Elaine Raphael

Author Sally A. Hoedel asks us to "forget everything [we] have heard about Elvis Presley in the decades since August 16, 1977. " In reading this "labour of love" we do just that. Sally has done great credit to Elvis, his fans and herself in the writing of this book. Elvis: Destined To Die Young is an incredible, brilliant read because for the first time someone, an author, has put aside any personal desire for fame or wealth in writing about Elvis Presley, and looks at the human being, the man rather than the image. Sally's research and evidence in support of Elvis's ongoing health issues, many of them being genetic and present from birth is meticulous. Here she finally and believably explains why Elvis had to medicate himself so much and completely dispells the image of Elvis as a drug addict. With her book, Sally now ensures that Elvis will be remembered for what he truly was, an amazing performer and person. This author has given us a very clear and intimate look at Elvis the man, the son, the father, the husband, the friend and the provider. As a huge Elvis fan, I feel that Sally has done what no other author has quite managed to do and that is protect Elvis's legacy and tell the real story behind this amazing man without sensationalism, personal gain or an kind of agenda at all. Sally has done this successfully but more importantly she has been able to back up every claim, every finding with unquestionable evidence. For that I am truly grateful to her and wish her every success. I am so glad this book crossed my path. I am forever changed by reading it. I certainly did not want to finish it. Reading Sally's final words in the Acknowledgements brought a tear to my eye and not for the first time reading this book. All I can say is that a five star rating is not nearly enough for this amazing book. Elvis would be proud, Sally, and finally we can all see him and understand him as he deserves to be seen. He gave so much of himself and now finally someone has done him the great honour of taking away his "tainted" legacy and replacing it with the truth. If you must read a book on Elvis Presley it must be this one. Elvis himself said, "Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain't goin' away." With this book Sally A. Hoedel, has proven that. Finally all I can say is bravo Sally and thank you from all of us Elvis fans that always believed in him. With your book you have ensured that generations and fans to come look at Elvis in a completely different way...a positive way, not taking away any of his splendour, generosity and goodness. I can say so many more wonderful things about this book and this great man, but don't just take my word for it as to how great it is, do yourselves a favour and read it. You won't regret it.