Elvis and Ginger

Elvis Presley's Fiancée and Last Love Finally Tells Her Story

By: Ginger Alden

Narrated by: Ginger Alden

Length: 10 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

"Elvis, you and I know the truth and unfortunately you’re not here to set the record straight. With this book, I will try to.…"

Elvis Presley and Graceland were fixtures in the life of Ginger Alden, having been born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. But she had no idea that she would play a part in that enduring legacy - as Elvis Presley’s fiancée, and his last great love. For over three decades Ginger has held the truth of their relationship close to her heart. Now she shares her unique story, and while a lot has been written about the King, the Elvis we meet in this long-anticipated memoir is a revelation.

In her own words Ginger details their whirlwind romance - from first kiss to his stunning proposal of marriage. She details his exploration of Eastern religions, his perception of being a "legend", his devotion to family and friends, and her attempt to know the insular group surrounding Elvis. And for the very first time she talks about the devastating end of it all, and the 50,000 mourners and reporters who descended on Graceland in 1977, exposing Ginger to the reality of living in the spotlight of a short, yet immortal, life.

Above it all, Alden rescues Elvis from the hearsay, rumors, and tabloid speculations of his final year by shedding a frank yet personal light on a very public legend. From a unique and intimate perspective, she reveals the man - complicated, romantic, fallible, and human - behind the enduring myth, a superstar worshipped by millions, and loved by Ginger Alden.

©2014 Ginger Alden (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Great look into a complicated life

I believe you, Ginger. This is a fascinating and well written account of the last months of Elvis’s life and an early chapter of Ginger’s.

Alden comes across as a sweet, pliable southern lady with a backbone. What it must have taken to stand up to Elvis in any way. This dovetails with other accounts out there that confirm Elvis’s frustration at finding himself with a person he could not control fully. I think it woke him up a bit and helped him to enjoy a new experience after being surrounded by drooling, knuckle dragging sycophants for so long.

Reading the accounts of some of the men surrounding Elvis that paint Alden as a cold fish or a gold digger clearly come from a place of misogyny and jealousy at the fortitude Alden displayed at not giving into his every whim.

As a lifelong Elvis fan, my heart goes out to her but also sparks joy at knowing he was in fine company with Ginger at the end.

Elvis

God’s plan is bigger. Elvis is home.
Elvis did it his way and spiraled and drowned.

A book to treasure always

I almost don’t have words. What a blessing on so many levels to hear Ginger in her own words and her own voice describe the love story between her and Elvis and her memories and last moments with Elvis Presley. God gave her to him and him to her. I will now look at Elvis with even better eyes than I ever had before. What a talent and remarkable human being he was. I so wished he could have lived at least a little bit longer because he had so much to do but he lived a full and remarkable and spirit filled life til the end. Ginger was exactly what Elvis needed and that made me so happy. He deserved that.

A great story told by unassuming lady.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Let me just start by saying this would not be my typical pick for an audio book. I am a Carpenter who listens to MANY audiobooks a year and this is my first review ever. This was one of the best I have ever heard because it had all the elements of a great story. I found myself putting in a bit of overtime the day I listened because I just wanted to hear what happened next. I also appreciated that Ginger actually did the narration and I found her voice engaging and soothing. I am a fan of Elvis's but I'm not fan boy. I have listened to another Elvis bio but this one was far better because of a real human element in the story telling. Common sense will tell you she is absolutely believable and she claims nothing sensational or unbelievable. Great Book!!!

Wonderful!

Loved this book so much. Thank you Ginger for sharing your story and putting all those rumors to rest. I’m so sorry you had to go through what you did. This book is a must read for any Elvis fan!

Sweet yet powerful

On the spur of the moment I went to Memphis for the holiday weekend. My boyfriend was home taking care of his mother who had a recent health setback. When I let him know where I was he asked, 'are you going to Graceland?' It hadn't even crossed my mind but I said, I suppose I will.
I don't know what happened to me in Graceland but I was changed and moved by Elvis's humanity. Feeling the deep loss of such a special person who sacrificed so much of a normal life so that he could touch the world with his gifts and passion.
I was just 2 years younger than Ginger the day Elvis died. I remembered where I was when I heard the news, Wildwood NJ on the boardwalk on my way to my summer job selling t-shirts on the boardwalk.
This visit to Graceland brought me back and I just couldn't stop thinking of Elvis and what it must have been like to be Elvis or a person close to him.
So grateful I found Ginger's book on Audible it helped fill in the void I felt after I left the home of a guy who was just trying to make it in America at a time when I was just getting my life as an adult started.
Thank you Ginger for sharing his humor and kindness and your heart with us.

A Fast Read - I Enjoyed It

Ginger comes across as someone who is very ethical and down-to-earth. No signs of ego in her, she gives an honest portrayal of her brief time with Elvis at the end of his life. She's an excellent storyteller. I got so hooked that I finished her book in a couple of days. I'm happy she was able to be there for Elvis during his last 9 months since he seemed to be very lonely and needed her closeness. Too bad she was unable to get him to take better care of himself, but I was glad to know that she tried her best in spite of his temper tantrums when she broached the subject. It's very sad that their time was cut short, especially since they'd just been planning their wedding. It was interesting to read that Elvis was concerned with spiritual matters towards the end and that he spent much of his time studying rather than partying. I especially appreciate Ginger's wanting to set the record straight. She's obviously not just another person attempting to make a buck off of Elivis's fame, or someone who is out to defame him as with others who weren't as ethical or caring as she is. Thanks, Ginger.

Saying goodbye

I'm sad that I have reached the end of the book. Goodbyes are always hard

Good insight from first hand

Good book to listen. There are some new details and another point of view on already known facts. Ginger is kind, honest and grateful. I would recommend this book for any Elvis fan.

Elvis and Ginger was a wonderful book I was hurt by the way Ginger was treated

I love you Ginger good book I am amazed about how you were treated after Elvis death