Betty White's Pearls of Wisdom was an homage to the friendship she shared with Patty and Tom Sullivan (the blind singer and entertainer). Patty wrote this book as a way to share Betty's kindness, humility and love. Betty took Tom and his wife under her wing and her effect on their life was immeasurable.

This non-fiction book will not be a tell-all about Betty's life, her TV and celebrity status, but instead it's about the friendship that became family.

Links coming soon.

5 / 5 ⭐️‘s

“Betty White's Pearls of Wisdom" by Patty Sullivan

“My remembrances are perhaps an echo of things already said, but I hope my stories hold up a mirror, another reflection of her essence and how she affected my life so profoundly.”

This was a delightful and inspiring read for a fan of the legendary actress and animal activist. The book features a collection of quotes and anecdotes from Betty White's life, highlighting her wit, humor, and wisdom.

Throughout the book, Sullivan shares Betty’s insights on various topics, including aging, friendship, love, and of course, animals. The advice is practical, heartfelt, and often humorous, making the book fun to read.

Sullivan does an excellent job of capturing Betty's voice and personality, making it feel as though the actress is speaking directly to the reader.

Overall, it is a lovely tribute to a remarkable woman, and an uplifting reminder that we can all learn a thing or two from this national treasure. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Betty White.

This ARC was provided by the publisher via @Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Well-written insight into Betty White's life. Stories, anecdotes, remembering a wonderful person. She touched and changed the lives of those whom she knew and loved.

Thank you NetGalley and Forefront Books distributed by Simon & Schuster, Forefront Books for accepting my request to read and review Betty White's Pearls of Wisdom: Life Lessons from a Beloved American Treasure.

Published: 12/13/22

"If you can't make memories what's the point of being here."

This seemed too invasive at times. Other times, I had tears streaming down my face. Throughout my life I wondered about Betty. Her husband died so many years ago and she never married again, nor did she have children. The Sullivans (one being the author) were the people she loved, shared time with, and made memories.

This book recounts the love from both Betty and The Sullivans.

I learned a lot about Betty White reading this...I have long enjoyed her humor, but didn't realize the love & passion she had for animals, nature, etc...

Not really to be considered a biography about Betty, but it did include many fun snippets from her life & friendship with the author & author's family.

An easy, lighthearted read.

(I was able to preview this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you Netgalley & Forefront books.)

This is a very lovely tribute, by someone who was close to Betty White.
Patty Sullivan met her husband while she was on summer vacation from college. He was singing in a pub in the town she was visiting. Betty White and her husband were also visiting, and also heard him sing in the pub. This was the late 60s, and they all became friends, with White and her husband using their showbiz know-how to help Tom Sullivan get gigs. All that to say... Patty and her husband had known White for more than 50 years. Through the loss of her husband, and through their own having kids and growing their careers.
The "pearls" in the book, or lessons if you will, are split up into separate chapters. These feel a little arbitrary, though, as many of the lessons overlap. Some of the overarching themes include White's lust for life, curiosity about the world around her, ability to live in the moment, and well-known love for animals.
This book does not shy away from White's death, and the hardships that preceded it (from aging, and from having to be isolated during the pandemic). These chapters are nearer to the end.
Overall, this was a sweet and fairly fast read.

Thanks to #netgalley for a free ARC of this book. This is not a biography or memoir of Betty White. Is is a collection of stories and wisdom from her close friend over the years, Patty Sullivan. It has so many stories about Betty. It describes her many causes and charities that she supported for so long. It is a short and easy read and a must for any Betty White fan.

This is a Betty White book, if you love betty white you will love this book, if you hate betty white well you are just wrong. It was nice reading a novel about one of my favorite animal lovers. This is a good book to understand this great women some more. I highly recomend this to anyone who is missing her smile in this world

I am an admirer of Betty White and was anxious to read this book but I couldn't get past the first chapter or two.. The book (IMHO) is more about the author's friendship with Ms White than her. Perhaps later in the book the pearls start showing up but I found myself skipping over trying to find Betty White stuff. Stopped reading.

Thank you for the chance to read this book but it was too wordy without substance for me.

This book is such a beautiful tribute to Betty by one of her dearest friends, Patty Sullivan! As a long time Betty White fan, I thoroughly enjoyed discovering the many facets of Betty beyond her television persona. The book delves into Betty's charitable work, her love of animals and nature, and her amazing capacity to become a driving force behind various charitable organizations, many of which she either started or provided vital support to. She lived a life devoted to making the world a better place, for both humans and animals. Patty wrote of Betty's wonderful, devoted friendship to her and her family, and to others. Being a true and loyal friend was one of Betty's key "pearls of wisdom". The book follows Betty's life from glimpses of her girlhood, through the years to her final goodbye. Her many successes in the world of show business are part of this book, but the main focus is Betty's life, works, and friendships beyond the silver screen. Patty Sullivan has captured the wisdom and caring of Betty White in the pages of this wonderful, heartwarming book! I loved it! Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my copy of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.

I am a fan of Betty White, but if you expect this book to be a biography then this is not it. This book is told from the perspective of Betty's friend and their experience with being Betty's friend. I am in the middle of the road with this book but if you are a big Betty White fan then it's worth a read.

Interesting and well written I just personally couldn’t get into the story. I felt like I was reading something I shouldn’t - a story of Betty’s life told from a close family friend. I get it - it just wasn’t really her words of wisdom but a peek into her life. And it got a little uncomfortable when it got towards the end of her life. Maybe that’s just me. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

'Pearls of Wisdom' follows the relationship between the Sullivan family and Betty White from the 1960s on. She was a rock to their family and a part of their holidays and so much more. This book was truly a love letter to someone's lost friend and I feel so honored that Patty shared it with us. I love these little glimpses into an American icon that I get to know more about and I get to love her even more. This book was absolutely breathtaking.

This is an excellent book to have on your shelf and pull out and reference when you need life advice from the incredible Betty White. She’s an absolute treasure and inspiration and she lived an incredible life. We can all learn so much from her wisdom. I’m a huge fan of Betty and I loved this book.

etty White was an international treasure to many. She was America’s Golden Girl and everyone’s grandmother. I requested the ARC for this book and to my delight, it was approved. I was so excited to read this book but I did put off reading it because my grandfather isn’t doing well and I didn’t want the reminder.

Recently, I realized I could use both Patty’s and Betty White’s wisdom to get me through this hard time and I was right. I learned while reading this book that my suspicion on Betty being not only pure as snow but wise was correct. Betty was not afraid of getting older because she knew she lived an amazing accomplished life. Betty White reminded me so much of my own grandparents which made this such a joy to read.

Needless to say, I cried while reading this book. It was written very well and I am so thankful for the opportunity to read this book.

Patty Sullivan does a wonderful job with this book. Betty White's Pearls of Wisdom is a beautiful tribute to Betty and full of wisdom and stories. I enjoyed reading this book, and highly recommend it to readers.

The book's cover is a lovely work of art, and any and all fans of Betty will enjoy it as well.
My thanks to Forefront Books, Simon & Schuster, and NetGallery for a digital copy of this book for my review.

Thank you Forefront Books and NetGalley for approving my advanced access to this story.

This was a lovely story about Patty's connection with Betty and showcases some of her most cherished memories with her.

It allows an intimate look inside their friendship and history together and highlights some very special Betty moments.

I do wish it had more about Betty herself, but this was clearly a dedication to Patty and Betty's friendship.

I didn’t know much about this actress before reading this book. I had seen her in the movie The Proposal with Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock, caught a few episodes of Golden Girls, but that was it. I knew she was funny and loved animals.

I learned so much through this sweet, insightful, journey with Patty Sullivan as she remembers the special times and events, they were part of because of this amazing lady. Allen Ludden and Betty White were encouragers of new talent. They also liked to help where they could. Allen Ludden got Tom Sullivan on the Mike Douglas show when he was hosting it. The response to Tom’s visit aided in having his career take off. The friendships blossomed between Tom and Patty Sullivan and Betty and Allen, who treated Tom as their adopted son. They adored his music and songwriting talent but were even more amazed at how he navigated the stage like a pro, they'd never suspected he was blind.
Betty said her acting career helped her do what she loved. She not only helped in doing fundraisers, but she educated herself in matters at hand, so she could help in making the money go to where it would be most beneficial for all.
I was amazed at the gift she had in working with animals. She was an animal whisperer. So, when she saw the Sullivan family struggling about helping Tom’s old guide dog pass the baton to the new guide dog. Betty was happy to help. They weren’t sure if this was going to work but when Dinah sat at Betty’s chair when they ate dinner all sighed in relief. They became family through Dinah. I liked what Betty said, “If you can’t make memories, there is no reason to be alive.” She knew how to savor every moment and live life to the fullest.

If you are a fan of Betty White or if you are like me and knew of her a little, you’ll enjoy and be encouraged by this special lady and her fascinating life. This book is written by Patty Sullivan, wife of Tom Sullivan and dear friend of Betty. Patty said this about her friend,…”You have inspired me to do more, and be more. And that is a gift, there are no words with which I can express my gratitude – I love you with all my heart.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

Betty White as seen by a longtime family friend ~ Biography ~ Love ~ Great Stories ~ Animals ~ Pacific Ocean ~ California Life ~ Gram III ~ Friendship ~ Humor ~ Travel ~ Golf ~ Beautiful Tribute ~ Actor’s Life ~ American Icon ~ Pet Lover ~ Advocate ~ Beloved ~ Christmas Memories ~ Non-Fiction ~ Very Highly Recommended

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

This book insight into the other side of Betty life was such a delight to read. Just getting glimpse of Patty’s memories with Betty was a treat.
Thank you for allowing me to read the ARC