James Spada

A wonderful book, full of information (true/false?) about my favorite singer, Barbara Streisand. This has led me to want to read other books about her, to see which book is the most accurate. I respect this woman, her talent and her ability to transcend poverty, male chauvinism, and those who would want to keep her down. Yentl is my favorite movie, and this book seems to say that Barbara lived a similar life at times. I'm glad that she is finally being accepted as the tremendous talent that she is.… (mere)

I found the strongest part of the book was the early years - growing up in Brooklyn, and the determination to build an acting career. I was surprised that it was almost a revelation to Barbra that she might make a career out of singing, undertaken in order to keep the wolves from the door. I'm not an obsessive fan by any means but I found this book about a woman who is such an icon a good and meaty read. I kind of admnire her "obsessive" single-mindednessto achieve what she wants in her art. Not a hagiography, but a respectful look at an interesting and complex woman.… (mere)