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Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs Of The Mistress Of The Dark By Cassandra Peterson Book Review
I’ve been a fan of Cassandra Peterson (Elvira) for many years, and I knew she released her memoir, Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs Of The Mistress Of The Dark a few years ago (2021), but I had not gotten around to reading it yet.
I’m sorry it took me awhile to get to it, but once I did, it was hard to keep down.
I wish all books were like that. Hers definitely is.
In her memoir, Cassandra talks about growing up in Kansas and Colorado Springs, getting accidentally burned as a child, becoming a groupie for a brief period (stories about Jimi Hendrix, The Yardbirds, Tom Jones, which is not a flattering story on Tom’s part), meeting Elvis Presley (amazing story), becoming a singer/dancer and later a Las Vegas showgirl, and becoming an actress.
She talks about starting work in The Groundlings troupe, which included Paul Reubens (Pee-Wee Herman), Phil Hartman, Edie McClurg, and others.
And she talks about becoming Elvira, Mistress Of The Dark, in which she became a household name, and many more stories.
Cassandra, like all of us, has had a lot of ups and downs. Some of it is hard to read, but it’s her story. But even throughout the bad times (and the good), her humor stands tall.
She is tough and has not only survived, but thrived.
I’m very glad that she put out this memoir and I’m even more of a fan of hers now.
Thank you for all the entertainment you have given us fans over the decades and you are always appreciated.
And everyone: Please check out this book.
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Sheldon Lettich: From Vietnam To Van Damme Book Review
Sheldon Lettich: From Vietnam To Van Damme, written by Corey Danna (in collaboration with Sheldon) was released on July 22 of 2022.
Sheldon Lettich wanted to be a cinematographer, but ultimately ended up being a photographer, then a radio operator in Vietnam, then later became a screenwriter and director, just to name a few things.
He ultimately has worked with many movie stars, particularly Jean Claude Van Damme (before he was a star and beyond and ended up being friends with him), Sylvester Stallone, Charlton Heston, and many others.
He’s written and/or directed movies such as Bloodsport, Cyborg, Rambo III, Lionheart, Double Impact, Only The Strong, Legionnaire, The Order, and many others, and even created the play Tracers.
Corey Danna is a fan of Sheldon’s (as am I) and even though Sheldon did collaborate with Corey on this book, Corey is really telling Sheldon’s story.
I think it’s a good book with lots of great stories and information.
My only complaint is there is a lot of repeat information when it’s not necessary.
Having said that, I still liked it and I recommend checking it out.
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Perpetual Conversion By Dave Hofer Book Review
Perpetual Conversion: 30 Years & Counting in the Life of Metal Veteran Dan Lilker, written by Dave Hofer, was initially released in 2016, but went out of print for many years.
However, a second printing was released on October 18 of 2024.
I ultimately got it as a Christmas present.
If you’re a fan of Metal music, you probably at least know the name Dan (or Danny) Lilker.
He is the original bass player of the Thrash Metal band Anthrax. He actually came up with the name Anthrax.
He also is the bassist of S.O.D. (Stormtroopers Of Death), Nuclear Assault, Brutal Truth, and many other bands.
Danny is a Metal guy thru and thru and has always played heavy music.
This book tells Danny’s tale, and includes many quotes from Danny and many of his bandmates, family, and friends.
Danny has done a lot over the years, and even though he’s not a household name by any means, I think he has a cool story and I recommend reading this book if you can find it. Especially if you’re already a fan.
