$50 Giveaway & Book Review: A Hard Act to Follow by Henry Bushkin

About:
A Hard Act to Follow by Henry Bushkin is a memoir by Johnny Carson’s friend, longtime money-manager about their relationship. This is a very personal book told in a very personal way and sheds some light, for outsiders like me, on the whole entertainment industry.

The giveaway is held by the book tour promoters – please see the form and instructions below.

My rating for A Hard Act to Follow – 4

Thoughts:
A Hard Act to Follow by Henry Bushkin (website | Facebook | @henrybushkin) is a tremendous insight into the world of entertainment and the private world of celebrity talk show host Johnny Carson. Mr. Bushkin was Carson’s lawyer officially, but he was much  more than that, a tennis partner, adviser, enforcer but most importantly a friend who lent a trusted ear and provided advice with Carson’s benefit in mind.

The book tells of the 20-year relationship between Bushkin and Carson, filled with wonderful stories about a man who many Americans spent a lot of time watching, but never really knew.

One of the themes of the book is the price of fame, which seemed to be a theme I encountered in several books this year. While Carson was a popular entertainer, he was taken advantage of constantly until Mr. Bushkin was hired, as well as simply being lonely, even though he was rarely alone. A small town boy, Carson always felt the shadow of his demanding mother, he weight of his success and the constant fear of being taken advantage of (and many times he was correct).

The book is written in a leisurely pace and filled with personal anecdotes of Mr. Bushkin. It features a glimpse into a lifestyle which many people dream of, but many dread to live. As I mentioned, it is a very personal book which is entertaining, enlightening yet profoundly sad in some parts.

Author Henry Bushkin, actress Joyce DeWitt and Johnny Carson

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/26/12
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Zohar – Man of la Book
Disclaimer: I got this book for free.