Starmaker

September 19, 2011
One of the most famous Hollywood talent managers during the 70s, Bernstein helped create the Farrah Fawcett phenomenon, and launched Suzanne Somers, among many others. He crafts his memoirs as the story of a young man from Oklahoma entranced by Hollywood, who moves to California certain he will make itâand then works diligently every day for the next several decades to get to the top. Though the smart, savvy Bernstein goes through rough times, he rarely loses sight of the need to get media attention for his clients. However, he is also unapologetically chauvinist and dismissive of people that he perceives as being of little worthâparticularly female executives who may not like the kinds of shows he tries to put togetherâand lacking the capacity for introspection. Though readers searching for juicy details about the "secret" life of Farrah Fawcett or Frank Sinatra will learn some juicy details here, they will have to wade through Bernstein's shallow musings.

October 15, 2011

Hollywood public relations man Bernstein (who died in 2006) here recounts his experiences promoting celebrities and launching star trajectories. Completely involved with his profession, he shares the highs and lows of his life's work. He worked with the Rat Pack--Frank Sinatra was "terrible," and Sammy Davis Jr. affable--and the success of Farrah Fawcett and Suzanne Somers are among the highlights of his career. He pays particular attention to Fawcett, who was catapulted to fame with her swimsuit poster and Charlie's Angels. Bernstein shares his war stories in a relaxed style as if we've met him for lunch. He had various axes to grind (the firings of the title) and can seem a bit catty. An old-school type who enjoyed his run while it lasted, he also promoted Linda Evans in Dynasty and got the legs of Entertainment Tonight's Mary Hart insured by Lloyds for a million. VERDICT For readers interested in what a career in public relations in Hollywood is like and in celebrity culture.--Barb Kundanis, Longmont P.L., CO

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2011
Bernstein, who passed away in 2006, spent decades in Hollywood as a publicist to some of the most popular stars Tinseltown had to offer in the 1960s and 1970s. Here he limns his experiences in a juicy tell-all. Bernstein got his start at a prestigious PR firm fresh out of college and soon found himself with a front seat to the antics of the infamous Rat Pack and their hangers-on. After learning all he could at the PR firm, Bernstein struck out on his own, picking up clients such as Suzanne Somers, William Shatner, Lee Majors, and Farrah Fawcett. It's clear that Bernstein considered Fawcett the jewel in his crown: under his guidance, she went from being Majors' unknown wife to a major international superstar, a literal poster child for feminine beauty. Conversational in tone and filled with amusing anecdotes and dish about the stars of yesteryear, Bernstein's memoir will appeal to readers interested in the inner workings of Hollywood and the business of marketing celebrities.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)