Rating: 
Summary: Poignant rendition of a human being
Review: The author captures the triumphs and failures of one of the greatest actresses of all time, which include her human frailities.
Although I wouldn't nominate Loretta Young for 'Mother of the Year', she did the best she could as a mother under the circumstances. I did feel empathy for her children, especially Judy, for they, like all children, needed their mother who was absent a good part of their lives.
Loretta, however, had such a compassion for all mankind, even to the point of visiting lepers. She also had faith in God and followed His teachings -- "Whatever you do to the least of My brethren, that you do unto me."
Joan Wester Anderson was the perfect author for this easy to read and understand biography. I loved it!
Rating: 
Summary: The Gospel According to Loretta
Review: This book is written through Ms. Young's eyes and appears to be her somewhat romanticized and (more importantly)spiritualized take on life. She tends to gloss over the tawdry or questionable aspects while dwelling on the spiritual aspects. Having read her daughter Judy's book, I can clearly see that there was a lot of moral conflict in her mind and this book was clearly a good way to absolve herself of most of the negatives in her life. That said, the book is an o.k. read once you begin to differentiate the truth from the romantic fiction.
Rating: 
Summary: More Faith Than Hollywood
Review: This book was given to me as a gift, so I guess I can't complain too much. My wife knows how much I enjoy reading Hollywood biographies, especially the early stars, so naturally she assumed I would like this one. In truth, I found myself skipping large sections of the book. This really isn't about Hollywood or Ms. Young's stellar career. Instead, it's a feel-good spiritual tome, clearly the story Ms. Young WANTS you to know. The problem is with her choice of biographer. Ms. Anderson seems a competent writer, but as she admits, this was her first biography project and she just doesn't have the critical eye. For her to make the assertion that Loretta Young, and not Katherine Hepburn, was the true love of Spencer Tracy's life is simply beyond belief.If you're a person of deep religious faith, buy this book. If not, skip it. Other than the Clark Gable angle, there's not much here.
Rating: 
Summary: Somewhat sugar coated- but rewarding reading
Review: Very revealing in some aspects of the life of my favorite star. This book was difficult to read in that it jumped from one aspect of her life to another with little cohesion. The one major fault I found in this book is that Loretta Young was undoubtably the most photographed star in Hollywood and the book contained very few photos in proportion to my expectations. The fact that Loretta Young managed to keep private from her fans the true circumstances of Judy's birth without being revealed by those involved in the cover-up and subsequent adoption is surely something that could never happen in today's society. She seemed in some respects too good to be true, but after seeing her son Peter on Larry King some time back and the printed view of others who came in contact with her, both famous and non, this truly seemed to be a wondefull human being, secure in her faith, strong in her convictions and accepting of others less secure with themselves. Her strong sense of family was also heartwarming regarding her reconciliation with her daughter after the publication of Judy's book. Loretta Young was truly an example of class and elegance and the kind of women all of us middle-aged women can aspire to be like.
Rating:
Summary: This is GODIVA Chocolate for the Soul!
Review: When Loretta Young went shopping for an author to pen her life story, she wisely chose one who delivered angels and miracles to the New York Times bestseller list. Once again, Joan Wester Anderson researches her subject with a journalist's eye for accuracy, and writes in her signature storyteller's fluid style. Her replay of the life of Loretta "Gretch" Young is a page-turning saga, from the star's refusal to compromise her Catholic values even when movie studio "suits" make good on their career-terminating threats,to her break-up with Spencer Tracy, her struggle to raise her daughter by Clark Gable, and her fierce fidelity to her mother and sisters. Anyone who has a craving for deep exploration into the stuff that makes strong women tick, will find this book a great read--and an even better reread.
Rating:
Summary: A Bit More Research Needed
Review: While this new "authorized" biography of Loretta Young was an interesting and quick read (2 nights), I was disturbed that there were some errors in it. While I can't remember them all at this point in time, I remember actor Frederic March's name being mispelled as Marsh, as one of them. I would have liked more interviews with those who worked with Loretta on her films.
Rating: 
Summary: What a disappointment
Review: Whilst Loretta Young unquestionably lead an interesting life, you would not know it from this whitewashed, saintly version. This book would have been far better promoted as a commentary on Loretta Young and her relationship with god. Certainly those readers wanting to know about her experiences in Hollywood in the 1930s would be disappointed. Her screen career was largely glossed over - we are talking about a woman who worked with pioneers such as Lon Chaney - you'd barely know it from this book. Similarly, there was little on her relationship with her sisters or any comments of substance about their lives or careers. Even the more 'scandalous' elements of her life were only worth a couple of pages - the rest of the book was more like a conversion exercise. Whilst the religious element was obviously something that influenced who she was as a person, the author did not delve beyond this. It is an injustice if this is the best that can be offered in her memory.
Rating:
Summary: "Forever a Fan!"
Review: Wow! What a book! A friend recommended "Forever Young" to me but I was skeptical at first. I am a bit young to remember the life and film career of Loretta Young but I found her story amazing and inspiring. This book is beautifully and powerfully written by Joan Wester Anderson. It is easy to read and hard to put down. Loretta's story is incredible and is told with such detail and insight. Her story will leave an indelible mark on your life. Let your teen-aged daughter read "Forever Young", it will change her outlook on love, life and career. I'm a new fan of Loretta Young and her author, Joan Wester Anderson. Read "Forever Young" and you too will become "Forever a Fan" of Loretta and Joan Wester Anderson!
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