense that there are so many more delightful stories left for the telling in his self-depreciating and witty style. Please, George, I want MORE!!!

If I wasn't exactly a fan of George Hamilton before, I definitely am now! The first chapter, relating his stint on Dancing with the Stars, was worth the price of the book, alone. I was laughing out loud. And I kept on laughing throughout the rest of this well-written story. What a great outlook on life and family he has, with no apologies to anyone. A thoroughly enjoyable read. And, I agree, the only downside was that it wasn't long enough. I could have gone on forever reading about his exploits and adventures!

It's just downright hard not to like George Hamilton. I've been a fan for years, and was anxious to read his book. It's very entertaining and I learned a lot more about him. Since I'd never read much about his childhood, I had thought he was probably raised in the Hamptons, or at least someplace rich. But I was surprised to learn that he was born in Blythville, Ark. and all through the book, he kept coming back to the fact that he was just a southern boy. I like that about him. He is proud of his southern heritage. His family was interesting, and it's easy to see where he got his talent. And he must know everyone in the world. Lots of stories about his encounters with other famous people. I enjoyed that. A very good and entertaining read.

This tasty and sophisticated fast paced book is surely a keeper! It's filled with lot of 'over the top' interesting peaks (a LOT kiss 'n tell?) and memories of George's unbelievable star-kissed life, sufferings and all. It's quite a lusty look into the life of someone blessed to 'do it his way'! You feel you're right there all along the way and the book opens up thought of the lives of others you've never dreamed of. Right on, George, WOO HOO!

What an enjoyable read! Unlike the all-too-typical angst-ridden star autobiography, George Hamilton (with collaborator William Stadiem) delivers the goods in the same breezy, self-effacing and irreverant tone that has kept his career afloat for nearly fifty years while most of his similarly pretty-faced contemporaries have long drifted out of public memory. Who cares if most people would be hard pressed to name three of his films? What a raconteur! Impossible to know if this is the real Hamilton but this frequently LOL page-turner expertly maintains the sly persona (sort of a cross between Cary Grant. . . and Seventies-era Burt Reynolds, but with class) he has honed over the years, pulling no punches (yep, there's plenty of dirt--his take on working with Lana Turner is hilarious) yet without ever coming across as mean-spirited. To avoid sounding like a shill reviewer from someone in the star's (or ghost writer's) camp, I will point out one major flaw: The book is too damn short! I want to go out to lunch with this guy and hear about the stuff he doesn't even bother to mention. Hell, I'll even spring for the tanning butter!