Grant Hayter-Menzies

This book begins as a biography of Dorothy Brooke, or really, a biography of her work to establish the Brooke Hospital for Animals, beginning in the early 1930s when she was already middle-aged. It shifts towards the end to describe more of the work of Brooke, through 2015. I found it all very interesting and well-researched, but I was startled by the shift in subject and feel that the author needs to clarify what he is writing about -- is it Dorothy Brooke and her fight, or is it the history of an animal welfare organization. Her story is absolutely exciting. It could be a movie it is that exciting! The work of the organization, still an international nonprofit, is very worthy and of interest too, but it is not the same topic.… (mais)

Well researched bio of actress Charlotte Greenwood. For those who know her from her role as Aunt Eller in Oklahoma or the high-kicking lady in the 1940's musicals - it was most interesting to hear of her childhood and determination to be on the stage as well as her very successful stage career. Greenwood had much acclaim on Broadway and around the world and really was wasted in her Hollywood efforts. There are plenty of photos. Much of the material is from notes that Greenwood had prepared for an autobiography that was never published. Well done.… (mais)