Book Reviews

View media coverage for Ethel Merman, Mother Teresa... and Me

Reviews for Ethel Merman, Mother Teresa...
and Me

"...to read this memoir is a rich, inspiring experience, with a little something for everyone within its memorable pages. Very nicely done!" — Crystal Book Reviews

"I found this memoir to be the most interesting I've read so far. It's well written. Mr. Cointreau is very candid in sharing his feelings and experiences, giving the reader the sense of personally knowing this extraordinary man. This memoir is definitely a page turning, read-in-one-sitting must have for your book collection."
—BookLoons

For those of us who were not born into an uber wealthy old-money family, it's easy to think that all of our troubles would be over if only we had a whole lot of money. However, money does not necessarily mean that life is going to be easy. Tony Cointreau looked like someone who had it all, but life was empty and hard for him despite financial privilege. He dealt with dysfunction in his family and caretakers who caused him harm. As an adult, he set out to find meaning and purpose and he succeeded. By learning to give himself to serve others, his life became meaningful. The memoir is inspiring and a great reminder that selfish pursuits are not what is truly important.
—Sweeps4Bloggers

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! And I highly recommend it to: anyone in a book club (great discussion opportunities within), anyone who is a fan of Ethel Merman or Mother Teresa, anyone who is poor wishing they were rich, anyone who wishes they were loved more as a child, anyone who wants to serve and love others … to anyone: I recommend this book. This memoir is beautifully written. It is captivating, heart-breaking, haunting, and inspiring.
—Margo Kelly

With insight into a life of rare wealth and fortune, as well as horror and terror, Tony presents a marvelous memoir filled with endearing and courageous moments. Tony Cointreau allows us into his heart as we place him into ours.
—The Review Broads

"I have a love/hate relationship with memoirs. I'm sure most readers will lean toward the love part in Tony Cointreau's very readable and moving memoir."
—Huntington News

"I was so interested in your life with Ethel Merman…she was a gifted and fascinating woman. And of course Mother Teresa is smiling down. I don't think she would ever be anything but enthusiastic about your life and its far-ranging activity. Your book is a wonderful story that nobody else can tell. I even think your family background is fun! You are a Cointreau, but then you also had the important entertainer career—I don't think they make many more like you."
—HELEN GURLEY BROWN, Author and iconic editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine

Tony Cointreau's friendship with my mother was one of her life's true blessings. Naturally comfortable in the brightest light of her stardom and the softest light of her vulnerable heart, Tony shared an everyday intimacy with Ethel like a second son...like my brother.
—BOB LEVITT, Ethel Merman's son

Dear Tony,
I am glad to know that you have experienced joy in sharing our works of love for the poor in our home for AIDS patients. Thank you for your generous gift of love. Please pray for me as I do for you.
God bless you,
MOTHER TERESA, Missionaries of Charity