Out on a Limb » (Reissue)

Her most controversial book is one you will never forget.  An outspoken thinker, a celebrated actress, a truly independent woman, Shirley MacLaine goes beyond her previous two bestsellers to take us on an intimate yet powerful journey into her personal life and inner self.  An intense, clandestine love affair with a prominent politician sparks Shirley MacLaine's quest of self-discovery.  From Stockholm to Hawaii to the mountain vastness of Peru, from disbelief to radiant affirmation, she at last discovers the roots of her very existence. . . and the infinite possibilities of life. Shirley MacLaine opens her heart to explore the meaning of a great and enduring passion with her lover Gerry; the mystery of her soul's connection with her best friend David; the tantalizing secrets behind a great actor's inspiration with the late Peter Sellers. And through it all, Shirley MacLaine's courage and candor new doors, new insights, new revelations-and a luminous new world she invites us all to share.

Library Journal

In Going Within, MacLaine asks tough questions of and gives good advice to the spiritual seeker. She has suffered, felt sorrow and anger, stress, fear, and anxiety, yet she has never allowed herself to be defined by her negative emotions. Instead she asks, "If we are not in harmony with ourselves, how can we possibly be in harmony with anyone else, much less the world that we inhabit?" MacLaine celebrates the independence that comes with the recognition of all emotions, both negative and positive. MacLaine has created many memorable roles as an actress but ironically younger adults may be more familiar with her work as a memoirist and spiritual seeker. In Out on a Limb, MacLaine reveals an intense and secretive loving relationship with a prominent politician, which sparked her quest for self-discovery. Fans of the actress's earlier works will be aware of her love of the journey. Her descriptions of her travels from Stockholm to Hawaii to Peru will stimulate even the most sedate armchair traveler wanting to see more of the world. MacLaine's exploration of life with her lover Gerry requires that she question lifelong relationships with close friends, giving new definition to the phrase "soulmate." Through it all, her candor, willingness to share her experiences, and independence take the listener into the personal life of an outspoken and interesting woman. MacLaine's books and audiocassettes have been best sellers for many years, and libraries with large pop culture, autobiography, and fiction collections should purchase this.--Pam Kingsbury, Alabama Humanities Fdn., Florence Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.