what elvis books are you reading??

[presley31]

I just got the book careless love(The making of elvis presley) hope its a good one.

[Stryx]

I just got the book careless love(The making of elvis presley) hope its a good one.

That books a pre-req for books on Elvis. You should begin with Last Train and then Careless Love and continue on from them.

[ElvisChick]

I just finished Elvis,Linda and Me....hopefully will get to read Elvis and Kathy soon!

[Burning_Love]

Well, i should start reading "Last train to memphis" soon, when i go on holiday.

[Diane]

I just finished Jerry Shilling's new book Me And A Guy Named Elvis. I liked it quite a lot. He admits Elvis' faults but is very gentle about them which I admire.

Diane

[Stryx]

I just finished Jerry Shilling's new book Me And A Guy Named Elvis. I liked it quite a lot. He admits Elvis' faults but is very gentle about them which I admire.

Diane


Didn't like Schillings book.

[presley31]

I just finished Jerry Shilling's new book Me And A Guy Named Elvis. I liked it quite a lot. He admits Elvis' faults but is very gentle about them which I admire.

Diane

l agree with you diane (y)(y)

[Burning_Love]

Didn't like Schillings book.

I agree with you, i don't know why i didn't like it, just weren't my "cuppa tea" as they say.

[BrianK]

I'm reading this this week - mostly a picture book, but one of the best "photo biographies" of Elvis I have seen. Accompanying text is good too.

[ksimms2]

I've read Jerry's book Diane, and I too liked it. Am almost done with "Revelations From The Memphis Mafia" by Marty Lacker/Lamar Fike and Billy Smith, would recommend it to everyone. I have "Elvis, the biography" by Jerry Hopkins to read still, "Elvis, What Happened" to read still and "Elvis" by Albert Goldman to read still.....and then I have something a bit sweeter.....June Juanico's book to read. I also have, "Down At The End of Lonely Street" has anyone read that yet????? I know there is another thread on this subject, but so many posts are there and I lost track of the conversation.....lol.

[ksimms2]

oh and I also have Elvis World which is mostly pics and some ancedotes I guess......and then I have that HUGE photo book of Elvis that my friend got me a few years ago for my birthday, and I can't remember the name off the top of my head.

[Diane]

I have and have read all the books you mentioned Kelly except Down At The End of Lonely Street. Wish I could give some infor on it but I'm sure someone here will post some. I grab every and all I come across and can afford.


Diane

[presley31]

I have and have read all the books you mentioned Kelly except Down At The End of Lonely Street. Wish I could give some infor on it but I'm sure someone here will post some. I grab every and all I come across and can afford.


Diane

l take them out at the library first to see if l like them or not, don't want to spend money on something that isn't very good.

[Diane]

I've thought of that too Jen, but don't have much faith in what our library carries and hate to have to deal with the old unfriendly biddies we have in ours.:)

Diane

[presley31]

I've thought of that too Jen, but don't have much faith in what our library carries and hate to have to deal with the old unfriendly biddies we have in ours.:)

Diane

maybe you could cheak on the library's computer for it and than reserve it, thats a idea.

[KPM]

The last book I read was about solving the Jack the Ripper mystery by Patricia Cornwell. The last Elvis book I read was Shillings book.

[Diane]

Good idea Jen, I never thought of that.(y)

The Patricia Cornwell book on Jack The Ripper sounds good KPM. If you haven't tried James Patterson, I think you'd like him.

Diane

[cameron]

maybe you could cheak on the library's computer for it and than reserve it, thats a idea.

Yes, the library is a good source. There are many I was sorry I bought.
Since then ,I check the library first...;)

Except for the ones doing their own independent printing ; you can find most of them there .

[Kentucky Rain]

I just started reading Careless Love.

[jatta-tcb]

I just got the book careless love(The making of elvis presley) hope its a good one.
I think it is great book.. it is 3rd book I ever read about Elvis :) (after Elvis and me and Last train to Memphis)
(y)

[jatta-tcb]

I just finished Jerry Shilling's new book Me And A Guy Named Elvis. I liked it quite a lot. He admits Elvis' faults but is very gentle about them which I admire.

Diane

I have planned to start to reading that book. I bought it several months ago. I heard that it is more about Jerry's life than Elvis'. But I will give you my opinion..when I have read it :)

[marydoll]

just started reading me and a guy named elvis will let you know what i think,have heard mixed reviews.p.s. james patersons books are fab

[*LittleSister1981*]

I've only read Elvis And Me and Elvis By The Presleys so far,but I am planning to order Last Train To Memphis and Careless Love soon:)

[ksimms2]

Me and a Guy Named Elvis by Jerry Schilling is good.......Revelations From The Memphis Mafia by Lamar Fike/Billy Smith & Marty Lacker is also very good......I just started "Elvis, What Happened" so have no opinion of that one yet. It's hard because in this book, he is still alive.....so it's hard reading that.

[marijaep]

I just got the book careless love(The making of elvis presley) hope its a good one.
I have just finished reading Elvis; What Happened few days ago and I needed few days break after it lol. It's a good book, although I think they have said TOO MUCH........and there's a question if the things they wrote are true or not.

I am reading Careless Love (The Unmaking Of Elvis Presley) at the moment, hehe and I am in the middle of it :D
It's a good book, a bit sad though, because it shows how Elvis changed through the years....

Last Train To Memphis is an AMAZING book, so it is the second part (Careless Love) I recommend them to every Elvis fan. They are a must read :D

[marijaep]

Me and a Guy Named Elvis by Jerry Schilling is good.......Revelations From The Memphis Mafia by Lamar Fike/Billy Smith & Marty Lacker is also very good......I just started "Elvis, What Happened" so have no opinion of that one yet. It's hard because in this book, he is still alive.....so it's hard reading that.

I know, and when I think that he read the book too..................:'(
It just makes me feel sad sometimes.

[jatta-tcb]

I have just finished reading Elvis; What Happened few days ago and I needed few days break after it lol. It's a good book, although I think they have said TOO MUCH........and there's a question if the things they wrote are true or not.


I have just planned to start reading "Elvis what happened"..but there is also "Me and a guy named Elvis" waiting too..so I don't know which one to read..and also there is "My life with Elvis" waiting too..

Too many Elvis books are waiting..but I don't read books often so it is really hard to start reading. and for example they are in English so it takes more time to read :) I think i will carry both books to Portugal and can read them there because I don't have internet there and I'll may be bored there :D

[marijaep]

I have just planned to start reading "Elvis what happened"..but there is also "Me and a guy named Elvis" waiting too..so I don't know which one to read..and also there is "My life with Elvis" waiting too..

Too many Elvis books are waiting..but I don't read books often so it is really hard to start reading. and for example they are in English so it takes more time to read :) I think i will carry both books to Portugal and can read them there because I don't have internet there and I'll may be bored there :D

:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:, well you should start reading girl!!! :clap:

I think you should read What Happened first......but, that's what I think.

When are you going to Portugal???????? :D:D:D

[jatta-tcb]

:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:, well you should start reading girl!!! :clap:

I think you should read What Happened first......but, that's what I think.

When are you going to Portugal???????? :D:D:D

hehe sure i should :lol:

i'll be on holidays there 3 weeks.. i will write you all a goodbye note soon to this forum ;) come to MSN and I'll tell ya more :P

[Tony Trout]

Didn't like Schillings book.



I agree with you, i don't know why i didn't like it, just weren't my "cuppa tea" as they say.


I've not read Schilling's book and don't know if I want to because I get the feeling that the book is a "whitewash" and he's only telling the "positive" stories because he's still very closely tied to Priscilla and Lisa Marie and EPE and was prolly discouraged from writing about the "negative" or downside of Elvis's life...so....

And I'm currently worming my way through "The Death Of Elvis: What Really Happened?"....I'll admit that I was shocked to learn in the book that the girl that Elvis was going to take with him on the "tour that never was" (Alicia Kerwin Cassel) wound up dead of a drug overdose on March 12, 1991...

From the book:


The coroner's investigator reported finding three types of prescription drugs at the scene--a plastic bottle of two hundred Valium with five doses remaining, a bottle of one hundred Placidyl with six remaining, and a bottle of one hundred Elavil with sixty-five remaining. Alicia had been mixing all three, plus another depressant drug that showed up later in the toxicology reports.

"The decedent abuses alcohol and prescription drugs on a daily basis." the coroner report states. Those habits had taken their toll on the once trim Alicia. The coroner recorded her height at five feet six, her weight at a shocking 198 pounds. The final toxicology report showed high concentrations of Valium (diazepam), Placidyl (ethchlorvynol), Elavil (amitriptyline), and Sinequan (doxepin)--all depressant drugs.

The coroner's office office lists the cause of death as "multiple drug toxicity." And detective Tom Dillard of the Las Vegas Police Department's homicide bureau said the case is closed. "Our investigation showed there was no evidence to suspect her husband. We believe it was self-induced, an accidental death."

Alicia Kerwin Cassel was thirty-four.

[suspicious_mind]

Im reading "Me and A Guy Named Elvis" and i really dont like how Jerry Schilling talks about him in it at all. Also i think he refers to himself too much...its like okay who cares about Jerrys life and background? I bought the book to find out more about Elvis. :blink:

[presley31]

Im reading "Me and A Guy Named Elvis" and i really dont like how Jerry Schilling talks about him in it at all. Also i think he refers to himself too much...its like okay who cares about Jerrys life and background? I bought the book to find out more about Elvis. :blink:

He tends to talk about himself but its nice to see him talking about elvis with a good manner and not all drugs and rock and roll and woman.

[Stryx]

Im reading "Me and A Guy Named Elvis" and i really dont like how Jerry Schilling talks about him in it at all. Also i think he refers to himself too much...its like okay who cares about Jerrys life and background? I bought the book to find out more about Elvis. :blink:

Good observation.

Jerry refrains from talking too frankly about his time with Elvis, he is after all still relying on EPE for income.

Some of the other books are far more accuarte and a more even portrayl of what it was really like.....both good and bad.

[Jailhouse-Rocker]

i'm reading Last Train To Memphis at the moment ... my mum spoiled it for me ... she gave away the ending to Careless Love .... apparently he dies ....

[presley31]

i'm reading Last Train To Memphis at the moment ... my mum spoiled it for me ... she gave away the ending to Careless Love .... apparently he dies ....

good book indeed, sad in some parts.

[Stryx]

i'm reading Last Train To Memphis at the moment ... my mum spoiled it for me ... she gave away the ending to Careless Love .... apparently he dies ....

2 good books to begin with.

[KPM]

Im reading "Me and A Guy Named Elvis" and i really dont like how Jerry Schilling talks about him in it at all. Also i think he refers to himself too much...its like okay who cares about Jerrys life and background? I bought the book to find out more about Elvis. :blink:

In most of the 60 books on Elvis I have read somewhere along the way you hear whoever the author or authors are- they were the best friend he ever had, they really were the ones who leveled with him, big decisions- they suggested or instigated them, they were the ones he leveled with etc I take them all with a grain of salt.

[ksimms2]

Me and a Guy Named Elvis by Jerry Schilling is good.......Revelations From The Memphis Mafia by Lamar Fike/Billy Smith & Marty Lacker is also very good......I just started "Elvis, What Happened" so have no opinion of that one yet. It's hard because in this book, he is still alive.....so it's hard reading that.

okay I'm done with "Elvis What Happened" and I must say it's not as horrible as everyone says...I mean...they tell the same type life stories as the other members of the MM.

I am currently reading, "Elvis, Straight Up" by Joe E. So far...same type stuff..but it's pretty good because he tries to set alot of misconceptions straight - like about the Colonel and Dr. Nick.....so far it's pretty good.

[ksimms2]

i'm reading Last Train To Memphis at the moment ... my mum spoiled it for me ... she gave away the ending to Careless Love .... apparently he dies ....

lol Jailhouse-Rocker...cute sense of humor.....(of course sad that he does die...but we all knew that right?)

[rhythmknights]

Good observation.

Jerry refrains from talking too frankly about his time with Elvis, he is after all still relying on EPE for income.

Some of the other books are far more accuarte and a more even portrayl of what it was really like.....both good and bad.

I agree & disagree. is jerry still depending on EPE for income? well, he's working for them now, but i don't think he's relying on Elvis for income. he's one of the few who wasn't constantly feeding off Elvis when Elvis was the breadwinner. Jerry does candycoat alot of the facts, but i think it's just because he considers himself a good friend of Elvis.
this book does lean towards jerry more than Elvis, but then maybe that's why it's called Me and a Guy Named Elvis. It was a quick easy read, frankly, i'm no longer going to read books about Elvis - there's just nothing new. I'm going to start reading fiction books with Elvis in them & getting books w/lots & lots of Elvis photos!:king::D

[marijaep]

okay I'm done with "Elvis What Happened" and I must say it's not as horrible as everyone says...I mean...they tell the same type life stories as the other members of the MM.

I am currently reading, "Elvis, Straight Up" by Joe E. So far...same type stuff..but it's pretty good because he tries to set alot of misconceptions straight - like about the Colonel and Dr. Nick.....so far it's pretty good.

Yes Kelly, I am done with it too....lol
Well, you are right, it's not a REAL horror :lmfao: People, don't kill me, but I actually liked the book :supriced:
I don't know why, but if that's the worst things Elvis did, then it's not that bad hehe. ;) A good book about the dark side of our man :D

[Dovey]

The last book I got was Jerry Shilling's "A Guy Named Elvis" I read maybe half of the book... it is ok but as already stated it is mostly about himself (He seems sincere in book) But I bought to to read about Elvis. I really do not know if I will ever finish reading the book. I know for sure the book on Col. Parker I will never finish.. wasted money on that book. Dovey:D

[ksimms2]

Yes Kelly, I am done with it too....lol
Well, you are right, it's not a REAL horror :lmfao: People, don't kill me, but I actually liked the book :supriced:
I don't know why, but if that's the worst things Elvis did, then it's not that bad hehe. ;) A good book about the dark side of our man :D

yes Marija you are right....if that's the worst things he did...what's the big deal? Well I think the main point is that at the time the book came out, nobody knew that side of Elvis, they, like us before, thought he was a god and perfect...(okay well I still think he is anyway) but you know what I mean? I can understand how this book back in 1977 could cause controversy...but I do not think it would have affected his fans love for him at all...i think he worried for nothing......as Joe said in his book, look at him, 30 years later and he is still going strong.....that was nicely said Marija.

[ksimms2]

The last book I got was Jerry Shilling's "A Guy Named Elvis" I read maybe half of the book... it is ok but as already stated it is mostly about himself (He seems sincere in book) But I bought to to read about Elvis. I really do not know if I will ever finish reading the book. I know for sure the book on Col. Parker I will never finish.. wasted money on that book. Dovey:D

Dovey, you should finish Jerry's book.....it is good....I read it with no problem....and he does continue on with his life in Elvis' inner circle until the end....

[marijaep]

yes Marija you are right....if that's the worst things he did...what's the big deal? Well I think the main point is that at the time the book came out, nobody knew that side of Elvis, they, like us before, thought he was a god and perfect...(okay well I still think he is anyway) but you know what I mean? I can understand how this book back in 1977 could cause controversy...but I do not think it would have affected his fans love for him at all...i think he worried for nothing......as Joe said in his book, look at him, 30 years later and he is still going strong.....that was nicely said Marija.

Yes, that was my point Kelly.
But, I think everyone would worry about it... I know, I would. I mean, your whole career is in question. Plus, I think he worried about the potential fans, because not only fans bought the book. Other people did too and they could get a wrong picture of Elvis

The book is only bad stuff, so this could make a non-fan stay a non fan, if you know what I mean :D Because I think that If i didn't know a thing about Elvis and read that book, I wouldn't become a fan....so...the book is for fans only and that's why he was worried about.
And lets not talk about him feeling guilty that he fired them and betrayed from his friends(he knew that it was his fault...)..........hard situation huh? :'(

[cameron]

I'm waiting on a book that has yet to arrive.
:hmm: I somehow doubt it ever will.

Oh well--I've read all the others mentioned.
Even the ones I swore I'd never read. :blink:
Sometimes one just can't help themselves with promises made from authors .

I'm gonna quit reading the BS . I keep saying that.
But, how can I complain if I don't stay "informed"? :lol:

[utmom2008]

I've read Jerry's book Diane, and I too liked it. Am almost done with "Revelations From The Memphis Mafia" by Marty Lacker/Lamar Fike and Billy Smith, would recommend it to everyone. I have "Elvis, the biography" by Jerry Hopkins to read still, "Elvis, What Happened" to read still and "Elvis" by Albert Goldman to read still.....and then I have something a bit sweeter.....June Juanico's book to read. I also have, "Down At The End of Lonely Street" has anyone read that yet????? I know there is another thread on this subject, but so many posts are there and I lost track of the conversation.....lol.
Kelli...don't bother with Albert Goldman's book, put in the trash quickly. I have read Down At The End of Lonely Street, I thought it was pretty good. Seemed to be fair and honest. I just finished Jerry Schilling'd book...I thought it was very touching

[utmom2008]

The last book I got was Jerry Shilling's "A Guy Named Elvis" I read maybe half of the book... it is ok but as already stated it is mostly about himself (He seems sincere in book) But I bought to to read about Elvis. I really do not know if I will ever finish reading the book. I know for sure the book on Col. Parker I will never finish.. wasted money on that book. Dovey:D
You need to finish Jerry's book. I thought it was very moving and actually made me very sad and melancholy after finishing it.

[Lisarose]

I'd like more info on Down At the End of Lonely Street. Author? And Kelly, I anxiously wait for your review of that one!

[presley31]

Kelli...don't bother with Albert Goldman's book, put in the trash quickly. I have read Down At The End of Lonely Street, I thought it was pretty good. Seemed to be fair and honest. I just finished Jerry Schilling'd book...I thought it was very touching

l'am in the middle of reading that book. l find it honest and right to the point on things(y)

[Unchained Melody]

I'm currently reading Elvis the Final Years for the second time.

Love this book!;)

[ruggishboo]

I'd like more info on Down At the End of Lonely Street. Author? And Kelly, I anxiously wait for your review of that one!

Down at the End of Lonely Street was written in 1997 by Peter Harry Brown and Pat H. Broeske. I bought the book about eight or nine years ago. For the most part, it's ok. I just question some of the info in it. For instance, January 3, 1977 Elvis went to Harrison, AR for Ginger's grandfather's funeral, and the book stated he was drug-free at this time..just don't know about that one (the drug-free part). Also, it discusses his death and autopsy stuff, with one part claiming Elvis was around 350 pounds at his death. I find that very hard to believe, given the photos to come out of August 77. He looks in no way that overweight. Anyway, if anyone else has read this, please offer your opinions on this one.

[utmom2008]

I just finished Jerry Shilling's new book Me And A Guy Named Elvis. I liked it quite a lot. He admits Elvis' faults but is very gentle about them which I admire.

Diane
I loved that book Diane! I agree...he doesn't paint Elvis as a Saint, yet his honesty is very touching (y)

[utmom2008]

Didn't like Schillings book.
What did you not like Stryx??

[utmom2008]

I've read Jerry's book Diane, and I too liked it. Am almost done with "Revelations From The Memphis Mafia" by Marty Lacker/Lamar Fike and Billy Smith, would recommend it to everyone. I have "Elvis, the biography" by Jerry Hopkins to read still, "Elvis, What Happened" to read still and "Elvis" by Albert Goldman to read still.....and then I have something a bit sweeter.....June Juanico's book to read. I also have, "Down At The End of Lonely Street" has anyone read that yet????? I know there is another thread on this subject, but so many posts are there and I lost track of the conversation.....lol.
I have read "Down At The End of Lonely Street" Kelly....I enjoyed it. It doesn't try to paint Elvis one way or the other, it seems to be a pretty honest and forthright account.

[TurnpikeTaylor]

The last book i read was Sonny West`s book, and i`m starting to think i`m at the end of the road regarding Elvis books, as Jerry Schilling`s and Sonny West`s book almost seem like the same book.

It seems like there is nothing new to learn anymore, and after reading almost every book that has been on the market since i bought "What Happened" as a school boy upon it`s release, i should`nt be so suprised!

[presley31]

I have read "Down At The End of Lonely Street" Kelly....I enjoyed it. It doesn't try to paint Elvis one way or the other, it seems to be a pretty honest and forthright account.

I agree, l really enjoyed that book very much.

[Alessia]

I just finished Elvis Inc., which is about EPE since Elvis's death. It's a little dated and the author should have done a better job identifying his sources, but it's an interesting book, particularly the parts about the probate court's investigation into Colonel Parker's contracts with Elvis.

I also recently read Scotty Moore's book That's All Right Elvis, which was a very good account of Elvis' early career, touring with Scotty and Bill Black. I think he managed to avoid what Peter Guralnick called the "And then I said to Elvis" syndrome - telling stories as if he were the central figure in Elvis' life.

[SleepyJack]

Just started re-reading "Elvis and the colonel" yesterday....wouldn`t be my favourite of the Elvis books...but I`m sure that I missed things in there somewhere!
I`d reccommend "Last train to Memphis" and "Careless love" to everyone...very well written and you do get a good sense of Elvis from reading it....

[Unchained Melody]

Shamefully, I still haven't ever read "Last Train To Memphis" and "Careless Love"..but their on my Xmas list so hopefully I'll get what I want this year :lol::lol:

Because from what I've read they are really great books, so I definitley want to get them:D.

[Lisarose]

I was on amazon.com yesterday to get my latest reading fix and I noticed a heck of a lot of books about Elvis by Joe Esposito. Does Joe really have that much information about Elvis?
I know some of ya'll have been reading one of Joe's latest book Remember Elvis , any comments on this one? Would appreciate any information, as I have this one in my shopping cart.