MADreads

I heart Tori Spelling

June 22nd, 2009 Molly - Central

But I really heart Hilary Liftin, author of Candy and Me: A Love Story, a book that does not refer to Candy Spelling.  Even though Liftin co-authors both of Tori Spelling’s biographies: New York Times bestselling sTORI telling and the new Mommywood.  Is it confusing to start this review with that?

Let’s go back to the beginning.  I will never tire of Hollywood princess Tori Spelling and her stories of growing up as the privileged daughter of one of the most popular prime-time television producers of all-time.  What’s not to love about growing up in a home large enough to house a bowling alley and gift-wrapping room? (OK, I know she didn’t live at “The Manor” until she was 17, but she still had Halloween costumes designed by Nolan Miller.)  It is fascinating to read about her tempestuous relationship with her mother and $30,000 wedding gowns and starring roles on popular television shows. I am an unabashed fan of Beverly Hills, 90210 and couldn’t wait for Tori to pick up her role as the now grown-up fashion designer Donna Martin in the new 90210 series. Her character is silly and down-to-earth and so it seems, is the real life Tori.

Where sTORI telling takes on Tori’s own growing up in Hollywood, Mommywood tackles parenting in la-la land. And it is crazy. But told with humor and recognition of the craziness. Like I said, the real life Tori seems to be down-to-earth and funny. Her relationship with her mother and her own life as a Hollywood child color her every move as a parent, but she is trying her best.  She changes her babies’ diapers, struggles with temper tantrums and tucks her kids in at night.  She also gets invited to red carpet events, receives expensive merchandise for free and celebrates birthdays with other celebrities and their babies at somewhat over-the-top, but not totally excessive parties.  I mean, a moon bounce, magician and bakery cakes are not unheard of even in these parts, right?

I listened to Tori read the audio book and it was very funny.  I have a special something for audio books read by the author and this was no exception.  Tori has great comedic timing and these are her stories.  I also really like Hilary Liftin’s writing, and whatever finessing she might have had with Tori’s stories, it all works.

This definitely kicks off summer beach reading season for me.  If you are looking for a little taste of lifestyles of the rich and famous and aren’t squeamish when it comes to swim diapers gone wrong (in a private pool, of course), take a trip to Mommywood.  And don’t forget Candy and Me:  A Love Story.  Cola flavored Bottle Caps rule!

Entry Filed under: Memoir & Biography, Nonfiction