A Book

by Desi Arnaz

Book Overview

""Welcome to A Book, in which I try to explain how a kid from Cuba found a way to make a living in the United States. It's all here -- the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the unbelievably... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446891533
• Release Date: March 1977
• Publisher: Warner Books
• Length: 382 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Interesting book for fans

This was an interesting book for fans of Lucy and Desi.

Wonderfully well-written!

Throughout the pages of this book, one gets the impression that Desi really did love Lucy and she loved him, but they seemed to be one of those couples that could not live together. He was a philanderer and she had a hot temper and that (apparently) made for some rough living. The singular most interesting fact from this book that I will probably never EVER forget is this: After Desi and Lucy were divorced, he called her every night for the rest of his life. They were more than lovers, they were best friends and it seems that the relationship continued, even after the marriage ended. This book is really a manuscript-length tribute to Lucille Ball. Desi's love and admiration for her shines through its many pages. He is kind to her in this memoir and unlike the poison-pen style of today's celebs, it seems that Desi just wanted the world to know that Lucy really was the amazing, interesting and gifted soul she appeared to be. It also has some fascinating insights and background about the program and its sequels. Plus, if you want to know the scoop about William Frawley and Vivian Vance (Fred and Ethel), it's all in these pages. Those two really did NOT like each other. I bought this book (used, cheap) and my little paperback copy arrived tattered and worn , but I couldn't stop reading it. Very well written, very interesting and a real tribute to the star of "I Love Lucy."

Sitting with Desi at the porch of his hacienda...

This is the way I feel everytime I read "A BOOK". As if I was in Cuba sitting at the hacienda and sipping on hot coffee while listening to Desi narrate his life.Much more than Lucy's husband this man has an interesting story to tell also. From the way the Cuban Revolution changed his life, to the way he revolutionized TV with the use of film and the three camera technique; every page has something that will make you laugh or cry. Desi is very open, honest and even blunt when telling his life story to the reader; getting you into the story and wanting to learn more until you reach the end. Very interesting and highly recomended!

Nice, enjoyable read

When Desi Arnaz wrote this book in the 1970s, he was an older man looking back on his youth. This book reads like you were sitting down next to him on the porch swing, and he's telling you his life story. As such, there are a lot of inaccuracies. However, the stories are great to read and hear about. You'll learn a lot about his music and life before Lucy. His days in Cuba are almost more interesting than his life on the road or in Hollywood. Surprisingly, it touches on "I Love Lucy," a little less than you'd think, and if you've read other books about the show, what is mentioned here will all sound familiar. However, it is Desi's story in his own words. And it's a book you can sit down and just while away the hours with.

Candid, Honest and Full of Love for his Lucy

I had the rare and wonderful opportunity to spend the day with Desi Arnaz back in 1977 when he came to Detroit to promote his book, "A BOOK". He appeared on the local ABC afflliate WXYZ and I knew someone at the station and spent time with Mr. Arnaz, and then went to the book signing with him later in the afternoon at the local mall. I took two photos which I cherish, (wearing his Ricky Ricardo fedora). He was kind, gracious, and when I asked him if he would do a re-union show with Lucy he replied, "All she has to do is ask me." Thank you Desi for a wonderful day and your book which I have read numerous times, is the story of a young man from Cuba, who fought to get out of the communist stranglehold that was on his country, came to America, fought prejudice here, starting his own band, and meeting the girl of his dreams, and later becoming the "Brains" behind Desliu. "A Book" is an excellant read, and you will feel how much Desi Loved Lucy and life.Robert A. Howe

A Great Mix of humor and brutal honesty.

If you loved "Lucy" you'll love Desi too. This book takes a look at Desi's life, from his own point of view, from the time he was born to around 1976, ten years before his death. Desi has both a very good sense of humor and is incredibly honest when telling his story. This is one man who lead a very interesting life (Too say the least)and overcame what seemed to be the impossible. He can honestly say he struggled to make it to the top.It's obvious who his one true love really is.