Raised Eyebrows - My Years Inside Groucho's House (Expanded Edition) Paperback – August 13, 2015

I got this book because it was recommended in one of Dick Cavett's books as being one of the better books about Groucho. I'm glad I did. The author was a longtime fan of Groucho's who ended up not only meeting his idol but working in his house the last three years of the comedian's life. This gave Steve a unique and interesting position to observe and tell this story, one that contains humor, wit, frustration, sadness, and an insightful look into the last years of one of entertainment's most beloved and interesting men.Steve is a very good writer and does a fine job of portraying this time. While I, of course, was not present in the house during this time, I believe that he does an excellent job of being fair and accurate to all parties involved. I base this opinion on the layered and complex way he portrays people and events in this book. There are no cardboard characters, no demons and no angels. Even Erin Flemming, who is not a sympathetic figure in this accounting (or most others), is portrayed as having some good qualities and as having done some good things for Groucho. There is an epilogue giving an update on the assorted people in the book. I found it as fascinating as the main story.I was a teenager during the period that Steve worked for Groucho and didn't really pay much attention to the public trials and such that went on at the end regarding conservatorship of Groucho and later his estate so this was all pretty much new to me. I found this part sad but interesting. This is not, however, overall a sad story. The first part is a lot of fun as we vicariously share Steve's excitement at being a fan who gets to not only meet his idol but work with him, first on a project to bring back one of the Marx Brothers' classic films and then as an employee in Groucho's house, answering fan mail and organizing his archives and memorabilia. If that weren't enough, he also gets to meet a wide variety of interesting people through his employment, some famous names you'll recognize and some not.It's a roller coaster of a time and the story is very well written. If you have any interest at all in Groucho, I urge you to give this book a try. Frankly, even if you're not much of a fan, it's still an interesting tale. You won't regret it.

I find it dumbfounding and absolutely bewildering that anyone--I repeat, anyone--could give this book a low review; Raised Eyebrows is, unquestionably, the best book written about Groucho--and trust me, I've read them all ... and nothing even remotely compares to the loving tribute found in Raised Eyebrows. This book isn't the standard historical overview of Groucho's career, but a personal account of this pop culture icon and Hollywood legend during the latter period of his life ... a rarity in and of itself coupled with the fact that this book is magically and humorously written. Steve's flowing narrative takes the reader back to a different era--one that many of us, such as myself, never experienced--and not only allows the reader to feel and understand that period of time, but also allows the reader to feel as if they are right there in Groucho's home with Steve, helping him inscribe photos (that Groucho personally signed, by the way!) ... experiencing parties amongst Groucho's Hollywood friends ... or feeling sad and retrospective while leaving Groucho's home one last time.I happened upon the hardcover edition of Raised Eyebrows several years ago; I've read this book approximately once per year, and it's always fresh, always insightful, always comforting, like I'm visiting an old friend. Every time I read Raised Eyebrows, it's like I'm reading it for the first time. When I learned a paperback with an extra chapter was available, I had to buy the new edition for that extra chapter alone ... because I knew it would be--like the rest of the book--gold. The Afterward allows the reader to catch-up with the author and the proverbial cast of characters ... providing updates and closing the book in a bittersweet style with a visit to Groucho's old residence.Now, two editions of Raised Eyebrows rest on my bookshelf, amid a dozen or so other books about the life and times of Groucho Marx--but none as personal, as loving, as lovingly crafted, as witty and as rare as this memoir from someone who experienced life with a legend.My only qualm with the new paperback edition is that the photos were not reproduced as sharply as in the hardback; in fact, the photo insert has the feel of washed-out photocopied pages. This is somewhat disappointing, (perhaps my copy was a printing flaw) but I can't allow the photo quality issue to lower my rating--five solid stars for the best book written on Groucho.If you love Groucho Marx, Raised Eyebrows will make you love him even more; Steve's text is tender, respectful and full of admiration; his love and respect for Groucho are apparent. Groucho has always been a comedic hero to me, someone I wish I had, somehow, been able to spend time with, thusly, I am simultaneously envious and thankful to you, Steve, for sharing your priceless, rare and insightful adventure.

Das Buch ist als Geschenk gedacht, ist in einwandfreiem Zustand und kam früher als angegeben.Da ich beim Liefer-Feedback auf den falschen Link geklickt habe und dies scheinbar nicht korrigieren kann ....und der Bote absolut spitze war und keine schlechte Bewertung bekommen soll:Für die Lieferung gibt es 10 Sterne! Danke!

After hearing the Amazing Colossol Podcast with Gilbert Gottfried with his guest Steve Stoliar, who told his story about his years in Groucho's house, I was determined to get the book. I was not disappointed. It was written by a man who had great affection for Groucho and let us inside Groucho's house and the last years of his life. It is a wonderful book!

I've always loved Groucho Marx and his wit, so I read this after hearing that Rob Zombie was going to be making this as a movie adaptation. It's a riveting read but also sad the way Groucho was tormented by a mad pyscho called Erin Flemming who bullied Groucho and rinsed him of his money whilst alienating him from his family and friends. Steve was a fan and then got to work for his hero and he really cared about Groucho. I definitely recommend this even if you know nothing of the Marx brothers as its a fascinating insight into the life of old Hollywood stars and how they could be exploited and used by others.

If you're a Marx brothers fan or Grouch fan then this book is a must have. I've been a fan since I was a kid when I watched as many Marx brothers films as I could. It really gives an inside account of Grouchos household in his later years. Some funny stories and some sad ones. I can't recommend this book highly enough!

One of the finest books I've ever read. As a Groucho fan, I found it a fascinating study of his final years. But as a fan of Hollywood in general, this was a truly staggering epic of the sights and sounds of 70s Hollywood.