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I Had a Ball: My Friendship with Lucille Ball Revised Edition
Knowing how much Mom liked Michael Stern, I knew his book would be honestand it is. I Had a Ball is full of stories no one but Michael would know. His friendship with Mom is evident on every page. A good read. Thank you, Michael (Desi Arnaz Jr.).
Michaels memories are my memories, only clearer. What a talent for details! It was very moving for me to relive so much of our lives through Michaels eyes. Very entertaining. Charming. And, more importantly, true. As Mom wrote on one of her photos to him, Happy Thoughts (Lucie Arnaz).
I am a big fan of Michael Stern. Yes, I know, hes the fan of all fans, and as a writer, hes opened his special door and shared real time with Lucille Ball. But Michael is beyond fan-hood. He is a doer, a volunteer, and I know that from his over-forty-year relationship helping Actors and Others for Animals. Lucy and little Lucie started the ball (no pun intended) rolling at the very first fundraiser and stayed the course. And Michael continues to respect Lucys passion. His love for Lucy is legendary. And his value for all players is evident in his actions. Thank you, Michael, for making us all feel so good (Jackie Joseph).
I have known Michael since he was a teenager. He was such a fan of Lucy and always appeared at filming of her shows or other events Lucy attended. One time, Lucys mom, DeDe, took him backstage to meet Lucy in person. Lucy told him if he wanted to be her number one fan, he would have to stay in school and get a job. Lucy loved her fans, and they were important to her. Lucy did indeed call Michael her number one fan. He has been my very good friend, and he still is a very nice young man. His book has brought back many happy memories. He knew the Lucy we all loved (Wanda Clark secretary of Lucille Ball).
In 1971, ten-year-old Michael Stern thought he had died and gone to heaven as he watched a filming of Heres Lucy. He was enthralled with a redhead gifted with beauty, stage presence, and the ability to make others laugh. Over the next few years, he would attend several more filmings, meet Lucy, and eventually become (in Lucys own words) her number one fan.
In his memoir, Michael Stern offers a refreshing glimpse into the life of a natural comedienne and actress as he provides a fascinating narrative on what it was like to become first a fan and then a friend with one of the biggest television personalities of all time. Known to fans simply as Lucy, she entertained millions of people across the world with shows like I Love Lucy, The Lucy Show, and Heres Lucy. But to Michael, who was eventually allowed access into her private world, she was a fascinating woman with whom he would share many unforgettable adventures.
I Had a Ball is a unique tribute to Lucys legacy, her spirit, her talent, and her enthusiasm for lifesure to entertain Lucy fans, television aficionados, and comedy lovers around the world.
Michaels memories are my memories, only clearer. What a talent for details! It was very moving for me to relive so much of our lives through Michaels eyes. Very entertaining. Charming. And, more importantly, true. As Mom wrote on one of her photos to him, Happy Thoughts (Lucie Arnaz).
I am a big fan of Michael Stern. Yes, I know, hes the fan of all fans, and as a writer, hes opened his special door and shared real time with Lucille Ball. But Michael is beyond fan-hood. He is a doer, a volunteer, and I know that from his over-forty-year relationship helping Actors and Others for Animals. Lucy and little Lucie started the ball (no pun intended) rolling at the very first fundraiser and stayed the course. And Michael continues to respect Lucys passion. His love for Lucy is legendary. And his value for all players is evident in his actions. Thank you, Michael, for making us all feel so good (Jackie Joseph).
I have known Michael since he was a teenager. He was such a fan of Lucy and always appeared at filming of her shows or other events Lucy attended. One time, Lucys mom, DeDe, took him backstage to meet Lucy in person. Lucy told him if he wanted to be her number one fan, he would have to stay in school and get a job. Lucy loved her fans, and they were important to her. Lucy did indeed call Michael her number one fan. He has been my very good friend, and he still is a very nice young man. His book has brought back many happy memories. He knew the Lucy we all loved (Wanda Clark secretary of Lucille Ball).
In 1971, ten-year-old Michael Stern thought he had died and gone to heaven as he watched a filming of Heres Lucy. He was enthralled with a redhead gifted with beauty, stage presence, and the ability to make others laugh. Over the next few years, he would attend several more filmings, meet Lucy, and eventually become (in Lucys own words) her number one fan.
In his memoir, Michael Stern offers a refreshing glimpse into the life of a natural comedienne and actress as he provides a fascinating narrative on what it was like to become first a fan and then a friend with one of the biggest television personalities of all time. Known to fans simply as Lucy, she entertained millions of people across the world with shows like I Love Lucy, The Lucy Show, and Heres Lucy. But to Michael, who was eventually allowed access into her private world, she was a fascinating woman with whom he would share many unforgettable adventures.
I Had a Ball is a unique tribute to Lucys legacy, her spirit, her talent, and her enthusiasm for lifesure to entertain Lucy fans, television aficionados, and comedy lovers around the world.
- GenresBiographyNonfiction
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2011
15 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 18, 2013
"I Had a Ball" is well written and was a joy to read. Michael Stern's chronicle of his extraordinary relationship with the Queen of Comedy reveals a very touching view into the life of Lucille Ball we could not have seen without Michael.
Lucy had come to my house before she made the movie, "Yours, Mine and Ours" which was based on my real-life family. I remember she was very business-like and even told my mother, "You keep that man away from me!"(referring to Frank Beardsley). To learn in Michael's book about Lucy's softer side and how devoted she was to her family was a real treat.
Every author wants his or her readers to ask the question, "What happens next?" I was asking myself that question with the turn of every page. I smiled as I picked up the book for another read, and it never left my face as long as I was reading. What a wonderful story!
Lucy had come to my house before she made the movie, "Yours, Mine and Ours" which was based on my real-life family. I remember she was very business-like and even told my mother, "You keep that man away from me!"(referring to Frank Beardsley). To learn in Michael's book about Lucy's softer side and how devoted she was to her family was a real treat.
Every author wants his or her readers to ask the question, "What happens next?" I was asking myself that question with the turn of every page. I smiled as I picked up the book for another read, and it never left my face as long as I was reading. What a wonderful story!
April 26, 2011
I've been a huge Lucille Ball fan from a very early age (a bit younger than Michael Stern was when he became a fan), and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who has ever laughed out loud at an I LOVE LUCY episode... which I think would probably be everyone! It's a beautiful portrait of the artist as a woman, showing what a truly kind and generous person she was off-screen-- a real class act.
December 18, 2012
This is a great book for fans of Lucille Ball. The friendship between Lucille and her number 1 fan, Michael Stern, enables us to get a glimps inside Lucy's personal life, and show us her wonderful human side. It also shows how almost anything is possible if you follow your dreams. This book is a real treat and a must for any Lucy fan!
the-discards-of-shame
January 17, 2018I made it half way in the book and I had to throw in the towel. I thought it would be an eye revealing book but it was too obsessed for my taste and the hero worship was over the top. I love to read about famous people but I do want a little more objectivity, there was way too much gushing over Lucille Ball.
July 20, 2011
Excellent book about his friendship with Lucille Ball.
June 7, 2014
I was only by chance that I stumbled across this book. During our California trip my wife and I did a Paramount Studios tour, and I saw an autographed copy of "I Had A Ball" in the gift shop. I knew that the studios we were visiting had once been RKO and also Desilu, so knew there was a Lucille Ball connection to the place, so I picked up the book.
What a good read! The author was a fan of Lucy from a young age, got a chance to meet her, became her number one fan, and ended up becoming Lucy's friend. I'm a big Lucy fan, still have my scrapbook on her, and would have loved to try to do what he actually accomplished - meeting the lady herself. At least I can be thankful that he wrote this book and shared his experiences. I can sort of pretend that I met her myself.
Every Lucy fan should read this - you will be glad you did!
What a good read! The author was a fan of Lucy from a young age, got a chance to meet her, became her number one fan, and ended up becoming Lucy's friend. I'm a big Lucy fan, still have my scrapbook on her, and would have loved to try to do what he actually accomplished - meeting the lady herself. At least I can be thankful that he wrote this book and shared his experiences. I can sort of pretend that I met her myself.
Every Lucy fan should read this - you will be glad you did!
July 19, 2023
Michael Z. Stern
I Had a Ball: My Friendship with Lucille Ball
This book is an absolute must-read for any true fan of Lucille Ball. Michael Stern, also known as Lucy's "Number one fan" has done an incredible job in providing details about every single meeting and event he had with Lucy. It is remarkable how a 10-year-old boy, who had the privilege of meeting his favorite idol in 1971, could eventually become one of her closest friends.
One of the many stories that Mike shared and stood out to me, was during his first employment at May Company in the linen department, when Lucy made a conscious effort to purchase and support him from the specific location where he was working, despite having another store of the same company conveniently located near her home. She also went a step further by expressing her admiration for Mike's work ethic and performance to his manager. This incident reminded me of an episode from the “Here's Lucy Show" titled "Lucy's Working Daughter." As the story progresses, I engrossed Mike's personal growth and dedication to Lucy. Through his words, I was able to experience the joy, excitement, and even the occasional heartache that comes with being a devoted fan.
"I Had a Ball" is an extraordinary book that offers a unique refreshing perspective on Lucy's character, showcasing her sweet nature, honesty, and humility through her genuine interactions with her fan/friend Mike.
I Had a Ball: My Friendship with Lucille Ball
This book is an absolute must-read for any true fan of Lucille Ball. Michael Stern, also known as Lucy's "Number one fan" has done an incredible job in providing details about every single meeting and event he had with Lucy. It is remarkable how a 10-year-old boy, who had the privilege of meeting his favorite idol in 1971, could eventually become one of her closest friends.
One of the many stories that Mike shared and stood out to me, was during his first employment at May Company in the linen department, when Lucy made a conscious effort to purchase and support him from the specific location where he was working, despite having another store of the same company conveniently located near her home. She also went a step further by expressing her admiration for Mike's work ethic and performance to his manager. This incident reminded me of an episode from the “Here's Lucy Show" titled "Lucy's Working Daughter." As the story progresses, I engrossed Mike's personal growth and dedication to Lucy. Through his words, I was able to experience the joy, excitement, and even the occasional heartache that comes with being a devoted fan.
"I Had a Ball" is an extraordinary book that offers a unique refreshing perspective on Lucy's character, showcasing her sweet nature, honesty, and humility through her genuine interactions with her fan/friend Mike.
December 29, 2019
This book is really only for the most dedicated Lucy fans. It is wonderful to read stories about Lucy that have been told over and over elsewhere. However, it really could have used an editor, or a better editor - with grammatical errors and superfluous information. The reader really does not need to know all the other stars who attended events with Lucy and who he got autographs from. The chapter on Florence Henderson is entirely unnecessary. That said, it is a quick read that gives insight into who Lucy was as a person, particularly in relation to a young friend.
July 9, 2017
Must Read
This book was very interesting, funny and touching a must read for any Lucy fan! I Love Love Love Lucy !
This book was very interesting, funny and touching a must read for any Lucy fan! I Love Love Love Lucy !
January 6, 2020
Very sweet book.
February 21, 2020
I was never a Lucy fan until now. Michael gave such a great insight to Lucy’s world. Anyone who is a fan of Lucille Ball needs to read this book!
February 22, 2020
Met Michael at the Dr. Phil Show and heard about his book. I ordered it and couldn't put it down. Read it on one day and loved it!
September 7, 2023
I thought I was going to love this book. I love Lucy (lol) quite a bit and I thought I would really enjoy reading about this guy's experiences as Lucy's friend. While I did enjoy some of the stories, the writing style here was...I don't know what to call it...immature maybe? It read like a kid trying to impress you with all of the cool things he's done.
November 22, 2021
Love reading the history of Lucille Ball.
January 20, 2012
I love Lucy as much as anyone who enjoys her work, but this book is way over the top. Michael Stern says he is Lucy's "number one fan"; I say he is a fanatic. There's a fine line between fan and stalker, and he crosses it. He gushes about his friendship with Lucy and other celebrities. I suspect many of those people saw events differently then he did. A young boy (and later young man) should have more of a life than Michael seems to have. He mentions every collectible Lucy item he has, drops the name of every celebrity he meets or sees, and recalls every conversation he ever had with Lucy. I think he's creepy.
August 26, 2011
It sounded weird to me that a high school student would become close friends with Lucy late in her life - but that's what happened. This kid was totally obsessed with Lucy and managed to leverage that to meet her and win her over. This was a great story with an interesting perspective on Lucy's life - I enjoyed learning about her later years. I think you do have to be a Lucy fan to enjoy though...
January 21, 2016
Read this to be biography for the Read Harder Challenge, but I am not going to count it -- will get a REAL biography. Really more of a memoir of author's relationship with Lucy and what there was about her mostly about his relationship with her. I got really tired (and irritated) when I would read lists of stars he met and got autographs from. Some chapters barely mentioned Lucy at all. wanted to know more about Lucy -- her childhood, her early career -- and that was not this.
March 30, 2012
The author doesn't come across as a friend or fan, he comes across as a gushing fanboy. I've never seen such profligate use of over the top adjectives: "blazing talent" gets used so often it becomes sad. This is the story of how a boy became a pet, and how a great actress tolerated it. These aren't stories about Lucy, they're stories about the author's hanging-on.
January 24, 2014
Fascinating and personal. I loved reading it
March 13, 2022
Micheal sterns life revolves around bragging about celebrities he’s met. This book was more of that than learning anything about Lucy
August 12, 2015
I Still Love Lucy
I would recommend this book to every Lucy fan. She really loved her fans and treated them like people!! She was very down to earth, a real person!!
I would recommend this book to every Lucy fan. She really loved her fans and treated them like people!! She was very down to earth, a real person!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews