If I Can Dream: Elvis' Own Story - Hardcover

Geller, Larry; Spector, Joel; Romanowski, Patricia

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0671659227 ISBN 13: 9780671659226

Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 1989

Synopsis

A long-time confidante of Elvis reveals intimate details of the legendary performer's dreams and disillusionments, showing his disintegration due to drugs and the harm to which he subjected himself

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Reviews

YA-- A biography of Elvis Presley which, the authors claim, was largely overseen by Presley himself. Geller, Presley's hairdresser, who describes himself as a confidant and spiritual advisor to the late singer, kept a diary that is the basis for this book. The biography is easily read, evenhanded, straightforward, unapologetic, and seemingly unbiased. The material is treated with care, thought, and cool reason. Elvis fans will find the book a curiosity, appealing in many ways. The people described are at once naive and licentious. There is a dedication to excellence in musical performance and hairdressing coupled with a chilling absence of discipline in almost any other aspect of living. Puritanical attitudes live side-by-side with sensual gratifications, including gluttony, greed, and lust. The incredible career of Elvis Presley will capture the interest of secondary students, for the legendary star was and continues to be a figure in American life. The book's most valuable asset may be the honesty with which the authors describe a bizarre way of life, destroyed by excessive quantities of money, ignorance, and foolishness.
- Dortha Dee Vaughan, Port Arthur I.S.D., TX
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Romanowski ( Dreamgirl ) and Broadway producer Spector collaborate here with Presley spiritual adviser and hairdresser Geller to present the singer in a better light than he has been shown in previous books. Despite a pervasive self-serving tone, the book accomplishes that even though there is scandal aplenty: Presley's drug abuse, the perfidies of Col. Tom Parker and the excesses of the "Memphis Mafia." But the authors emphasize Presley's positive traits, his extraordinary generosity, his sensitivity and loyalty. We're also told that he was quite intelligent and surprisingly well-read. Much of the book focuses on the star's pursuit of spiritual understanding, and his and Geller's mutual exploration of esoteric philosophies. Presley fans will be gratified by the confirmation that the King was a fine fellow; detractors will discover little new fodder here. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0671659227
• ISBN 13: 9780671659226
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 331