In Search of River Phoenix: The Truth Behind The Myth - Softcover

Barry C. Lawrence

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0967249198 ISBN 13: 9780967249193

Publisher: Wordsworth Publishing, 2004

Synopsis

The complete encyclopedic book about the life of Academy Award nominee River Phoenix, from his parents beginning, his birth, member of a cult religion, to his TV acting, activism, veganism and movie career.

About this title

From the Author

Six years in the making, this book is the product of many, many, personal
interviews, telephone calls, and e-mails with over fifty of River Phoenix's close
friends, fellow actors, directors, photographers, fellow cult members, drug
companions, lovers, and a few members of the Phoenix family. Their recollections
give us some profound insights into River's real life. I traveled thousands of miles to interview many people and to witness the
sounds and sights [and sites] that River Phoenix, himself, experienced.
I visited his birthplace in Metolius, Oregon, his homes and favorite haunts
in Gainesville and Micanopy, Florida, as well as film locations in Portland,
Oregon, and Nashville, Tennessee. In Montezuma, Costa Rica, I had an enjoyable
telephone conversation with his father. I visited San Francisco and Hollywood,
California, where I descended into the bowels of the Los Angeles city archives,
five stories below the street.
River has become more popular now than when he was a celluloid presence.
This complex person calls from beyond the grave to say, "There was more to me
than Hollywood."
 The book is built from research in: over four hundred newspaper and magazine articles; fifty-four
television shows, specials, documentaries, movies, and videos; twenty-two books; Internet sites and the recordings of more than fifty songs from around the world.
I must also recognize the work of fellow authors who previously wrote about
River: Grace Catalano, Brian J. Robb, Penelope Dening, Penny Stempel, John
Barker, and John Glatt. Their writing has inspired me, and they were invaluable
references in the creation of this book.
The real names of people and places are used in this book. In most cases,
people I interviewed have approved what is written about them; a few asked
that their identities be changed, and I have complied with their requests. I have
also changed some names in order to protect innocent children. This in no way
affects the accuracy of the story of River Phoenix's complex and fascinating life.This book is not about the death of River Phoenix. It is a compilation of my
search for the truth: a chronology and a correction of the record. It is a celebration
of all the aspects of his human life.
Ethan Hawke who told me, "Write a good book!"

From the Back Cover

"Barry Lawrence said he wanted to
write every true thing he could
discover about River Phoenix. He
was persistent and thorough. His
devotion and research have been
extraordinary. This book will be of
great value to the memory of River,
and helpful to all those who want
to know more about him. And, I think
River would like it very much."
William Richert


"Barry has not only wanted to give
us 'the facts', but to involve us with
the human being to whom the facts
applied." Edward Correll, Jr., editor

"Barry, that's good. I like the
chapter [11]. I do agree with Udo--
what he says in the end [about the
question of River possibly being
gay]. The whole thing has an
amazing effect on popular culture."
Gus Van Sant


"There is a whole new generation
out there who need to know him."
Father Stephen Wood


"I think it is more important to talk
about River Phoenix than not to
talk about him." Edo Kier


"He had the world by the ass. No
telling what he could have
accomplished."
Captain Ray Riber


The internationally-broadcast A&E
Biography show on River Phoenix
was based, in part, on material
provided by the author of this book.
William Richert's foreword was
included in a 2003-released collection
of the greatest eulogies ever written.


"River challenged you in your
dream--write my story and tell the
truth. You have done justice to his
story. You have written a fabulous
book." Marge Wilson, Publisher

About this edition

• Publisher: Wordsworth Publishing
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0967249198
• ISBN 13: 9780967249193
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 456
• Editor: Edward Correll Jr., Marge Wilson