If you were a fan of Dietrich and were allowed to own only ONE book about this woman, then this should be the book to own. To reiterate another reviewer's thought -- it is EXQUISITE.

This is a dream of a book. Full of glorious photos and facts. I highly reccommend this to all Dietrich and film fans. All public figures should be the subject of a book like this.

A delicacy! The best book of photographs I have seen on Dietrich and a compendium of beauty, not only hers but all that was created through and with her. A must have book.

I don't know how many times I've read this book, but each time I find something new. No "Mommy Dearest" biography here (though many would argue), it is in fact a surprisingly objective look at the life of an screen idol and her impact on her only child.

Maria Riva takes apart the image of Dietrich and scatters the pieces for all to see: the dreamy-eyed daughter of war, the struggling stage actress, the faithful wife and mother, the awestruck protogeé of a tyrannical yet dependant director, the sexual manipulator of men and women, the screen seductress, the box office poison, the war veteran, the Las Vegas star, the alcoholic, the senile shut-in, the legend that lives on after her death...

...but I digress.

I find this book to be a bittersweet memoir of a mother who was a star to all and only all-too-human to few. Definitely worth at least one or two read-throughs.

Maria Riva's conversational style of writing makes this page-turner a very easy read. The author's honesty and compassion comes through over and over again. She clearly has mixed emotions about her famous mother, but in my opinion she did a yeoman's job in giving an objective account of her mother's life. Another plus is the way she anchors her narrative with brief, relevant references to historical events, such as the depression and events leading to World War II. The background information about Hollywood in the 30's, 40's and 50's is also nearly as fascinating as Marlene Dietrich herself.

While it's hard to believe that anyone can write nearly 800 pages about a Hollywood moviestar, Maria Riva has done it with intelligence and style. I feel as though I knew Marlene Dietrich personally and wish I could get to know her daugher better.

"Marlene Dietrich", a massive, tell-all biography by her daughter, Maria Riva, is a fascinating read about a fascinating subject. Ms. Riva had been writing this book for years, and it was understood by all (including her legendary mother) that it not be published until after her death. A "Mommie Dearest" book? Not really. Riva is in awe of her mother, and does have some affection for her, although it sounds as if Dietrich DARED people to love her. She was a very strong-willed woman, infinitely German in this respect, stubborn, opinionated, and even somewhat delusional. However, well into her seventies, she once peered at herself in her full-length mirror before going onstage, and uttered, "Look at her-isn't she frightening?" The woman had more than a little self-perspective to utter a remark like that. She probably just wouldn't tolerate it coming from someone else. Screen legends are human, even though they may not think so. They are flawed, under pressure to "deliver the goods" and "never grow old", and, in the case of an aging star legendary for her glamorous beauty, "never to become ugly". Miss Dietrich was VERY aware of this, and ultimately trapped by this. But back to the book. It is almost exhaustive in its detail, particularly Ms. Riva's fascination with her mother's self-discipline, scrutinous eye for detail and beauty, and opinions on everything, is fascinating to myself, as well as millions of others. Her disdain for her parents' treatment of "Tami" is well-grounded-they didn't sound like the most sympathetic souls when it came to "personal issues", so who is to say that she is an "ungrateful, self-pitying daughter"? There are millions of parents who AREN'T famous who are insensitive to "personal issues." I think that the critics of this book should realize that ANY book is written with the intention of making money, and that no one would believe a totally whitewashed account of "My wonderful mother". This book could be THE book about being a show-business legend and its effect on everyone involved. Miss Dietrich, in my opinion, was the epitome of "Hollywood glamor" at its divine best. One can see why Madonna, who is a genius at self-perpetuating and publicizing a myth, emulated her for a while. I don't think that she has Dietrich's beauty or class or style, but that's another story. I have been a Dietrich fan since my teens, (I'm in my 40s now), and I am still fascinated by her. I am also a little horrified now, after reading Ms. Riva's book, but I also had to grow up with the fact that screen legends are human, too-even that fascinating, forbidden orchid known as Marlene Dietrich.

I was given this book as a gift for my birthday. I was very exited, because I was born in the beautiful country of Ecuador and had travelled the same area that the book dipicted. The cover is very nice, it grabs your attention right away. As soon as I started the book I realized that it was in English and Spanish. I was very disapointed that the English portion was written very poorly; like it was done by someone who was not fluent in the language. I believe that if you are going to publish a book and charge so much money for it, it should at least make sense when you read it. I do say that the Spanish portion was fine, but I pity the poor English only reader who buys this book. All of this said, if you are looking for a nice book of postcard fotos, this is the book for you.

The author has created in this book an excellent experience of the ecuadorian andes and of the current indian groups, which are descendants of the precolombian inhabitants. Mr. Aguilar captures with first class photographic quality, the andean landscapes and remarkable portriats of these cultures. Additionally, he gives us a general view of these groups during their daily chores and festivities, which is an experiences in itself. For those of us familiar with this part of the world, Awakening in the Andes opens our eyes to the beauty that surrounds us every day, and for those interested in Ecuador, it is an excellent means of getting acquainted with the country and its andean indian cultures.