Call Me Anna: The Inspiring Story of Patty Duke's Life in Her Own Words

James: I had always liked Patty Duke a lot and thought how nice it would be to have a mother like the ones she played in all of her tv movies. Yet, I did know the actress had mental problems (if that’s how you accurately describe it.) But I knew nothing of the Rosses and the hell she endured because of them. It’s mind-boggling. Her mother was also intimidated by the Rosses and had her own cross to bear. Behind-the-scenes descriptions of “The Miracle Worker” and “The Patty Duke Show” were shared, along with the mention of her four husbands, including actor John Astin. But I just am blown away by it all. It’s a miracle she survived. Anyone else wouldn’t have. Her legacy are the fans who remember her, the difference she tried to make in the mental illness field and her two sons who loved her. It’s been 10 years now since her passing, but this book remains a testament to her resilience. Hopefully others may find this honest account a means for their peace of mind, too.

United States on Apr 19, 2022

Kathryn Ogiltree: I found it kind of overly detailed and frustrating on her relationship with her guardians and mother. I know that is what really happened, but it was depressing. I could not finish it.

Canada on Jan 22, 2021

Lovestvmovies: Great book

Canada on Aug 16, 2020

Sandy00oz: Patty Dukes story is both shocking and inspiring. A weaker person would have succumbed to the abuse she suffered as a child. I had no idea that this screen icon had such a horrible childhood. She was one of my favourite actors and I’m very sad for her. However, she made the most of her life in spite of the hardships her upbringing caused.
An amazing woman. Great readc

Australia on Nov 22, 2019

Beverley Wilson: Excellent autobiography. Was almost too harrowing a story of abuse, manipulation and chronic mental health issues. The background on the entertainment world she lived in especially how she and Anne Bancroft worked on the originating the two main characters in the stage play and subsequent movie of The Miracle Worker was compelling. I would recommend it but you may need a break half way through the book to take stock of all she went through.

United Kingdom on Oct 20, 2017

HonestLor: Well written, kept my attention. I became a fan.
Lets you in on the authors world and all her loves, struggles​ and happy times.

Canada on Aug 06, 2017

Gary Lee: Patty Duke's expiation for her sins makes a searing narrative. It is testament to this great gal's indomitable spirit that she has overcome such a daunting life history and never allowed it to diminish her fine talent as an actor. Her Oscar winning turn as Helen Keller in THE MIRACLE WORKER still has the power to astonish as one of the great performances in the annals of film.

I met her recently at an autograph show. She was ready to dance--direct, outgoing, alert and loving. We connected immediately on spiritual matters, on Helen Keller, on life. She introduced me to her husband. In five minutes I felt like family. We hugged and kissed. She was, well--like my big sister (and interestingly, my real-life big sister looks like her). Thanks, Patty. And thanks for letting us see who you are so clearly in the pages you have shared. It couldn't have been easy to write this, but obviously you needed to, and the book has been part of your journey of healing.

This blurb is more a rave about the author thus far than a review of her book, so let me do justice to the tome. She's written a densely packed, lucid, readable, chronological rendering of her life that is neither...

United States on Aug 25, 2014

JustJules20: This was a good read. I knew bits and pieces of her up-bringing, but had no idea how extremely controlled her every movement, thought and even her emotion was by the Rosses. I am a fan of Patty's screen work and it was a real treat for me to finally read her recollection of events. I do wish that she would have added more detail to the portion about her work on The Patty Duke show, but I cannot really give her a poor review if she really cannot remember (as she stated) this time of her life very well. I always wondered how on earth she ended up with John Astin, and now I think I understand it. Some will criticize her for the way she portrays certain people and events, but I choose to notice how often she accepts responsibility for her actions. The way she wrote this book was in a format where you could imagine her sitting across the table from you, just telling you a story, as if it was a conversation. I appeal to that type of writing.

Some will also criticize her for insisting that her relationship with Michael Tell could not have produced her oldest son, Sean, which has since proven to be false. Sean submitted to a DNA test after this book was published that proves...

United States on Feb 01, 2013