This is an enthralling read for would-be screenwriters -- the story of how Sidney Sheldon stormed the ramparts of Hollywood, broke into Broadway and eventually became a novelist. Persistence, talent and a certain amount of luck all played their part in propelling him onwards and upwards, and it's fascinating to follow his early career as it develops and gathers pace. The book includes plenty of famous names, but the author is discreet when it comes to anecdotes, and tries to be generous about most people he's met. Although his novels can be of variable quality, this memoir ranks with the best of them. Highly recommended.