Gerald Clarke (1) (1937–)

An interesting read given the (latest round of) Cat Person drama. La Cote Basque is only piece of Capote's fiction I've ever read it, and I had sort of taken the word of retrospective writers that its publication had a really central impact in Capote's declining career and mental health. Clarke presents it differently here—that, rather than being a big mistake on Capote's part, it (and Answered Prayers, the never to be completed novel it was part of) was a sort of literary middle finger to the high society Capote was never quite accepted into, and that his mental health struggles were more closely related to his successes than his failures—and I feel inclined to believe him. And, regardless of Capote's motivations, it does feel a little deserved, anyway. You can't tell your secrets to the world's most famous gossip and expect it to stay a secret for long, right?
Anyway, the whole Answered Prayers ordeal is easily one of the least entertaining bits of Capote's life. Biographies (especially 600 page biographies) aren't exactly known for being thrilling, edge of your seat type pieces, but Capote's life is so full of bizarre and specific moments, it reads almost more like fiction.… (mere)

A thorough biographical examination of the life of Frances Gumm from start to finish. As a third billed act performing with her sisters (the Gumm sisters), her life was forever changed when she altered her name to Judy Garland, shedding her childhood act and starting her own career path with MGM Studios. In becoming a movie star, Garland's handlers micromanaged her every move with a variety of pills and medications to get her to perform and look the ideal image. The medication and long work hours took a hard toll on Garland's body and spirit, never being able to escape the demons from her past.… (mere)

Gerald Clarke's Get Happy is, perhaps, the definitive biography of Judy Garland. It was very well researched over ten years, including over five hundred interviews. At the back, the book includes an extensive section of notes, referenced to the book by page numbers, and a vast bibliography. Get Happy also features an index, photo credits, and acknowledgments. If you want to know anything about Judy Garland, this is the biography to read first.

Starting with her parents, Clarke follows Judy Garland's life with a meticulous attention to detail. He really leaves nothing out. This chronicle of her sad life is sensitive and kind but also carefully reported and honest. Some of the details are scandalous and shocking, but Clarke treats them not as a form of gossip, but merges them together into a haunting portrait of a talented but troubled woman. Judy Garland, sick and exhausted, died in 1969 of an apparent barbiturate overdose. From Clarke's work we can assume that she never did "Get Happy."

Die hard fans of Judy Garland may want to avoid this biography as it really does tell all, and not everything revealed is flattering or even tasteful, especially information regarding her sex life. Additionally the book would have benefited from more photos and additional information about her relationship with her children.
highly recommended; http://shetreadssoftly.blogspot.com/
… (mere)