Gracie: A Love Story

Rating:
Summary: You'll laugh until you cry
Review: The first and last pages of this book will hit you really hard. In between, you'll laugh harder than you've ever laughed. I was 2 when Gracie died. I have no recollection of her, and hadn't seen/heard much that she did. My aunt loaned me her copy, and I read it. When I finished, I felt I lost someone dear to me. The story is told that well. It could not have been written any better. I now own it, and have read it five times! I recommend it to anyone and everyone.

Rating:
Summary: Nice Tape for a Trip
Review: The tape version of his book consists of Mr. Burns reminiscing about his wife Gracie. He does not read the text of the book, but hits all the main points in his own inimitable way. Well, three stars just because it's a good experience, refreshing to hear that there was once an America where a vaudeville comedy duo could travel together for a long period of time and not have sex together until they were married. The interpolated material from old radio broadcasts is welcome, but sometimes there are extensive musical excerpts that lead nowhere. Such filler I can live without. This tape has been around for awhile so you may want to get it while you can.

Rating:
Summary: funny and touching
Review: This book singlehandedly turned a 13 hour plane flight into a pleasant 5 minute jaunt. For that, I will always be greatful.
The books is the story of their life told through a massive collection of jokes that just never stop coming. You don't get an intimate portrait of Gracie and sometimes it is hard to tell when he is "puffing on the cigar" or not. But you do get a VERY funny and interesting look at the life of two celebrities and most importantly you get a candid and touching glimpse into George's love of Gracie. I can't believe he carried such a flame over 20 years after her death. We all should be so lucky to be so much in love.

Rating:
Summary: George and Gracie
Review: This is a wonderful book. Many autobiographies can lean toward the dull side, but I zipped through this one... and had a good hardy laugh on almost every page. George Burns tells the story of Gracie (his wife and side-kick) with humor and sincerity, with his devotion beaming from the pages. The book is also an intriguing history of vaudeville and Hollywood life as seen from his eyes. All sorts of characters make an appearance in this telling of his experiences -- such as Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, the Marx Brothers, Jack Benny, Cary Grant and many others. Also, if you are a lover of entertainment trivia, this is full of information that you can amaze your friends with. :)