Book Review: My Naughty, Naughty Life!

The first book that Mamie Van Doren wrote was “My Naughty, Naughty Life!” The book was released around the same time as “Three Nuts In Search Of A Bolt” which is referenced a few times in the book.

One of the things I like about Mamie’s books is that she’s direct. She doesn’t care who she is dishing out on and she’s frank although, unlike her fourth book, “Playing The Field,” she is a bit more reserved when dishing the dirt. Mamie’s frankness has gotten her in some hot water with certain fan groups, primarily the Marilyn Monroe community. Mamie does talk about Marilyn in this book albeit the story is not the same as it was in “Playing The Field” or in some of her later interviews and it is very brief. I cannot definitely say what Mamie’s relationship was with Marilyn, whether they were friends or passing acquaintances. Mamie and Marilyn were coming up during the same time so they were likely at the same gatherings. I could see them being friendlier with one another after Jayne Mansfield came along being Jayne was an outsider and younger than both (age meant everything in Hollywood at this time, this is in no way a dig towards either). As with all autobiographies, this is Mamie’s view of the events of her life in 1964. Timelines are not always spot on but you’re going to get that with any star’s book.

All that being said, the book is like a primer for “Playing the Field.” It’s going to give you bits of the story of Mamie Van Doren. It’s your typical celebrity dirt novella of the 1960’s. Sadly, Mamie’s career was going down a bit during this time and this book likely sealed her fate.

There are some spelling and formatting errors but being these celebrity tell-alls were cheaply done, it is not uncommon. There are some lovely photos of Mamie, clothed and unclothed. There are also some wonderful family photos.

Rating: 8/10