By Myself and Then Some

By: Lauren Bacall

Narrated by: Lauren Bacall

The epitome of grace, independence, and wit, Lauren Bacall continues to astound generations with her audacious spirit and on-screen excellence. Together with Humphrey Bogart, she produced some of the most electric scenes in movie history, and their romance on and off screen made them Hollywood's most celebrated couple.

But when Bogart died of cancer in 1957, Bacall and their children had to take everything he had taught them and grow up fast. In a time of postwar communism, Hollywood blacklisting, and revolutionary politics, she mixed with the legends: Hemingway, the Oliviers, Katharine Hepburn, Bobby Kennedy, and Gregory Peck. She was engaged to Frank Sinatra and had a turbulent second marriage to Jason Robards. But Bacall never lost sight of the strength that made her a superstar, and she never lost sight of Bogie.

Now, on the silver anniversary of its original publication, Bacall brings her inspiring memoir up to date, chronicling the events of the past 25 years, including her recent films and Broadway runs, and fond memories of her many close lifelong friendships. As one of the greatest actresses of all time turns 80, By Myself and Then Some reveals the legend in her own beautiful frank words, encapsulating a story that even Hollywood would struggle to reproduce.

©1994, 2005 Lauren Bacall (P)2005 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Bacall's a class act." (Publishers Weekly)
"Certainly more intelligently written than your average celebrity autobiography, this memoir tells a fascinating story of one woman's journey through life with an intimacy that's sure to engage legions of readers." (Booklist)

she is so lovely, so genuine and so entertaining:)

I loved listening to her story in her own voice. So many interesting facts and details of her life and movies and Broadway. A definite must read :-)

What a GREAT lady!

I loved it! I was very impressed with her reading her own story, she was pitch perfect and an excellent storyteller. I, of course was touched by her recounting of her relationship and marriage with Bogart, what a couple. She lived such a rich and full life. Such wonderful highs and devastating lows. But, she endured them all with tenacity and determination. She gave you a glimpse into the lives of, many of my favorites, Jason Robards, Roddy McDowell, John Houston and, so many, many others; incredibly talented people, with one thing in common; they were all just people, sometimes, very flawed but gifted people. I am very happy to have listened to her tell her story and I shall treasure this audible selection, always. Thank you, Ms. Lauren Bacall. R.I.P.

Wonderful look at an extraordinary life

What did you love best about By Myself and Then Some?

I love Lauren's narration, as I always do when the author narrates his/her own book. I truly enjoyed how she allowed us to look into her life and that of those who surrounded her. I could only dream of finding the kind of love she and Bogie shared.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lauren and Bogie's timeless romance.

What about Lauren Bacall’s performance did you like?

Wonderful...I loved every minute of it!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it was so hard to take a break and I found myself excited to continue on.

Great For The Beginning Story

Would you listen to By Myself and Then Some again? Why?

Yes but only the first 3 hours - it was great but then after her 3rd engagement her story started to lose me.

Who was your favorite character and why?

bacall & bogie who has any other answer?

Have you listened to any of Lauren Bacall’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

nope but i love her asan actress

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

bacall& bogie

Any additional comments?

pretty great to listen to but after hour 4 kinda becomes a drag or a little slow

Loved every second!!!!

Her honesty and her beautiful voice and diction. Hearing intimate stories of her relationships with movie greats like Katharine Hepburn

Wish it had been unabridged

Narrated with an engaging, friendly, bits of humor delivery by Ms. Bacall. Respectful of others, she shares what she admires and loves about others to the extent that they are part of her story. She tells of her humble beginnings in NYC, her loving & supportive mother, of following her passion for acting, traveling widely, meeting and working with what seems all of the greats in theater and movies over her lifetime, losing the love of her life too soon, loving being the mother of 3 children and a friend to many. The forthright style is who she is, I think, but I'm wondering if the nonabridged version might have felt less succinct -- thus the 3 rather than 4 stars for this version.

Love Bacall's voice!

I enjoyed this telling by the author herself. It was lovely listening to the icon tell about her adventures, disappointments, high and low points. The constant naming of "important" people got a little old, though. But other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

95%

For the most part, yes, 95%, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. However, toward the end, she gets far too political.

She has such a great voice! A great Listen.

A fascinating stroll down memory lane with such a great talent who knew so many legends. Very gracious and classy lady with a great voice to listen to.

Couldn’t get enough !

I can’t say enough good things about this book. Lauren’s fabulous voice was mesmerizing and I couldn’t get enough of her wit and outlook on life. The more she spoke, I wanted more. I didn’t want the book to end. She was an incredible actress and remarkable woman. I highly recommend this audiobook.