Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #944909 in Books
• Published on: 1990-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback

From Publishers Weekly
Romanowski ( Dreamgirl ) and Broadway producer Spector collaborate here with Presley spiritual adviser and hairdresser Geller to present the singer in a better light than he has been shown in previous books. Despite a pervasive self-serving tone, the book accomplishes that even though there is scandal aplenty: Presley's drug abuse, the perfidies of Col. Tom Parker and the excesses of the "Memphis Mafia." But the authors emphasize Presley's positive traits, his extraordinary generosity, his sensitivity and loyalty. We're also told that he was quite intelligent and surprisingly well-read. Much of the book focuses on the star's pursuit of spiritual understanding, and his and Geller's mutual exploration of esoteric philosophies. Presley fans will be gratified by the confirmation that the King was a fine fellow; detractors will discover little new fodder here. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
YA-- A biography of Elvis Presley which, the authors claim, was largely overseen by Presley himself. Geller, Presley's hairdresser, who describes himself as a confidant and spiritual advisor to the late singer, kept a diary that is the basis for this book. The biography is easily read, evenhanded, straightforward, unapologetic, and seemingly unbiased. The material is treated with care, thought, and cool reason. Elvis fans will find the book a curiosity, appealing in many ways. The people described are at once naive and licentious. There is a dedication to excellence in musical performance and hairdressing coupled with a chilling absence of discipline in almost any other aspect of living. Puritanical attitudes live side-by-side with sensual gratifications, including gluttony, greed, and lust. The incredible career of Elvis Presley will capture the interest of secondary students, for the legendary star was and continues to be a figure in American life. The book's most valuable asset may be the honesty with which the authors describe a bizarre way of life, destroyed by excessive quantities of money, ignorance, and foolishness.
- Dortha Dee Vaughan, Port Arthur I.S.D., TX
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

FINALLY A LOVING PERSON WHO ELVIS COULD TRUST
I FOUND THIS BOOK AT A YARD SALE FOR 25 CENTS. THIS WAS THE MOST WONDERFUL STORY ABOUT ELVIS. IT MADE ME SO SAD OF THE TRAGIC LIFE AND LOSS THAT ELVIS HAD IN HIS LIFE. HE WAS SURROUNDED BY "USERS". IN THIS BOOK LARRY GELLAR TALKS ABOUT THE BOOKS ELVIS ENJOYED READING, AND THE PEACE HE SEARCHED FOR. THANK YOU LARRY FOR SUCH A WONDERFUL BOOK ON A WONDERFUL HUMAN.

I Have Learned Most of What I Know...
Okay, I will admit, I am a teenager, but I can still tell a good book from a great book. And this is definately a great book in my opinion. I went to the library on a school project and I happened to pluck this one off the shelf. Once I started reading the first 13 pages, I was hooked. I never knew how emotional his life was, but the opening had me in tears.
I think that this book is a great starter or even an update for any devoted Elvis fan. It covers every where from his teen years, to his last breaths- from his everyday frustrations to his immediate concerns about his love life and his daughter.
I really was in love with the way Larry Gellar put in bits and pieces of conversations he had remembered and written down, and random quotes (from Elvis) that fit in with the messages he was trying to send you. After I had completed the biography for my school project, I honestly felt like I knew Elvis, not the image or random "everybody-knows-them" facts. I felt like I knew him, and I still do. Once you read this touching book, you've created a bond with Elvis you'll never get from someone who's never met him, but decided to write a book from their own research.
I was touched by this book, and I will be forever. I highly suggest this book to anyone who wants the feelings that I have described above. Believe me, those are just a few of them.

This book makes me cry
I have now read Larry Gellers book at least 25 times - and I love it. Mr. Gellers love for Elvis is so deep and honest. There are passages in this book that makes my heart bleed for Elvis and just makes me cry. It's good to know that Elvis had at least one person he could always trust and with whom he could share his religious thoughts which meant so much to him. I cant wait to read the new book on Elvis by Mr. Geller.