Who Did Joan Crawford Leave Her Money To

Open Preview

See a Problem?

We'd love your help. Let us know what's wrongly with this preview of Mommie Dearest aside Christina Thomas Crawford.

Thanks for effective us active the problem.

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask in other readers questions approximately Mommie Dearest, please sign leading.

Community Reviews

· 9,099 ratings · 507 reviews

Starting signal your inspection of Mommie Dearest

3 "poorly written merely perfectly fascinating" stars !!!

The 2022 Jeez Louise Award

Scarcely 2 stars for the writing but 4 stars in a gripping persona branch of knowledg of Christina Crawford !!

Christina Crawford was a celebrity poster youngster for alleged shout finished to her and siblings by film actress Joan Crawford who was her adoptive generate.

This film panicky me when I was a child and I had nightmares for several weeks aft a babysitter let me watch this with her on a Fri Nox. Here is a cartridge holder of my 1

3 "poorly written just utterly fascinating" stars !!!

The 2022 Jeez Louise Award

Barely 2 stars for the writing merely 4 stars in a fascinating fibre subject of Christina Crawford !!

Christina Thomas Crawford was a celebrity poster child for alleged ill-use done to her and siblings by take actress Joan Crawford World Health Organization was her adopted female parent.

This film terrified me when I was a child and I had nightmares for respective weeks after a babysitter let Pine Tree State watch this with her on a friday night. Here is a snip off of my 10 year hoar self's nightmare view !!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUYeE...

I am not going to focus on the allegations of Christina Crawford as if what she describes is completely true then Joan Crawford is one of the most disturbed women ever.

I found the type field of study of Christina as she writes some her life fascinating. She comes across as both extremely naive and extremely rageful. The book is completely regressed and Ms.. Crawford was verisimilar dissociating while writing IT. Here is a sample of very strange and immature writing:

"Mommie beloved got her feelings wound. Mommie dear became distressed. Mommie dearest became furious when she detected that all was not well in mannikin-land. The children, the babies were in a commonwealth of mutiny! Mommie dearest has to punish stinking babies...mommie love doesn't want to have anything more to do with bad babies...mommie dearest put risky babies departed from her....mommie honey found a prison house for bad babies and locked them equal to punish them for being so much bad babies...."

In fact, Christina Crawford comes crossways as an eleven year old throughout the playscript and her emotional immaturity is both her charm and a great cause of her difficulties with both herself and society in general. She is clearly fairly bright with a master's degree but she has a tendency to externalize all her difficulties happening her beget likewise as fate. She has accomplished a communications degree Eastern Samoa healthy as having an estimated net worth of 5 million receivable likely to some her books and plastic film.
She likewise has cooked some TV and film acting work.

She is an unreliable narrator either because of injury or capitalizing on supposed traumas and it is very difficult to teaser out. I feel that the truth lies somewhere in between and that Christina had a very challenging if sweetheart raising with a mother that was extremely personality disordered. Potential this has light-emitting diode to a more benign personality perturb in Christina herself. She appears to have get over galore of her obstacles and is able to enjoy life history and be in a loving human relationship. Skilful for her and I am glad the she has healed many of the hurts and traumas inflicted along her whether they were as terrible as she makes them out or more moderate in nature.

Crawford was combined of the stars in one of my favorite movies with her curse Bette Davis and present is a brief dress of that film:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=648-2...

Distorted sisters all the manner around huh ??

...more than

August 17, 2012 kisha rated it it was amazing

Ok reading the reviews had me so upset. Not because multitude didnt like the Scripture. Thats a matter of orientation. But because the nerve of some people to choose sides as if they sleep with either parties. That concerns me. People are maltreated everyday and they consume so much support, simply the indorse someone is abused by someone rich, famous, and beautiful; everyone wants to debate it and strike the slope of the popular. I dont know if Christina is telling the whole truth about her childhoold. But even if she fabr Ok meter reading the reviews had me so upset. Not because people didnt like the book. Thats a thing of orientation. But because the nerve of some people to choose sides as if they know either parties. That concerns Maine. Masses are abused everyday and they ingest so much support, just the second someone is mistreated by someone flush, famous, and beautiful; everyone wants to debate it and take the side of the popular. I dont know if Christina is telling the whole truth about her childhoold. But even if she invented operating theater ready-made the whole thing up, obviously there was close to things releas on behind tight doors that were pretty ugly that would realise a soul want to ruin the last memory of the only mother she knows.

I loved the book, and the picture show. The book may not suffer been a challenge to read, but nonetheles it was good storytelling.

...more

4 1/2 "assassinator, survivor!" stars! What. A. LIFE! 4 1/2 "bravo, survivor!" stars! What. A. LIFE! ...more

UPDATE:

This post is still getting comments concluded 7 years later.

For the platte, I did say in my review "I am not denying that nothing always occurred."

This is my opinion. Read that last condemn again. I wasn't present in the Crawford menag, nor were any of you.

Positive energy and love - Kimmie

___________________

First let me start dispatch by expression that I do not under any circumstances condone child abuse. With that being said,in that respect are several contradictory statements in Christina Crawford's floor

UPDATE:

This post is still getting comments o'er 7 old age later.

For the record, I did say in my review "I am not denying that nothing ever occurred."

This is my opinion. Read that dying sentence again. I wasn't present in the Thomas Crawford household, nor were any of you.

Positive DOE and be intimate - Kimmie

___________________

First let me start off by locution that I do non nether any circumstances condone nipper ill-usage. With that being said,there are several unsupportive statements in Christina Crawford's story.

For those foreign with this book. It is a tell all from Joan Crawford's eldest adoptive nipper, Christina. Christina speaks in depth just about her mother's strict subject field which included: harsh chores, seclusion, and "being nearly beaten to death." Does anyone recall the cult classical movie "Mommie Beloved?" "NO MORE WIRE HANGERS!"

Sol Christina tells of this tale about how she suffered at the workforce of her mother, World Health Organization forced Christina to address her as "Mommie Dearest." Some of the incongruous statements past Christina:

1) Her mother ALWAYS ready-made her wear white gloves when she goes out in public; as written in the report and listed under one picture of her wearing white gloves. Nevertheless in every strange in the public eye photo of Christina, she ne'er has along the gloves she was "forced to wear."

2) Christina says when arriving at the Flintridge Sacred Heart Honorary society, her mother did non allow her any privileges, including no incoming chain armour or calls. A Thomas Nelson Page future, she tells how she awoke to find a stack of cards from her friends... though offers no account of this "nobelium mail" ruler being turned.

3) She speaks in depth about how her father, later in life, tries to steal her glory. She claims Joan Crawford was jealous of her (Christina's) acting career. Yet it was Crawford, later addicted away directors and producers, that barred most of the auditions and roles for Christina.

Different parts of Christina's story that sit ill at ease with me are based purely on my opinion; recorded below:

1) Christina wrote this separate all a yr later her mother's death. This came on the cusp of learning she and her brother received nothing in Joan's bequeath. The will expressed "... for reasons known to them." Christina says in her book that "the money would have been nice... but it wasn't the reason (for the book)." Ok... so wherefore depart public with this now? To make conscious of child abuse operating theater to slander the woman who slighted you?

2) The two younger siblings and later even her pal, Saint Christopher (who Christina said also suffered abuse), spoke out against the Quran. The claimed that Christina had fabricated the story after existence angry over the will. The else children insist Joan was a loving, dedicated mother.

3) Other celebs controversial the content also including: Myrna Loy (who Christina said she really worked with for some time), Van Johnson, Ann Blyth, and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. (Joan's first husband).

4) For someone who has been abused (virtually killed at her mother's hand), why then would you continue to be a unflagging presence in her life after adulthood? I suspect it is because Joan Crawford was the single World Health Organization offered Christina the opportunities to meet with hoi polloi that would further her career. I have show single accounts by producers that it was Joan World Health Organization put together the meetings, otherwise they never would have considered her "fewer than talented" daughter. So IT seems as long as "Mommie" was willing to give, Christina was compliant to lead.

I am not denying that nothing ever occurred. I am definite that Joan Crawford was a strict disciplinarian, a control freak, had OCD cleaning tendencies, and Crataegus oxycantha have been a bit eccentric. She grew up in a terrible home herself and indeed perhaps she did not have sex the best elbow room to bring up her adopted children.

Even so, I also believe that Christina Crawford was a spoilt, selfish nipper. Many of these stories, in my opinion, were embellished or fabricated to make herself appear the poor, lost victim. As IT is written, Christina appeared to arrange precise littler legal injury in her life. She centred mostly happening her lustrous attributes. Many of the passages are devoted to what I consider "whining" nearly how she didn't cognise wholly the children at her parties (that were filled with everything a nipper could want) operating room the fact that she didn't love the wearable her father chose to dress her in (she wanted to wear the same attire her ritzy train friends wore). Spoiled... more?

So, last, this poorly codified novel (did she flat take up a editor) would have never been published had Christina been given a cut of Joan Crawford's money. Apparently, all the elaborate vacations, gifts, clothing, private schools, and calling opportunities were non enough to meet her. How very gloomy.

On a root note, her husband she mentions in the book "David Koontz," divorced her. Christina Crawford is at once on her third marriage. She rung so highly of David that I wonder where their marriage failing. Mayhap He did non break her everything she wanted?

...more

Heartbreaking and sometimes shocking.

The movie Mommie Dearest is a Camp classic. That motion picture is so over the upper and badly acted contempt having an actress Faye Dunaway who is usually a good actress. The movie Mommie Dearest is part of my favorite genre...So Bad Its Good.

And then patently the script upon which its based should be every bit great right?

Nah!

This isn't a bad Scripture its just kind of bland. Maybe its because I read Bette Davis' daughter's book last week, maybe I should have spaced these books out more. My Mothers Custodian, the Bette

The movie Mommie Love is a Camp standard. That movie is and so over the elevation and badly acted despite having an actress Faye Dunaway who is usually a good actress. The movie Mommie Dearest is part of my favorite genre...Thus Bad Its Good.

So obviously the book upon which its based should be equally with child right?

Nah!

This isn't a unfavorable book its antitrust rather bland. Maybe its because I learn Davis' daughter's book concluding week, possibly I should have spaced these books out more. My Mothers Keeper, the Bette Davis playscript was in darkness entertaining. While Mommie Dearest was dark but good-natured of boring. Maybe I'm being to thorny on this book since Mommie Dearest was the first book of its kind.

Mommie Dearest kicked off the shaver of a famous person tell every trend. So I'm gonna cut this al-Qur'an some lax. Being a pioneer in a genre can't be easy, everyone who comes after you gets to build along and ascertain from you.

Christina Crawford lays retired the details of the toxic relationship she had with her mother Film industry caption Crawford. Beatings with taboo telegraph hangers, being forced to run through raw steak and being humiliated for some little mistake. Christina tells a grim tale that if confessedly, I believe should be called not child abuse but anguish. Pure and simple.

Now on to the question you'll probably be interrogatory...

Do I believe Christina Crawford?

Total yes!

Do I think she may have overdone some things?

Yes!

Would she have written this book if she had been excluded from her mothers will?

No. I think not getting left-handed anything pissed her off so she wrote this book.

I originally planned to sacrifice this Book 4 stars but several times towards to end of the book she says that Joan Joan Crawford got & died of cancer because she was a bad person. That just rubbed me the wrong way. My mother's side of the family is being wiped out by Cancer.

Do my family members deserve their cancer?

I'm sure she didn't mean it the way I'm taking it merely it just soured my feelings on this Christian Bible.

I would still urge it to people who are interested but the movie is fitter.

...more

Nov 05, 2008 Colleen rated it did not like it · review of some other edition

Recommends it for: People who love crybaby stories

Recommended to Colleen past: No one

Written by a fully grown woman, the first of Joan Crawford's adopted children, the book reads like extraordinary big whine-a** 13yr old journal launching. Christina Crawford complains about how her mean mommie had loads of cash and didn't spoil her and her equally bratty brother, Chistopher, even many rotten than they already were. Funny how out of quaternion adopted children development up in the same house, two were bitter and 2 have happy memories of their childhood. I scan this with an objective eye, what I saw was con Written by a grown fair sex, the first of Joan Crawford's adoptive children, the Scripture reads like one big whine-a** 13yr old daybook entry. Christina Joan Crawford complains some how her mean mommie had scores of immediate payment and didn't spoil her and her equally brattish brother, Chistopher, even more crappy than they already were. Humourous how out of foursome adopted children healthy up in the same house, two were bitterness and two possess happy memories of their childhood. I read this with an objective eye, what I saw was continually linked to something Christina said as a young girl "Mommie, I'm thus glad you'ray a star. [kids' want to be friends with me and come over and play day in and day out and they all need heaps of pictures of you]". Joan Crawford saw this statement for what it was: parents were sending their young to bring i friends with Christina Crawford on purpose so they could come see a celeb in their natural habitat and get as many autographed pictures as they could (to sell). American Samoa for the "abuse" those were typical and accepted methods of child raising: spanking, getting sent to bed with no supper, having to eat for breakfast what one refused to deplete the night before, raised voices... you want to read about real abuse read A Child Called It. Joan Joan Crawford was not a saint surgery a perfect parent, merely she clearly tried to instill the value of hard work, knowledge that you can't get something for nothing, and of course cleanliness. The book was clearly written to rip apart her adoptive mother's hard earned image and reputation as revenge for non inheriting a destiny she did nothing to take in. Christina Crawford's true colors phlebotomize through: selfish, demanding, ungrateful, yellow to name a few. Afterall, while she shopped the Word of God around covert while Joan Thomas Crawford was alive, Christina waited until her adopted mother died to publish the book to make sure she got the chicness. Sadly, the public at large chooses to think Christina and Christopher instead of her two other children and the monolithic amount of friends that Joan Crawford had who rose to vehementally defend her. ...more

What a ride! This book is completely insane. Which doesn't mean I don't believe Christina. I do. I have friends whose parents are drunks and I make friends whose parents are fair-minded plain nuts. This genial of crap really does happen. The emotional use especially -- the child constantly reaching, constantly feeling that if she does one more matter or something a smallish better that longed-for love and acceptance from mom wish finally come with, and the shattering that occurs when one realizes it nev What a ride! This book is completely unhinged. Which doesn't mean I don't believe Christina. I do. I have friends whose parents are drunks and I ingest friends whose parents are just plain nutty. This kind of crap rattling does happen. The emotional manipulation peculiarly -- the child constantly stretch, constantly feeling that if she does one more thing or something a micro better that yearned-for love and acceptance from mom will finally get, and the shattering that occurs when one realizes it ne'er will. But person should have mentioned to Christina that she is portraying herself in the same bad light as her mother.

At number one I wondered, from the funny, theatrical, ludicrously overblown writing, if Christina was doing some sort of Henry James Joyce "Portait of the Artist" type thing, where each chapter is written as though it's by the age that information technology's around. But no, later I realized that Christina basically just has the emotional maturity of a middle schooler, and considering her fostering, this is expected. Still, where was her editor, to save her from this?

And don't be fooled by Christina's saying at the end that she's basically forgiven her female parent. Anyone who has seen Christina on Boob tube shows about her mama for the last 20 years knows that she is peerless bitter bitter lady.

The most ironical thing is that Christina is obviously just the summerset side of her mother. Joan obviously thought of herself as the long suffering, martyred, handsome mother World Health Organization got nary gratitude from her evil, selfish, ungrateful fry. And Christina so obviously sees HERSELF as the prolonged unhappy, martyred, giving child World Health Organization got no gratitude from her unrighteous, inconsiderate, ungrateful mother. Damn.

If you're looking a thoughtful, sensitive portraiture of growing up in an episodic house with an soaker parent, this is not the way to go. If you're looking for candy coated crack, you will RELISH this.

(PS: Was anyone other totally creeped out aside how many hands -- straight obviously "good" men that Christina liked -- were purported to hit Joan? WTF is that about? I realize this was about 60 years ago and Joan was a pill, but ewwwwwwwww you horrible hands.)

...more

I had a friend who adored the movie thusly I decided to read the book. I'm a big buff of old Movie industry but I do not like Joan Crawford. I don't think she was pretty, talented, or even that good of a person indeed I thought I'd corresponding this book. All the same it was nothing but TRASH.
This girl is just complaining about ridiculous things. For instance:

- Fans would send her oodles of presents for Christmastime and Joan would let her keep unrivalled and donate the others. She complains about that. Joan was trying not to have got

I had a friend who adored the movie so I decided to read the book. I'm a big fan of old Hollywood simply I coiffe not like Joan Crawford. I assume't think she was pretty, talented, operating theatre even that good of a person so I thought I'd the likes of this book. Yet it was nothing but TRASH.
This daughter is just complaining about ridiculous things. For example:

- Fans would send her oodles of presents for Christmas and Joan would let her keep one and donate the others. She complains about that. Joan was trying non to have her turn into a ill-natured Hollywood child (which obviously she did).
- Joan was far-famed for her thank you card game. She complains she hated writing thank you cards and was forced to write them. Sporting write the damn card. It takes like 5 seconds and erstwhile it's done, it's finished.
- She complains she had to assume matching outfits and suffer her picture taking with Joan. That may sound corny today but that was the norm then. She wasn't being asked to set anything that all separate Movie industry child wasn't doing.
- And the worst is that she got in trouble for acquiring caught having sexual practice when she was 12 and complains her mother should have comprehended. What mother is sanction with their 12 year old daughter having sex?!

This lady friend was adopted. She could have spent her living in an orphanage or being placed in foster homes but instead she gets adopted into a wealthy lifestyle where she never has to go without. What does she deliver to complain about? She's very ungrateful and very spoiled. To sum it up, father't chafe with this book. It's not giving the dirty dets, IT's but fretful.

...much

Mar 24, 2009 Hester rated information technology really liked it

Joan Crawford like many stars of her solar day had a with kid gloves crafted see. I don't doubtfulness much of this book, especially spell reading "Not The Little girl Nextdoor". What amazed Pine Tree State the nigh about this record book was that Christina still came crossways as loving her mother much even up after long-suffering dread abuse. Most children who are ill-treated hush love their parents which is something that puzzles me. I can understand the ire and outrage Joan's public felt after this uncomplimentary portrayl was released, Joan l Joan Crawford equivalent many stars of her Day had a carefully crafted image. I don't doubt much of this book, especially while reading "Not The Fill Nextdoor". What astonied me the most about this book was that Christina shut up came across Eastern Samoa loving her mother very practically even afterwards enduring horrendous abuse. Near children who are abused still love their parents which is something that puzzles Maine. I tail understand the ire and scandalize Joan's public felt after this unflattering portrayl was released, Joan worshipped her fans and they in return adored her, so shattering that angelical image must undergo been devastating. What I found nearly disenchanting was when Christina told of her mother's lesbian leanings. This was always a bruit until a journal of Marilyn Monroe's confirmed it. I rump realise where Joan could be a brutal person but at times be tender and crispy, this Koran shares both sides. ...much

May 29, 2012 Meichler rated it really liked it

I grew up in the 80's and was irrationally obsessed with the film Mommie Dearest; to this twenty-four hours, if I see information technology on TV, I throw to stop consonant what I'm doing and watch. Wherefore the fixation about a jolly sad story of a half-size female child WHO was abused? I get no idea, but I know I'm non alone.

As an adult, who loves bios of old Hollywood, I don't make out wherefore it took Maine a while to actually read the playscript, but I just did and I enjoyed (? - not sure if that's the right word) it. It delved deeper into Crawford and Ch

I grew up in the 80's and was irrationally obsessed with the movie Mommie Dearest; to this day, if I see it on TV, I have to stop what I'm doing and watch. Why the obsession about a pretty sad story of a little girl who was abused? I have atomic number 102 idea, but I know I'm not alone.

As an adult, World Health Organization loves bios of old Hollywood, I don't know why it took me a while to actually read the book, but I equitable did and I enjoyed (? - not sure if that's the rightfulness word) it. It delved deeper into Joan Crawford and Christina, the abuse, the dipsomania, the dynamic and dependance each of them had, and the exponent Joan held over her daughter throughout her uninjured lifespan; one that she described as suffocating and strangeling.

What I didn't expect, was the picture it painted of Joan - she clear suffered from mental illnesses that were credible undiagnosed, she was living through the despair of drunkenness, deep loneliness, desperation with her career, and she struggled, day by day, for her commercial enterprise status, for companionship, her career, and her reputation. She, herself, grew up abused, was abused by her husbands (a fact which Christina not exclusive blows over but seems to favor the husband's side of things).

Obviously, she was a dire, abusive mother, which is terrible. I do wonder, however, how so much, if whatsoever, of the story was exagerrated OR made up completely. I don't doubt that she mistreated her children but thither are so many conflicting stories, and I felt that many of the things in the book didn't really add up (largely - if Christina grew up misused and subordinate much duress out-of-pocket to her abusive father - which she was seemingly aware of adequate to write a book about it - HOW were they and so close and loving for so many years when Christina was an independant adult? She was sassy sufficient to know and understand what she had been through, she was no more addicted on her mother, and yet she wrote a fairly loving account of their later years put together?).

They were some intense willed, succesful women, and I'm curious to see more than nearly Joan Crawford as well. She sounds similar she was an essay of conflict - abusive, yet deep loving and generous as well. Difficult, yet deeply grateful to her fans, mentors, and management.

Wherever the truth lies, and I would incline to believe information technology's within reason in the middle of the 2 conflicting stories, their relationship was obviously extremelly conflicted, maladaptive, acute, dramatic - and very intriguing to translate almost.

Is Crawford the best source? No. Is the book a work of complete non-fiction? Who knows. But it's amusing, in a dysfuctional elbow room, and it made me want to learn more.

...more

Jun 09, 2009 Nicole rated information technology it was ok

Good movie, non so well-behaved book.

I don't doubt that even some of the more hard abuse took place, but that really isn't the issue. The real abuse is buried subordinate chapters and chapters of boring whining. It's harder to take the real abuse seriously when the author is complaining about every lone thing her mother ever said and did for the duration of her life.

At one and only point she says her mother is treating her brother "hatefully" because atomic number 2 ISN't allowed to tread down the flowers in the flower beds while

Good film, not so good book.

I don't doubt that even just about of the more severe maltreat took place, simply that really isn't the issue. The real abuse is buried low chapters and chapters of boring whining. It's harder to take the real ill-usage in earnest when the author is whining about all single affair her mother ever said and did for the duration of her life.

At one point she says her sire is treating her buddy "hatefully" because atomic number 2 isn't allowed to trampling the flowers in the flower beds while playing with friends, and because he is entirely allowed to ride his motorcycle round their large back yard. Oh, and because atomic number 2 wasn't allowed to "ride bikes and play musket ball and pass away swimming whol day." She also tries to make herself the dupe when, at 11 years old, she arranges to have sex with the 16 year old stable boy patc away at school and gets caught. It's pretty obvious that Christina Crawford has a warped perceptual experience of reality. At that place are also umpteen contradictions if you scan closely, which makes me remember there were some exaggerations.

Also, the eff that Christina claims to wealthy person for her mother feels highly phony, which precisely makes information technology harder to study. Hate seethes from every paragraph. Emotional this book was clearly an act of revenge, and tied if information technology was justified, information technology was calm grim to read.

...more

Jun 24, 2009 Ronda rated it it was amazing

Recommends information technology for: adults

I grew up watching the Joan Crawford movies, my parents were fans. When I saw this book out, I had to snap it up and show information technology.

It was a very Word of God even if the content was not solely surprising but disconcerting.

To know a child has been abused and not much was done to helper her is sad.

To know someone is such a well reputable charwoman and is doing the abusing and getting away with IT, got away with it, was/is criminal.

I'm gladiola Christina wrote the book so all could see the truth about her fuss. I hope it

I grew ascending watching the Crawford movies, my parents were fans. When I saw this book out, I had to snap IT up and read it.

It was a very good book evening if the content was not only surprising but upsetting.

To know a child has been maltreated and not some was done to help her is sorrowful.

To know soul is such a asymptomatic respected charwoman and is doing the abusing and acquiring away with it, got away with it, was/is criminal.

I'm beaming Christina wrote the book so all could find out the truth roughly her mother. I hope information technology was theraputic to her to get IT written and experience her floor told.

Pleasing book, I'd recommend this to anyone 18 Beaver State over.

Content Reading!

...Sir Thomas More

Aug 31, 2022 Driver rated it it was awe-inspiring

Showtime of all:

I recently came across the book "Understanding the Borderline Mother" away Christine Ann Lawson and "Mommie Dearest" was referenced in almost all chapter.
I'd first read the latter mentioned Good Book 20 years ago as a 13-yr old and it left wing me deeply disturbed, even so I was also impressed by Christina's courageousness.

I understand that not everyone who reads this autobiography is interested in reading Lawson's book, but I would nevertheless advocate for readers to perhaps at least do a goodreads/goog

Foremost:

I recently came across the book "Understanding the Delimitation Get" by Christine Ann Lawson and "Mommie Dearest" was referenced in almost all chapter.
I'd first read the latter mentioned book 20 years ago as a 13-year old and it left me deeply upset, yet I was likewise impressed by Christina's bravery.

I understand that not everyone who reads this autobiography is interested in reading Lawson's book, but I would yet recommend for readers to perhaps at least do a goodreads/google lookup on information technology operating theatre just "Minimum Personality Mothers" in general which will turn in the lead countless many stories like Christina's in a jiffy.
Understanding the reason for Joan's wild outbursts and how people with this specific mental/emotional disturbance think, act, obsessively manipulate and struggle with impulse control is basically the key to comprehending "Mommie Beloved" fully. It also explains why family and friends or neighbors are often oblivious to what is active connected or insist on not wanting to know. Highly enlightening!

Those WHO did non originate up in an opprobrious home or have some kind of psychological training cannot dig the horrors of what it is like to be exposed to day by day emotional, mental abuse, brainwashing techniques otherwise only known from cults, and to learn to also carry physical attacks on a every day basis.
And yet to have the natural instinct to love and want to love your fuss, to crave her approval, even late into same's own adulthood.
That is the Southern Cross of toxic parent-child relationships, you are being conditioned from birth (or in Christina's pillowcase adoption) and your mind re-wired neurologically (> neuroplasticity) ascribable the abuse in much a way that even longstanding after your rear's death you feel like their prisoner. It's like Stockholm Syndrome in a way.

That being said the respective angry, bitter and altogether overemotional online comments and reviews nigh the accounts in that record book – including the accusal that Christina was a "coward" for publishing IT after Joan's last – are quite stomach-turning.
These enablers are often the reason that people like Christina have to put up fearsome abuse for many many years without the scientific discipline assist they would want and merit.
Right to the previous saw "What may non be cannot be" they attack the victim rather than the perpetrator. Many new survivors of child abuse still have got to struggle with such attacks decades later, see Dave Pelzer ("A Child called It"and Richard Pelzer for example.
Since most of his siblings could not corroborate what Dave had lived through while being alone with his mother (since they were the "golden children") He was reasoned a liar and attention seeker. When Dave was removed from his mother's plate his mother naturally had to find a new "bad child"/scapegoat, which turned out to be his brother Richard. And even up though Richard wrote a Scripture about his own ordeal later Dave near, the initial response to stories such as these is incredulity and very oft anger towards the victim, because the alternative would simply Be intolerable to a "normal" idea.

Unequal Dave, Pelzer Christina has no one else to corroborate her story, simply to Maine the events and gross life report of Christine Crawford are very insincere.
Her genre is fluid and well-heeled to comprehend and yet this is not a book you finish quickly; it takes prison term to digest the vivid and elaborated descriptions of maltreat.
I'm sure that for more who grew up in loving homes it also takes some time to plane be competent to ideate much bizarre events as represented in the book.

To me it also becomes manifest that Christina didn't designate to destroy her mother's professional report or legend the least bit because this playscript deals with Joan Thomas Crawford as a private person and mother almost exclusively. And olibanum it is same disconcerting that some believe because Joan was a "star" OR because they adore her as an actress she should not be held accountable for her actions.
I only rightful realized that Christina had written several much books after this one. – I cannot wait to get my hands connected them, specially "Nobelium Risk-free Place" which ostensibly mainly focuses on sociological and psychological research and case studies about the effects of child abuse.
For those WHO corresponding adaptations – there likewise is a movie active "Mommie Honey" (1981) star Faye Dunaway as Joan.

...more

Oct 15, 2010 Regan rated it it was amazing

I'd watched the movie several times and honestly, I laughed at to the highest degree of the over the exceed scenes. The whole issue of child contumely was lost on me in the movie. When Joan Crawford lays into Christina over the wire hangers I tried to figure how an 8 year old got a halt of telegraph hangers. IT wasn't like she could run to the store and buy them.

the book clarifies that -- they came from the cleaners that way. Other scenes that came crossways atomic number 3 humorous and turned the movie Mommie Dear into a cult classic m

I'd watched the movie several times and honestly, I laughed at well-nig of the complete the top scenes. The unit outlet of child abuse was lost happening me in the movie. When Joan Crawford lays into Christina over the cable hangers I tried to visualise how an 8 year old got a hold of wire hangers. It wasn't like she could run to the depot and buy them.

the book clarifies that -- they came from the cleaners that way. Other scenes that came across arsenic humorous and turned the movie Mommie Dearest into a cult classic ready-made more sense in the Book and brought home the oft too unseeable issue of minor abuse. Reading material Christina's words was a glimpse into my other narcissistic female parent's machinations. It left Pine Tree State wondering if thither was a whole generation of mothers that screwed with their children's minds to feed their own egos.

I highly recommend recital Mommie Dearest.

...more

Feb 02, 2010 SE Panoply rated it it was amazing

Much a crazy fib. Very exciting to see the signal of panoram of a girl raised aside a psycho. Also a little disgusted how she forgives her later in life, but as wel not surprising since some people just can't relinquish of a individual who has abused them all their lives. I enjoyed the account though, gives you mess of selective information about a mad womanhood. Such a crazy story. Very interesting to get word the point of view of a girl raised aside a psycho. Too a little disgusted how she forgives her ulterior in life, but also not surprising since some people just tush't let go of a individual who has ill-treated them all their lives. I enjoyed the story though, gives you plentifulness of information all but a mad char. ...more

Sacred shit this book. My only context my entire life on "Joan Crawford was a nightmare mumm" has been the 1980 summer camp classic movie, which last week I decided to watch once more for funsies. And so I saw the unconventional memoir by Christina Crawford was on Kindle Unlimited, so why not. It exceeded my expectations in all latent way. This is a must-read if you want to see what information technology's same to have a narcissistic, scurrilous parent. Now I get a line wherefore this leger was thusly earth shattering and groundbreaking when it came ou Holy shit this book. My only if context my uncastrated life on "Joan Crawford was a incubus mom" has been the 1980 camp classic movie, which last week I decided to look on again for funsies. Then I proverb the primary memoir away Christina Crawford was connected Kindle Unlimited, so why non. It exceeded my expectations in every possible style. This is a must-read if you want to see what it's like to have a narcissistic, opprobrious nurture. Now I see why this book was so earth loud and innovative when it came out in 1978.

Crawford is an excellent author. Her storytelling moves chronologically from her childhood through to when her mother died and information technology's engrossing all the elbow room through. And it doesn't skimp connected content. I sympathize the 40th anniversary ebook includes 100 extra pages, which I pleasing. I found myself ambitious myself to read more, staying up very belatedly, because I was so pulled in. It's a heavy, gratifying register. Just when you think you understand how bad Joan Thomas Crawford is, that you have reached the apex of her narcissism, you are wrongly and something new and horrific happens.

There are some people, including Thomas Crawford's own adopted sisters (ten years younger than she is, so they never lived in the same house arsenic her when the abuse went on; they are also clearly classical "golden" children), make claimed Christina is a liar and say Joan is a nonpareil. I apprehended that in this 40th anniversary edition Crawford includes accounts from some of the Tertiary big figures (from her boarding school especially) who witnessed things first hand and corroborate the nature of her claims. Mind you, I think her own narrative is sufficient--now that we know a lot more some how narcissistic parents officiate, information technology's frankly jolly textbook. Including and especially that contempt IT all, Christina still loved her sire. All she wanted was to be loved back off. And she concedes that Joan loved her in her personal way, but that way was broken. IT's a very nuanced, human conclusion.

I was astonished at some of the choices the movie made, but they explain a heap about why it's a camp classic that bombed kind of than the Oscar contender IT wanted to be. Yes, they dramatize the most extreme instances of pervert and violence from Christina's puerility, but also the film ready-made few skyward, but then near entirely skipped wholly of the almost worse things from when Christina was older. I plant that luck of the leger--the majority of it--far more powerful. IT's when children start to become fully trumpet-shaped, independent masses (ie: teens so adults) that n-parents really offse to lose their shit and find psychoactive and manipulative slipway to exert control. The things that went down at embarkation school and and then later Christina went off to college were some of the worst, IMO.

The one that punched ME in the gut was the alphabetic character Joan wrote to Christina when she was 17 after a minor offence of Joan's authority where she same "you are unfair yourself because you are so artificial--you will never be a warm, *really* human--" Can you Conceive of auditory sense that, as an adoptive child, at barely 17--also in the same alphabetic character she basically calls her a trollop for wearing makeup and passive aggressively accuses her of trying to score Joan's hubby? Oof. But the movie was a star vehicle for Faye Dunaway, non Diana Scarwid... and IT's unfortunate because having read this, flush as awful as Joan Crawford was, she still has a circle of man in Christina's method of accounting. The movie turned her into a caricature.

I unreservedly recommend this to fans of non-fable, memoir (Hollywood and otherwise), and accounts of personality disorders.

...Thomas More

Narrative nonfictional prose, biography of Joan Crawford, autobiography of Christina Crawford, exposé of the dysfunctional family life of a famous person. This book also accounts the death of Joan Crawford as well as the three memorial services held for her family, her business associates, and her movie and television associates.

"From her throne in the optic of the hurricane, brandishing her wand of obsession, rules the queen of topsy-turvyness herself: Mommie Love." Christina Joan Crawford tells of the dysfunctional

Narrative nonfiction, biography of Joan Crawford, autobiography of Christina Crawford, exposé of the dysfunctional family life of a celebrity. This book also accounts the death of Crawford as advisable as the three memorial services held for her fellowship, her business concern associates, and her picture show and television associates.

"From her throne in the eye of the hurricane, brandishing her scepter of obsession, rules the queen of chaos herself: Mommie Dearest." Christina Crawford tells of the dysfunctional kin life that her mother would non deliver sought-after the world to know.

Joan Crawford had a drinking job; that is non such of a surprise. Her behavior, however, was shocking. While not mentioned by Christina in the book specifically, it is clear that Joan had kind of dangerous psychotic-emotional problems and that drinking was just a self destructive activity secondary to those problems. Whether it was manic depressive illness or even minimal personality unhinge operating room something else, the problems made for a horrific life story at times for both Joan as symptomless arsenic her adopted children, her husbands, and anyone else in her life on a regular basis.

Well-through volume.

...more

May 29, 2012 Liz rated it liked IT

Some great scenes in this book that show Joanie to be the crazy broad we all hope she actually was. However in a good lump of the book Christina Favourite bores us with her 'temporary' career and life. Nevertheless she did scratch with more gems than Bette John Davys's daughter.....Bette was mainly precisely scathing and difficult.

I saw the movie ahead I record the rule book so in my judgment Faye Dunaway is Crazy ol' Joan. But if you only need to read the book or watch the movie, watch the movie. The movie compacts altogether the

Roughly heavy scenes in this book that show Joanie to be the distracted broad we all hope she in reality was. However in a good glob of the book Christina Darling bores us with her 'acting' career and life. However she did come up with more gems than Davis's daughter.....Bette was mainly just scathing and disobedient.

I sawing machine the movie ahead I read the book so in my nou Faye Dunaway is Crazy ol' Joan. But if you only require to read the hold surgery watch the movie, watch the moving-picture show. The movie compacts all the best stuff into a expedient 1 1/2 hours without excessive sections just about Tina Darlings life.

...more

This book is painting, just a mess. Aside from its child blackguard messaging which can represent a discussion appetiser, the reserve itself is a gear wreck. The narrative is completely someone-absorbed, stuck in a wide-eyed position. Crawford's examples have an extreme focus on minutiae as if certain memories overtake the perspective. Clothing choices, thank you notes are center stage in this ne'er-ending litany of Angst. It's difficult to gain any perspective American Samoa information technology's whol distorted. Also, the writing is miserable This book is iconic, but a mess. Divagation from its tiddler abuse messaging which force out be a discussion neophyte, the book itself is a train wreck. The narrative is completely self-absorbed, stuck in a childlike perspective. Crawford's examples have an extreme point revolve around minutiae as if certain memories overhaul the linear perspective. Clothing choices, thank you notes are shopping centre degree in this never-ending litany of angst. It's difficult to gain whatsoever perspective arsenic it's all distorted. Also, the writing is miserable, and childlike also. Grammar errors, stilted sentences, crazy transitions, tense changes, puzzling characters, timeline jumps, all feed into a frenetic outpouring of hate, misery, and confusion. This book is a damaged human psyche in paper form, each messed up and in search of some semblance of rational thought. Crawford added 100 (useless) pages to this latest edition (Unfold Road Media). ...more

Coincidentally this was number 666 on my Goodreads 'books interpret' counter and I finished it on Faye Dunaway's 75th natal day. Totally irrelevant, but funny how things work up . . .

Plainly opinions are divided merely I will side with Christina Thomas Crawford along this ane while diplomatically non trashing Joan Crawford since she obviously could not provide a contrast. I call back the writer did a good caper on exposing roughly of the unpleasantness along issues that were routinely ignored or dismissed regarding chi

Coincidentally this was number 666 on my Goodreads 'books read' counter and I finished it on Faye Dunaway's 75th birthday. Entirely irrelevant, merely funny how things work out . . .

Obviously opinions are disjunct but I will side with Christina Crawford on this one spell diplomatically not trashing Joan Crawford since she apparently could not provide a counterpoint. I think the author did a serious job connected exposing many of the unpleasantness on issues that were routinely neglected or pink-slipped regarding child vilification, mental sickness, and the restrained residential area of show stage business.

...more

Apr 30, 2008 Kim rated it did not like it

Why did I reread this stinker? Because I desired to read Christina Thomas Crawford's book Survivor, but this was all they had at the library. I could not beryllium more systema nervosum toward the author (or anyone with a schizophrenogenic parent surgery who experienced abuse of some kind as a child). However, this rule book is bad. I'm kinda thinking never idea about interpretation Survivor. Why did I reread this stinker? Because I wanted to read Christina Thomas Crawford's reserve Survivor, but this was altogether they had at the library. I could not be more sympathetic toward the source (or anyone with a schizophrenogenic parent surgery who experienced abuse of whatsoever kind as a child). However, this book is bad. I'm sort of thinking never mind about reading Survivor. ...more

Huh i didnt know they wrote a script most my mother...

Christina Crawford, the oldest of Joan Joan Crawford's 4 adopted blonde-haired; fair-haired adopted children allegedly bought happening the black market because she's wasn't fit to adopt through the traditional route. Christina writes that her engender was physically and emotionally abusive due to alcoholism, mental illness and meanness. You can read Joan Crawford's own history to see partially why she was the way she was. I thought Christina's POV did show Joan some empathy and love, more than I would have. Thursday Christina Crawford, the oldest of Joan Crawford's 4 adoptive blonde-furred; blue-skew-eyed adopted children allegedly bought along the black market because she's wasn't fit to adopt direct the traditional route. Christina writes that her generate was physically and emotionally abusive due to inebriation, mental sickness and meanness. You can read Joan Crawford's own history to see partly why she was the way she was. I thought Christina's POV did show Joan some empathy and honey, to a higher degree I would throw. The twins, much jr. than Christina and brother Christopher, dispute the abuse though the whitethorn not wealthy person seen what happened as the senior kids went to embarkation civilize at long time ten.

This is a reread from childhood. I read MOMMIE DEAREST when it first came out in 1978, watched the motion-picture show (bad movie, accidentally camp) and have seen documentaries. It's an interesting read, not dry like many memoirs and autobiographies written around that sentence.

...much

Mar 01, 2022 Karen rated it IT was amazing

This book was awesome...decidedly a HUGE perceptiveness to Ms Crawford..I'd been searching for an affordable copy of this book for 3 years through my topical trade in bookstore...my friend happened to determine IT before Maine & was kind enough to let me read it inaugural.
The movie, follows pretty closely to book...with exceptions to the extra children that were left out of movie.
I think Ms Crawford was an interesting and savvy business char but she also had a lot of private demons that she carried wi This book was awesome...emphatically a HUGE insight to Master of Science Joan Thomas Crawford..I'd been searching for an cheap copy of this book for 3 age through my local trade in bookstore...my friend happened to find it in front me & was kind decent to let me read it first.
The movie, follows pretty nearly to book...with exceptions to the extra children that were left out of moving picture.
I think Ms Joan Crawford was an interesting and compass business cleaning woman but she also had a lot of personal demons that she carried with her & took out her ira against them through her children. A really insightful al-Qur'an...happy to have read it..now if I seat spill the beans my friend into letting me bread and butter it on my bookshelf instead of hers?!!! oh well, wishful thinking....

Thank you Christina Crawford for writing this....Joan was a great actress....

...more

Christina Crawford had an awful childhood and Joan Crawford was a flinty bitch. That's all true. But this book is and so poorly printed that its actual bad distracts and detracts from the plot. Christina needed (necessarily, since this was a rerelease) an editor who can stop her rambling prose, even out her spelling errors and help her arrive her inside information uncoiled. She systematically changes tense, which makes reading hella difficult, and she cannot use commas. I'm loathe to comment on how I look about th Christina Crawford had an awful childhood and Joan Crawford was a heartless bitch. That's all right. But this Koran is so poorly written that its literal badness distracts and detracts from the plot. Christina needed (of necessity, since this was a rerelease) an editor who can stop her rambling prose, correct her spelling errors and avail her get her details straight. She systematically changes tense, which makes reading hella difficult, and she cannot utilization commas. I'm loathe to comment connected how I feel about the actual story itself, since populate attack pretty quickly connected negative feedback happening this book. I will sound out that her lamentable authorship and Joan's painful parenting make for an excruciating reading undergo. Save up yourself the pain: watch the movie. ...more

I was a teen-ager when I first learn this book and have read IT a couple of Sir Thomas More times since my teens. I grew upbound with a borderline disordered mother and I could identify with Christina's story. Information technology was one of the first times I understood that there were other children who lived much a confusing life. I was a stripling-ager when I first read this book and have record it few more times since my teens. I grew heavenward with a delimitation illogical bring fort and I could describe with Christina's story. It was one of the first times I understood that there were other children who lived such a confusing life history. ...more

May 27, 2009 Beth rated IT likable IT

I'm having a hard clock time pick a star paygrad because I couldn't put this rule book down, and I think you should read it, but simultaneously IT's really good a cardinal-dimensional, disjointed laundry list of horrifying events. It's like reading the tabloids. I'm having a rough sledding picking a star rating because I couldn't put this book down, and I think you should read it, but at the same time it's really barely a tabular, disjointed wash list of horrifying events. Information technology's like version the tabloids. ...more

Awful woman. Classic narcissist before we knew the term. Well written.

Christina Crawford (born June 11, 1939) is an American writer and actress, best known as the author of Mommie Dearest, an autobiographical account of supposed child abuse by her adoptive mother, illustrious Hollywood actress Joan Crawford. She is likewise renowned for small roles in various television and motion-picture show projects, such as Joan Borman Kane in the soap opera The Secret Storm and Monica George I in the Elvis Christina Crawford (born June 11, 1939) is an North American nation writer and actress, incomparable known as the author of Mommie Dearest, an biography story of alleged child abuse past her surrogate overprotect, famous Hollywood actress Joan Crawford. She is also glorious for small roles in various television and film projects, so much equally Joan Borman Kane in the soap opera The Secret Storm and Monica George in the Elvis Presley vehicle Wild in the Country. ...more

Early books in the series

The new year is noted for bringing all kinds of newness into life: late opportunities, new concerns, revolutionary surprises. Mirthfully for the...

"[The doctor] asked if I knew what might be causing my headaches.

I looked her squarely in the face and said to her directly: "Yes, I hate my mother."

That was the end of the interview. That was also the end of my visits to the doctor. That was not the end of my headaches."

— 3 likes

"The lawyer asked us to sit down. He was keeping a copy of the will in his hands. I sat nighest him. He flipped various pages over and then handed me the copy, with only when the inalterable varlet showing. There at the top of the final page of the will was one short paragraph which take:

"It is my intention to take a leak atomic number 102 provision herein for my son Christopher operating room my girl Christina for reasons which are well known to them."

— 2 likes

More quotes…

Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account.