James Dean

Little Boy Lost

By: Joe Hyams

Narrated by: Christopher Lane

He made only three movies - East of Eden, Rebel without a Cause, and Giant - and became an international icon after his tragic death at the age of 24. He was James Dean, and no one has told the real story of the man, the actor, or the myth as fully, as powerfully, and as intimately as the authors of James Dean: Little Boy Lost . This is the book drawn from extensive interviews with Dean's friends and colleagues, many of whom speak out for the first time. It is the book written by one of Dean's confidants: noted celebrity biographer Joe Hyams.

This book follows its fascinating subject from the Indiana farm where he spent an active but troubled boyhood to the crucial, early training ground of the New York theater world to his meteoric rise to international stardom in the movies. It shows how postwar Hollywood was still a charmed, leisurely community, yet one ripe for the explosive ascension of a dynamic new presence like James Dean. It reveals details of the making of his three landmark films and candidly explores Dean's many love affairs, discussing with great insight the surprising truth about Dean's much-talked-about bisexuality. It exposes, as only an insider's book can, the true story of Dean and actress Pier Angeli - his one real love - and the shocking outcome of their liaison. James Dean: Little Boy Lost is the definitive story of a stunning young talent who lived too fast and died far too soon but whose memory will live on as long as the youth of the world dare to hope, love, and dream.

©2014 Joe Hyams (P)2014 Blackstone Audio

Intimate biography of the legend

The fact that Hyams was a personal friend of Dean’s, and about as close to him as he seemed to allow people to get, this is most likely the most intimate biography of the legendary actor that will ever be available. And that’s mainly what makes this such a captivating story.
James Dean is my personal favourite actor; He was the first cinematic performer I remember being truly captivated by and fascinated with when I first watched Rebel Without a Cause when I was five years old. Since then he’s probably had the most impact on my own sense of style, and influence on my own approach to the craft of acting than any other figure (with the exception of Marlon Brando). With all of those internal biases set, I was terribly excited to read this bio, and left it all the more spellbound by this mysterious, legendary young man. While a controversial figure in his professional circles, Dean seemed to have this magnetic aura that surrounded him. As if he was the personification of the youthful qualities (good and bad) that may influence one’s romantic outlook on life, passion and creativity, and how those qualities may contribute to the development of any artist. The book is structured beautifully, as it ultimately builds towards Deans tragic death. The final chapters deal with the impact Dean’s death (and ultimately, life and career) had on those who knew and worked with him, and how they each seemed to come to the realization of his importance in their own meaningful way. The nigh deification of him trickled down into the culture, and as a result, we’ve the privilege of this truly special young man having made an indelible impact in popular culture, most likely for all time.

Keep on drivin’ Jimmy!

Loved it

The story was riveting. The narrator was excellent. The story provided answers to all of my questions regarding what happened to Jimmy Dean.
I don’t think I’ve seen east of Eden or rebel without a cause. But I love giant. I watched it many times. I even named one of my horses after Jimmy Dean’s character.

I was born in Marion . Ind. this is not true.....

Seriously i believe he had sex with men but i feel like the guy who wrote this may have been gay. he put more passion into the guys James Dean slept with
because he slept with like 30 girls in the book and he mumbles through it.

One of the Best I’ve heard

The narrator, Christopher Lane, gives such character and heart to what is, by itself, a rich and heart-wrenching story. This audiobook is well worth your time.

Awesome

For anyone who thought they knew James Dean, please take the time to read or listen to this story. The author was very detailed in his writing and the narrator was excellent

Great book! Extremely detailed!

He wrote letters and took so many pictures that we get a great account of his life.

A Great Audio Book👍

A Wonderful and Beautiful spoken and written Biography of James Dean, It was Fantastic👍💕

Wasted Youth

This book is full of speculation and delivers a tormented portrayal of a fledgling actor who only had begun scratching the surface of his immense talent 😞

all the details!

this is an incredible review very in-depth and personal take on the life of jimmy dean

Great jumping off point

If you are starting to dive into the life of James Dean this is a great place to start. The author does a wonderful job of making the stories about Jimmy feel authentic while reminding us that many parts of Jimmy’s life will never be made clear. His sexuality, friendships and motives are all left to our assumptions. The only person who could answer these questions is lost to us now. Hyams does a great job of keeping the information conversational while forgoing poetic interpretation of Jimmy’s life.

There have been works published since this that elaborate or focus on individual perspectives, but Joe Hyams has really presented us with a great outline. It was entertaining and Christopher Lane’s tone was reminiscent of a Turner Classic Movies host.