Reviews of
Imagining Liza: Memoir of a Fan
by Beverly Fauvre
Author Beverly Fauvre and Liza Minnelli, San Francisco 1982
Photo Private Collection: Beverly Fauvre
Reviews for Imagining Liza: Memoir of a Fan
"Stars have held a special fascination with audiences since the beginning of show business. To their fans, stars are the objects of fantasy, sources of pleasure, and icons to emulate. Beverly Fauvre’s Imagining Liza recounts her infatuation with Liza Minnelli and her attempts at meeting and befriending her idol. The story is told from the perspective of a mature, intelligent suburban housewife with two children and a successful husband.
Fauvre’s memoir is candid; she relates her guilt, her embarrassment, and her sheer panic as she pursues her dream. And in the process, she provides valuable insights into the relationship of fan and star.
Fauvre ultimately succeeds in her quest, but her real reward is a growing sense of self awareness, and self fulfillment as she works to unhook herself from her fantasy. Imagining Liza, in short, is a story of personal growth. Readers will appreciate Fauvre’s honesty, clear prose, and vignettes of Liza’s life backstage."
Dr. Tino Balio
Professor of Film and Executive Director of the Arts Institute
University of Wisconsin, Madison
"Beverly writes from her heart. . . Anyone who has admired a star will share in her journey with a laugh, a smile, and maybe, even a tear!"
Suzan Meyer, President of "Limelight On Liza"
Official Fan Club of Liza Minnelli
1976-1996 and author of the introduction to Imagining Liza .
"This is a gem of a book, unlike any other memoir I’ve read. A psychological page-turner that humanizes the longings of a ‘fan’ and helps us understand the impulses in ourselves."
Tristine Rainer
author of Your Life As Story, Discovering The New Autobiography and Memoir as Literature
Tarcher/Penguin/Putnam
"Ultimately about making dreams come true and about realizing we often overlook the same qualities in ourselves that we admire in others. "Imagining Liza" is a true treat and a must for any admirer of the magical Minnelli.
Scott Schechter
noted Judy Garland historian, journalist, and producer ("Judy" 4-CD/video/book Box set; DVDs of "The Judy Garland Show," etc.) and Publisher of "Garlands For Judy: The LegendŐs Legacy" magazine.
"Fauvre has created an enjoyable and fascinating look at star worship. She is able to see her dreams come true around her, yet manages to not get swept away by the stardust. Beverly offers up first hand her impressions of Liza, including the difference between the public persona and the private person. This is done with heartfelt sincerity, devotion and love. You find yourself closer to the celebrity after reading Beverly's personal story and thankful that she took the time write her memoir."
Bill Biss,
"Off the Shelf," "Buzz" Magazine ( Feb.-Mar.2001)
"I began reading at midnight and could not put it down until I finished it. Being a writer myself, I felt a keen appreciation of your writing gifts. It was a pleasure reading your well written prose. I found your book to be so honest and so full of insight. It was almost like therapy. You were so fully aware of the ramifications of projection that the book will be helpful to anyone who has lived the fan life. It was a DELIGHT to read. You write so honestly about your inner life as a fan . . . that one feels touched by a real person."
Cathy Lyons Colletti
Liza fan and playwright, Philadelphia
"You got my attention with the cover and then the Michael Cunningham quote. From that moment on, my day was devoted to your book. . . . I was sorry to finish the last word. This a very powerful book! To have used your fantasy in such a healthy and positive way is remarkable. Well written and interesting to see your growth. . . I admire your candor. I enjoyed the book very much. . . it should be in the psychology division of every book store as well as the arts division."
Penny Landrigan
Indianapolis
