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kristinasshelves's review
4.0
3.5 stars, rounded up
I've been aware of Annette Funicello for many years, and have seen the original Mickey Mouse Club even though I was born over 30 years after it aired. I have become aware of her music in the last year and adore her "Hawaiianette" album, despite it being very campy. While I leaned so much about her life, I was drawn to this book because I know she had MS and was very vocal about raising awareness in an era where not much was known about the chronic illness. As someone with MS myself, it was disheartening to realize that not much more has been discovered from her descriptions of the disease almost 30 years ago. I do so much admire her courageousness in being open about her struggles and for being a voice for those with unpredictable disease. I also admire her commitment to staying true to herself through her fame, her values and her modesty that carried throughout her career.
So why the 3.5 stars instead of higher? Much of this book made it clear that despite being talented, Funicello is not a great author. I often felt like I was reading a book report or an essay on her, rather than the richness that comes from someone telling their own story. This is a book that should have been read in one or two sittings, but I read a chapter or two at a time as I was getting bogged down with the recitation of facts and the list of "who's who" of 1960s celebrities.
I've been aware of Annette Funicello for many years, and have seen the original Mickey Mouse Club even though I was born over 30 years after it aired. I have become aware of her music in the last year and adore her "Hawaiianette" album, despite it being very campy. While I leaned so much about her life, I was drawn to this book because I know she had MS and was very vocal about raising awareness in an era where not much was known about the chronic illness. As someone with MS myself, it was disheartening to realize that not much more has been discovered from her descriptions of the disease almost 30 years ago. I do so much admire her courageousness in being open about her struggles and for being a voice for those with unpredictable disease. I also admire her commitment to staying true to herself through her fame, her values and her modesty that carried throughout her career.
So why the 3.5 stars instead of higher? Much of this book made it clear that despite being talented, Funicello is not a great author. I often felt like I was reading a book report or an essay on her, rather than the richness that comes from someone telling their own story. This is a book that should have been read in one or two sittings, but I read a chapter or two at a time as I was getting bogged down with the recitation of facts and the list of "who's who" of 1960s celebrities.
madiroo91's review
5.0
I didn't know much about Annette Funicello other than she was one of the original Mousekeeters. I really enjoyed reading this book. Learning about her childhood, a more personal side of Walt Disney, famous people she met and dated along the way and in the end her courage to open up about her struggles with MS. Gonna have to find her TV movie and watch it!!
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