This 'n That

This 'n That is Bette Davis's second memoir, published in 1987, focusing on her later life and career in the 1970s and 1980s. Written with Michael Herskowitz, the book serves as a follow-up to her 1962 autobiography The Lonely Life. The memoir chronicles Davis's experiences with her stroke and subsequent recovery, along with her continued work in the entertainment industry. Rather than revisiting her earlier career, the book concentrates on her more recent experiences and perspectives on life in Hollywood. The text includes Davis's response to her daughter B.D. Hyman's controversial memoir My Mother's Keeper, culminating in a letter addressing their complex relationship. The publication sparked public interest in the mother-daughter conflict that persisted until Davis's death in 1989. The book stands as a testament to resilience and reinvention in the face of personal and professional challenges, offering insights into the latter years of one of Hollywood's most enduring stars.

Readers find this memoir frank and entertaining, though less polished than Davis's first book "The Lonely Life." Many note it feels like a casual conversation with Davis, complete with her sharp tongue and unfiltered opinions about Hollywood. Liked: - Behind-the-scenes stories about specific films and co-stars - Davis's candid discussion of her stroke recovery - Her unapologetic attitudes toward aging and career - Personal photos included Disliked: - Repetitive anecdotes from her previous memoir - Disjointed writing style - Some stories feel rushed or incomplete - Focus on health issues rather than film career Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (180+ ratings) Several readers mentioned the book feels "dictated rather than written," as Davis composed it while recovering from her stroke. One reader noted: "It reads like sitting with a somewhat scattered but fascinating elderly relative who jumps from story to story."

Me: Stories of My Life by Katharine Hepburn The autobiography presents a candid insider's perspective of Hollywood's Golden Age from another strong-willed actress who dominated the same era as Davis.

The Million Dollar Mermaid by Esther Williams Williams chronicles her rise from champion swimmer to MGM star while exposing the inner workings of the studio system and its treatment of actresses.

Lauren Bacall By Myself by Lauren Bacall The memoir details Bacall's experiences in Hollywood, her marriage to Humphrey Bogart, and her encounters with the same film industry personalities who populated Davis's world.

Swanson on Swanson by Gloria Swanson Swanson's autobiography traces her evolution from silent film star to Golden Age icon, offering parallel insights to Davis's era from a contemporary's viewpoint.

The Good, the Bad, and Me: In My Anecdotage by Eli Wallach Wallach's memoir provides a male contemporary's perspective of the same Hollywood era, including interactions with many of the personalities mentioned in Davis's book.

🎬 Davis wrote this memoir while recovering from a mastectomy and stroke, demonstrating her determination to share her story even during serious health challenges. 🌟 The book was published in 1987, the same year Davis received the Kennedy Center Honors for her lifetime contribution to American culture. 📚 This was Bette Davis's third memoir, following "The Lonely Life" (1962) and "Mother Goddam" (1974), each offering distinct perspectives on different periods of her life. 🎭 Throughout the book, Davis discusses her role in the 1978 film "Death on the Nile," which would be one of her last major motion picture appearances. 💫 Co-author Michael Herskowitz had previously collaborated with notable figures like Mickey Mantle and Dan Rather, bringing his expertise in crafting celebrity memoirs to this project.