THE BOOK BLOG: August 2018

I do this sometimes. I get obsessed with a story and want to know everything about it. I read every book available on the topic. I watch films and documentaries. Bernie Madoff was one of my obsessions. The Ponzi Scheme. How could he do it? How did he do it? Why did he do it? What was it like for his wife and children? His family, friends, victims? I want to know because it's about people. Human beings. We are all people sharing this world together and trying to get through each day.

I started with the book, The Madoff Chronicles - Inside the Secret World of Bernie and Ruth by Brian Ross. This was made into the ABC series titled Madoff. When I learned that Richard Dreyfuss would be portraying Bernie Madoff in the film, I couldn't wait to see it. Richard Dreyfuss is one of my favorite actors. I fell in love with him back in 1977 when I saw The Goodbye Girl.

Richard Dreyfuss in The Goodbye Girl, 1977

(I couldn't resist posting that!) Now here we are 40 years later, and Dreyfuss is playing Bernie Madoff, an aging, overweight, white-haired criminal (but he still has that beautiful face!).

Richard Dreyfuss as Bernie Madoff

As the title of the book suggests, the book and film go into the life of Bernie and Ruth - their relationship, how they met, how Bernie began his career and became what he is today. Of course we are aware that it isn't 100% accurate and cannot completely convey the experiences of everyone involved. Watching a movie certainly isn't the same as walking in someone's shoes, but it can provide a glimpse. Here we get a glimpse into the lives of the Madoffs and those close to them: their grown sons Mark and Andrew and their wives and children, their positions in the company as well as their relationships with each of their parents. We see the relationship between Bernie and his brother Peter Madoff and how Bernie related to those around him: employees, clients, family and friends. We also see how Bernie's secret was finally discovered by Harry Markopolis and how "No One Would Listen" --which is the title of the book by Markopolis, then made into the film Chasing Madoff.

No One Would Listen by Harry Markopolis

Chasing Madoff - the film based on the book by Harry Markopolis

All excellent and informative books and films. My personal favorite is the memoir by Stephanie Madoff Mack, the widow of Bernie's son Mark Madoff: The End of Normal: A Wife's Anguish, A Widow's New Life. Here, Stephanie tells her story and version of events. She talks openly and honestly about her grief and anguish. I read the book when it was first published in 2012 and recently listened to the audio-book (beautifully narrated by Stephanie herself).

The End of Normal - a Memoir by Stephanie Madoff Mack

I also devoured the memoir by Madoff's alleged mistress Sheryl Weinsten: Madoff's Other Secret: Love, Money, Bernie, and Me. I couldn't put this book down either.

Madoff's Other Secret by Sheryl Weinstein

There are many other books and films on this topic, of course, but I just wanted to mention a few of my favorites. I appreciate those involved who have shared their stories with us, especially through personal memoirs. There were many victims of this crime who have stories to tell. Family, friends and clients who lost so much as a result of this. Some have shared their stories in interviews. Maybe we'll hear from more in the future who are willing to share their personal stories. How they got through it. Stories of hope and triumph.

Maybe Ruth Madoff will one day write a memoir. It may be too painful for her. Maybe she isn't ready. Maybe it isn't for her. Writing about a painful experience can be therapeutic for some, but of course it isn't for everyone. Not everyone is comfortable sharing their experiences with others - especially strangers. We all have different ways of getting through the tough parts of life. I find that reading is therapeutic for me. Especially memoirs. Even though our experiences may be different, we're all human beings and we all experience fear, grief, loss, pain, happiness and sadness. To be able to communicate this and share with each other through reading and writing is such a gift.

Speaking of this, I can't wait to ramble on about my other many favorite memoirs!

White Palace by Glenn Savan

When I first saw the movie White Palace with James Spader and Susan Sarandon in the early 90's, I was thrilled to find out it was based on a novel by Glenn Savan. This was before the days of Amazon and Kindle, so I had to do it the old-fashioned way. I ran to the bookstore and purchased the book. I devoured it. Of course the book was even better than the movie, as is usually the case. Movies can also do the book justice, and in this case, it did. James Spader and Susan Sarandon were well-cast as Max and Nora. Based in Dogtown, St. Louis, Missouri, it is about the intense connection between an older woman from the wrong side of town and a young widow who can't get her out of his mind. The characters are complex and interesting, including Max's Jewish mother and his best friend from childhood Neil Horowitz (played by Jason Alexander in the movie).

When I first read White Palace, I was in my 20's and the older woman was much older (42!). Now that I'm in my late 40's, I am older than the older woman, but this story NEVER gets old. It's a beautiful book and one of my all-time favorites. I re-read the book about once a year when enough time has gone by, and I get lost in it every time. I own the Advance Reading Copy signed by Glenn Savan and James Spader:

Advance Reading Copy - June 16, 1987

Sadly, Glenn Savan passed away in 2003 at the age of 49, but whenever I read White Palace, I feel as if he is right here with me.

Glenn Savan, Author of White Palace
1953-2003

The book is now out of print and the movie is only available on DVD. I reached out to the publisher about this because it would be a shame for anyone to miss out on this gem. I hope the book will become available electronically with an audio version as well. In the meantime, we do still have the paperback and DVD.