That's Amore: A Son Remembers Dean Martin

Great read. Loved the view into the family life of the Martins, not gossip or scandal but just the love of a son for his dad and his family.

I'll start out by confessing that I don't know if I can write a wholly objective review of this one. I wanted to love it. I DID love it. Even after noting that, I have to add that Ricci Martin did not sugar coat this memoir and he revealed plenty of his father's flaws, including the pain and confusion during Dean's divorce from Jeanne Martin (there is an incident with a policeman during that time that reveals much of the pain Ricci was possibly going through).I am trying to be very careful not to reveal anything that would spoil this for readers. The photo section is wonderful. Also, there are some facts about racial relationships that I found very revealing in this book, especially since Sammy Davis, Jr was a part of the notorious "Rat Pack". I found Ricci's insights and childhood experiences to be very revealing about that side of things.There are also some secrets revealed, ones that might not surprise those who already know every detail of Dean's life that can be found at various fan sites but I honestly did not know some of the information about Shirley Maclaine that was included in the book. If your imagination is going wild about that, let me add that you'll probably be surprised and perhaps intrigued by the info included but it probably won't be what you expect. Enough said about that. Yes, I'm really, really against lurid details and spoilers so if you're finding that disappointing, I'm sure someone here has written a more explicit review. If you want spoilers, just post a comment to me and I'll fill in any details for you, gladly. But not in this review.Another part of the book that was enjoyable? Learning about what it was like to grow up in "old Hollywood" before the Sharon Tate murders and other incidents made people lock their doors and hire more security. It was truly a different era, a time when the Martin kids could sell items to tourists from their front lawn (can you imagine the look on the tourists' faces?) or even give some lucky fans a tour of the house.This is a very personal look from one son's perspective. I recommend reading Deanna Martin's book as well because it gives a whole different view of growing up as the child of Dean Martin and reveals more about Dean's first wife. Ricci clearly adored his father and it shows. Deanna was more critical about him. Both books present a rounded picture of Dean Martin.

Easy to read; informative; Ricci Martins recollections about Both his father and his brother are interesting. The newsprint quality of the photos makes viewing of them almost indiscernible.

Ever since I can remember, I have been a fan of Dean Martin, and after reading this book I no longer wonder why. Ricci tells us what I always suspected, that Dean was real, he was a loving person, a good Dad and his son reports he didn't put himself above anyone else. I like that in a person. I remember seeing the lovely Olympic Ice Skater Dorothy Hamill interviewed on TV, shortly after Dean's death several years ago and she said he was one of the kindest people she ever met. Dorothy had been married at one time to Dean's son, Dino, of the 1960's Rock'N Roll Band, Dino, Desi & Billy. There are some wonderful photos in the book, heart-warming memories from his son and an insight to life must have felt like having a super star for a father, although I got the impression Dean was very much a regular guy once he arrived home after work. The book has some great (funny!)stories about Ricci and his brother, Dean Paul (Dino). How I wish I could have seen Dean in Vegas with his buddies on stage. This book could have been a few hundred pages longer! Good job, Ricci, thanks for sharing memories of your father and your family with us. Funny I could write this review without mentioning Dean's wonderful singing voice, and who in the world didn't love to listen to Dean!

As a child the music of Dean Martin played quite frequently in my home. I just loved his voice with the smooth easy-going sound. I also remember on Thursday nights sitting with the family and watching the Dean Martin show. There were also the western movies plus the Matt Helm flicks that I remember sharing with my parents. Oh but the best shows of all were the celebrity roasts that Dean Martin hosted. I remember rolling on the floor laughing and I probably didn't get have the jokes but because everyone in the roast were laughing hysterically, as well as, my parents you couldn't help to but laugh. This book reminded me of all those times and how much I loved Dean Martin even as a 7 year old kid. But the best part of the book was how it was written - with LOVE {AMORE}. I never did care for the way the media portrayed Dean Martin in the magazines and newspapers. This book surely makes it clear to me that Dean Martin was a good family man and friend.

I waited anxiously for this book to arrive and then read it completely within 24 hrs. I thoroughly enjoyed it and fell in love with Dean Martin- the man, whose love of family and dedication, I believe, was the drive behind him. I was happy to have the opportunity to glimpse inside the Martin's home, a chance to imagine the clicking arrival of his shoes as he entered the house through the laundry room, his familiar greeting to his son as he affectionately pinched the kid's neck with a "Whaddya say, pallie?" There are many wonderful photographs included in the book. Although Dean Martin achieved great fame as the King of Cool, its obvious from this son's account Dean was a father first, bursting with love for his family, always keeping his work and family life separate, ending his day with a family dinner each night at 601 Mountain Drive, surrounded by those who made him happy and loved. Thank you, Ricci, for this wonderfully warm, loving tribute to a man etched so richly in memory by millions of his fans, myself included.

I purchased this book after reading "Memories are Made of This" by his daughter Deana Martin which despite having wonderful stories about her father claims (amazingly!) was not a good father!? Ricci Martin is the youngest of the 7 children and tells us right at the beginning of the book how deeply he misses his father, writing a very warm and moving tribute to him. I found this to be a lovely book with loads of beautiful family photos. The stories that followed showed Dean Martin to be a very good and warm family man with a son who clearly adored him. Some of the stories are similar to Deana's, yet they are written with love rather than bitterness. Ricci Martin comes across as a very likeable and thoughtful individual, who I found myself instantly warming to. The only drawback for me is that the book was a bit too short and could have done with an extra 50 pages or so. Otherwise, a cracking good read!!

I must admit that I was not really a Dean Martin fan, but this book was written so well that it really did change my image of him. It showed him as a rather straight forward guy who enjoyed what he did for a living, and saw no reason to follow the crowd. "That's Amore" displayed the senistive and honest side of a man who at the hit of his fame, remained a family man at heart. Most people perception of him is that of light entertainer with a drink in one hand. He was a man of his time and there will never be another. The last few chapters made compulsive reading. I highly recommend this book.

Brought for elderly mom who loves Dean Martin. Disappointed with the photographs as all are black and white and most look like they were prints from newspapers ....very 'grainy'. Ok if your a big reader but mom tends to read small snipets rather than full chapters.

Slightly lighter in tone than his half-sister's effort, being the younger sibling his memories cover different aspects of the Martin family life, also deals with members in more details, particularly the eldest son. Interesting for Dean's fans, but not as gritty and informative as Deena's which I preferred.

Was looking for a book about the life of Dean Martin - This one, written by his son, I found to be a little self indulgent. I really didnt want to know about his son's life!