Gracie: A Love Story

Gracie: A Love Story

By: George Burns
Published: 1988
# of pages: 319

Goodreads description:

Her name was Gracie Allen, but she was on a first-name basis with America. There was only one Gracie, and Gracie: A Love Letter is the story of her life, as told by the only person who could, George Burns. Brings to life the charming woman who was smart enough to become the dumbest woman in show business history.

My review:  My mother-in-law gave me a copy of this book after telling me a little about it first.  I’m so glad she did because I would never have picked this up and given it a chance otherwise.  I had vaguely heard of George Burns and Gracie Allen before this, but I didn’t know anything about them, but they have a fun story.

This biography is written by George Burns, vaudeville/television/film star who was married to Gracie Allen, also a vaudeville/television/film star.  They worked together on stage and were able to convert their act to television when it became popular.

Burns is a great storyteller and the narrative was filled with lighthearted jokes and quips, usually at his own expense.  Just when that becomes overwhelming, he changes the tone to be more serious while discussing Gracie and how quietly intelligent and practical she was.  Honestly, it’s amazing that I was able to thoroughly enjoy a biography written about a person and by a person I never cared about before reading this book.  Now that I’ve read it I’d like to look up an episode of their TV show just to see them in action.  They also starred in a film with Fred Astaire that I’d also like to watch.

Gracie sounds like an amazing woman and I only wish there had been more serious discussion about her day-to-day life.  It’s great that George gives her the credit for their success and that one of his reasons for writing the book was to tell everyone that she wasn’t as ditsy as she made herself out to be.  But she sounded so fun, I wish I could transport myself back in time to meet her.

I recommend this to everyone.  Even if you don’t think it’s something you’d enjoy, give it a chance!

Why I gave this book 5/5 stars:  Well written, funny yet sincere, interesting.