A Book

Apr 22, 2012 Jane rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've been a Desi Arnaz/Lucille Ball/I Love Lucy fan since I was young and I always wanted to read Desi's book. I always saw that it was out of print or unavailable so I finally found it online and eagerly bought it - it did not disappoint. I loved how it was written, in his own style and his own words. It was funny, honest, sad, and educational all at once - very genuine and very honest. My only complaint is that it didn't cover more of his later life. But I guess that's what "Another Book" was...more

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Apr 26, 2013 Megan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: autobiography

Back-Story: I read it for the same reason everyone reads an autobiography. I was curious. I've always been a fan of "I Love Lucy" and I've always been more curious about who Desi Arnaz was. I decided I wanted to read both of his and Lucille Ball's biographies and decided to read his first because he's always interested me more.

I personally was able to rent this through Open Library but you do need Adobe Digital Editions in order to read it if you choose that method. The Open Library book was a...more Back-Story: I read it for the same reason everyone reads an autobiography. I was curious. I've always been a fan of "I Love Lucy" and I've always been more curious about who Desi Arnaz was. I decided I wanted to read both of his and Lucille Ball's biographies and decided to read his first because he's always interested me more.

I personally was able to rent this through Open Library but you do need Adobe Digital Editions in order to read it if you choose that method. The Open Library book was a scan of the paperback version from cover to cover. It is discolored but is easily legible.

Review:

Looks- I like both versions of it. I mean, it's Desi Arnaz. What other thing are you going to put on a cover of his book but him?

Content- I was unclear whether this was actually written by a ghost writer or not but towards the end I believe he says that it is. That he recorded everything in his own words and then someone actually wrote it for him.

Regardless, this book is an easy, interesting read. He starts right from his birth and spends quite a bit of time speaking of his home back in Cuba. I learnt a lot of interesting facts about his early life such as that his family was of wealth there in Cuba and finally had to flee for their lives. I like that the book details exactly what he had to go through and how he managed to climb to the fame of "I Love Lucy." Not only does he talk about what happened in his life but he also talked about the behind the scenes of his business running in Desilu and all the obstacles that he overcame in the filming of "I Love Lucy" from the complications of actually filming to the editing and so much more. Not much of the book is actually focused on his time during "I Love Lucy" which I personally didn't mind because I can see it right there on my televison screen. I definitely think that Arnaz was honest throughout the book and didn't try to sugarcoat anything. If anything, this book confirmed for me that his and Ball's relationship was something unique and is tragic that it ended the way it did. I'm a true romantic and when two people love each other and can't be together, it kills me. I feel like the last sentence of the book says it all.

Likes: Easy, interesting read. No useless rambling. Details from life to when Lucy and him parted ways. Pictures included.

Dislikes: Language.

Overall:
Recommend? Yes to anyone who really wants to see the man who was perhaps one of the best business minds we will ever see and the man who loved the redhead that we all love. (less)

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Jul 27, 2011 Ronald Wise rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Desi's story of childhood and youth were very interesting, as my previous knowledge of him was all from his days with I Love Lucy and later. I also found interesting the cutting-edge role he played in the development of television recording technology, as well as the number of television series started by Desilu Productions. He doesn't mince words when describing his personal memories, and at times seemed to be wanting to shock his readers. His take on the Cuban situation was refreshingly neutra...more

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Aug 12, 2012 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars

I normally do not like the early part of anyone’s life. Not so with Desi! His life was fascinating. His charm, luck, wit, brains accomplished so much. The deals he made, how he took advantage of any situation and always came out on top! He seemed to be polite and courteous and always respectful to top brass and always honest. The respect was returned.

He was honest about the philandering…which as he said was accepted in Cuba. He did not go into other relationships in thee book. Nor was it needed,...more

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Mar 22, 2013 02Jazlyn S. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Men and Women of the Jury I find that “A Book” by Desi Arnaz is a detailed biography of the hard life of a rising star about Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha and “Ricky Ricardo” this bio was meant for young adults or just anybody who really love Mr. Arnaz he speaks in his own voice and sometimes his native language about the life he led as a young boy in Havana Cuba to the revolution that broke out that sent him and his father to the United states to become broken tile salesman, taxi cab driver...more Men and Women of the Jury I find that “A Book” by Desi Arnaz is a detailed biography of the hard life of a rising star about Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha and “Ricky Ricardo” this bio was meant for young adults or just anybody who really love Mr. Arnaz he speaks in his own voice and sometimes his native language about the life he led as a young boy in Havana Cuba to the revolution that broke out that sent him and his father to the United states to become broken tile salesman, taxi cab driver, bird cage cleaner, a graduate and to become one of the best bandleaders and actor of all time. Although this book presents some profanity it is sometimes hard to view the people and the places as he did although his words are excellent at describing them it sets back to dates and people and places that is no longer around.

This book portrays excellent emotion and voice of Mr. Arnaz’s emotions during his life from the time he left Cuba and to becoming Mr. Ricky Ricardo on one of the most beloved television shows “I love Lucy.” The Book starts off with Desi talking about how he went to riches to rags during 30’s it continues on through how he became “known” in the bandleader business which led him to his first play called “Too many girls.” Its copyrights were then bought and he was the new hotshot Latin in Hollywood.

Mr. Arnaz wanted to belong in America he was a great bandleader and actor, but with his heavy accent he was limited roles and so he took his small band and toured the country. Lucille Ball and Desi both wanted to work together as a team. So they put an act together and toured the country so to prove they were worthy of them both being able to be a husband and wife team. To show the people that a Cuban can be married to a red headed American girl and it works. So Desi and his wife created “I love Lucy.” Little did they know it was going to be the biggest leap in all of history.

During the process of gathering all the laws, film, crew, cast and the making of new lighting and one of the biggest advantage in moving making Desi created the three camera technique that film makers and TV producers use to this day and all of this Desi was just going with the feeling in his gut and making it all up as he went along during this long and thoughtful process Mrs. Arnaz or mostly commonly called Lucille ball “Queen of the B’s” gave birth to their first baby Lucie Arnaz. Shortly after the birth of their child Lucy and Desi, Vivian Vance, Bill Frawley began the Greatest, funniest TV series that was to last for nine years. Another event to happen was the first “pregnancy” to ever be shown on television Desi and Lucille gave birth to a boy named Desi Arnaz. Jr. that same day Mrs. Lucy Ricardo gave birth to her baby Ricky Ricardo jr.

Mr. Arnaz led a fulfilled life he died on December 2nd at midnight from Lung Cancer. I find this book to be filled with memories of the past. "Everything that happens in life is natural and has a good reason." “Freckles”
(less)

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Jan 07, 2013 Jazlyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Men and Women of the Jury I find that “A Book” by Desi Arnaz is a detailed biography of the hard life of a rising star about Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha and “Ricky Ricardo” this bio was meant for young adults or just anybody who really love Mr. Arnaz he speaks in his own voice and sometimes his native language about the life he led as a young boy in Havana Cuba to the revolution that broke out that sent him and his father to the United states to become broken tile salesman, taxi cab driver...more Men and Women of the Jury I find that “A Book” by Desi Arnaz is a detailed biography of the hard life of a rising star about Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha and “Ricky Ricardo” this bio was meant for young adults or just anybody who really love Mr. Arnaz he speaks in his own voice and sometimes his native language about the life he led as a young boy in Havana Cuba to the revolution that broke out that sent him and his father to the United states to become broken tile salesman, taxi cab driver, bird cage cleaner, a graduate and to become one of the best bandleaders and actor of all time. Although this book presents some profanity it is sometimes hard to view the people and the places as he did although his words are excellent at describing them it sets back to dates and people and places that is no longer around.

This book portrays excellent emotion and voice of Mr. Arnaz’s emotions during his life from the time he left Cuba and to becoming Mr. Ricky Ricardo on one of the most beloved television shows “I love Lucy.” The Book starts off with Desi talking about how he went to riches to rags during 30’s it continues on through how he became “known” in the bandleader business which led him to his first play called “Too many girls.” Its copyrights were then bought and he was the new hotshot Latin in Hollywood.

Mr. Arnaz wanted to belong in America he was a great bandleader and actor, but with his heavy accent he was limited roles and so he took his small band and toured the country. Lucille Ball and Desi both wanted to work together as a team. So they put an act together and toured the country so to prove they were worthy of them both being able to be a husband and wife team. To show the people that a Cuban can be married to a red headed American girl and it works. So Desi and his wife created “I love Lucy.” Little did they know it was going to be the biggest leap in all of history.

During the process of gathering all the laws, film, crew, cast and the making of new lighting and one of the biggest advantage in moving making Desi created the three camera technique that film makers and TV producers use to this day and all of this Desi was just going with the feeling in his gut and making it all up as he went along during this long and thoughtful process Mrs. Arnaz or mostly commonly called Lucille ball “Queen of the B’s” gave birth to their first baby Lucie Arnaz. Shortly after the birth of their child Lucy and Desi, Vivian Vance, Bill Frawley began the Greatest, funniest TV series that was to last for nine years. Another event to happen was the first “pregnancy” to ever be shown on television Desi and Lucille gave birth to a boy named Desi Arnaz. Jr. that same day Mrs. Lucy Ricardo gave birth to her baby Ricky Ricardo jr.

Mr. Arnaz led a fulfilled life he died on December 2nd at midnight from Lung Cancer. I find this book to be filled with memories of the past. "Everything that happens in life is natural and has a good reason." “Freckles”
(less)

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Oct 11, 2012 Carol rated it 5 of 5 stars

A very heartfelt bio of Desi Arnaz. Easy to read and entertaining. Lots of Desi's history, going back to his days in Cuba and his night club performances in New York.

Reading this book is like listening to your grandfather tell the story of his life. He does not claim to know how to write, so he does have a ghost-writer, but the result is a success.

If you love Lucy, too, you should read this. He has only the nicest things to say about Lucille Ball. It's very touching, revealing and honest.

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Oct 17, 2012 Kayla rated it 5 of 5 stars

This autobiography is awesome. Desi's voice is clear in the narration, you feel as if you're actually listening to him tell his life story. Granted, you probably have to be a fan of his, or of "I Love Lucy" to actually read this book; but I guarantee that this is a very entertaining autobiography (if you're into biographies like I am). I've read this book probably 5 times.

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Jul 28, 2007 David rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction, autobiography, television

Want to know what is the main problem with autobiographies? Most people who write autobiographies were famous for doing something other than writing. As a result, they can make some of the most interesting or amusing stories seem as dry as dust. (A noteworthy exception to this is Ed McMahon's memoir of The Tonight Show. You must read it!) Desi Arnaz had many talents and he was teamed with one of the most gifted comediennes of all time, Lucille Ball. But he was no writer and he fails to do justic...more

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Apr 21, 2012 Stacey R rated it 3 of 5 stars

Interesting because he was a big part of my childhood popular culture, and now my 10 year old loves I Love Lucy. Found out a lot of interesting tidbits about his life.

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Mar 16, 2012 Krystelle Lorraine rated it 5 of 5 stars

One of my all-time favorite books. So genuine. So brutally honest. So much passion. A great autobiography of the man behind the red-head.

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Mar 30, 2008 Msgold rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book will be enjoyed by any fan of the I Love Lucy Show.The autobiography tells the fascinating story of American television's first Cuban-American star, Desi Arnaz. He offers his ideas and observations on the events he experienced in his life.

Desi talks about leaving Santiago de Cuba, moving to Miami, graduating high school there, doing different jobs, gaining success as a Cuban band leader, an actor in movies and television, his marriage to Lucille Ball, and life after the TV show.

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Nov 30, 2007 Graceann rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Memoir Fans

Shelves: memoir

Desi loved Lucy. He was not a faithful husband, and could not understand why she couldn't adapt to that, but he did love her. This story of his youth in Cuba, his climb through the ranks and his great love affair with Lucille Ball is well written, witty and thought provoking.

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Mar 26, 2008 Sandollar3 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Desi tells his autobiography in this book, starting with his birth in Cuba, their escape, and his tumultous marriage to Lucille Ball and the creation of "I Love Lucy", and well as many other successful TV shows.

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May 14, 2013 Fatimesiemsintinofski rated it 4 of 5 stars

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Mar 31, 2013 Jeanine rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: biographies-memoirs

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