Goldie: A Lotus Grows in the Mud

by Putnam Adult

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Label:Putnam Adult
Pages:464
Binding:Hardcover
Publication Date:2005-05-02
Published By:Putnam Adult
ASIN:0399152857
Category:Book

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Product Description

An inspiring and unconventional memoir from one of the world's most beloved actresses.

Goldie Hawn's life is an ongoing tableau of stories, and she has a born knack for telling them. In this candid and insightful book, Goldie invites us to join her in a look back at the people, places, and events that have touched her. It is the spiritual journey of a heart in search of enlightenment.

With her trademark effervescent humor, Goldie tells us about the lessons she's learned and the wisdom she feels she's been given in the hope of giving something back. Not a Hollywood "tell-all," A Lotus Grows in the Mud is a very personal look at moments private and powerful: her delight in her father's spirited spontaneity; the confidence instilled in her by her mother; the unexpected gifts of comfort from strangers many miles from home; and the joy of being a daughter, a sister, a lover, and a parent. This memoir is Goldie's chance to talk about everything from anger and fear to love, compassion, integrity, and friendship, to the importance of family and the challenges of show business.

Goldie writes about her younger self-the little girl who felt like an ugly duckling-and growing up in suburbia dreaming of becoming a ballerina. She takes us on a tour of her go-go dancing years in New York in the sixties, her phenomenal success on TV's Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, and then on to the world of Hollywood stardom and such memorable films as the Oscar-winning Cactus Flower, Swing Shift, and Private Benjamin.

A Lotus Grows in the Mud speaks of her relationship with her family-her partner, Kurt Russell; her children, Kate Hudson, Oliver Hudson, Wyatt Russell, and her stepson, Boston Russell-her growing faith, her curiosity for that which she doesn't yet know, and her unquenchable thirst for knowledge and understanding. Most of all, it is a trip back through a life well lived by a woman well loved.

Customer Reviews

The Goldie you saw on, "Laugh In", is the Goldie in real life too! - Reviewed on 2008-11-07
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I'm glad to have read the book about Goldie Hawn, and to have gotten to know more about her. One thing that wasn't detailed, was her work at the New York Worlds Fair, in 1965, and what kind of person she was back then. Well, she was a GO-GO Dancer at a bar on the Fair Grounds and danced in a cage just like the one you would see on, "Laugh In". I worked at the Worlds Fair, as a Host for one of the Big Three Automobile Company's, and fellow party goer's wanted to hook me up with Goldie, because they thought we were both crazy, and they wanted to see what would happen if we met. Well, that didn't happen, I had to escort a Miss Universe contestant thoughout the fair that day, and couldn't get word out that I would be a no show. And thus, I never got to meet Goldie. Darn! I'm still just as crazy, I'm told, and am now on Youtube. As the:King Of Woodward.
Nice reflection... - Reviewed on 2008-05-23
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1 customer found this review helpful.

Goldie Hawn is one of Hollywood's more interesting stars, since not only has she more or less had a hit or miss track record with movies, but she managed to last over 30 years in a business where it was more likely for her to be a flash in the pan. But still, she's a gifted woman, possessing the ability to make you forget your problems and just laugh, if only for an hour and a half.

That's why I was thrilled to read her memoir. Admittedly, she doesn't reveal much dirt about Hollywood life (though she does mention her personality clashes with Walter Matthau and Jonathan Demme), and at times it feels like she is holding back instead of being brutally honest. I strongly believe if you are going to tell your story, you have to do it all the way or not at all, but Goldie even admits she's going to hold back, for better or for worse, and does not apologize.

More a collection of stories than one cohesive story, they are all wonderful and uplifting. The best ones are the beginning ones, about the days before she was famous. Some of the highlights include "Integrity," a story about how Al Capp tried to seduce her, only for her to refuse and have him tell her she'd never make it in show business (famous last words), and for her to make it before his show made the air, and others, such as one where the power goes out, and a bunch of strangers and her comfort each other in the dark of her apartment, with candles burning.

Goldie Hawn fans may enjoy this more than others, and if you want a tell-all book dishing the dirt on Hollywood, this is not the book for you. If you want to read a collection of stories, with the theme of "what's less is more," you won't be disappointed.
This book flows seamlessly between Goldie's personably memorable life experiences and her reflections. - Reviewed on 2008-01-27
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1 customer found this review helpful.

Until I read this book, I knew Goldie Hawn as a funny and wonderful and lovable actress. After reading it, I realized she was much, much more. She is a wise, extraordinary woman.

This book flows seamlessly between Goldie's memorable life experiences and her reflections upon these. She teaches by example a way to look at life with a perspective I found compelling because it includes gratitude and generosity not only to those around us but also to ourselves and those who came before us. Goldie shares her life challenges, doubts, and confusions as well as her joys. I felt the turmoil and triumphs of her relationships with friends, family, and the arts, especially dance, as her words carried me along with her on her captivating journey.

This is not a "self help" book, but I found out more about myself as I learned more about Goldie's experiences. Her willingness to share fear, vulnerability, pain, as well as spirituality, love, and joy are so forthright that it was easy to make a personal connection with Goldie through the good times and the bad.

One resounding message comes through that I can't be reminded about enough. Being a compassionate parent, appreciative child, a great friend or lover, offer us opportunities to give and receive unconditional love - a profoundly nurturing source of strength, comfort, and self-generosity.

It was as if the more I read Goldie tell her stories, the more aware I became of my own. I now enjoy friends, family, and indeed each new day with a brighter smile - and I'm not surprised because Goldie's smile has kilowatts to spare.
Wonderful Goldie! - Reviewed on 2007-09-30
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I didn't know a lot about Goldie Hawn when I bought this book. I love biographies and since I had always had a great impression of her, thought it would be interesting. The pretty cover also helped!
This is a wonderful book about a wonderful person! It was very interesting to learn about Goldie Hawn's childhood and career path. I was happy to know there is such a great person who struggled yet achieved so much, simply for trying to live a happy life.
Goldie Hawn is a great example and role model of a person who truly appreciates life for what it is!
This is an emotional, funny and inspirational book. Easy to read, I felt this is a true story written from the bottom of her heart. This book shows a humble, strong yet normal person just like a lot of non-famous people like a lot of us.
It is great to know there are extraordinary people in the world, such as Goldie Hawn!
Good as Goldie! - Reviewed on 2007-08-31
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2 customers found this review helpful.

Goldie's autobiography is a spiritual journey through her life - its touching and sincere accounts of life-changing events gives the reader a unique view into the life of a movie icon. What you realize is that Goldie is one of us - yes, an amazingly accomplished actress, but also a loyal friend, a loving mom, and a genuine, down-to-earth person.

Most noteworthy is the fact that Goldie did not find the need to disparage anyone from her past in order to accurately tell her story.

If possible, I'm more of a fan after reading her book.
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