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25th out of 115 books
—
78 voters
A Lotus Grows in the Mud
With her trademark effervescence, Goldie delivers a personal look at private and powerful events that carried her through life: her father’s spontaneity; her mother’s courage; and the joy of being a daughter, a sister, a parent, and a lover. She writes about her childhood dreams of becoming a ballerina. She takes us on a tour of her go-go years in 1960s New York City, the...more
Paperback, 464 pages
Published
February 28th 2006
by Berkley Trade
(first published January 1st 2005)
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Goldie is such a sweet hearted celebrity. This book is like reading a script about her life for a movie. She describes full details about all different life stories growing up (in order) to her adulthood life. She does not get in much details about her marriages or her different movies she was in. It is more about her life experiences and her thought of what she felt was right. She started out being a dancer and then acting came natural for her by accident doing a Romeo and Julliet play in colle...more
I really enjoyed this delightful and touching autobiography! Goldie Hawn did a lovely job of displaying the stories of her life in a spirited and truly sincere manner. I found the part in the hospital when she was willing her baby son to live with the touch of her hand especially moving. The way she (with great credit to her mother) viewed and dealt with a brief occurrence of sexual abuse by a stranger in her childhood was surprising and I thought their delicate and overcoming response to the si...more
Goldie's autobiography is effervescent and optimistic as the woman herself seems to be. She crafted the book as a sort of hybrid between memoir and self-help book, offering tidbits of her own spiritual journey and philosophies - mostly centering on deciding to be happy and grateful and in the moment. She is funny, self-deprecating, grateful, loving, and positive. it's the first Hollywood memoir that I've read that doesn't bad-mouth anyone, not her two ex-husbands or people that she didn't work w...more
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Most of this book is not well written. Goldie had a writer she worked with & it's a shame that it wasn't someone better. That said, there are endearing parts to this book. I'm glad I read it. In parts it was a fun glimpse into how this "star was born". What I liked about it was her attempt within the text to give back to the reader with valuable life lessons. The underlying message was 'being happy'is the most important thing we can do. You could really tell she wanted her book to be more th...more
Not sure how I forgot to add this to my currently reading list, but I finished listening to it today and I have to admit I love Goldie Hawn-she is my guilty pleasure of an actress if you will. She has a great voice and although at times I was embarrassed to think she was trying a little too hard to sound like Maya Angelou in her "Letters to my Daughter", I still thoroughly enjoyed her memoir. I even got a little teary eyed when she described herself as the only little girl in the lowest reading...more
Goldie seems sweet but loopy. I read Jane Fonda's book (which was published around the same time) and loved it...I guess I was expecting a similar caliber of writing/story telling from Goldie and that just didn't happen. It's a light read and not terrible. She just comes off oddly preach-y in a lot of it.
This is one of the few biographies I have read, as I generally am not interested in learning about the lives of celebrities (I know that it isn’t just celebrities who write autobiographies, but you know what I mean), however after my mum’s recommendation, I was excited about reading Goldie’s. I have always got the impression from seeing her in interviews that she has this kind of glow about her, and as weird as this sounds that actually could also be said about the book. Her writing style is not...more
Goldie writes with compassion and wit. She reccounts the milestones in her life then reflects on what she learnt enabling us to share her wisdoms. The chapters are divided into elements of what Goldie holds of importance; such as the mother/daughter relationship, the spiritual, self discovery and childhood.
There is not so much recollection about the individual films she has made but moreso her personal journey not as actress but as woman.
It took me a while to get into her style of writing as it...more
There is not so much recollection about the individual films she has made but moreso her personal journey not as actress but as woman.
It took me a while to get into her style of writing as it...more
fun, light read about one of American University's most famous alums [and honorary degree recipient a couple years ago]. It's not organized chronologically but more by what point she wants to make, usually of an upbeat go-for-it, believe-in-yourself, love-heals, parenting-is-complicated-but-joyous nature. Some poignant stories such as car accident that nearly killed one of her friends and complications in the delivery of her first child. A little Hollywood dirt, but not much, and even there she'...more
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I love kate hudson and i randomly saw her mom had a memoir so i thought cool, i've seen her in movies so i'll read this! i enjoyed the beginning, when she was a kid, a lot. her scattered personality as a kid seemed fun. also, i didn't realize she is as old as she is, older than my parents, and it was interesting how modern things seemed from her perspective as a child. but as the book went along, it just got more and more "inspirational" and kind of preachy. like some kind of eat, pray, love kin...more
Part of me can't believe I'm giving this book a 5, but on reflection I really enjoyed reading it so there you go. I was actually in tears several times while reading the book (and not because it was so bad). I'm not a big Goldie Hawn fan - I enjoyed Foul Play & Private Benjamin but I haven't seen most of her movies. I do, however, love reading autobiographies & biographies, especially of people in the arts, so I thought she might have some good stories to tell.
This memoir is not like mos...more
This memoir is not like mos...more
(A conversation with my 13 year old brother, which I am entering as a review for posterity's sake.)
Brother (who has been examining the book): I'm sorry, but this is just a horrible name for a book.
Me: What?!?
Brother: "A Lotus Grows in the Mud"? Why would anyone name their book that?
Me: It's not that weird! Look, a lotus is a beautiful flower and it can only grow in the mud - that's why the book is called that.
Brother: Oh. *pause* Actually, I was confusing the word lotus with the word locust...
Brother (who has been examining the book): I'm sorry, but this is just a horrible name for a book.
Me: What?!?
Brother: "A Lotus Grows in the Mud"? Why would anyone name their book that?
Me: It's not that weird! Look, a lotus is a beautiful flower and it can only grow in the mud - that's why the book is called that.
Brother: Oh. *pause* Actually, I was confusing the word lotus with the word locust...
I think this was an excellent autobiography of Goldie's life.It was more than just a biogrpahy,it was very inspirational as well. A lot of times I found myself reading more about her spiritual life than I did about her movies and acting. I think she could have told a little bit more about that, especially about her days on Laugh-In, but she did tell a lot of info on how she got started and how she was a dancer in her early years. She also tells a little bit about certain movies.
I like how she t...more
I like how she t...more
Yeah, I'm on a biography kick. I really enjoyed this autobiography by Goldie Hawn. I have seen very little of her stuff, but she seemed to be a quirky kind of gal. She had such an interesting life, and I loved that her book was kind of snapshots arranged by category rather than a chronological litany of details. She had some weird spiritual things to say, but she had some REALLY awesome things to say about how women should treat men (wives/husbands, specifically)...and how women have such a powe...more
My mom sent this book to me as a Christmas gift. The pages are pastel and have cute lil scribblings throughout the chapters. I remember all the Goldie Hawn movies of the eighties. I even remember going to see Overboard with my best friend Mandy at the local theater and my mom loved that 'Bird on Wire' because she always had a thing for pre-drunken Mel Gibson. So, I was pleasantly surprised upon reading about Goldie that she really was a rather well rounded performer: dancer, actor, singer, and c...more
I enjoyed this book. Some have criticized the writing, which is but clear and tasteful and doesn't call attention to itself. It is a contemplative glance back upon the moments of her life that have led her to this point in time. She celebrates and reflects on the trials and joys of her childhood, her turbulent life in show business, her personal challenges, and the loves of her life, all as experiences to cherish. The inevitable falls were opportunities for growth and are gratefully recalled. Th...more
Jul 07, 2009
Katy Major
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
those who want to learn more about Goldie Hawn
What a refreshing memoir! I love Goldie's light, insightful way of writing! I didn't know almost anything about Goldie Hawn before I read this memoir. You come away knowing quite a bit, from her relationship to her parents to her big break to her children to her charity work! She seems like a fascinating woman. I would love to meet her! The book is very light, easy reading, so this is perfect for a casual look at her life. I certainly give Goldie props for such a great memoir!
Known as the ditzy blond with an infectious giggle,Goldie is deeper than she plays. She has searched the world over for peace of mind from world religions and coming to rest, it seems, on Buddhism. It wasn't quite as in depth as I'd hoped; I like more behind-the-scenes about movie sets and TV. She unveils her thoughts and ideas and shows that she is a very smart, likable, generous person. It is worth the read, in my opinion.
Great insights into the life and mind of Goldie Hawn, the adorably brainy one. Goldie gives glimpses of what it is like to be in her shoes and it is a great ride. You feel like you are listening to your best friend. This seems to be a "full disclosure" book and I enjoyed every minute of it. Goldie has always come across as being genuine which is part of her charm, this book does not disappoint. I didn't want this book to end so I read it very slowly savoring a chapter each night. I wish she woul...more
Really enjoyed this one - I like that it wasn't a one movie after another experience of Goldie's career. Her 60's heritage certainly shines through the way it's written and whilst at time it's can become a little tiresome with the 'hippy' deepness, it also gave me something to think about, some beautiful quotes to apply to life and a greater appreciation for this woman.
Not your average Auto-B but that's why I enjoyed it.
Not your average Auto-B but that's why I enjoyed it.
Growing up in the 60's with Laugh In and Goldie made this book attracting to me. I liked her approach in writing this autobiography, compared to the norm of just retelling a person's life. Here Goldie takes events, people and times of her life and shares the lessons she learned and the wisdom she has gained. She writes intimately about the challenges of love, anger and fear and what we can all learn from these experiences.
I'm not generally a fan of the scattered memoir technique but it worked beautifully for this book. Reading between the lines offers some fascinating insight into Goldie Hawn's personality and what she's overcome. Her consistent optimism and infectious laughter gloss over what could have been severe trauma. The style only enhanced the glorification of the whimsical.
All in all, it was a great light read.
All in all, it was a great light read.
This was a lot of fun to listen to.
I'm a big Goldie Hawn fan. Have been ever since I was a very little girl and watched Overboard. I don't believe she's ever been in anything I didn't like. So I was very excited to read this book.
Goldie Hawn's voice is truly lovely to listen to. Reading her own life story, it's even nicer. You can tell when she feels love for the subject she's talking about, such as her children, or Kurt Russell. Even when she describes harder stories, such as the childhood mole...more
I'm a big Goldie Hawn fan. Have been ever since I was a very little girl and watched Overboard. I don't believe she's ever been in anything I didn't like. So I was very excited to read this book.
Goldie Hawn's voice is truly lovely to listen to. Reading her own life story, it's even nicer. You can tell when she feels love for the subject she's talking about, such as her children, or Kurt Russell. Even when she describes harder stories, such as the childhood mole...more
I picked this book up because my mom has always been in love with Goldie Hawn and I decided it would give us something to talk about.
Really the book reminds me of one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. There are sections...little snippets from Goldie's life that are written on a theme. Oxygen, grief, prayer, fathers and daughters, death, among others. Some of the sections were delightful and read quickly. Occasionally a section would drag a bit and I would find myself not as fully enthused...more
Really the book reminds me of one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. There are sections...little snippets from Goldie's life that are written on a theme. Oxygen, grief, prayer, fathers and daughters, death, among others. Some of the sections were delightful and read quickly. Occasionally a section would drag a bit and I would find myself not as fully enthused...more
A nice positive look into Goldie's life. She honestly shares her joys and hurts but always comes away having learned something. As in life the lotus does grow in and in spite of the mud. She tells of her relationships with diferent people and how they have influenced her life. She seems to be a very loving, loyal friend. She talks alot about mothers and daughters especially her wonderful relationship with her mother and her daughter. Good read.
I really enjoyed this autobiography about Goldie Hawn. I found her life to be very interesting. Of course, she's experienced her share of ups and downs in her lifetime. I'm glad that she's found true love and happiness with her partner, Kurt Russell. Some people wait their entire lives to find love like they have. Good for them and their family!
This book was a pleasant surprise. Not only is it a well written biography, it is also a bit of a spiritual journey. I wish she would have written a bit more about her two husbands, but I guess she was, perhaps, respecting their privacy. She has a great attitude about her life, good and bad, and shares a great deal about her life lessons. Very enjoyable book.
As a fan of Goldie I was curious to read her memoir. Born shortly after her mother's Tante Goldie died, she was given the cherished name - Goldie.
As a child, Goldie was the child in school that was always left out of everything. She was singled out for quite a bit of merciless teasing. She learned, early on, to use laughter as her means of coping. All Goldie ever wanted to do was dance. But having been "discovered" as a versatile actress she made the most of it and became very successful,though...more
As a child, Goldie was the child in school that was always left out of everything. She was singled out for quite a bit of merciless teasing. She learned, early on, to use laughter as her means of coping. All Goldie ever wanted to do was dance. But having been "discovered" as a versatile actress she made the most of it and became very successful,though...more
Got this from my mom who got it from a friend who likes audiobooks. I read it just because I have it, though I probably wouldn't have picked it up if it hadn't been given to me. It was very preachy and I felt like I was listening to a self-help book. Goldie is kind of a hippie. It had some interesting parts, but I definitely could have done without it.
Wow, this lady has lead an amazing life. I have always thought most celebrities shallow and have had no regard for them as decent people for the most part. Well, this shed some light into what a humble, intelligent, and spiritual person she is and her views on life, people, and the things she went through. A very good book!
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Goldie Jean Hawn is an American Academy Award-winning actress, director and producer. She is best known for starring in popular film comedies of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
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“if we cultivate compassion for those who have hurt us, we have the possibility of overcoming our anger,pain, and fear. compassion is a great medicine.”
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