Her Polaroid commercials with James Garner and her Emmy Award-winning television performances have made funny, charming Mariette Hartley one of America's favorite stars. But hidden behind her high good humor was a family legacy of abuse, suicide, and alcoholism that nearly destroyed her. Growing up the privileged granddaughter of pioneering psychologist John B. Watson, who preached that children should never be kissed, hugged, or even touched, Mariette went from days of martinis, tweeds, and roses in the suburban Connecticut to madcap nights in Hollywood, outwardly leading a charmed life. Inside, though, her family secrets and abusive husband were pushing her toward tragedy. Filled with wit, humanity and marvelous inside stories of Hollywood and television. Breaking the Silence is the story of Mariette's triumphant journey to hope, courage and a happy new life -- a work as warm and engaging as the woman herself.

 

“FUNNY, BRIGHT AND LIVELY, AND A DELIGHT TO READ.

The pain is there, but she brushstrokes it with the humor that has been her weapon of resilience all her life.”

—Seattle Times

 

“SURPRISINGLY FRANK, READABLE AND FUNNY . . . Hartley is a survivor.”

—Pittsburgh Post-Gazettte

 

“Mariette Hartley reveals her family secrets with wit and

heartbreaking directness.”

—McNaughton Book Service

 

“A MOVING AND STRONG celebrity memoir of growing up in a family severely disturbed by alcoholism.”

—Kirkus Reviews