Sylvia: A Memoir of Hollywood Star Sylvia Sidney

Reviews of Sylvia:

A Star and a Legend
A memoir recounts the final days of movie star Sylvia Sidney's live and the refurbishing of an old house in Ringoes.

Read the full review: Princeton Packet, December 2004

-- Reviewed by Ilene Dube

After renting a rundown house on acreage, the author discovers that it once belonged to a former Hollywood star. Her interest piqued, she starts to do some research on Sylvia Sidney, and via Ms. Sidney's publicist, makes contact.

Thus begins a friendship that lasts until the star's death in 1999.

Throughout this friendship the author comes to feel the true spirit of her new abode, and the run down house slowly evolves into a true home and retreat for not only the author, but also for recovering cancer patients.

This book is more than just a glimpse at the life of a 1930's starlet, it is a reflection of how a person's spirit can influence a home even years after they have left. It is also the story of the author's survival of ovarian cancer, and the difference that one person can make in the lives of many.

The author's sense of self really shines through, and the surprise ending will leave you not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

-- Reviewed by Karen Penn of TCM, Australia

"Sylvia: A Memoir of Hollywood Star Sylvia Sidney" by Sally Miller is available at Amazon.com

Comments:

"Brief in length, brief in time, this memoir ends with an interesting twist, tying the whole book together beautifully. A testament to the human power to make a wish come true." --Eion

"Ah, the Garden Tour . . . very inspiring -- particularly the reds and purples!" -- Minty

"I just finished reading "The Discovery," which as the final chapter simultaneously addresses some shadow aspects of the story and beckons the reader into another one. Thank you for an on-paper tour of your home via the legend of Sylvia Sidney." -- Linda

"What makes the book worthwhile is its view into Sally's quirky, crazy life, and her determination and energy in pursuing what someone else might think was not worth pursuing. --Frank

"I got completely sucked into the book -- then the last chapter -- wow, I couldn't believe it! I was shocked. How could this be?" --Jay

"I enjoyed the peek into Sylvia Sidney's life, and into Sally's life as well! I wish I knew more about both." --Mary

"Sylvia's house sounds like a writer's paradise." --Janet

"I enjoyed the book, but I don't think it's about Sylvia Sidney. She may have been the catalyst for what transpired, but the book is about Sally Miller. The house was yours from the beginning: a palette for your spirit to manifest its beauty, its creativity, its love. You brought that house and the land surrounding it back to life with your love and with the community that you drew to it. It became a healing center for all, but primarily for you: it reflects the healing and the balance which you have achieved within yourself and which you are now modeling to others.

There are many lessons in your story: you trusted your Spirit in its response to the house. Even though it was shabby and rundown, you saw its inner beauty. You trusted that you would be given what you needed and were not afraid to ask the Universe to supply it . . . whether it was a woodstove or a church bench. You trusted in the spiritual law of abundance knowing that your physical needs would be supplied. You opened the house to all who came there so that they, too, could find refuge and solace.

The house is alive again; the gardens bloom because of you.

I think your angelic guides planned that little trick, making you think it was Sylvia's house, all along knowing that when the time was right you would discover the truth: that this was your house all along . . . that you have truly come home to Self. "

--Noelle