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Barbara Walters’s perception of the world was formed at a very early age. Her father, Lou Walters, was the owner and creative mind behind the legendary Latin Quarter nightclub, and it was his risk-taking lifestyle that gave Barbara her first taste of glamour. It also made her aware of the ups and downs, the insecurities, and even the tragedies that can occur when someone is willing to take great risks, for Lou Walters didn’t just make several fortunes—he also lost them. Barbara learned early about the damage that such an existence can do to relationships—between husband and wife as well as between parent and child. Through her roller-coaster ride of a childhood, Barbara had a close companion, her mentally challenged sister, Jackie. True, Jackie taught her younger sister much about patience and compassion, but Barbara also writes honestly about the resentment she often felt having a sister who was so “different” and the guilt that still haunts her.
All of this—the financial responsibility for her family, the fear, the love—played a large part in the choices she made as she grew up: the friendships she developed, the relationships she had, the marriages she tried to make work. Ultimately, thanks to her drive, combined with a decent amount of luck, she began a career in television. And what a career it has been! Against great odds, Barbara has made it to the top of a male-dominated industry. She was the first woman cohost of the Today show, the first female network news coanchor, the host and producer of countless top-rated Specials, the star of 20/20, and the creator and cohost of The View. She has not just interviewed the world’s most fascinating figures, she has become a part of their world. These are just a few of the names that play a key role in Barbara’s life, career, and book: Yasir Arafat, Warren Beatty, Menachem Begin, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Fidel Castro, Hugo Chávez, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Roy Cohn, the Dalai Lama, Princess Diana, Katharine Hepburn, King Hussein, Angelina Jolie, Henry Kissinger, Monica Lewinsky, Richard Nixon, Rosie O’Donnell, Christopher Reeve, Anwar Sadat, John Wayne . . . the list goes on and on.
Barbara Walters has spent a lifetime auditioning: for her bosses at the TV networks, for millions of viewers, for the most famous people in the world, and even for her own daughter, with whom she has had a difficult but ultimately quite wonderful and moving relationship. This book, in some ways, is her final audition, as she fully opens up both her private and public lives. In doing so, she has given us a story that is heartbreaking and honest, surprising and fun, sometimes startling, and always fascinating.
1. Is it surprising that Barbara Walters begins her book by saying that she had planned to title the book Sister [p. 3]? How were her identity and her conscience affected by the difficult life of her sister, Jackie?
2. Lou Walters's business affected every aspect of his family's life, and Barbara Walters remembers that with his most successful nightclub the Latin Quarter, “the cancan girls changed our lives forever” [p. 25]. How much did her father's show business career—and its effect upon her parents' marriage—shape the person she was to become, and the choices she was to make?
3. Barbara began her career at Today in 1961 as a writer for an on-air segment pitched to women viewers. “Glamour, not humor, and certainly nothing intellectual, was the requirement if a woman wanted to be in front of the camera. All I wanted was to do whatever I was asked to do so I wouldn't be replaced by some other female writer. I just wanted to keep my job. For the next twenty years, thirty, maybe even forty, I would feel the same way” [p. 111]. Does she feel that the situation for women in the television business has changed very much from the way it was when she began? What aspects have not changed?
4. Barbara occasionally went out with Roy Cohn, who proposed marriage from time to time. The only time she thought of saying yes was when he suggested that her parents and Jackie could also come to live in his four-floor town house. Cohn later died of AIDS, and Walters remained loyal to him throughout his later life because he had rescued her father from an indictment [pp. 103, 115]. What makes her revelation of this friendship sointeresting?
5. Barbara's career has been helped by the presence of two other women: her daughter's governess, Zelle, who stayed for thirty-four years, and her housekeeper, Icodel Tomlinson, who still lives with Barbara and who from the beginning “became the backbone of our small family” [p. 169]. “Each loved Jackie as if she were her own child” [p. 170]. Is this the ideal situation for a single working mother? Why, given the abundance of care given to her daughter, does she feel guilty about Jackie's upbringing?
6. What effect might her parents' marriage, her father's financial recklessness, and his refusal to consult her mother on major life changes, have had on the development of Barbara's character and on her own approach to marriage?
7. “Because people saw me and others on their TV screens, they automatically assumed we must have some sort of special wisdom. Television not only validated our opinions, it made us all-knowing. . . . Television imbues us with an authority that often makes me uncomfortable” [p. 129]. Is this observation on the authority of television personalities accurate? How does this memoir affect your understanding of Barbara Walters as a person, compared with how she has come across as a television personality?
8. Why does Barbara say, “I was bad at marriage” [p. 134]? What issues led to the breakup of her three marriages? How were the men she married wrong for her? What did she learn about herself in her affair with Senator Edward Brooke [pp. 254-59], and why was he more exciting than either John Warner or Alan Greenspan, two other men with whom she was seriously involved in her “late-blooming, delayed love life” [pp. 259-69]?
9. Barbara Walters has been unusually successful with getting people to talk about personal issues, and has tried to approach her subjects with sympathy. Interviewing Richard Nixon, she wanted him to “talk about how he got through the dark days” and asked him whether there were times “when you thought you might go under, emotionally” [p. 245]. Why did this not work with Nixon? Why, in general, has this approach been so effective for Barbara Walters?
10. Why was Barbara worried she had made the wrong decision in moving to ABC to cohost the evening news with Harry Reasoner? How did she handle the fact that he was so resentful that he was insulting her on the air [pp. 308-09]? What mistakes did she make, and what allowed her to overcome the criticism and get through this tough period in her career [p. 323]? What were the occasional advantages, for her, of being an attractive woman?
11. Barbara's sense of guilt is highlighted in many stories in this book. Her sister's illness and death [pp. 365-70], her mother's illness and death [pp. 372, 374], and her daughter's troubled adolescence [pp. 376, 385], are particularly painful memories: “These are ghosts that don't go away” [p. 372]. Does she have any reason to feel guilty, or is her sense of guilt overblown, considering how much she did to support her family?
12. Regarding Oprah Winfrey Barbara writes, “Talk about revealing yourself. She kept very little of her own life back, and in so doing, millions of people could relate to her and know that she had suffered as many of them had” [p. 501]. How much does it mean to her to have Oprah acknowledge her as a mentor [pp. 502-03]? How does she differ from Oprah, as a television personality?
13. Barbara tells the story of the biggest “get” of her career: the two-hour exclusive interview with Monica Lewinsky, which was watched by nearly fifty million people [pp. 520-39]. How did she convince Monica Lewinsky to talk with her on television? What do the events leading up to this interview tell us about the skill and the ambition of Barbara Walters herself?
14. Barbara choose the title Audition because, as she says, “as I look back, it feels to me that my life has been one long audition—an attempt to make a difference and to be accepted” [p. 4]. Does her sense of insecurity come as a surprise? How did she manage to overcome it?
15. In most of her interviews, Barbara is successful in getting her subjects to reveal themselves. But in her 1982 interview with Clint Eastwood, he made her feel “flustered and goofy” [p. 501]. Why does Eastwood get this result? What kinds of interview situations make her vulnerable to revealing herself?
16. There are various people Barbara Walters says she wishes she could have interviewed, including Princess Diana [p. 491]. Who would you be most interested in seeing her interview, and why?
17. Reviewers have commented that Barbara's desire to be liked is felt throughout her narrative. Is this more often a feminine quality than a masculine one? Would you consider it a liability or a benefit in her career? Do you think she is writing more for an audience of women than of men, and if so, why?
Anonymous
Posted June 5, 2011
B&N, are you kidding?! The nook book is barely a dollar less than the cost of the paperback?! What happened to Nook editions being so much more afordable than buying the book?
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.dwyerGL
Posted January 5, 2012
Detailed and interesting insight into the life of
Ms. Walters. Some surprising facts. It can be a bit tedious at times
Anonymous
Posted December 6, 2011
I was quite taken with how she was brought up. That part of the book was wonderful. But then it seemed to take a turn with name dropping and patting herself on the back. I also got the feeling that writing this book was some how a way to forgive herself for some of the details in her life. Anyway, I got tired of rolling my eyes with all the wonderful things she has done for the media and this country, so I finished and put it on the back shelf.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 6, 2011
I knew very little about Ms. Walters' personal life when I started reading this book. She is a notoriously private person. I commend the candor and honesty she exhibits in writing this memoir. She discusses her childhood, career, marriages, challenges in raising her daughter, and many of the fascinating people whom she has interviewed. If you admire Barbara Walters, you simply must read this book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 6, 2011
This bestselling autobiography by the inimitable and groundbreaking Barbara Walters offers not only an intimate view into her own personal life, but also keen insights on the inner workings of the media.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 20, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Snoopygrl
Posted May 9, 2011
I really am enjoying this book. I've got about a quarter left to read and find it fascinating and truly interesting. I'm usually a fiction girl all the way, but have decided to branch out a bit and try reading bios on people that are interesting to me. Barbara Walters has done most of her interviewing and fame receiving long before I was even born, so it is interesting for me to get a better understanding of just who this famous woman is. The stories are interesting and really have held my attention. I appreciate her honesty and candor in her memories and stories. I really feel that I have come to respect and know her in ways I wouldn't have otherwise, if it weren't for this book. Truly, a great read!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 15, 2011
The legendary newsmaker/interviewer recounts her life from her birth and her fathers triumphs and failures to her Sister with a social/mental disorder. Her marriages and the adoption of her daughter. The years on TODAY on NBC and then her transition to ABC on the Evening News and then 20/20 and of course her legendary "Specials". This lady has lived an exciting life and a very trying life and readers will truley come to cheerish this American Newscaster even more. The stories she tells about her interviewes with legends of the big screen and political leaders. We even get a new perspective on some of the Presidents. I Truely and whole heartly recommend this Memoir.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Monkeyboi
Posted January 30, 2011
Loved the way that Ms. Walters respects, yet is honest with her perceptions and descriptions of the amazing people she interviewed and knew/knows personally in this book.
She is brutally honest about her interpersonal relationships. Yes, all of us seem to have in common with her; however it is nice to read how someone overcame, the guilt and ramifications of her personal choices that in so many ways, not only shaped her life, but made her into who she is today.
Her drive and outlook on life, and respect for others in it with her is indeed not only to be admired, but mirrored by others in this world.
There is not a doubt that Barbara Walters was a groundbreaking television personality - as a young woman, she broke into the "boys club" of television news through sheer persistence and will power. In addition to the excitement and stress of building a career, she dealt with (and often supported) her mother, father, and mentally-disabled older sister. Ms. Walters writes of this with fair honesty as she chronicles her rise to television stardom. I enjoyed listening to this on the unabridged CD set, which is narrated by Bernadette Dunne, whose voice is remarkably similar to Barbara Walters', but without the distracting pronunciation problems the author herself acknowledges. Issues I had with the book: the descriptions of interviews with world leaders seem to go on forever, and she often takes on a self-congratulatory tone - which comes across as I-was-there-and-you-weren't smugness. But she's had a fascinating life that she's worked hard for - so maybe she's entitled to a bit of bragging. Enjoyable listening - all 21 discs of it!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Smarttoddy
Posted May 5, 2010
Wanted to read this book because I am a broadcaster that came up just a few years behind BW. I respect her for what she did for female broadcasters (and female business women in general) but the book made her seem like a whiny woman who flew around the world in jet planes with the rich and famous instead of a serious woman. She did reveal her political slant which has been evident over the air for many years so its nice to see her taking credit for it. If you want to read a very little bit about every inportant person BW interviewed over her long career this is a good book. If you are looking for surprises you wont find it here.
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Posted April 17, 2010
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Barbara generously shares her absolutely fascinating personal and professional life. It was a great walk down memory lane of American times general for this 71 year old reader. Highly recommend it!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.lglnurse
Posted April 8, 2010
This is a really fantastic book that is written with great candor. It has really peaked my interest in historical events and given me a new appreciation for the struggles of women in the workplace that so many of us do not have to endure today. Barbara Walters' was truly a pioneer and a maverick and is truly an inspiration. While I do not agree with some of her choices, I admire her for her tenacity and dedication to her craft. A great read that is difficult to put down.
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Posted November 11, 2009
I am half way through this book and I must say thoroughly enjoying it! I got the large print paperback version for easier reading. Not only is the book written as if Barbara is speaking directly to the reader, but it is a historical masterpiece too. I don't know how Ms. Walters remembered so many dates and details from the past 6 decades, but she does it with personal insight and grace as well. It is a very easy book to pick up after a few days and get right back into the flow of her personal and professional life. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history and biographies of famous people.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 26, 2009
Could not put this book down. Very well written.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 22, 2009
I Also Recommend:
i found myself picking up the book and putting it down over and over. it just didn't stimulate me as i had hoped. i know a couple of friends really enjoyed it, but i can't recommend unfortunately. wish i would have spent my money elsewhere.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 31, 2009
This book is virtually unreadable. Ms. Walters cannot write and she has the unenviable talent of taking fascinating events of global, historical significance and rendering them deadly dull and singularly uninformative. Unless you want a book that is all about me by someone who has remarkably little self-awareness, do not buy this book. It's great reviews must be the result of slumping intelligence among readers or else the growing national obsession with the famous. A must miss book!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 6, 2009
I found her interviews interesting. Her life is pretty fasinating and enjoyed the book more after reading it than while reading it.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 29, 2009
Very interesting. I thought that Barbara got lucky in her career, but reading her memoir and how she made it through a "man's" world and difficult family times made for a great read. Thank you for sharing your story Barbara.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 16, 2009
As a former TV/radio reporter/anchor I found Walter's book very interesting. Thanks to women like her she paved the way for others of us to break into this business. Her insight and neat behind the scenes look at her interview subjects and personal struggles were fascinating. Well written book and a good read.
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Overview
Young people starting out in television sometimes say to me: “I want to be you.” My stock reply is always: “Then you have to take the whole package.”And now, at last, the most important woman in the history of television journalism gives us that “whole package,” in her inspiring and riveting memoir. After more than forty years of interviewing heads of state, world leaders, movie stars, criminals, murderers, inspirational figures, and celebrities of all kinds, Barbara Walters has turned her gift for examination onto herself to reveal the forces that shaped her extraordinary life.
Barbara Walters’s perception of the ...