Dean & Me (4)

DEAN & ME by Jerry Lewis

I’m still waiting for my new library picks to come in, so we’re still reading out of my personal collection. I warned you I might read something Dean Martin or Rat Pack-related again next. Well, my threat was real. You are gonna love it. 

RATING SYSTEM

 

1 – I did not like the book at all.

2 – It was decent, but I would not recommend it.

3 – It was an enjoyable read. Recommendation could go either way.
4 – It was a very good book. I would recommend it.
5 – It was an excellent book! Must read!!
6 – A new personal favorite – new top ten spot. Must read!

BOOK RATING

I give this book a 4.

“DEAN & ME” SYNOPSIS

This is a book written by Jerry Lewis about his ten-year, comedic partnership with Dean Martin.

From their very humble beginnings, nearly broke, just happening to meet on the streets of Manhattan, to their rise to fame as one of the biggest stage acts in America, to their break up and how they moved on with their lives.

Filled with heart and heartache; truth and humor. I would definitely recommend this book.

STATS

Pages:                         328

Published Year:        2005     
Personal Rating:       4 (of 6)
Type:                           Hard Cover, Personal Collection, Top Ten
Genre:                         Non-Fiction, Biography, Entertainment

THOUGHTS

I love this book and it’s in my Top Ten.

People younger than forty or perhaps even fifty probably do not even remember Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis as a partner act, but indeed they were one of the most successful comedic duos of all time.

Jerry writes with such love for his former partner. He is also honest about his rise to fame, how his ego got in the way, his addiction to pain killers, etc.

I feel like this book is such a must-read. It really gives you a feel for the times – they started out in the mid-1940’s. The book is both hilarious and touching.

Interesting note: Dean & Jerry just happened to meet through a mutual friend on the corner of 54^th & Broadway (three blocks from where I work). They also just happened to be booked (separately) at the Havana Night Club on 51^st & Broadway, which is now the Iridium Jazz Club, which is also the basement to my restaurant! At the Havana Night Club is where they first began joking around together one late night during a 2am show, to which only six people attended. That joking around became an act that caught on like wildfire and the rest is history.

PERSONAL

This new library is only letting me request five books at a time for the first month, so it’s taking forever for the books to come in. After the 30 days are up, I can request as many as fifty books at a time and then they’ll really start rollin’ in. I’m giving you winners though. Keep reading!

TOP TEN (AS PROMISED)

 
I’m not sure if they are in exactly correct order, but close.
 
1.   Gone With The Wind        /        Margaret Mitchell
2.    Once Is Not Enough        /        Jacqueline Susann
3.    Valley of the Dolls            /        Jacqueline Susann
4.    A Fine Balance                 /        Rohinton Mistry
5.    She’s Come Undone       /        Wally Lamb
6.    Dean & Me                       /        Jerry Lewis
7.    Gone Girl                          /        Gillian Flynn
8.    Chasing Daylight            /         Eugene O’Kelly
9.    My Decent Into Death   /         Howard Storm
10.  The Help                          /         Kathryn Stocket

EXTRAS

1.    Forgotten Garden               /        Kate Morton
2.    The Space Between Us      /        Thrity Umbrigar
3.    Before I Go To Sleep         /         SJ Watson
4.    Gasping For Air                 /         Jay Mohr
5.    Hope: A Tragedy               /         Shalom Auslander
6.    Tuesdays With Morrie     /         Mitch Albom
7.    Something Borrowed       /         Emily Giffin
8.    Save Karyn                        /         Karyn Bosnak
9.    Water for Elephants       /         Sara Gruen
10.  His Way                            /         Kitty Kelley