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A little fact about me is I am a total Hollywood’s Golden Age fanatic! What is Hollywood’s Golden Age you ask?
The time period from about 1930 to 1959 give or take is what is categorized at the Golden Age. It was the start of the film industry today as we know it. Movies were no longer silent films, but a motion picture you could actually hear the actors in. Hollywood was becoming a mega business in America rapidly during this time, and everyone was fascinated by it, especially the actors themselves.
My fascination with the Golden Age probably started with my love of Lucille Ball. Did you read this post I wrote about her last year? She really inspired me as a child and young adult. I loved her work and enjoyed learning everything I could about her.
Another actress I adored growing up was Elizabeth Taylor. I was OBSESSED with National Velvet because I loved horses so much. I watched that movie pretty much every week in elementary school 🙂
Some of my favorite movies came from this era too like It Happened One Night. This movie is still one of the sweetest, funniest movies I watch often. It was definitely ahead of its time, in my opinion.
I could go on and on about Hollywood back in the 30s, 40s, and 50s because I just love everything about it. Instead, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite books to read if you love Hollywood’s Golden Age. Some of these are recent finds, and some are old favorites.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes it is a nice change of pace to read an autobiography or biography about a famous person you like. It is so interesting reading about how their lives REALLY are or were.
Without further ado.
Liz: An Intimate Biography of Elizabeth Taylor
I’ve talked ALL about this on snapchat (username alexisroch), but it took me awhile to read this one since I got so busy. I found this book FASCINATING! I have known about her life for awhile, but this was really a thorough account of her life ,starting from childhood. It is really long, but worth the read. She had such a sad life for the most part, but incredibly interesting.
Unsinkable
Debbie Reynolds was another star at the tail end of the golden age. I wasn’t a huge fan of hers, but I did enjoy some of her more recent things. What I remember most about her is her husband left her for Elizabeth Taylor. Juicy Stuff! This is her recent autobiography and it was also interesting to read. She has also had a pretty sad life. While this isn’t set in the golden age, it is interesting to see what the stars of that time were up to after their start.
Love, Lucy
Well, of course, I have read this one. I bought it about eight years ago, but it was wonderful to read! If you Love Lucy as much as I do, this is a MUST read! Did you catch my post last year about why I love Lucy? Be sure to check that out too. She is my favorite!
Hollywood Love Stories
My friend bought this for my birthday (my friends know me too well) and it was so much fun to read. It had pretty pictures and so much interesting information about old Hollywood relationships. Most of them I was familiar with, but there were a few that were knew to me. I loved the back stories about each on too. It was a fast read and also looks great sitting out on your coffee table (like from my currently photo
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I shared a little sneak peak on instagram of what I am reading right now. This time of year I really love summery mysteries and beach reads. Be on the look out for another fun book lost! In the meantime, feel free to follow me on snapchat or instagram for what I am reading 🙂
What is on your reading list?
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I haven’t read any of these but I’d love to learn more about Elizabeth Taylor. I should pick that one up!
Evelina @ Fortunate House
If you like her, you will really enjoy this book!
Ohh I am definitely going to have to read the Hollywood Love Stories one! Even if I know the main story about a couple, I love hearing the back stories! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
I am the same way! I love to know all the little details!
Thank you for the suggestions! I love biographies!
Me too, they are so fun to read!
These are going on my to-read list! Thanks for the recommendations!
I hope you enjoy them!! They are just fun to read 🙂
What a fun time in our history. This list of books looks intriguing. I may have to check one of all of them out. Thanks for the list!
It was such a fun time in history! I hope you can find a new one to read! All of them I really enjoyed 🙂
Ah the Golden Age of Hollywood… I would love to read more about Lucille Ball, not just about her battles with RA, but “breaking ground” in Hollywood, life w/Desi, etc. Have you read about Elizabeth Montgomery, best known for her role in “Bewitched”? I like that show, but I think the husband character is weak. I have a book about the show/actress… I think she’s past the Golden Age as quantified, though.
I don’t know much about Elizabeth Montgomery, but I would love to learn more! I love reading anything and everything I can about Lucille Ball. I love this autobiography of hers…it was so fascinating to see how she grew up and the challenges she face!
Awesome list! I’m a huge fan of Hollywood’s golden age too – especially Lucy and Scarlett. Ooooh that Ashley Wilkes!
Green Fashionista
Oh me too!!!! You will love these books 🙂
As I was reading this I couldn’t help but think you would enjoy the book All The Stars in the Heavens by Adriana Trigiani. She writes about the golden age as a novel and it is a delightful story. It came out this year so it is a new release.
Oh that sounds like something I definitely need to read! I will look it up right now 🙂
All of those books sound great. I used to be a Liz Taylor and Debbie Reynolds fan. I Loved the movie Tammy when I was younger.
Kathleen
Blogger’s Pit Stop
She was so good in Tammy! These were all such fun books to read 🙂
I defiantly need to add these to my reading list! Loveeee this time period and biographies
You will totally love them! They were so much fun to read!
Ahhh I love the golden age and the proper make up and big dresses! You’ve inspired me to pick up one of these for the pool this year. Thanks sweetie!
Me too, it was truly the best era! I think these would make the best poolside reads for sure 🙂
Life is a Banquet which is Rosalind Russell’s autobiography and Self Portrait the autobiography of Gene Tierney are also excellent reads about the golden age of Hollywood. Also, if you love old pictures of Hollywood then check out Wilshire Boulevard: Grand Concourse of Los Angeles. I used that book when I was doing research for my fictional book about 1935 Hollywood. I own Hollywood Love Stories. It’s a great book with beautiful pictures. Always great to meet another old movie fan. Thanks for the great post!
Those both sounds like fantastic books, I am heading over to amazon right now to check them out!! Thanks for the recommendation. I love meeting other old movie fans too, most of my friends aren’t, so I am kind of in my own little world when it comes to that lol. Luckily my husband doesn’t mind them and my mom loves them!! Thanks so much for stopping by, have an awesome day!