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Memories Are Made of This
A revealing and affectionate biography of the legendary Dean Martin by his daughter Deana.
From the outside Dean Martin had it all - after a series of popular albums and films, he had the trappings of wealth and success and yet, sometimes, to his daughter Deana, he seemed like the most solitary man in the world. In Memories are Made of This Deana reveals how her father's relationship with her mother broke down. She describes his partnership with Jerry Lewis, who idolized Dean in a way that suffocated him, and the huge part that Sinatra played in their lives.
She evokes the glamorous world of Dean and Sinatra: as part of the Rat Pack, Hollywood and Vegas were their playground, filmstars and the Kennedys their playmates. But Deana also reveals the real man behind the image of the laid-back stage drunk - a man who worked relentlessly, a loving father and husband to his second wife who nevertheless had a string of affairs, who was kind, generous and sometimes too trusting. Packed with rich anecdotes and new information, Memories Are Made of This has the kind of insights only someone who knew Dean intimately could give.
From the outside Dean Martin had it all - after a series of popular albums and films, he had the trappings of wealth and success and yet, sometimes, to his daughter Deana, he seemed like the most solitary man in the world. In Memories are Made of This Deana reveals how her father's relationship with her mother broke down. She describes his partnership with Jerry Lewis, who idolized Dean in a way that suffocated him, and the huge part that Sinatra played in their lives.
She evokes the glamorous world of Dean and Sinatra: as part of the Rat Pack, Hollywood and Vegas were their playground, filmstars and the Kennedys their playmates. But Deana also reveals the real man behind the image of the laid-back stage drunk - a man who worked relentlessly, a loving father and husband to his second wife who nevertheless had a string of affairs, who was kind, generous and sometimes too trusting. Packed with rich anecdotes and new information, Memories Are Made of This has the kind of insights only someone who knew Dean intimately could give.
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
April 24, 2022
Apr 24, 330am ~~ Review asap.
1140am ~~ Welcome To My World by Dean Martin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrsyb...
His voice made me swoon years before I understood what swooning was! lol
I was expecting to enjoy this book more than I did. The basic facts about Dean were all new to me. In all my 63 years I only ever knew his voice, some of his movies, and his television show, which my family gathered around to watch every week.
But I never knew a thing about the man himself. So I was amazed to learn that his real name was Dino, that was not just a nickname people used. English was his second language, and he was a cool dude before anyone else understood what that meant.
He was also a person who preferred to be alone, was a practical joker, tested his comedy routines on his family around the dinner table, needed to live by a strict schedule, and according to wives and this particular daughter (the author) was very stingy with his emotions and time towards people, even while being generous in other ways. A complex person who preferred not to share much of himself unless it was on stage, on screen, or on the golf course.
I was not disappointed to learn these things about my forever heartthrob, but I was turned off by the tone the author took throughout the book. She never really knew her father until she was nine years old. Her parents split up when Deana Martin was just one year old. Her mother had some major problems with drinking and finances, even after her huge divorce settlement. The kids were not in a good environment: she would take them to bars and parties, and there apparently was no type of what most of us would call a normal life.
But when Deana was nine her aunt took the kids and left them at Dean's house and from then on he and his new wife Jeanne raised them along with their own two children. Seven altogether, and suddenly Deana and her four siblings were living in high style materially.
Deana says more than once that she was not angry about her father not being around during her earliest years, but then she will make a snide comment or two about how she missed him. And later she was cruel to him. Knowing he hated to be kept waiting and never went clothes shopping, she insisted once that he buy her a leather coat from some fancy shop and that he go with her to help pick which one she should get. Knowing that he hated it, knowing that he was uncomfortable, she just did it so she could say he spent time with her. The event, as described in a few very uncomfortable pages, sounds like it was a nightmare for both of them.
I got tired of the name dropping (I dated this one and that one; so and so sang at my birthday party, etc) and tired of the many times Deana put her father on the spot in order for her to get things from him. That coat, a car, another car later that she forced him into buying for her and then got mad when his management people sent her the bill for it. She sent the car back, choosing to refuse seeing the lesson she should have learned. He gave her a start, but it seemed to me she just kept using him. Subconscious revenge, maybe?
Other reviewers have mentioned her whining, so I am not the only one to notice it. Dean was obviously a complex person, as most creative people are. I never knew just how complex he was, and of course would not understand the results of living with such a person. Maybe I would have been whiny too, who knows. But the tone of the book turned my stomach and I won't be keeping it.
But let's finish this review with something pretty. Here is another of my favorite Dean Martin songs.
In The Chapel In The Moonlight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZzpI...
1140am ~~ Welcome To My World by Dean Martin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrsyb...
His voice made me swoon years before I understood what swooning was! lol
I was expecting to enjoy this book more than I did. The basic facts about Dean were all new to me. In all my 63 years I only ever knew his voice, some of his movies, and his television show, which my family gathered around to watch every week.
But I never knew a thing about the man himself. So I was amazed to learn that his real name was Dino, that was not just a nickname people used. English was his second language, and he was a cool dude before anyone else understood what that meant.
He was also a person who preferred to be alone, was a practical joker, tested his comedy routines on his family around the dinner table, needed to live by a strict schedule, and according to wives and this particular daughter (the author) was very stingy with his emotions and time towards people, even while being generous in other ways. A complex person who preferred not to share much of himself unless it was on stage, on screen, or on the golf course.
I was not disappointed to learn these things about my forever heartthrob, but I was turned off by the tone the author took throughout the book. She never really knew her father until she was nine years old. Her parents split up when Deana Martin was just one year old. Her mother had some major problems with drinking and finances, even after her huge divorce settlement. The kids were not in a good environment: she would take them to bars and parties, and there apparently was no type of what most of us would call a normal life.
But when Deana was nine her aunt took the kids and left them at Dean's house and from then on he and his new wife Jeanne raised them along with their own two children. Seven altogether, and suddenly Deana and her four siblings were living in high style materially.
Deana says more than once that she was not angry about her father not being around during her earliest years, but then she will make a snide comment or two about how she missed him. And later she was cruel to him. Knowing he hated to be kept waiting and never went clothes shopping, she insisted once that he buy her a leather coat from some fancy shop and that he go with her to help pick which one she should get. Knowing that he hated it, knowing that he was uncomfortable, she just did it so she could say he spent time with her. The event, as described in a few very uncomfortable pages, sounds like it was a nightmare for both of them.
I got tired of the name dropping (I dated this one and that one; so and so sang at my birthday party, etc) and tired of the many times Deana put her father on the spot in order for her to get things from him. That coat, a car, another car later that she forced him into buying for her and then got mad when his management people sent her the bill for it. She sent the car back, choosing to refuse seeing the lesson she should have learned. He gave her a start, but it seemed to me she just kept using him. Subconscious revenge, maybe?
Other reviewers have mentioned her whining, so I am not the only one to notice it. Dean was obviously a complex person, as most creative people are. I never knew just how complex he was, and of course would not understand the results of living with such a person. Maybe I would have been whiny too, who knows. But the tone of the book turned my stomach and I won't be keeping it.
But let's finish this review with something pretty. Here is another of my favorite Dean Martin songs.
In The Chapel In The Moonlight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZzpI...
July 27, 2015
It's always interesting to read about a subject via their relatives or friends, and this book is a different look at Dino from one of his daughters.
Unlike his son's book, which seemed more of a whitewash, Deanna's book brings a decidedly personal view. The reader ends up getting her main point, which is that she was the middle child in a huge family and was overlooked by her famous father. However, some of her writing comes across as very whiny, reflecting more of a spoiled child. She also is very pro-family, so that any deviation from that path, whether it's her stepmother slighting Deanna's child or Dino not being there AT ALL TIMES for Deanna's cherished son, is noted...over and over. Yet, she basically trivializes her real mother, and when she writes about finding out that her mother died in her sleep while living above a bar in San Francisco, there doesn't seem much love. Deanna discovers her mother had built a large library of books in her apartment, but the books are then given away. Gee. Such familial love.
If you don't mind the complaints about money from a child of one of the richest celebrities of all time, it's not a bad book. The world's coolest dude worked his toosh off, so his kids could live the good life. I always wondered why Dino The Cool suddenly took a different path from the '70s onward, and after reading about his family, I can understand his need for peace and quiet.
Book Season = Summer (rough life)
Unlike his son's book, which seemed more of a whitewash, Deanna's book brings a decidedly personal view. The reader ends up getting her main point, which is that she was the middle child in a huge family and was overlooked by her famous father. However, some of her writing comes across as very whiny, reflecting more of a spoiled child. She also is very pro-family, so that any deviation from that path, whether it's her stepmother slighting Deanna's child or Dino not being there AT ALL TIMES for Deanna's cherished son, is noted...over and over. Yet, she basically trivializes her real mother, and when she writes about finding out that her mother died in her sleep while living above a bar in San Francisco, there doesn't seem much love. Deanna discovers her mother had built a large library of books in her apartment, but the books are then given away. Gee. Such familial love.
If you don't mind the complaints about money from a child of one of the richest celebrities of all time, it's not a bad book. The world's coolest dude worked his toosh off, so his kids could live the good life. I always wondered why Dino The Cool suddenly took a different path from the '70s onward, and after reading about his family, I can understand his need for peace and quiet.
Book Season = Summer (rough life)
March 21, 2015
Added 3/21/15. (The book was published in 2004.)
I read this book in March 2015. In this book, Deana Martin relates her memories of her father, Dean Martin (singer & actor). I never realized he was in so many movies and was praised for his acting in serious films. I always remember him as a singer and part of the Rat Pack with Frank Sinatra.
Deana tells about the negative effect which the problem of their broken family had on her life and especially on the life of Dean Martin's first wife, Betty. It's a sad story. (Dean Martin left Betty to marry Jeanne.) In a way, I wish I hadn't known about Dean Martin's life behind the scenes. I would like to have remembered him as the cheery fellow we are all familiar with from his career as a big star.
PS-There is supposed to be a film being adapted from this book. See the following links:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1504020/?...
http://www.adweek.com/fishbowlny/dean...
"Ten years after Deana Martin released Memories Are Made of This, her memoir about growing up with a famous father, the New York Times bestseller is inching closer to a movie adaptation. She is to be played by Jennifer Love Hewitt..."
I wonder who will be cast as Dean Martin. It will be hard to find someone who can duplicate his charm.
PPS-I will never forget the wonderful TV variety shows in which Dean Martin starred. I always looked forward to them. They say he hated rehearsing and did very little of it. So his show had a very spontaneous atmosphere. It was always great fun, full of music and laughter.
I read this book in March 2015. In this book, Deana Martin relates her memories of her father, Dean Martin (singer & actor). I never realized he was in so many movies and was praised for his acting in serious films. I always remember him as a singer and part of the Rat Pack with Frank Sinatra.
Deana tells about the negative effect which the problem of their broken family had on her life and especially on the life of Dean Martin's first wife, Betty. It's a sad story. (Dean Martin left Betty to marry Jeanne.) In a way, I wish I hadn't known about Dean Martin's life behind the scenes. I would like to have remembered him as the cheery fellow we are all familiar with from his career as a big star.
PS-There is supposed to be a film being adapted from this book. See the following links:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1504020/?...
http://www.adweek.com/fishbowlny/dean...
"Ten years after Deana Martin released Memories Are Made of This, her memoir about growing up with a famous father, the New York Times bestseller is inching closer to a movie adaptation. She is to be played by Jennifer Love Hewitt..."
I wonder who will be cast as Dean Martin. It will be hard to find someone who can duplicate his charm.
PPS-I will never forget the wonderful TV variety shows in which Dean Martin starred. I always looked forward to them. They say he hated rehearsing and did very little of it. So his show had a very spontaneous atmosphere. It was always great fun, full of music and laughter.
May 5, 2022
Review originally published March 2006
“Memories Are Made of This.” Wouldn’t that make a nice name for a song? Well, actually it is a song title familiar to many people. It was the first number one hit for movie actor, television star, and singer Dean Martin.
I recently read Memories Are Made of This, written by Deana Martin. The cover of this memoir says “Dean Martin through his daughter’s eyes.” Deana was named for him and is the fourth of his seven children.
This is a revealing book about a public man who was very private and didn’t let many people truly know him. He wasn’t understood, but he was loved by the world. And even though Dean Martin has been gone for many years, he still has fans who range in age from their teens to their nineties, and are of all races and nationalities.
Jerry Lewis wrote the forward for this book and it is sincere and touching. Dean Martin was a big part of his life and Jerry has never hidden his admiration and tremendous affection for his “hero,” even when they were estranged.
Deana Martin wrote this book after she became a grandmother and was a senior citizen. But it seems, at times, that she is remembering things that are still very fresh in her mind. Her father was one of the most successful entertainers of his time, but life wasn’t always peaches and cream for him or his family.
She says she wrote this candid chronicle to “set the record straight” for the first time. Deana Martin mentions that she is frequently asked if Dean was a good father. She said she always replies, “No. He wasn’t a good father but he was a good man.”
The book contains many funny anecdotes including the time one of Deana’s brothers set up a little table at the end of the driveway with household things for sale, because it was on the movie star bus route for tourists. The buses rolled past the Martin house every fifteen minutes and he sold cans of peas, toilet paper, and anything else he could steal from the pantry. A twenty-five-cent can of vegetables could go for as much as five dollars.
Though most people thought Dean Martin was a party animal, he really wasn’t most of the time. When there was a party going on at his house and he got tired, Dean would go to his bedroom and call the police anonymously with a noise complaint. The officers would come to the house and tell everyone to go home and Dean got to bed at a decent hour. The book also delves into the sadder times, telling about the death of Dean’s beloved son in an airplane accident and the turmoil his life became after he married his third wife.
This is a well written book that includes many Martin family pictures and worth the time to read if you are interested in an in-depth view of the life of this famous entertainer from his daughter’s perspective.
“Sweet, sweet memories you gave to me. You can’t beat the memories you gave to me.”
“Memories Are Made Of This.”*
*Music & lyrics by Terry Gilkyson, Rich Dehr, and Frank Miller. Copyright 1955, Blackwood Music, Inc.
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
“Memories Are Made of This.” Wouldn’t that make a nice name for a song? Well, actually it is a song title familiar to many people. It was the first number one hit for movie actor, television star, and singer Dean Martin.
I recently read Memories Are Made of This, written by Deana Martin. The cover of this memoir says “Dean Martin through his daughter’s eyes.” Deana was named for him and is the fourth of his seven children.
This is a revealing book about a public man who was very private and didn’t let many people truly know him. He wasn’t understood, but he was loved by the world. And even though Dean Martin has been gone for many years, he still has fans who range in age from their teens to their nineties, and are of all races and nationalities.
Jerry Lewis wrote the forward for this book and it is sincere and touching. Dean Martin was a big part of his life and Jerry has never hidden his admiration and tremendous affection for his “hero,” even when they were estranged.
Deana Martin wrote this book after she became a grandmother and was a senior citizen. But it seems, at times, that she is remembering things that are still very fresh in her mind. Her father was one of the most successful entertainers of his time, but life wasn’t always peaches and cream for him or his family.
She says she wrote this candid chronicle to “set the record straight” for the first time. Deana Martin mentions that she is frequently asked if Dean was a good father. She said she always replies, “No. He wasn’t a good father but he was a good man.”
The book contains many funny anecdotes including the time one of Deana’s brothers set up a little table at the end of the driveway with household things for sale, because it was on the movie star bus route for tourists. The buses rolled past the Martin house every fifteen minutes and he sold cans of peas, toilet paper, and anything else he could steal from the pantry. A twenty-five-cent can of vegetables could go for as much as five dollars.
Though most people thought Dean Martin was a party animal, he really wasn’t most of the time. When there was a party going on at his house and he got tired, Dean would go to his bedroom and call the police anonymously with a noise complaint. The officers would come to the house and tell everyone to go home and Dean got to bed at a decent hour. The book also delves into the sadder times, telling about the death of Dean’s beloved son in an airplane accident and the turmoil his life became after he married his third wife.
This is a well written book that includes many Martin family pictures and worth the time to read if you are interested in an in-depth view of the life of this famous entertainer from his daughter’s perspective.
“Sweet, sweet memories you gave to me. You can’t beat the memories you gave to me.”
“Memories Are Made Of This.”*
*Music & lyrics by Terry Gilkyson, Rich Dehr, and Frank Miller. Copyright 1955, Blackwood Music, Inc.
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
January 31, 2024
Deana Martin has written a moving, often surprising portrait of an icon, as seen through the eyes of his loving daughter.So begins Deana Martin's captivating and heartfelt memoir of her father, the son of an Italian immigrant from modest beginnings who worked his way to the top of the Hollywood firmament to become one of the greatest stars of all time. Charming, debonair, and impeccably attired in a black tuxedo, Dean Martin was coolness incarnate. His music provided the soundtrack of romance, and his image captivated movie and television audiences for more than fifty years. His daughter Deana was among his most devoted fans, but she also knew a side of him that few others ever glimpsed. In this heartfelt memoir, Deana recalls the constantly changing blended family that marked her youth, along with the unexpected moments of silliness and tenderness that this unusual Hollywood family shared. She candidly reveals the impact of Dean’s fame and characteristic aloofness, but delights in sharing wonderful, never-before-told stories about her father and his pallies known as the Rat Pack. This enchanting account of life as the daughter of one of Hollywood’s sexiest icons will leave you entertained, delighted, and nostalgic for a time gone by.From Publishers Weekly:In this evenhanded biography of her famous father, Deana Martin acknowledges that Dean "wasn't a good father, but he was a good man." The youngest child of four from Dean Martin's marriage to his first wife, Betty MacDonald, the author recalls how her mother began drinking so heavily that Dean's new wife, Jeanne Biegger, eventually took Betty's three girls in (Betty's son was living with his grandparents) and brought them up along with the three children she had with Dean. Martin details her father's life from his teenage years as a card dealer to his first Atlantic City gig with Jerry Lewis, offering her own observations along the way ("A glass of apple juice masquerading as scotch in his hand, he perfected a role that was going to become... indistinguishable from the real Dean Martin"). Perhaps Martin forgives her emotionally detached father too quickly, as when he doesn't show up at her first live theatre performance ("I guess Dad felt that with so many children, if he did it for one, he would have spent his whole life doing it for the others"). But in the end, hers is a heartfelt and honest portrait of a mysterious father. With Wendy Holden's help, the daughter of one of the most successful mid-twentieth-century entertainers makes quite a treat of her account of growing up chaotically amid A-list celebs. Of her father, his feminine namesake (her name rhymes with the queen of the jungle's) says that he wasn't a good father, but he was a good man. He left her and her siblings with his mentally deteriorating first wife, and after she abandoned them and the family, they were raised by Dean Martins second wife.
Overall a well documentated story, shocking at times , very sad at times, very touching at times. maybe tough at times to have a father so busy had no time for his children, he cared, but would prefer to be on the gold course and leave all the business to his staff.
Yes a good man, a great performer, singer, Las Vegas act, television star but maybe not a good father.
Heart breaking last year or two with his health and Frank Sinatra's health as well.
The end of a great era of the Rat pack.
4 stars
Overall a well documentated story, shocking at times , very sad at times, very touching at times. maybe tough at times to have a father so busy had no time for his children, he cared, but would prefer to be on the gold course and leave all the business to his staff.
Yes a good man, a great performer, singer, Las Vegas act, television star but maybe not a good father.
Heart breaking last year or two with his health and Frank Sinatra's health as well.
The end of a great era of the Rat pack.
4 stars
Read
February 25, 20243.5 stars for enjoyment. I don't rate books about people's lives anymore. Will share more soon.
February 18, 2015
I would give this a 3.5. It is written by Deana Martin, Dean Martin's daughter. it is seen through her eyes. Deana talks much of her own life and growing up with a famous father. She wrote an honest account of her dad, biological mother and jeanne her step mother. Her dad left the family and his first wife when Deana was one to marry Jeanne. she lived with her mother until she was nine along with her three older siblings. It was not easy nine years. her mother was very mixed up, blew the money she received from Dean Martin, moved from place to place, drank and did not provide a stable home life for the four children.Dean Martin who spent a lot of time traveling to earn a living was not aware of how rough it was for his first four kids. At nine Deana and her siblings moved in with Dean and Jeannie. she spent the rest of her childhood living with them.
For the rest of the book she describes her dad and the movies he made, Jerry Lewis, His famous tv show in the 60s and 70s. There is a lot of name dropping in this book. Dean martin was friends with some very famous people. such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis jr. all the famous people he had on his tv show.
Deana Martin tried to be fair. she loved her dad and had many good things to say about him but did not paint him as a saint, she also had good things to say about Jeanne who raised her as a mother, but also shared she was hurt by her when Dean and jeanne divorced and she kept Deana out of her life for years. This was a nice book. Deana tried to be honest with her feelings without sounding bitter during the tough times with her dad and other people. I liked this book for the most part. If someone is a fan of Dean Martin, they may find this an interesting read.
For the rest of the book she describes her dad and the movies he made, Jerry Lewis, His famous tv show in the 60s and 70s. There is a lot of name dropping in this book. Dean martin was friends with some very famous people. such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis jr. all the famous people he had on his tv show.
Deana Martin tried to be fair. she loved her dad and had many good things to say about him but did not paint him as a saint, she also had good things to say about Jeanne who raised her as a mother, but also shared she was hurt by her when Dean and jeanne divorced and she kept Deana out of her life for years. This was a nice book. Deana tried to be honest with her feelings without sounding bitter during the tough times with her dad and other people. I liked this book for the most part. If someone is a fan of Dean Martin, they may find this an interesting read.
March 28, 2015
ENTERTAINING AND ENJOYABLE
”…my eyes were drawn to a ring he was wearing on his little finger. “Here,” he told me, sliding it off and handing it to me. ‘I want you to have this’. ‘Thank-you,’ I said, and slipped the ring on.—page 166 [A gift from Charlie Manson.]
Over the past few years I've had the pleasure of seeing Deana Martin, in concert, at least a couple of times. She is every bit as charming on stage as her dad ever was, and at least twice as adorable. It was at these concerts that I first learned of her memoir: MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS: Dean Martin Through His Daughter’s Eyes, and added it to my to-read list. I’m glad I did.
The biggest surprise was reading that Deana, as a young adult, not only personally met Charles Manson, Charles ‘Tex’ Watson and Lynette ‘Squeaky’ Fromme—and was even called to testify at some of their legal hearings—but that she actually met them in the very house, on Cielo Drive, where Sharon Tate and four others were later brutally murdered. That took the spooky, small world and six degrees of separation factors to a whole knew level.
Recommendation: If your a fan of celebrity memoirs; this is a should read for you. And there’s lots of terrific photos, too.
“Conrad was late for dinner, and when he eventually arrived, his son asked him, ‘Dad, where have you been?’ “Trying to find a parking place,’ he said. ‘Why didn’t you just let the valet park it for you?’ ‘Too damned expensive,’ came the reply.—page 151 [‘Conrad’ is Conrad Hilton, Sr., then owner of the Hilton Hotels.]
Best quote of the book goes to Deana’s step-mom:
“After that, Jeanne had laid down her most famous rule: ‘Guns and cherry bombs are fine,’ she warned, ‘but I will not have hand grenades in this house.’”—page 43
NOOKbook editions, 282 pages
”…my eyes were drawn to a ring he was wearing on his little finger. “Here,” he told me, sliding it off and handing it to me. ‘I want you to have this’. ‘Thank-you,’ I said, and slipped the ring on.—page 166 [A gift from Charlie Manson.]
Over the past few years I've had the pleasure of seeing Deana Martin, in concert, at least a couple of times. She is every bit as charming on stage as her dad ever was, and at least twice as adorable. It was at these concerts that I first learned of her memoir: MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS: Dean Martin Through His Daughter’s Eyes, and added it to my to-read list. I’m glad I did.
The biggest surprise was reading that Deana, as a young adult, not only personally met Charles Manson, Charles ‘Tex’ Watson and Lynette ‘Squeaky’ Fromme—and was even called to testify at some of their legal hearings—but that she actually met them in the very house, on Cielo Drive, where Sharon Tate and four others were later brutally murdered. That took the spooky, small world and six degrees of separation factors to a whole knew level.
Recommendation: If your a fan of celebrity memoirs; this is a should read for you. And there’s lots of terrific photos, too.
“Conrad was late for dinner, and when he eventually arrived, his son asked him, ‘Dad, where have you been?’ “Trying to find a parking place,’ he said. ‘Why didn’t you just let the valet park it for you?’ ‘Too damned expensive,’ came the reply.—page 151 [‘Conrad’ is Conrad Hilton, Sr., then owner of the Hilton Hotels.]
Best quote of the book goes to Deana’s step-mom:
“After that, Jeanne had laid down her most famous rule: ‘Guns and cherry bombs are fine,’ she warned, ‘but I will not have hand grenades in this house.’”—page 43
NOOKbook editions, 282 pages
April 25, 2015
Heartwarming, Touching, Fascinating & Honest!!! An Excellent Read!!!
September 29, 2020
Deana Martin did a great job in writing about her father and family. She did not sugarcoat everything, but appears to be honest and not vindictive. I grew up in the '70s and '80s and I remember watching and listening to Dean Martin. I learned a lot about one of the icons of an era that is long since over. Learning some things about the "Rat Pack" was fun. The only thing that I can remember of that time period that Deana Martin did not include was the argument between Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Maybe a few words of how it affected her father. But after reading the book, he probably didn't let it show since it appears he remained close friends with both until Sammy's death and then his own. If you are a Rat Pack fan, enjoy stars of the late '40s to '90s then I recommend this book. The list of names is quite impressive, from the rich and famous, to the notorious and even the faithful fans.
October 12, 2016
Dean Martin evokes for me a time and a style that is gone. He was suave and silly, a crooner whose greatest musical contributions were feel-good romantic ballads and novelty songs. As an actor, he seemed effortless and was always enjoyable to watch. When I was a kid, we always watched when a Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis movie came on TV for the Sunday afternoon matinee, and I still like to watch old videos of his great variety show and celebrity roast. And we were privileged to see the last night Dean performed on tour with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. in Chicago in 1988. We just don’t have any entertainers or entertainment programming like Dean Martin anymore.
Deana Martin’s Memories Are Made of This is part tribute to her father and part autobiography, and it does an excellent job of portraying what Dean Martin was like at home and how he interacted with his family members. Deana Martin also gives an insider view of his career, taking us backstage at the variety show, and to Dean’s dressing rooms in Las Vegas and on movie sets, and in the recording studio. Although some of the family dynamics material becomes repetitive, she does an excellent job of helping readers understand the human being behind the consummate entertainer.
Deana Martin’s Memories Are Made of This is part tribute to her father and part autobiography, and it does an excellent job of portraying what Dean Martin was like at home and how he interacted with his family members. Deana Martin also gives an insider view of his career, taking us backstage at the variety show, and to Dean’s dressing rooms in Las Vegas and on movie sets, and in the recording studio. Although some of the family dynamics material becomes repetitive, she does an excellent job of helping readers understand the human being behind the consummate entertainer.
May 28, 2019
This book is about a time, a man, an era, that is gone and will never return. He was a self-made man who relied on his street sense, his talent, his charm and good old fashioned mid-western work ethics to create a life few even comprehend in its depth & realm. Men like this no longer exist - their time is gone, and fallen to generations of whiners, losers, spoon-fed brats who believe that the world owes them something. Ok...getting off my soapbox. This book and Dean’s life story is delightful, and lovingly told by his daughter who shares his strengths & weaknesses...and also continues to keep his name alive. The twinkle in the eye, the cool image, the incredible wit topped off by his amazing singing voice....all came from a man who was home for dinner every night & snacked on bread & butter sandwiches. I read this book while listening to his albums on Spotify.....and, altho the book is not a great work of literary prose, I thoroughly enjoyed spending this time with Dean, Deana, Uncle ‘Frank’, Uncle’Sammy’, and allowing myself to remember when I was growing up and men were real men. This book is a treat & I’m so glad to have peeked into the world of Dean Martin.
February 24, 2008
This is by far one of the best biographies/memoirs about Dean Martin that i've ever read. Written by his 4th daughter by his first wife, Deana tells what it was like growing up, with her mother Elizabeth (Betty) Anne McDonald, who was an alcoholic and as thus not the best mother. And when he found out about it, Dean's subseqensent custody suit, and what it was like when they went to live with him and his then-wife Jeanne. The rest of the book tells stories about what it was like growing up with him and Jeanne, and also many never-before-told stories about Frank and the rest of the Rat Pack. And also stories of the many famous entertainers, they met, such as the Beatles. It also tells about what it was like on the Martin family, when Dean-Paul died, and how hard it was on Dean. An absolutely wonderful book! That i would recommend to anyone (who's a fan of Dean Martin that is)
May 26, 2010
Deana opens her heart and shares stories and memories about her life growing up with one of the larger than life entertainers that has ever lived. Through statistics she proves his popularity but she also proves why he was so worthy of such admiration. She sets the record straight on his work ethic, his sense of discipline, his love for his children and even some of his personal habits.
She admits he was not the best father or husband, a non-communicator, distant solitary man at times, one consumed by what he enjoyed. At the same time he is very personable, easy and trusting and I felt I got to know who he was.
She moves through the timeline of their lives and his career and how she and her siblings and her dad’s different wives and friends connected and disconnected with one another over the years. A very good book written about one of my favorite entertainers.
She admits he was not the best father or husband, a non-communicator, distant solitary man at times, one consumed by what he enjoyed. At the same time he is very personable, easy and trusting and I felt I got to know who he was.
She moves through the timeline of their lives and his career and how she and her siblings and her dad’s different wives and friends connected and disconnected with one another over the years. A very good book written about one of my favorite entertainers.
July 1, 2017
Found this book to be extremely depressing; difficult to continue to the end of it. I knew several of the items about Dean Martin previously, but his daughter's acceptance of his difficult personality and lack of ability to maintain relationships with his children was something I could not deal with. Perhaps it was my state of mind at the time of the reading, but I would not care to complete reading this interpretation of family life.
May 22, 2017
Boring. Like reading a calendar
Long list of events just seem to drone on and on with poorly veiled self pity and just a recital of names and places. Disappointingly dull.
Long list of events just seem to drone on and on with poorly veiled self pity and just a recital of names and places. Disappointingly dull.
April 19, 2022
Deana Martin takes you on a transparent walk through the life from a child to an adult eyes about the greatest and wealthiest entertainer of our time. This biography touches on the things we did not know about whether we wanted to or not. In the end, it didn’t matter because whatever Deana wrote about him as a father and a man we still love Dean in spite of his frailties and mistakes. How can you not love Dean Martin?
This was an interesting story indeed. I bought this book from DeanaMartin.com and got autographed copy including a personalized note directly from Deana. This book includes everything about Dean and Deana’s siblings, mother, Betty, step mother, Jeanne, and other anecdotal stories about her life growing up in the Martin family. She includes many personal views of how Dean was more about providing love and respect for his audience, compatriots like Uncle Frank, and the outside world including his beloved golf game than he did his own family.
Dean was a quiet man who liked to keep to himself when was at home. Only spoke to and was with his children when it was required. Yes, he was not the “alcoholic” or partier that he portrayed, but a home body and orderly person who was up by 6AM to be on the movie set or golf course and at home in bed by 10PM. His routine was his life, but it did not include his children or three wives.
He came from Steubenville and made it by singing in the club circuit to eventually becoming part of the world’s greatest comedy duo of Martin and Lewis. After 10 years separating himself from that embattled relationship and never to speak to Jerry for over 20 years Dean moved onto solo greatness as not only a singer, but an actor who starred in over 70 films during his career. Associated most famously with the “Rat Pack” and Las Vegas, Dean was one the greatest consummate and iconic performers of our time.
His legacy left an permanent mark in the minds of his fans who will never forget Dean Martin. I am so glad that I was able to experience being a part of that culture back in the 60’s and 70’s watching his movies, show, and roasts as a young boy and teenager. He will always be my favorite singer of old. No one can even come close to his career. Thank you Deana for writing this book back in 2004. Well worth the read indeed.
This was an interesting story indeed. I bought this book from DeanaMartin.com and got autographed copy including a personalized note directly from Deana. This book includes everything about Dean and Deana’s siblings, mother, Betty, step mother, Jeanne, and other anecdotal stories about her life growing up in the Martin family. She includes many personal views of how Dean was more about providing love and respect for his audience, compatriots like Uncle Frank, and the outside world including his beloved golf game than he did his own family.
Dean was a quiet man who liked to keep to himself when was at home. Only spoke to and was with his children when it was required. Yes, he was not the “alcoholic” or partier that he portrayed, but a home body and orderly person who was up by 6AM to be on the movie set or golf course and at home in bed by 10PM. His routine was his life, but it did not include his children or three wives.
He came from Steubenville and made it by singing in the club circuit to eventually becoming part of the world’s greatest comedy duo of Martin and Lewis. After 10 years separating himself from that embattled relationship and never to speak to Jerry for over 20 years Dean moved onto solo greatness as not only a singer, but an actor who starred in over 70 films during his career. Associated most famously with the “Rat Pack” and Las Vegas, Dean was one the greatest consummate and iconic performers of our time.
His legacy left an permanent mark in the minds of his fans who will never forget Dean Martin. I am so glad that I was able to experience being a part of that culture back in the 60’s and 70’s watching his movies, show, and roasts as a young boy and teenager. He will always be my favorite singer of old. No one can even come close to his career. Thank you Deana for writing this book back in 2004. Well worth the read indeed.
July 17, 2020
I read this book very carefully because I love Dean Martin, but honestly, I think, that there will be more personal information about Dean Martin. Much more it is not just about Dean Martin and about the Rat Pack and his life, but this book is more about Martin´s Family from Deana Martin point of view. I don´t like read parts about Deana Martin - Honestly, I want to hear something about Dean Martin not about her or her life. And because she doesn´t talk with him for some parts of her life, she doesn´t know anything personal from Dean Martin personal life or from the times when she don´t talk with him.
I am frustrated, that Dean Martin doesn´t write his own biography with his own words, but I know, that he just enjoys his life, and he doesn´t want to share his personal life with anybody. I think if he knows that Deana wrote this book, he would be mad on her.
Another thing is that I am sure, that if Dean Martin would write his own biography, we will see him in another light. Long story short, this book is much more about Martin´s family biography, but not about Dean Martin Biography. She just used his name and put his face on the cover. This book can be MUCH, MUCH better if she will write much more about Dean.
I am frustrated, that Dean Martin doesn´t write his own biography with his own words, but I know, that he just enjoys his life, and he doesn´t want to share his personal life with anybody. I think if he knows that Deana wrote this book, he would be mad on her.
Another thing is that I am sure, that if Dean Martin would write his own biography, we will see him in another light. Long story short, this book is much more about Martin´s family biography, but not about Dean Martin Biography. She just used his name and put his face on the cover. This book can be MUCH, MUCH better if she will write much more about Dean.
May 7, 2017
Ms. Martin is not a great writer, but I don't think she was expecting a classic when she wrote this.
I have always been fascinated with Dean Martin. I was born in Steubenville, Ohio, where he was born. I didn't grow up there, because my family lived in Weirton, WV., just across the river from Steubenville. His daughter talks about how hard he worked to provide for his 7 children. He was very trusting with people handling his money, but it didn't serve him well.
Ms. Martin tried so hard to earn her father's love. She made his mother's Pasta Fagioli all the time for him. In fact, she has included the recipe for it at the end of the book.
I hope those of us who grew up in the upper Ohio Valley can appreciate this book. In the forward, she mentions people who were good friends of her father. One of them was Mario DiCarlo.
I have always been fascinated with Dean Martin. I was born in Steubenville, Ohio, where he was born. I didn't grow up there, because my family lived in Weirton, WV., just across the river from Steubenville. His daughter talks about how hard he worked to provide for his 7 children. He was very trusting with people handling his money, but it didn't serve him well.
Ms. Martin tried so hard to earn her father's love. She made his mother's Pasta Fagioli all the time for him. In fact, she has included the recipe for it at the end of the book.
I hope those of us who grew up in the upper Ohio Valley can appreciate this book. In the forward, she mentions people who were good friends of her father. One of them was Mario DiCarlo.
January 15, 2021
Interesting but certainly not an in-depth biography. In writing about the signet ring (from Frank Sinatra) which her father wore, she references it having been worn on the little finger of his right hand. Check again Deana. In the early years he may have worn it on the right hand but most photographs clearly reflect he wore on his left little finger.
She writes about another time in her life when she decided to write a book about her father. Although the idea was born when she was mad at him, as she relates their conversation, she indicated she had told him it would be a nice book, a good book about growing up with him as his daughter. As she relates, Dean repeatedly told her not to do it. And yet she did. After he died. Knowing his feeling, I think she did a disservice to his memory.
She writes about another time in her life when she decided to write a book about her father. Although the idea was born when she was mad at him, as she relates their conversation, she indicated she had told him it would be a nice book, a good book about growing up with him as his daughter. As she relates, Dean repeatedly told her not to do it. And yet she did. After he died. Knowing his feeling, I think she did a disservice to his memory.
July 15, 2023
Never been a fan of the dark side of Jerry Lewis or Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra much, but no one's perfect..... sometimes the children are far more fascinating
Deana Martin has a lovely public persona, and the book does deal with some of the tensions of the family too....
but I've found some of her cookery to be incredible
she got this recipe which he was told to even keep it secret from her sisters
Pasta Fagioli
tubetini pasta - cannelloni beans
onion - water - extra virgin olive oil
Parmesan or Romano cheese
cinnamon - pepper - salt
---
many have chicken stock to deal with the usually bland and icky beans
and some recipes can be like 15 minutes or 2 hours to get the flavors
the cinnamon isn't very common, maybe in 10% to 15% of recipes I've seen
and maybe 70% have chicken stock
---
most definately like the Martin and Sinatra children a lot more!
Deana Martin has a lovely public persona, and the book does deal with some of the tensions of the family too....
but I've found some of her cookery to be incredible
she got this recipe which he was told to even keep it secret from her sisters
Pasta Fagioli
tubetini pasta - cannelloni beans
onion - water - extra virgin olive oil
Parmesan or Romano cheese
cinnamon - pepper - salt
---
many have chicken stock to deal with the usually bland and icky beans
and some recipes can be like 15 minutes or 2 hours to get the flavors
the cinnamon isn't very common, maybe in 10% to 15% of recipes I've seen
and maybe 70% have chicken stock
---
most definately like the Martin and Sinatra children a lot more!
August 15, 2023
A deeper understanding
I wasn’t born until 1964, so my memories of Dean are 1969+. Later in life I became a posthumous fan, and today, nearing age 60, nobody can put a smile on my face faster than Dean. I’m always in a better mood after hearing a song, watching him dance clumsily or slide down that pole! I’ve read Ricci’s book, too, and recommend it. Deana tells the story from a different perspective. I’ll be honest, there were times while reading that I didn’t like Dean very much, and times my opinion of Deana lowered as well. And then it hit me—that’s what makes this book so credible and SO good. It’s the truth. Not sure why I chose this particular weekend to read both books, or why last week I watched so many Dean Martin Show reruns. I caught a summer cold, I guess, and couldn’t do much else. Thanks, Deana, for opening up and sharing your story. Your epilogue was perfection. And thanks for the recipe, too! —Pete (near Memphis)
I wasn’t born until 1964, so my memories of Dean are 1969+. Later in life I became a posthumous fan, and today, nearing age 60, nobody can put a smile on my face faster than Dean. I’m always in a better mood after hearing a song, watching him dance clumsily or slide down that pole! I’ve read Ricci’s book, too, and recommend it. Deana tells the story from a different perspective. I’ll be honest, there were times while reading that I didn’t like Dean very much, and times my opinion of Deana lowered as well. And then it hit me—that’s what makes this book so credible and SO good. It’s the truth. Not sure why I chose this particular weekend to read both books, or why last week I watched so many Dean Martin Show reruns. I caught a summer cold, I guess, and couldn’t do much else. Thanks, Deana, for opening up and sharing your story. Your epilogue was perfection. And thanks for the recipe, too! —Pete (near Memphis)
July 25, 2017
I bought this book at a book sale. And being of the generation that grew up with parents who listened to his music and watched his movies and TV shows and by osmosis did the same, I wanted to read about the man. Deana Martin writes this book from the perspective of a daughter and how her life and his life coincided. The writing is good and keeps you turning the pages but as a biography about Dean himself, it misses the mark. But then as she states many times, he was a closed man and a true biography solely about himself would probably never be written. Still, all in all, a good read -- worth the fifty-cents I paid for it. I'll pass it along to other fans for them to enjoy.
July 30, 2020
I enjoyed it because it gave me some insight into the lives of some celebrities. He lived a very regimented life. Up at 6:00 and home 12 hours later. He was either on a set, recording or playing golf. Like most famous people he was pretty much an absentee dad. He worked 12 weeks a year in Vegas and did a lot of other work but he did have a home life. I think he was one of the luckiest people ever. Just as I expected he was cavelier about everything and must've been a lot of fun to spend time with. Surprising that none of his 8 children never considered going to college. I also enjoy being able to speculate. What if one of the Martins would've been a business manager.
December 2, 2020
This is a surprisingly honest look at Dean Martin through his daughter Deana's eyes. She clearly loved him and misses him, but she also is forthright about his flaws as a father and a husband. Deana has lived through many ups and downs, but she seems to have come through it all with grace, kindness and forgiveness. Her memoir of her father's stellar career as a singer, actor and TV personality is very well-written and entertaining. The Rat Pack, Las Vegas, the split with Jerry Lewis, it's all here, but so are his three wives, his blended family, his remoteness and his devotion to his two most important driving forces: work and golf. A very good read!
March 18, 2022
I was not a big fan of Dean Martin or the Rat Pack or his buddy Frank Sinatra but because Dino was from Steubenville OH, I was curious. His daughter Deana did a very satisfying job writing about her father, warts and all. Two facts I was pleased to learn: 1) He loved his hometown 2) The drink he often had in his hand on TV was actually apple juice. (and why did I watch him on TV if I didn't like him much? It was the 50s and my parents ruled the TV!)
As a kid, I was much more enamored with Perry Como, probably because my mom liked him. And what a voice he had...just wish he'd been able to have his own way about some of the silly songs he was pushed to sing for popularity's sake.
As a kid, I was much more enamored with Perry Como, probably because my mom liked him. And what a voice he had...just wish he'd been able to have his own way about some of the silly songs he was pushed to sing for popularity's sake.
September 15, 2020
A SINCERE AND THOUGHTFUL TRIP DONE MEMORY LANE FOR THE DAUGHTER OF DEAN MARTIN. SHE SHARES THE MANY POSITIVES AND SOME OF THE NEGATIVES GROWING UP IN A FAMOUS HOUSEHOLD. SHE KEPT IT VERY POSITIVE OF HER DAD AND EVERYONE HAD "MULTIPLE" WONDERFUL AND BEAUTIFUL SPOUSES AND KIDS. LOTS OF DROPPING OF NAMES OF THE FAMOUS PEOPLE THAT WERE A PART OF HER LIFE. NOT SURE WHAT WE SOULD TAKE AWAY FROM DEAN MARTIN'S LIFE. HE HAD LOTS OF FANS BUT WHAT CAN WE LEARN: MONEY DOES NOT BUY HAPPINESS AND A SECURE ETERNITY?
February 6, 2023
An honest, loving tribute from his daughter, Deana, Memories Are Made of This: Dean Martin Through His Daughter's Eyes is an excellent profile of Dean Martin's career from his early days in Ohio to his final performances and timeless legacy. His daughter chronicles his ups and downs through her eyes and experiences, delivering a biography that pulls no punches.
I really enjoyed Memories Are Made of This. I recommend it for anyone who's a Dean Martin fan, or anyone who enjoys learning about Hollywood or Las Vegas history.
I really enjoyed Memories Are Made of This. I recommend it for anyone who's a Dean Martin fan, or anyone who enjoys learning about Hollywood or Las Vegas history.
April 29, 2019
As far as biographies go, this book fulfilled its purpose – it opened Dean Martin to me from a completely different perspective – I always thought of him as a second Frank Sinatra, but it turns out they were quite the opposites – Dean liked to be alone, didn’t like big parties.
But as with Tina Sinatra’s book about her father, “Memories are made of this” gets very hard to read as soon as you get to the part about Dean’s aging and death - heartbreaking.
But as with Tina Sinatra’s book about her father, “Memories are made of this” gets very hard to read as soon as you get to the part about Dean’s aging and death - heartbreaking.
May 20, 2020
Dean Martin ❤ an amazing artist, singer, actor and entertainer, and one of my favourite. Good looking men are seldom that funny. This book by his daughter was an amazing read, shedding light on the man behind the star, family life, the impact on his children by the divorce from his first wife, and his many famous friends. To get a fuller picture I also read the book by his son Ricci and can recommend reading them both.
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