Natural Blonde

Title: Natural Blonde

Author: Liz Smith

Summary: I have followed the career of fellow Texan, Liz Smith for a long time. Often her name would pop up in conversations about celebrities as one who had an inside track. When I picked up Natural Blonde, I knew I was in for a good read. Beginning with her growing up years in Texas, her stint at Hardin Simmons, her short first marriage, and journalistic study at the University of Texas, she weaves a great tale of growing up in a small town where she first caught the celebrity bug. The stories of starting off in New York, the life long friendships made with both the people in front and behind the spotlight. The stories of living young in New York are priceless. As the story continues into the halcion days of the 70's and the excesses, and the all out gossip business. This is a skillfully told story. She chronicles the evolution of gossip, with all its twists and turns, and big personalities. You can tell how Liz became the widely read columnist, for her personality never overshadows the celebrity's story .. That is the only fault I can find. The very ability that makes her a favorite with the famous....not being too big a "personality" on her own, being a good old girl, keeps her from spilling some stories that she must know. There are plenty of names dropped, spanning from the old studio days to the celebrities of today. The focus on the celebrities, is at the expense of telling about herself(or perhaps to keep from having to divulge too much about herself). One has to believe she is that way...putting the story before herself. An asset that has served her well. This is a great read and another tribute to the strong, smart cult of Texas women.

Recommendation: If you are looking for gossip, not so much. This is more a memoir with some cooking added. This is more a recommend for someone looking for contemporary memoirs.

Hearts: 4