Book Review: 'Audition: A Memoir' by Barbara Walters
Grade: C
Photos & images All Slideshows ยป
Click Photo to Enlarge
More info
ADVERTISEMENT
CODAC
MULTIPLE HEALTHCARE OPPORTUNITIES Health Care
CHILDREN'S CLINICS
MEDICDAL ASSISTANT Health Care
Casa de la Luz Hospice
RN Residential Hospice House Manager Health Care
COPE BEHAVIORAL SERVICES
MULTIPEL POSITIONS Finance and Accounting
FLOWERS, RIEGER & ASSOCIATES
TAX STAFF Health Care
CHILDREN'S CLINICS
MEDICAL RECORDS SUPERVISOR Health Care
Marana Health Center
Dental Director
- Most Commented Stories Today
- Most E-mailed Stories Today
(Knopf, $29.95)
Walters' new book is reminiscent of late night TV commercials that offer up the recycled greatest hits of the past. Nothing much new is revealed in this 600-page memoir except for an decades-old affair with a married politician - but more on that later.
Walters is, without a doubt, an American broadcast icon. She was the first woman co-host of NBC's "Today Show," the first female network news co-anchor, the host and producer of countless specials, the star of "20/20," and, of course, most recently the grand dame of "The View." Her position on television gave her incredible access, allowing her to interview most, if not all, of the world's most fascinating movers and shakers. She reveals her turbulent childhood in detail. She was the daughter of Lou Walters, the owner of the legendary Latin Quarter night club in New York. By observing her dad, she learned at an early age the necessity of risk taking to achieve success. It was that lesson combined with determination and a little luck that led to her entry into television.
Although much of Walters' book is interesting, certain aspects of it are rather creepy. For example, the chapter titled "Special Men in My Life" begins with a rehash of the affair she had with Sen. Edward W. Brooke, the first African-American elected to the U.S. senate since reconstruction. Brooke was married at the time and as I read Walter's account, it reminded me of an interview she later had with Monica Lewinsky. After months of Walters courting Lewinsky, the young intern agreed to meet her for a televised interview. During the event that was broadcast in 1999, Walters leaned in toward Monica and breathlessly asked her if she had ever thought of Hillary during her affair with Bill. One might now ask Walters basically the same question. While sleeping with Sen. Brooke, did it ever occur to Barbara that she should, perhaps, consider his wife and the potential harm her affair might cause to the their marriage? Probably not.
This memoir is gossipy and much like an extended People Magazine story but with far fewer pictures. After three or four chapters the narrative develops a plodding feel to it and by the final pages it becomes a dreadful bore.
Larry Cox can be reached at contactlarrycox@aol.com
- Read All Comments » 0 TOTAL COMMENTS
- Post a Comment »