Summer Reading For Vintage Fashion Aficionados

(Originally published for Vintage Fashion at The Examiner.)

Whenever summertime arrives, most of us have an inkling that we may coordinate extra time to sit back and read. If we can be so lucky, a sunlit porch, a hammock and a good book might be the sole items on our afternoon agenda.

In the spirit of sharing good reading experiences, I looked through my own bookshelf and picked a few past favorites. The result is a list of tried and very true summer reading options, selected especially for vintage fashion aficionados. 

Browse through the list to find out why you should locate each book, as well as the book's obtainability. Several titles are not only vintage in topic, but also in terms of their release dates. Therefore, some are harder to track down. All are worth the effort.

Whether you find hardback, paperback or eBook versions, any one of these will bring a little more cool to your hot summer days and nights.

Without further ado, in no particular order, here is my list of recommended (vintage fashion-themed) summer books. Happy summertime reading!

Cherie Currie 'Neon Angel: A Memoir Of A Runaway'

WHY: She was a teenage neon angel, the young cherry bomb who exploded onto the music scene with The Runaways.

Cherie Currie has extraordinary pipes and stage presence, with the rarest brand of raw talent. She is one of the bravest, greatest female front women in rock history -- and a genuine pioneer for female rock star fashion.

But her amazing bravery was never limited to her iconic style and stage presence. Reading Cherie Currie's story, as she tells it, is incredibly exciting -- and sometimes frightening. Currie tells us about her life with the same great courage with which she experienced events that shook the core of her existence.

Her strength of character is a credit to any or all women who endured the tough 1970's well enough to come out on the other side and tell us how it all went down -- while few, if any, have ever commanded the stage and took to the spotlight with the same ferocity as Cherie Currie.

Formidable singer and actress, survivor, loving ex-wife, proud mum, loving daughter and twin sister, a force to be reckoned with -- Cherie Currie is still all of those things. These days, she can be found wielding a chainsaw to create remarkable art pieces. Cherie Currie, the epitome of Renaissance Woman, remains a truly inspirational spirit.

OBTAINABILITY: Relatively easy; Neon Angel is available on Amazon.

Pattie Boyd 'Wonderful Tonight'

WHY: Surprisingly, Pattie Boyd's childhood/early years are as interesting as those more notable ones which had her living, twice, as a famous rock star wife.

The 1960's model and fashion plate was fascinating to those who knew her long before she became perhaps the most definitive and illustrious of rock-and-roll dream girls, twice a rocker wife, and muse for several of the most iconic love songs of the 20th century.

This is Pattie Boyd's story and there's a great deal to love about her, apart from being Pattie Harrison (inspiration for 'Something') or later, Mrs. Clapton (inspiration for 'Layla' and 'Wonderful Tonight'.)

Essential summertime reading for both fashion enthusiasts and classic rock lovers.

OBTAINABILITY: Easy. You'll find lots of options to purchase Boyd's Wonderful Tonight on Amazon.

Sheila Weller 'Girls Like Us'

WHY: If you love the 1970's, you already know why the legacies of artists like Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon should remain in tact in our collective minds.

Their music, experiences and personal styles defined their generation of women and beyond -- and in many ways, each one of these distinctly different women's experiences and lives were deeply intertwined with the other two.

Biographer extraordinaire Sheila Weller managed the seemingly impossible by weaving a tapestry, so to speak, with the lives of three different famous women of the 20th century -- in order to tell one complete and unique story about an entire era.

Girls Like Us is one of the most ambitious, inspired and flawless storytelling efforts by a music historian. It's a concept which in and of itself ties beautifully with the topic Weller covers, since this trinity represents the best female storytellers of the 1970's (if not the 20th century.) Note: There is also a great online companion to Sheila Weller's Girls Like Us, Girls Like Us: The Music.

OBTAINABILITY: Easy; there are many options to purchase Girls Like Us on Amazon.

Jean Shrimpton 'My Own Story: The Truth About Modeling'

WHY: The Shrimp, as Jean Shrimpton was known, was the face of Swinging Sixties London and the greatest international fashion plate of 1960's. Many have made claims to being the first supermodel -- while she's arguably the very first.

Along with her 'discoverer' and boyfriend, inimitable photographer David Bailey, Jean Shrimpton helped bring fashion to the masses. She brought mini-skirts into the public consciousness with the help of Mary Quant.

This is her own story, as she shared it back in 1965 -- while it was all going on. A fun time capsule, if you can find a copy.

OBTAINABILITY: Some stray copies of Jean Shrimpton's My Own Story: the Truth About Modeling are available on Amazon if you're willing to spend a little extra.

Peggy Lipton 'Breathing Out'

WHY: Peggy Lipton describes her life in exquisite detail. Barring any limits on what she wants the public to know, you will feel like you have gotten to know Peggy Lipton upon completing her book.


Standout moments and highlights: her quick rise to fame after being photographed with none other than Paul McCartney, when The Beatles were in town; her experience as a young model; being cast in the role of her lifetime as Julie Barnes in 'The Mod Squad' (and later as Norma Jennings in 'Twin Peaks'); relationships with men as varied as Terence Stamp, Sammy Davis, Jr., Lou Adler, and even The King himself, Elvis Presley -- before marrying Quincy Jones; as well as other great stories and experiences.

Despite her decidedly East Coast upbringing, Peggy Lipton came to epitomize the perfect California girl in the 1970's. She remains a truly lovely woman, with style, grace and beauty to spare -- and it's certainly evident that her beauty isn't skin deep. She is an inspiration.

OBTAINABILITY: Various copies of Breathing Out are still available to purchase on Amazon.

Dyan Cannon 'Dear Cary: My Life With Cary Grant' 

WHY: Dyan Cannon shares her story as wife to one of the most beloved movie stars of all time, Cary Grant, in a loving yet unbiased manner.


It is a credit to Dyan Cannon that a reader who loves Cary Grant can love him more after reading her book -- despite her very candid admissions about him and their life together.

There are a great many references to his (sometimes forceful) influence on her life, her style of dress and her career. But to learn about this very private leading man's passion for LSD and his deeply complicated relationship with his parents adds a dimension to Cary Grant that only enhances the former Archie Leach's credibility as a performer.

As seen through Dyan Cannon's lens, Cary Grant remains a leading man unlike anyone else before him, or since.

OBTAINABILITY: Easy; there are various options to purchase Dear Cary on Amazon.

Diane Keaton 'Then Again'

WHY: The ever fascinating yet down-to-earth Diane Keaton decided to share some aspects of her life, her history, and her family with us in 'Then Again'.

She has held our attention for decades with her unique blend of style and personality, so it's irresistible to learn a little more about Diane Keaton, apart from associating her to her films and her leading men. We also learn about the woman behind the woman, since Keaton largely introduces her mother to the reader in this autobiography.

A scrapbook of sorts, and not a typical autobiography, this one is good for those lazy summer days.

OBTAINABILITY: Easy: there are various options available to purchase Then Again on Amazon.


Mia Farrow 'What Falls Away'

WHY: Mia Farrow has lived a life that's far richer, more connected, more compassionate than just about anyone in history. In her autobiography 'What Falls Away' she tells her story with her own brand of readable and equally eloquent prose.

She was raised in Beverly Hills, but Farrow's becoming an actress was a practicality, a means, a way to support her large family of siblings and her movie star mother when they needed her financial help. Had she gone a different path of her choosing, prior to following in the footsteps of her Hollywood accredited parents, she would have become a nun.

She embodied youth culture and style in the 1960's. Along her incredible journey, Mia Farrow had friendships with the likes of Salvador Dali, Roman Polanski, and The Beatles. She experienced a most unique-for-its-time romance with her first husband, Frank Sinatra. And, as we know, that wasn't even her most lasting or publicized relationship.

Mia Farrow always wanted to help and nurture children. And she always has. Her own adopted family and her efforts to defend those who in need worldwide has been the most natural progression of who she is. Mia Farrow is the authentic in a world of people who try to be the sort of individual she actually is.

OBTAINABILITY: Somewhat rare, but there are some copies available of What Falls Away to purchase on Amazon.

Ali MacGraw 'Moving Pictures'

WHY: Ali MacGraw's experiences prior to her quick rise to fame were as illustrious, in many ways, as the events that followed. In 'Moving Pictures' Ali MacGraw tells her story from a cozy winter abode and her reminiscing is friendly in manner.

As she goes back in time to the beginning, the complexities of this beautiful woman quickly come to light -- as in the flicker of light from her moving pictures -- and the reader comes to realize that Ali MacGraw is talented, capable and exquisite in many more ways than she's been credited.

Ali MacGraw was assistant to Diana Vreeland at Vogue in the exciting days of late 1960's fashion, when Jean Shrimpton would breeze into the office. She found success as a photographer's assistant and a stylist before getting placed in front of the camera as a fashion and commercial model. She endorsed Polaroid cameras and Chanel bath and beauty products before her foray into movies even began.

Despite her Academy Award nomination for portraying the iconic Jenny Cavalleri in 'Love Story', her marriage to Robert Evans and then to Steve McQueen, Ali has always been a unique individual whose talents were at times misplaced and misunderstood -- so she has spent some of her later years finding out, again, who that individual was. Ali MacGraw is a lovely woman to rediscover, via her autobiography, this summer.

OBTAINABILITY: A rare book; it can be difficult to find copies of Moving Pictures at Amazon -- good luck and happy reading.

Mary Tyler Moore 'After All'

WHY: Fans of Mary Tyler Moore, Mimsie (the kitten), those TV shows, her various memorable film roles, her smile, her style, her charm -- and everything else that bears her formidable MTM seal of approval -- will rejoice to hear her share her story with the masses.

What's entirely worthwhile and unexpected for even the most passionate fan of Mary Tyler Moore, as an individual, is to find out -- by her own candid admission -- just how dark the delightful, beloved personality of the Mary we know and love actually is. Mary Tyler Moore is nowhere near as cheerful and smiley as her public persona has long indicated.

But if anything, Mary Tyler Moore is as ambitious as one should expect, given the fact that she pioneered the ideal of a working woman with her iconic character Mary Richards, as well as being career-driven in her real life. Her accomplishments are truly remarkable. Her 'The Mary Tyler Moore' show remains one of the most successful TV shows of all time -- and subsequently, her MTM Enterprises became one of the most successful TV production companies of all time, churning out hit after hit.

That a woman who started her career as a professional dancer should become the head of a large corporation, when women were hardly making their way in the workplace, is extraordinary.

Sadly, her success story came at the highest price imaginable. The fact that she's lived to want to tell about some of her dark thoughts and experiences is a credit to her strength of spirit. Those who love MTM will love and admire her more for her honesty and courage in admitting who she really is -- without expecting to be liked at all for those dark admissions. A surprising read, so be prepared.

OBTAINABILITY: Some copies of After All are available on Amazon, but it's a fairly rare book.

Rod Stewart 'Rod: The Autobiography'

WHY: For good measure, here's one of two male autobiographies on the list. Reading Rod Stewart's take on his childhood and upbringing, his various hobbies and musical career beginnings -- even his hair -- is more delightful than one could ever hope.

Rod Stewart is a funny storyteller. Despite having been raised in London and only discovering his Scottish roots when he had grownup, somewhat, Rod Stewart has decidedly Scottish humor. Which is to say: good humor.  His book is engaging, entertaining -- and a real pleasure to read. In fact, he dedicates a full chapter to detail the life of his famous coif.  A chapter dedicated to his iconic hairstyle? If only more female entertainers would take themselves so lightly!

If you'd like to read a breezy book about football (um, soccer), rock and roll, fashion, hair products, and beautiful women this summer, 'Rod: The Autobiography' is highly recommended!

OBTAINABILITY: Heaps of options to purchase Rod: The Autobiography on Amazon, so happy reading.

Andre Agassi 'Open'

WHY: Andre Agassi's 'Open' is one of the best autobiographies I have ever read. If you love tennis, read this book. If you don't love tennis, but love great storytelling, read this book. Actually, if you're human and you have feelings about anything, read this book.

Andre Agassi might be one of the best and most iconic tennis players in history, but he's also extremely candid about having had personal battles with his playing tennis professionally. Throughout his career, whether he was winning or losing, he hated his life's work. Which is really quite something to admit, and to address. He also admits that for much of the time while his famous mane propelled his highly marketable image as a bleached-mullett-wearing-style-rebel, he had to wear a hair piece -- since he'd lost his actual hair.

Agassi explains that his romance with Brooke Shields was in no way the ideal one the public imagined. He also shares with us the heartwarming (and heart-stoppingly romantic) point in his story when he enters into a pure, honest, comfortable and loving existence with his now wife, fellow tennis icon Stefi Graf. With Graf, he enjoys a life full of understanding and giving -- even beyond their own family.

'Open' is superb summer reading, especially for lovers of Wimbledon and/or the various Opens. For tennis fans and well beyond.

OBTAINABILITY: There are plenty of options to purchase Open on Amazon.

John and Mary (1969)

The controversial characters appearing in LIFE magazine

Peter Yates was masterful at entertaining us with films such as 'Bullitt and 'Breaking Away', but he also made a stark relationship film called 'John and Mary'. It is interesting to watch, if only because you get the sense that back when this film was released, a subject as trite as young people having one-night stands had only recently become commonplace in reality and had yet to be addressed in depth on the big screen.

They still don't know one another's names

The film was somewhat controversial, despite its minimal story. But today, it manages to work as a time capsule. It had probably been less than a decade by 1969 that people were able to admit intimacy could even occur out of wedlock. This was the same year when the wonderful 'Bob and Carole and Ted and Alice' questioned monogamy in the suburbs, for the middle aged folks trying to be swingers. Stories like these would certainly have no place as contemporary film subjects, since we've moved far beyond those topics. And there is an element that can at times be captivating about watching an of-the-moment classic film, like this one: the fact that it is not timeless. There is also something unique about Dustin Hoffman and Mia Farrow, as John and Mary, dancing around one another in an awkward singles match of sorts. 

Hoffman and Farrow were the hip stars of their time

The two backstories for John and Mary are told in flashbacks, which is a good thing since they are mostly coy with one another and have a hard time getting to know each other, as we see them throughout the-day-after their one night (after meeting at a singles bar) –– which is essentially all this story is about. They are trying to navigate their way through their next day together. If it weren't for flashbacks to their previous relationships, we'd have no indication why they are behaving the way they do with one another. 

Beautiful Mia Farrow as Mary

I find myself wishing they could stop speaking in code and be more straightforward with each other, as I highly doubt people generally spoke this way in 1969. I expect at least one of them to be a little less uptight about the whole thing. They do their best to avoid getting close, while they can't resist wanting to. In the end, they decide to move in together, so it wasn't exactly a one night stand. And I guess not much has changed after all, since from what I've noticed, single people are still playing those games (little coded masquerades) today.

And to take us out, here is a video I made for 'This Masquerade' –– a beautiful tune in which Karen Carpenter sounds her most sophisticated. It is one of my earlier video montages (you can find many more on my YouTube channel) and it includes a few lovely moments from 'John and Mary'. 

Retrospective: How Technology Tore The Roof Off My Cozy 1960's Fort

I just realized this will be my 60th post since starting this blog! Which only means I should be posting more often. But because the 1960's hold such a major significance to me, I'll celebrate this little milestone by bringing that very fascination and immersion of mine into the spotlight. And what better way than by merging together a small history of this passion with how the internet affected or diverted it?

The rise of the internet is responsible for many great

changes. It's difficult to imagine living without limitless possibilities today –– online, that is, and especially in terms of information. If you had been passionate about something pre-internet, when information was far less accessible, however, you might have had to come to terms with the fact that the cozy existence you'd spent a fair amount of time building on your own –– with considerable effort,  or sacrifice –– is now shared by any and all in a mere instant. This can of course be said for many things, even skills and trades that have become computerized to the extent that anyone might do with the click of a button what others had to be trained to do, prior. Namely in music, filmmaking, photography, etc.

I have always led a sort of double life: one right here in our current time and another fantasizing and being lost in all that is the 1960's. My childhood & youth took place in the 80's/90's but my heart and devotion belonged to the 60's as soon as I had my first inkling that a bygone time was so magnificent. My dedication to knowing everything about the era led to a borderline unhealthy pursuit. In another sense, it was as if I was working towards earning a PhD in a course of study I had created for myself. For what purpose? I wondered then, and I still don't know.

I could have been an 'expert' on the subject if it weren't for the abundance of information at everyone's fingertips now via the internet. I hoped the time I spent in that endeavor would someday reveal itself to be worthwhile, back when the 'work' really started... I fancied I could be a 60's-era style expert for any number of magazines. Or that I could be a filmmaker with 60's flair (I've already written a screenplay based on a late 60's spy thriller which came adequately close to being picked up by the largest creative agency in the business many years ago... I knew the aesthetics and was able to apply them to every page effortlessly.)

But alas, any such aspirations were foiled by the internet. Today it's so easy to pull inspiration online and make connections with the past. And anyone who might have dedicated themselves to developing specific knowledge in any given area can be rendered obsolete –– in a sort of 'man replaced by machine' sense –– at least in a culture that works on smaller and smaller time constraints. Knowledge is all about speed. It's another form of consumption and dispensing (not necessarily pertaining to any depth of knowledge.) My own immersion in all that was the 1960's, an appreciation that directed a good portion of my formidable years, can be applied to many other people and any experiences that have been devalued since the development of the internet. Not that this is all a bad thing. It is simply a fact to be observed.

Looking back, I had a feeling as a child that I was reincarnated but had lived in the 60's. This might account for something, but how would anyone really know? I had many odd moments growing up that would point to that as a real possibility –– especially since I didn't even knew what reincarnation meant. Maybe it's not so much that I was drawn to the 60's as much as the era was drawn to me. My first significant relationship was sparked by a mutual and religious love of The Beatles. We met while on a double date (both were with someone else at the time) but when the subject turned to The Beatles, we were goners. I'll never forget the looks on our dates' faces as they inched closer to each other and stared at us in disbelief. One of them actually said, "They found each other." I had found a partner who wouldn't mind joining in a 60's quest.

Biographies helped. By the time I was 19, I had read the biographies of every famous woman who fascinated me who was vital to the era in some way (particularly because of their beauty, style or talent.) Mia Farrow, Catherine Deneuve, Brigitte Bardot, Joan Baez, Jane Fonda, Jean Shrimpton and Ali MacGraw are a few that come to mind. Of course, to Audrey Hepburn I dedicated a whole other part of my existence altogether. I've read bios of the lives of many swinging chicks and fascinating men –– Twiggy Lawson (a.k.a. Leslie Hornby), Grace Kelly, Natalie Wood, Linda Eastman McCartney, Patti Boyd Harrison, Peggy Lipton, Peter Sellers, Roger Vadim, Warren Beatty, James Taylor, Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell (oh, I do love the 70's, too!!) And plenty more. I loved spending time in those other lives for the length of a book. It was a great way to travel in time and visit whatever era they roamed.

And I'd spend hours and hours in libraries scouring old fashion magazines. What a thrill to find the right section and start pulling down those plastic covered issues from long ago. I'd marvel at the funny, male-chauvinistic ads and just melt with love while staring at the images of those women, their hair, their clothes, those designs... It was a private, treasured escape into that other world. Wherever I happened to be, I needed to know where the nearest library was. In fact, it may be interesting to map all the libraries that I'd hit in the various cities I lived and visited. This was the most fun I could possibly have, for years, apart from watching classic movies or listening to music that could allow me to reminisce about what had never even been. At least not for me, in my current lifetime.

I was what one would call a lone wolf. The time I dedicated to individuals found through films and books could have been spent instead on cultivating actual friendships. I realize that. Fortunately, I had a like-minded boyfriend for a good part of my early 20's and didn't have to be completely alone in my odd and potentially lonely fantasy.

Back when I was in college, things were just starting to develop in the online world but the internet was still only used as a means of communication. Email was becoming less of a novelty, but all of those wonderful searches that are possible now hadn't infiltrated our lives yet. Facebook, Google and YouTube were still many years away. Despite being a member of a very social organization, a sorority, I would steal away plenty of time for myself and walk through campus alone –– whether I'd go and watch classic or foreign films in the film department, or look up as many old fashion magazines I could make time for at the library. If anyone wondered what I was up to back then, walking alone, here and there –– now you know.

I managed to maintain friendships (being too balanced a person to be anti-social entirely) but I had my own world to resort to if things weren't keeping my interest in this one. After all, I was becoming incredibly versed on all things 60's, whereas the 90's and 2000's I experienced peripherally. Yes, I was 'one of those' –– I didn't own a TV for nearly all of the 2000's and didn't want to. I was satisfied enough with the cultural world I'd created and had plenty of entertainment derived from our collective archives. This involvement with a bygone era was my only source of entertainment. After college, I predominantly lived in NY, despite a short stint in London and some time spent in LA. I found and bought books and old magazines from the 60's. I'd visit bookstores for photography books –– my favorite being David Bailey, but my best find altogether was a rare first edition copy of one of Linda McCartney's books. I'd even cut out photos I liked and make collages out of them. One collage I attached to cardboard and I would take it with me to any location I moved. These (sad to say, really) were my 'friends' and gave me a sense of comfort. This collage of "friends" traveled with me to several cities.

This was true for films, as well. I would rent rare films (on videocassette and later DVD), purchase ones I wanted for my own collection –– and sometimes I'd keep one (after politely paying for it) if I couldn't bring myself to return it to the video store (yes, video!) I also discovered TV shows like 'The Avengers' (with which I developed mad respect for Emma Peel and her kung fu fighting), The Mod Squad, Bewitched, Gidget, etc. I often wondered if all of this would lead to anything or if I was wasting my precious youth. I cannot describe adequately how little I socialized and how very comfortable I was with that fact. At some point I came across the film 'Privilege' and the look I wanted to have for my wedding was thus realized –– several years before I would be married. And when Francoise Hardy made her way into my life, I worked for years to achieve her hairstyle, which I wear today. It took a lot of effort to grow it the right way despite the many bad haircuts I endured at first. It takes a great deal of focus to have one image in mind despite all others that may come to view. And despite incompetent stylists. But again, that was part of my dedication to the 60's I had idealized.

Near the start of the Francoise quest.

My hair now.

All of this holds a very different meaning in today's post-internet culture. A person can be anti-social and still maintain a decent level of social existence by way of social networks. Someone who is as passionate about something –– the way I was about the 1960's for such a significant portion of my life –– will find that any person can access something (that had taken them genuine time and energy to gather and develop over the course of many years) with only a few easy clicks of a search engine. It's instant gratification. The general public can be exposed to what would've taken a great amount of digging, pre-Internet. In a sense, someone like me can feel connected to other like-minded individuals and feel like there is a community for those with similar passions. I refer to it as passion because obsession is much too manic a word for something incorporated so intricately into daily life. A passion that's harmless yet significant enough to be a part of each day is more like a hobby.

In any case, one must indeed have appreciation for how the internet has augmented accessibility to any subject in this universe (and beyond) to anyone and everyone. But to those of us who worked to build a world –– or a cozy, private and fulfilling escape –– that required a lot of commitment, time and effort, all while spending a less than healthy amount time in the company of actual human beings... Well, it can certainly feel a bit like having the roof of your fort lifted right off and your space exposed. Maybe I shouldn't have been hiding in that fort all day long, anyhow. Perhaps I should have just played with everyone in real time. But it was great fun for a cat like me. Of course, the internet allows for finding more 'material' today, with greater ease (wonderful, rare images for example) than when I had searched around in my hard copy days of yore. I appreciate that as much as anyone else. Yet the real gratification is gone to some extent. It is TOO instant. But who has time to go into a library and search old magazines for fun? I've grown up, and technology has changed how things work. I can move on while maintaining the 'happy place' I'd built over the years. (I really have moved on, despite my Francoise Hardy hair.)

Personally, I don't think this is a matter that should concern me –– or anyone, really. Everything has changed so dramatically in the past decade in terms of what people do, and how they do it. So much of what we did a decade ago is now obsolete. People have had to rethink almost everything about how they live their lives. In comparison, my adjustments have been minor. I've always led a fairly simple life and it translates easily to where we are now. I think of this experience as another aspect of that change as we continue to transition into a fully computerized existence.

In fact, at least we're getting somewhat closer to the space-age fantasies of the future that were imagined back in the 60's! 

I'm all for that. And I do still escape to that other great decade of change whenever I need a quick fix.

Missions of Mia

Long before celebrities were faces in mass circulation representing the adoptive parent, Mia Farrow adopted her children quietly. She has raised fifteen children altogether. Four of them she gave birth to, the other eleven she adopted. Her tendency towards nurturing was never a matter of developing a persona, growing up, or gaining notoriety. It was simply an inclination to provide safe haven for others. I can summarize Mia Farrow's willingness to give of herself in a simplistic way: people didn't read about her children on a daily basis in magazines, or even know about them, several of whom had or have had disabilities. I'm sad to say that one of her children has even passed on. The fathers (to some) of her children are Andre Previn and Woody Allen. Six of them were adopted by Mia alone. 

I read Mia Farrow's lovely memoir, 'What Falls Away' many years ago. In it, she communicates her life story in a way that's emblematic of her pure and transcendent spirit. I highly recommend it.

Mia Farrow, the UNICEF goodwill ambassador, the mother and the actress, has also lived her life as a 20th/21st century Siddharta of sorts. She's been a child of Hollywood –– her mother and father, both, had been successful in the business –– then she became the young ingenue, out of necessity. She was the responsible bread winner of her family when her father passed on. She had religious inclinations growing up, as well as a clear sense of duty to others. She's always been one to give of herself to those in need. 

Back in the earlier days of her decades-long acting career, she befriended Dali, married Sinatra and was a muse and partner to Woody Allen. But all the while she was quietly protecting her growing family at home –– and her family out in the world. Because aside from all the glamour, adventures and any accolades she received for her work... the movie business simply provided her with the means to offer her compassionate spirit to those in need. Her ability to care has always been astounding and entirely authentic.

Mia Farrow's 21-day (or as long as her health allows) hunger strike for Darfur is now in effect. This is yet another instance where she is being her kind and sacrificial self for the sake of those who are suffering. She has also lived for weeks on end in villages in places like Darfur among the very people she aims to help throughout her years working for UNICEF. I applaud her for being aware of the potential impact this hunger strike could have, and I hope she remains relevant enough for others to take notice. I applaud her for carrying on in the ways of other peaceful advocates. Mia Farrow is the genuine and absolute real deal on that front, and has been for her entire life.

Update: May 8, 2009 - After 12 days, Mia Farrow had to end her fast due to health concerns. But she has since passed the duty to Sir Richard Branson, who has said he is 'honored' to carry on the fast. His planned duration will be for three days. Kudos to them, and perhaps the relay tactic will eventually work for the cause.

http://entrepreneur.virgin.com/2009/05/08/starting-my-three-day-fast-to-support-the-people-of-darfur/