Lessons in Becoming Myself Makes The New York Times Extended Bestseller List

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New York, NY. December 15, 2006. Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn’s new memoirs, “Lessons In Becoming Myself,” published by Riverhead Books in October of this year, has recently climbed the New York Times hardcover nonfiction Best Seller List ranking #26 going into the holiday season and generating a second printing.

In November, Burstyn appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show where the theme of Burstyn’s book, “Lessons In Becoming Myself” was featured. Burstyn’s book tour launched in the fall with an appearance on “The View” with Barbara Walters and Rosie O’Donnell, "Authors on Tour Live," a weekly podcast for book lovers, appeared at press clubs, women's groups and major book stores in the country to read passages, sign copies, and discuss the many themes and stories from her book.

Internationally acclaimed spiritual author and lecturer Marianne Williamson recently sat down with Ellen to discuss her memoirs. The interview will air on Marianne’s new radio show on the new XM Satellite Radio block, “Oprah and Friends.” (Air date: Tuesday, Dec. 26th at 10am, 4pm, and 10pm EST. Encores: Sat. 11am & 9pm EST and Sun. 7am & 5pm EST.)

Tony Morrison, author of “Beloved,” praises “Lessons In Becoming Myself” says, “I deeply admire Ellen Burstyn’s scrupulous honesty and the urgency with which she pursues enlightenment. An extremely moving story of a fully lived life.” Author of “The Seat of the Soul,” Gary Zukav exclaims, “Lessons In Becoming Myself” is a beautiful, unforgettable journey into integrity and authentic power. A very special book of the heart.” “Oscar-winning actress Ellen Burstyn looks back on her tug-of-war with the studio over the ending of Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, and the brilliant, unexpected solution that signaled a seismic shift in the way Hollywood—and the country—viewed women.” - from the November issue of O Magazine which excerpted a chapter of Ellen’s book. “Oscar-winning actress Ellen Burstyn exorcises her demons in an inspiring new autobiography,” says film critic and features writer John Anderson and Newsday Entertainment writer and film critic Gene Seymour has written, “Burstyn's compulsively readable and unflinchingly honest book offers further proof - if any were needed - of her commitment to truth-telling.”

Fans and those eager to learn more about the legendary actress of stage and screen can visit Burstyn’s website by logging onto www.ellenburstyn.net for more information on her recently published memoirs and see photos from her life.

This fall, Burstyn can be seen in the Warner Bros. release of Darren Aronofsky's film "The Fountain," co-starring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz, which recently received a Golden Globe nomination.

Ellen Burstyn’s career has encompassed more than forty years onstage, in film, and on television. She has been nominated six times for an Academy Award, and won the Best Actress Oscar in 1974 for “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” as well as a Tony for her performance in “Same Time, Next Year.” She is co-president of the Actors Studio and an inspirational speaker.