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Spanning the decades between the late 60's and 2006, is the compelling true story of an entertainment industry icon and the love of his life. Chances are, you've seen many of his shows. And as prolific as his career is, most would say they know him. At least...they thought they knew him. Living this precarious façade so believably, he had the world thinking they knew exactly what and who he was...but they could not have been more wrong.
In a new book to be released this November 1st 2007 and destined to become a New York Times Bestseller, a celebrity identity will be shattered, and rebuilt as the deepest secrets about this man's private life are made public for the very first time.
Equally revealing is the devastating true story of the woman he meets on a Hollywood set. Two lives so totally opposed that at any other time in history, they never would have crossed paths. But at the height of the cocaine frenzy in the 80's, all the rules were re-written.
For more than twenty years this incredible true story has remained hidden, the secret rarely spoken of. From the most degrading of family abuses, self destruction, insanity, and violence, to the most intimate moments of tenderness, hope, courage, and renewal, every person will find a piece of themselves and their own life within the story of these two people.
Movie stars from the golden era of Hollywood's "Sweater Girl" Lana Turner, to today's most well known screen favorites, make appearances in each of their lives. From inside the fashionable parties of the elite, teenage millionaires, and exclusive evenings within the walls of the playboy mansion, to the sticky alcoves, gutted out hotels and street corners where the homeless cashed out their hope, and young runaways lift a leg for a needle or a fancy ride, this story has every element of the human condition. It is at once, an insider's glance at the kind of fame and fortune we all can only dream of, and a raw, uncompromised expose' about street life, drug abuse, sexual perversions, greed and spiritual depravation.
Although celebrity drug use is widespread and certainly not so shocking anymore, the premeditated stalking and recurring sexual abuse of a young male celebrity is. Memories are shared with such candor and courage, that the reader is compelled not to look away.
Much like a train wreck, or a decapitated body.
The shame, and a compelling need for acceptance was dealt with by hitting every self-destruct button he could find. The more money that is made, the more frenzied and excessive our celebs life gets.
Until the day he hits a new low, his final rock bottom, and as if by some divine appointment, he meets a woman.
Raised in the confusing world of an underground religious cult, she was taken on weekends by her Father to the home of screen legend Lana Turner, where he served as Lana's personal manager.
Sunday evenings, the young girl rode silently in the convertible, black Cadillac, through the valley and back to the 1970's low rent apartment of her mother. Her mother...the "Apostle"...or..."John the Baptist" as she proclaimed to be to her daughter over and over. "The Chosen One", and her ex-convict boyfriend Bernie, who was living with them and raising pigeons in the living room of their three bedroom rental.
Given over to her mother's 'Apostle' boyfriend at the age of 11,
She is raped daily in her own home until finally, at 15, she runs away to the streets of Hollywood, cocaine and heroine.
Only Hollywood could provide the opportunity for these two people to meet. And only meeting her could provide our celebrity the venue to battle his own demons...by taking on hers.
Through two decades we watch them firmly holding onto each other through the trials of what could be ten relationships. The devastation of cancer, the loss of a baby, the several times each of them should have should have separately been found dead. Utter chaos in a twenty-year battle to survive the multiple attempts at ending drug use, ex-spouses, the murderous stalking of ex-boyfriends. Through their friendship and devotion to each other they discover that they can only find freedom in true forgiveness. The Courage to let go of betrayal after betrayal, regardless of what had happened in the past, health and vitality in laughter and endurance...and in building a home together, they turn, almost surprised, to face each other as they were truly made to be. Full...Without bitterness...Scarred, strong, deep, and built to last.
From Women's prisons, to stadiums full of people at various conventions, their time is spent sharing how compassion, grace, and endurance coupled with honesty and the willingness to keep getting up doing the hardest work...facing yourself...brings peace and depth to a life hard won.
Their story will touch everyone who sees it...and inspire and encourage everyone who has been broken on the wheels of life. |