Howard Hughes: The Secret Life

Once I got into this book I couldn't put it down. I did not know much about Howard Hughes prior to seeing the movie based on his life, The Aviator. The movie made me want to know about such an interesting and complex man. I inadvertently picked up the biography from which the movie was made and loved it. This book does not disappoint. Like all good biographies, The Secret Live doesn't harp over every childhood moment; it tells the reader what we need to know in order to understand what shaped Hughes into the man he became and then it moves on. And what a fascinating life... from rich heir to Hollywood the sky literally was the limit for Hughes. The book gives proper attention to his various affairs (with men and women alike), his numerous careers, and his eventual descent into madness. After reading the book I was disappointed that the movie left out the so-called ugly parts of Howard Hughes' life; the bisexuality, the sadism, and the true extent of his madness. The book certainly doesn't sugar-coat anything, but then again it shouldn't! The author offers an interesting diagnosis for Hughes. Based on evidence, he concludes that Hughes died of HIV or AIDS, unknown at the time of his death. It is very interesting.

I picked up this book out of curiosity, so I was unprepared for the page by page expose of rampant bi-sexuality, drug addition, psychotic behavior, Hollywood scandal, high stakes government intrigue, business shenanigans, and the ruthless accumulation and spending of one of America's great fortunes. Fast reading and recommended.