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davidpc83's review against another edition
5.0
This is the memoir/autobiography of Cassandra (CAH-sandra, not CA-ssandra as she clarifies) Peterson, the person, who played Elvira the persona. She really does a good job of recounting her WHOLE life (she just turned 73, 70 at the time of finishing the book). Elvira came to life when she was 30 years old and has been a cult icon for the past 4 decades of her life. All parts of her life are discussed, and she definitely has lived a crazy life. I won't give any spoilers, but I do recommend the audio book, since it's read by hers truly, the "Queen of Halloween" 😀
nicole_lb's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5
This book is best enjoyed as an audiobook - To hear Cassandra's voice, emotions, and even paused when it came to different parts of her story is very telling of how she felt about each part of her life. Touching, a little "humans are horrific", and star-studded is the best quick explanation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Sexual assault
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, and Death of parent
bmpicc's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Storytelling perfection (words, words, words, SHOCKED!), the most namedrops ever, & a twist at the end (at least for me, but it made me so happy and relieved for her).
I feel lucky that this was my first spooky season read of 2024. It was more than I ever could have imagined. I LOVED it!
"We all have our own scars. Let them be a blessing and not a curse."
I feel lucky that this was my first spooky season read of 2024. It was more than I ever could have imagined. I LOVED it!
"We all have our own scars. Let them be a blessing and not a curse."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Animal death, Miscarriage, and Sexism
Minor: Drug abuse and Alcohol
randelina's review against another edition
4.0
I have known the character Elvira in a very broad sense. She was rather before my time but after reading this I have every intention of looking the movies up so I can see all the wonderful spooky vampy galore that is the Queen of Halloween.
I enjoyed this memoir beyond words. So many stories, so much love, crazy adventures, deep heartache, ghosts, pain and trauma, hard earned success.... This book has it all. Ms. Peterson has shared much of a well lived life and done so in a way that is such fun to read. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys behind the scene Hollywood tales as it is chock full to the binding.
I enjoyed this memoir beyond words. So many stories, so much love, crazy adventures, deep heartache, ghosts, pain and trauma, hard earned success.... This book has it all. Ms. Peterson has shared much of a well lived life and done so in a way that is such fun to read. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys behind the scene Hollywood tales as it is chock full to the binding.
bizlet's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
What a life!! I had no idea Cassandra Peterson had done so much! It was exciting to hear about, and to see all of the people she intersected lives with.
I was upset by the fatphobia and (cw sexual assault)the complete dismissal of men affected by sexual assault . I also recognize that she wrote the book in her voice and those are her biases.
But like with all memoirs, I rate based on honesty and connection! I felt more connection in some places (her early years, the terrifying experience in Italy, her care for the queer community and own journey, love for pop culture, film, and music, etc) but felt like the more the book went on the more disconnected it was.
Which makes sense! It's more recent, possibly more sensitive, and I'm not entitled to anything she doesn't want to share. I didn't feel like there was a theme through the book other than a chronological account of her life, and some chapters that collected stories around the theme (like sexual assault).
I'm inspired by her willingness to "say yes" and persevere through so much sexism and harassment. She shouldn't have had to, but she did and I appreciated her being candid about it. I'm really happy I read this!
I was upset by the fatphobia and (cw sexual assault)
But like with all memoirs, I rate based on honesty and connection! I felt more connection in some places (her early years, the terrifying experience in Italy, her care for the queer community and own journey, love for pop culture, film, and music, etc) but felt like the more the book went on the more disconnected it was.
Which makes sense! It's more recent, possibly more sensitive, and I'm not entitled to anything she doesn't want to share. I didn't feel like there was a theme through the book other than a chronological account of her life, and some chapters that collected stories around the theme (like sexual assault).
I'm inspired by her willingness to "say yes" and persevere through so much sexism and harassment. She shouldn't have had to, but she did and I appreciated her being candid about it. I'm really happy I read this!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Sexual assault, and Violence
criminolly's review against another edition
4.0
Frothy, revealing (shockingly so at times) and a lot of fun. Peterson comes across as just as likeable, funny and determined as her creation.