North of Hollywood

Yeah - it be a bit self-absorbed - but still intriguing.Never a bit player but never a big star in films. Would have liked to have seen Rick in his live theatre days.Talks a bit about alcoholism in Hollywood throughout the book - he had become a heavy drinker.His anecdotes are great. He was the only person John Wayne actually hit with a gun! During The Shootist filming. An accident - the Duke was in failing health.He and Ron Howard have been friends - for life.He tangents a lot about a former actress who was the mistress of a famous director.I say that the book is a pot pouri of a Hollywood life.

Hard to know where to start. This is one book I didn't want to end. I'll admit that I couldn't place Rick Lenz at first, after-all, Hollywood is a vast universe. That being said, after reading his memior, he is someone I'll never forget. Rick gets down to brass tacks and anyone thinking of show-business as a career should read this first. Not everyone will get the "Peppy Miller" life.Thank you Rick for putting it all out there. I appreciated your honesty, charm and since of humor. I wish I could go into all the specifics, as I can hear you saying: "but 'what' did you like and 'why' did you like it?" Suffice it to say, I liked YOU. Hopefully you'll have more for us to read soon.For fans of memiors, my favorite is The Tender Bar or should say, was, until I read North Hollywood. Highest recommendtion.

I can see the point of some reviewers who thought this book was a bit disjointed or jerky (as in jerks around), but he warns you about this from the get-go so I didn't find it distracting. Plus I like jerky sometimes. Reminds me of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. I felt the memoir was thoughtful and definitely self revealing, humorous, self depreciating (in a good way), and self searching. Who can argue with that? I just wish he published some pictures of some of the actors/himself/family. Maybe the hard book has them? I loved hearing about many of the actors I grew up with. Some younger folks won't know some of the people he reminisces about; too bad! I got the book on special so it's hard to say if you'd think it was worth full price. I won't spend nearly 10 dollars on any book unless I just can't get it cheaper for a long period of time and I really wanted to read it (Hunger Games-excellent by the way), so I'm not the best judge being so cheap. If you liked some of the books mentioned, you'll like this.

Sorry, but this book is an exercise in self-absorption. It did not deliver as expected. Lots of self-examination, a few dropped names.

Rick Lenz is a talented actor, writer and artist. He is also a gifted storyteller as evidenced by his memoir, North of Hollywood. I began reading this book expecting to possibly read juicy, tell-all stories about Hollywood insiders. Instead, I found mostly warm-hearted, respectful anecdotes of famous and not so famous Hollywoodites. But more than that, there were revealed many painful experiences of Lenz' dysfunctional family of origin, his struggles with alcohol, his gut-wrenching stories of his daughter's and his sister's addictions, the ups and downs of his career and his many years of therapy which have ultimately found him in a long, loving third marriage to his lovely Linda and close relationships with all three of his children (including the now sober Abigail). Lenz attacks all of his demons with brutal honesty and wicked humor.Rick Lenz' story reveals the heart breaking and exhilarating roller coaster that most artists of any field must bump along to achieve some measure of success. He has certainly achieved success in all the important areas of his life after many years of paying his dues.

A unique telling from start to finish. The format utilized in North of Hollywood was a wonderful surprise. Although it took a couple pages to realize what was happening, the format enabled the reader to float - sometimes hop and skip - along memory lane with the author. An awesome experience ! The story .... the humble telling of a unique life, led in a unique way, by a unique man with great talent and strong emotions. Ricks challenges, efforts, successes and disappointments are all laced with the tales of his experiences with big name stars encountered along the way. He speaks of his loves and particularly of the always stable and supportive wife, Linda. He shares the pain endured when his daughter traveled deep into the drug world and his pride in her recovery; as well as the great pride he has in all his children. The tie that binds is his ever present intellect (the man is brilliant as well as talented)and his unfailing, tremendous sense of humor. This is such an outstanding book - not at all like any other autobiography I've read. It's simply "unique" - and one great book to read. I loved it.

I liked Rick Lenz when I used to see him in movies. Usually a likable and funny persona. But as an author he comes across as whiney, egotistical and not real likable . I guess that is the magic of movies and Rick should have left it at that.