I like to read authors in threes, finding it’s the best way to get to know them, so discovering Steven Gaines on my library shelf, was quite a coup.
Let’s start backwards with….Simply Halston, written in 1991 about the legendary fashion designer who, in 1990, died of AIDS at 57.
You don’t need to even be into fashion to enjoy this book since it’s about the times this talented though often, self-destructive man lived in.
Characters come to life, or back to life, I should say, like Elizabeth Taylor, 
Martha Graham, Andy Warhol and Steve Rubell 
who ruled the infamous disco,
06 Mar 1978 — Manhattan’s reknowned disco and nightclub Studio 54 is located at 254 West 54th Street. — Image by © Michael Norcia/Sygma/Corbis
Studio 54.
Liza Minnelli, Bianca Jagger, Calvin Klein and models of that era are a just a few, in their stunning youth, who strut and stare back at the reader.
Sex and drugs were so rampant in the late 70s through 90s, without anyone ever suspecting a death sentence lurked in the wings.
I read, Simply Halston, in three long, luscious sittings unable to put it down.
What I love about Gaine’s prose is, the ease of it. There’s no strain…no excessive data to clog your mind. It’s like downhill skiing on the page.
It’s summertime after all, and even the most intense reader doesn’t want Tolstoy or Wharton, Vonnegut or even Capote. You want something light and written well to inform, but still, entertain.
I first read Fools Paradise, the history of Miami Beach that had me by the short hair. Next came his number one bestseller, Philistines at the Hedgerow, a hot history of the Hamptons with all its noir lore.
Obsession, a hardy bio of Calvin Klein came next before Roy Halston spent the weekend nesting in my lap.
It’s gossip revealed, but wrapped in nice fabric, not like reading The Star or National Enquirer. The people he’s written about do come with a certain amount of legitimate scandal you can’t blame Gaines for.
What always fascinates me reading about the rich and famous, is how the more grace they’re given, the less they seem to have.
If I had read Simply Halston earlier, it would have led my summer book list.
https://athingirl.com/2016/03/23/ Susannah’s summer reading list.
SB…
Your Friendly Librarian
I’ve just finished Ian McEwan’s “Sweet Tooth” in a week. Reminded me of “Atonement” a lot. Very clever: just love the way it’s constructed.
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Ah, Atonement. I could never get over how they shot all the horses at Dunkirk. It’s great you like to read. 🙂
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There were so many heart-rending moments in Atonement. The one that stuck in my craw was the infantry, beating up the airmen, because they thought the RAF had provided poor protection.
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That was a tough read. So was the film. History not always pretty I’m afraid. 😞
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I read little non-fiction but love mysteries and family drama fiction. I am binge reading Harlan Coben these days. I can never figure out “who did it” in his books. There are so many twists and turns and surprises. My new favorite author. 🙂
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Love the term binge reading. Did you coin that phrase Madam? I could get into who dunnits in a heartbeat. Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, Nancy Drew…she was my first serious read, after Cat and the Hat of course. 🙂
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I don’t think I can take credit for binge reading it is like binge watching Netflix series. I don’t remember ever reading Nancy Drew…
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She was my hero. Had them all. She was also very preppie in her skirts and twin sets, unless I’m imagining that. Could be Connecticut trying to muscle in. 🙂
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I enjoy reading celebrity biographies and auto-biographies. The last one I read was an auto-biography by Betty White. She may not have the racy appeal of the stars you mentioned, but it was a fun read.
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Are you kidding? I love Betty White. She was my favorite Golden Girl…big time animal advocate. And I always am so moved how lovingly she speaks of her late husband, Allen Ludden. Thump Thump.
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You do have the most interesting reading lists Susannah. My list keeps growing as I add yet 4 more titles to it. If I had three wishes the first would be more time to read…~Elle
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I like that you love to read as much as I do.
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I’m a mystery reader myself (not thrillers), but enjoy biographies. Thanks for the heads up on this author and bio. I just wrote the info down so I won’t forget.
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I was into all 4. ThEeCalvin Klein was interesting. They’re also not too long. We like that in the summer. 🙂
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Love love love these personal stories. I can never put them down. It must me the inner newsy body in me as I peek into their lives. The last one I read was “Does the Noise In My Head Bother You”? the story of Steven Tyler, who spent his fair share of time at Studio 54. Such an amazing time to live!
Steven Gains is freaking gorgeous!
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I loved Aerosmith. He was married to a girl I know for a spell. Life Lesson…try not to marry a rock star…
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Seriously! I think he would also agree with that statement.
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Yup…whenever I remotely find one in my midst, I run.
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