Tuesday, June 29, 2010
[Book Review] THE LEGS ARE THE LAST TO GO by Diahann Carroll
Nonfiction/Memoir
Darletha Matthews reviews THE LEGS ARE THE LAST TO GO: AGING, ACTING, MARRYING, AND OTHER THINGS I LEARNED THE HARD WAY by Diahann Carroll (Amistad, 2008)For me, Diahann Carroll is Hollywood royalty. She is always poised and impeccably dressed during her public appearances. I've always admired her versatility as a television, stage, and movie actress. The gentle widowed mother from Julia transformed into the overworked single mother Claudine, who later became the beautifully vicious Dominique on Dynasty. I decided to read this book to learn more about the woman behind some of the most unforgettable female characters in entertainment history.
Diahann, now a mature woman past fifty, reflects on her experiences as a performer, wife, and mother. Revelations from her childhood reveal how she developed her sophisticated style and musical talent. Diahann shines light on the not-so-pretty side of show business, from her humble beginnings to her most recent roles. Things get quite interesting when she talks about her romantic relationships. Diahann comes to terms with the choices that ended her four marriages, including an affair with an Oscar-winning actor. Whether it's breast cancer, racism, or stubborn directors, Diahann speaks with the honest, unapologetic voice of a woman who has paid her dues.
It was a joy to laugh and learn about Diahann Carroll. Each chapter reads like an intimate conversation with a classy, fascinating friend. Brief chapters and great photographs makes this a great selection for fans of celebrities and their stories.
Darletha Matthews, South Branch
Labels: Memoir, Reviews by Darletha Matthews
