Bacall's 1979 National Book Award–winning memoir, By Myself
, has been reissued with an 80-page "And Then Some" that brings her fans up to date. The first three CDs are devoted to an abridgement of the first book (recorded by Bacall in 1994 with a few third-person narrative bridges read by Robert O'Keefe). The final three CDs contain Bacall's unabridged reading of her update. The 80-year-old actress is an interesting paradox. Her husky voice and somewhat haughty tone contrast with her writing, which is intimate, reflective and inviting. Nevertheless, the new material offers a wealth of pleasures. She ruminates on finding projects as an older actress ("My goal in life has always been to work," she notes) and describes her love of New York City (her 9/11 memories are haunting). Most affecting are the sections in which she mourns the loss of Roddy McDowall, Katharine Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Bacall's concise eulogies eloquently capture what made each a treasured friend. Simultaneous release with the HarperCollins hardcover (Forecasts, Feb. 21). (Mar.)
