I "read" this on tape and sobbed my guts out. Annette seems to be the sweet, friendly woman who we ALL wish lived next door to us. That damned disease is a bastard and there is no nice way to say it. A real eye-opening read...should be required reading in schools.
Very refreshing to read about a child star who was happy! Great read!
Great book! Very interesting and well written!
A delightful read! As upbeat and positive as you would expect a book by Annette Funicello to be.
At age 12, being in the right place at the right time to be seen by the right person led to her being cast an original Mouseketeer. Over-night and unexpected success quickly followed. From there movies and records easily came calling.
The good news is, Ms. Funicello seems to have enjoyed her career every step of the way. She writes nostalgically and with great fondness about all the lucky adventures, creative people and supportive friends her career presented to her. Even the few bumps along the road (and there were a couple of heart-breaking doozies!), are presented with optimism and gutsiness.
When you need a feel-good read and respite, this book is the perfect remedy. Recommended!
*** 1/2 Three and a half stars!
At age 12, being in the right place at the right time to be seen by the right person led to her being cast an original Mouseketeer. Over-night and unexpected success quickly followed. From there movies and records easily came calling.
The good news is, Ms. Funicello seems to have enjoyed her career every step of the way. She writes nostalgically and with great fondness about all the lucky adventures, creative people and supportive friends her career presented to her. Even the few bumps along the road (and there were a couple of heart-breaking doozies!), are presented with optimism and gutsiness.
When you need a feel-good read and respite, this book is the perfect remedy. Recommended!
*** 1/2 Three and a half stars!
Helen K. (Billie-K) reviewed A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes : My Story on + 459 more book reviews
ANNOTATION
Annette Funicello grew up before America's eyes, first a Mousketeer, then the star and reigning sweetheart of the classic beach party movies of the Fifties. In her engaging, anecdotal autobiography, Annettee looks with wit and wonder on a near-charmed life in show business, and candidly discusses her recent battle with multiple sclerosis. Photos.
Annette Funicello grew up before America's eyes, first a Mousketeer, then the star and reigning sweetheart of the classic beach party movies of the Fifties. In her engaging, anecdotal autobiography, Annettee looks with wit and wonder on a near-charmed life in show business, and candidly discusses her recent battle with multiple sclerosis. Photos.
"Funicello tells the story of her rapid rise in vivid detail and with considerable wit...Dream is proof that the truce source of her stardom has always been her unbreakable spirit." --People
"A nostalgic advantage...Her story is one of courage and humility recounted at times with self-effacing humor and sometimes perceptive assessments." --Orlando Sentinel
"A nostalgic advantage...Her story is one of courage and humility recounted at times with self-effacing humor and sometimes perceptive assessments." --Orlando Sentinel
This is a truly inspiring story of a fabulous woman!
Marianna S. (Angeloudi) reviewed A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes : My Story on + 160 more book reviews
Now that everyone's favorite Mouseketeer has passed away, I thought readers might want to read her heartwarming autobiography which traces her years at the Mickey Mouse Club, to becoming a beach bunny starring in bikini beach movies, to becoming a singer in her 40s, and her life on and off the stage. After her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis, she decided to make this public knowledge so that her adoring fans could learn of her story.
Dana W. (SouthWestZippy) -
Heartwarming book with a touch of surreal. It is hard to understand why someone so beautiful inside could be handed such ugly at times. Wonderful book. One I would read over and over.
Includes lots of photos of the young Annette
