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New e-Books

December 19, 2009 | Book

Two new Elvis Presley books will be released as e-books; "Elvis: My Best Man: Radio Days, Rock 'n' Roll Nights, and My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley" by Chuck Crisafulli, George Klein and "Baby, Let's Play House: Elvis Presley and the Women Who Loved Him" by Alanna Nash. Both titles will be available for download on January 5, 2010. 

Library Journal on George Klein's biography:

It is difficult to imagine there is anything new to learn about Elvis. Since his death in 1977, people from his wife, Priscilla, to his bodyguards have written about him. In the last five years, there has been at least one book about the King published each year. Klein, whose personal mission is to keep Elvis's memory alive and who knew Elvis since the eighth grade and considered him his best friend, offers firsthand insight into Elvis's early years. One wonders why he waited so long to tell his story—his answer is that he didn't want to add to the "clamor," but now he wants everyone to know that Elvis was a smart and funny friend. Klein tells his own story, too, of making his way to the top of the disc jockey ladder. VERDICT Klein's constant use of dialog is grating, but demand for all things Elvis continues. This may be sought out by those who enjoyed Jerry Schilling's Me and a Guy Named Elvis (also cowritten with Crisafulli).—Rosellen Brewer, Sno-Isle Libs., Marysville, WA

Publishers Weekly on Alana Nash's book:

Nash culls reminiscences from long-term girlfriends, starlets like Ann-Margret and Cybill Shepherd, and assorted strippers, showgirls and groupies for this gossipy, besotted biography of rock's original sex god. They attest to the allure that had females lining up for access to the young Elvis's bed: devastating looks, pelvic gyrations and a bad-boy sneer combined with a romantic soul, sublime kissing technique and a courtliness that lulled parents into handing over their underage daughters. (He was attracted to 14-year-old brunettes, Nash argues, like future wife Priscilla.) And there's the indefinable magnetism—i.e., celebrity—that kept them coming through the drugs and debauchery, the bizarre monologues and random gunplay, the impotence and incontinence and vomit and bloat of the King's declining years. Nash's mix of breathless melodrama (“his voice was soft and sensuous, and he had a mischievous grin on his face, and he was looking straight at her”) with rote psychoanalysis (“Elvis could never really let go of [his mother] Gladys”) often reads like a fan magazine. Her shallow but vivid portrait nonetheless manages to evoke much of what made Elvis so enthralling. (Jan. 5)
Source:Various
Ruthie wrote on December 20, 2009
In regard to Nash's trash, I mean book, shallow isn't the word! I had the opportunity to preview the book & I was anxious to do it, really looking forward to it. Believe me, the title is very misleading. I have read most of Nash's works on Elvis & others & I was totally unprepared for this "Inquiring Reporter" type of writing. I was so disappointed in her. She may have started out with the right intention but she sure strayed off course. For a minute I thought Alfred Goldman had come back to life & was writing again. She constantly refers to statements made by people who actually can't back up the statements or weren't even there. It's a shame but I guess she has decided to go for the big buck rather than journalistic integrity. And no, I am not a prude or in denial of Elvis' sexual appetite but this book is nothing but sensationalism & not well written at that. Yes, it will sell so if you really love dirt & don't care about accuracy or literacy, you will enjoy it.
Mr Scrapbook wrote on December 21, 2009
Sorry but your words carry no weight at all when YOU talk about accuracy, and I quote: "For a minute I thought Alfred Goldman had come back to life" ALFRED ?
Jerome-the-third wrote on December 21, 2009
Yes, Alfred Silverman..
Dixieland Rock wrote on December 21, 2009
Are you sure it's not "Colonel Alfred 'Hogears' Silverman'?
Ruthie wrote on December 22, 2009
As long as we are scrutinizing for accuracy, even among us non authors, yes the mistake is mine. Not because of accuracy - I am not much of a typist. And I failed to proofread. I see a lot of inaccuracies that could be a matter of poor typing skills but I don't point that out. I hope this doesn't put me in the same category as Nash! No one deserves that.
Steve V wrote on December 22, 2009
I'd be more interested in George's book anyway. Who cares about Elvis & women?
Ruthie wrote on December 23, 2009
Obviously, not me!