The Wall of Life

Pictures and Stories from This Marvelous Lifetime

By: Shirley Maclaine

Narrated by: Shirley MacLaine

Length: 1 hr and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Academy Award-winning actress and New York Times bestselling author Shirley MacLaine shares a dazzling memoir in photographs, chronicling her extraordinary life with 150+ images from her personal archive

With more than seventy years on the silver screen, Shirley MacLaine has, as she says, seen it all, done it all, been everywhere, and met everyone. Since making her Hollywood debut in 1955, her popularity has only grown as she’s amassed a stunning collection of awards and written multiple bestselling memoirs.

Now, at ninety years old, MacLaine has more stories to tell and the pictures to bring them to life. By introducing listeners to her extensive photo collection—which she calls her “wall of life”—MacLaine reveals both intimate family memories and images with some of the most significant figures from entertainment and politics. With wit and charm, she reflects on each photo, exploring ambition, love, friendship, motherhood, art, political activism, curiosity, and more.

Charting the course of her remarkable life and career, MacLaine shares both early memories (her childhood with her brother, Warren Beatty; her decision to leave for New York City at age sixteen; her early work dancing on Broadway) as well as remembrances of her days in the public eye (campaigning for George McGovern, traveling to meet political luminaries, starring in legendary film roles, and developing an interest in spirituality).

Along the way, listeners gain greater insight into figures such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bob Fosse, Jack Nicholson, the Dalai Lama, Fidel Castro, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and many more. Whether she's sharing what advice Elvis Presley asked her for, how she consoled close friend Elizabeth Taylor after the death of her husband, or which head of state she discussed UFOs with, MacLaine offers her most visual and delightful book yet, giving listeners an unprecedented glance into a life like no other.

* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF of photos from the book.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Shirley Maclaine (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“A worldly life journey candidly reflected in photos and captions . . . MacLaine’s images and captions cumulatively reflect an enviable, well-lived existence, offering glimpses into her world travels, family, friends, and various love affairs . . .”—Kirkus Reviews

Superficial at best...

First of all, I love Shirley MacLaine. Now with that out of the way, this book is no more enlightening (ha) than a Vanity Fair article. Super short mentions of her films, co-stars, etc etc with no deep insights. This feels tossed away without much thought. And now it pains me to say, her voice reading this was very distracting. I realize we all age but then we must adjust to what we CAN and what we CANNOT do. It's as though she's in the midst of eating while trying to talk. It's often difficult to even understand some words. I won't go on because she's a national treasure in my book. And speaking of books, don't buy this one.

Interesting but too short.

I did not think the book was long enough to qualify for 1 credit. It was just too short.
The information was just OK. I feel she could have related much more about her life.

Shirley is amazing

I’ve learned from this book to double check the length. This was super short and disappointing. I love SM and her precious books, but this one felt like she needed cash and just put something out there to get some. Kind of made me sad. A Gofundme would have been more satisfying.

so short ... not worth the money

The PDF has only a small number of photos. Something is wrong with her mouth when she speaks. Sounds like mouth full of marbles. Disappointing book.

This book was to short !

On Audible it was just over a hour long listen !
There were a few pictures available on PDF.
I was very disappointed by the length and content.

How she retains her youthful attitude even in her nineties.

There wasn’t anything to dislike. I liked the fact that she revealed herself as an adventurous real person and not a narcissistic actress.