Betty White Rules The World: The Ultimate Guide To Television's Grande Dame

At 91 years young, it would be hard to find someone who is as hot, fierce, and fabulous as Ms. Betty White. Having been on TV since its inception, her career spans over nine decades. Betty has managed to go beyond her famous TV sitcom roles such as Sue Ann Nivens on the '70s "Mary Tyler Moore Show" and the adorable Rose Nyland in the '80s hit "The Golden Girls" to become an entertainment icon and advocate for animal rights.

I must admit, I am a huge "Golden Girls" fan. In fact, even though I own the DVDs, I still DVR the show and watch reruns on TV. I also read Rue McClanahan's autobiography and enjoyed it very much (you could say I'm a Rue McClanafan). My fingers were even crossed for a "Golden Girls" reunion movie until Estelle Getty passed away in 2008. That is why I was thrilled to be reviewing "Betty White Rules The World: The Ultimate and Unauthorized Guide to Television's Grande Dame!" by Mike Pingel.

Pingel's book about the fabulous Betty White is not so much an unauthorized biography but more a Betty White guidebook to her life written without White's authorization. Only a few of pages focus on White's childhood, a majority of the book covers her time in the spotlight. From her days on radio, to her time on game shows and sitcoms, to the Facebook campaign that led to her hosting SNL, to her current TV hit, "Hot in Cleveland," Pinglel discusses her entire career while touching upon her personal life.

At times, it seems the author does not add anything to what could be found on Ms. White's Wikipedia page. He does add gems such as an outline of supposed feuds she has had in Hollywood, as well as a timeline of her hairdos, and my personal favorite, Betty White drinking games.

Pingel includes interviews with other passionate fans, including Andrew Zubko, who painted a picture of Betty White holding a chainsaw while riding John Ritter as a centaur. He also interviewed Kevin Fabian who plays Rose in the "Golden Gays," as well as Chris Gaida, a professional celebrity walker who has walked beside Betty.

A fascinating part of the book comes when Pingel interviews Jim Colucci, author of "The Q Guide to the Golden Girls." Colucci interviewed the Golden Girl while researching his book. In reference to Betty's interview, he states that "Betty was perfect. She did not disappoint."

Although Pingel has credible sources, the guidebook leaves reader wanting to hear Betty White in her own words.

Betty White Rules The World: The Ultimate and Unauthorized Guide to Television's Grande Dame!
Mike Pingel
Angelic Heaven Publishing
$19.99