This Month's Book Reviews

Goldie: A Lotus Grows in the Mud
by Goldie Hawn with Wendy Holden, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2005, 447 pages, $25.95

Sometimes books surprise us. This autobiography surprised me. I expected a charming, light-hearted summer read and indeed this book is that. But it is so much more. As the cover notes say: “It is a joyous spiritual journey of the heart in search of enlightenment.”

I didn’t expect Goldie’s book to be filled with wisdom and insights. I had understood that her book was not the usual Hollywood tell-all book filled with lurid gossip. Indeed it is not! Instead it is Goldie’s story and the story of her family, close friends and quite personal experiences. Goldie’s focus seems to be primarily on relationships and the lessons she has learned from and with the people in her life, even from strangers.

Goldie explains this in her Preface. She says, “Everything has its story; and everyone has obstacles to overcome. They are our greatest teachers. Each of us goes through transitions and transformations. The important thing is that we acknowledge them and learn from them. That is the idea behind this book... Every relationship is a gift and that is the theme of the book.”

The book’s appearance is also surprising and delightful to experience.

With the exception of “art” books whose very purpose is to be artfully beautiful, this is one of the most attractive books I have ever seen. All the print is in an attractive easy on the eyes blue, with some pages in each chapter in blue and pink. Each chapter begins with lovely blue, white and pink oval drawings plus photographs. Each chapter begins with a wise statement. No source is given for these statements; hence I assume they are Goldie’s ideas and thoughts. Each one is worthy to be a meditative affirmation. And we do also learn that Goldie meditates.

This is an exceptionally well written book as well, thanks to the collaboration between Goldie Hawn and UK author, Wendy Holden. The language is beautiful and the writers effectively use much dialogue, making the book easily readable like a very good novel.

Goldie Hawn’s story is a human story. It is filled with the joy, humor and passion she reflects from the silver screen. It is a story that uplifts and inspires the reader. It can even give us new insights and perspectives to consider about our own attitudes toward the people and circumstances in our lives. As Goldie says, “It is the spirit of the human being which can fill me with more joy than anything in the world... I have... met some amazing souls and their light fills me.”

Reviewed by Gayl Woityra

Past phenomeNEWS Book Reviews