Then the Phone Rang

My Journey from Hitchhiking Hippie to the Hollywood High Life

Non-Fiction - Memoir
252 Pages
Reviewed on 02/16/2026
Buy on Amazon

Author Biography

‘Then the Phone Rang: My Journey from Hitchhiking Hippie to the Hollywood High Life’ tells the story of a woman whose life, initially lacking direction, has been shaped by a series of unpredictable events since her early twenties.

SANDY PEARL started her career in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, fetching coffee and answering phones. Over the next twenty-three years, she worked her way up to doing publicity for Atlantic Records and various aspects of production in television, film, and commercials, culminating in a successful career as a producer of national television commercials—no knee pads were involved.

On her journey, she met many famous and colorful characters who populated her world and formed relationships within and outside the industry-some good, others, not so much.

This collection of real-life experiences blends light-hearted anecdotes, dark drama, tales of misadventure, riveting stories, and entertaining vignettes, with a twist of humor woven throughout. When the phone rings, you never know what it will bring.

Sandy, a third-generation resident of Santa Barbara, has traveled the world, backpacking and on private jets. Throughout her adventures, she's survived kidnapping, detainment, two near-death experiences, and being targeted by a stalker. These days, she enjoys a quieter life in her charming hometown.

‘Then the Phone Rang’ is her authorial debut.

For more information visit:
www.sandypearlauthor.com

    Book Review

Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

Life can be exciting, challenging, or dull, but for Sandy Pearl, it was always eventful. She shares her story in Then the Phone Rang: My Journey from Hitchhiking Hippie to the Hollywood High Life. She begins by taking readers back to the family dinner table in Santa Barbara in 1959, aged 8 years old. She had two older brothers, a distant father, and a mother who tended toward narcissism. She dropped out of college in 1971 to travel overseas, with its adventures and misadventures. She returned to the USA to become a hostess at a restaurant in Los Angeles, meeting famous people. A receptionist position at Atlantic Records on the famed Sunset Boulevard followed, before being promoted to Publicity Department Assistant. Finding romance in the office, she resigned but stayed in the thriving music, television, and movie industries. She moved in with her eccentric partner, but with no prospect of marriage, they split after 12 years. She underwent therapy and revisited her relationship with her mother. The vibrant music scene of the ‘70s and ‘80s is described in fascinating detail, with all its glamour and shadows exposed. The author does not set out to make startling disclosures about the celebrities that she encountered, remaining tactfully silent, but telling some interesting anecdotes. The celebrities that Sandy mingled with certainly were an eclectic bunch. The ringing phone always preceded change, generally for the better.

Sandy Pearl shares life-changing moments, such as being diagnosed with pneumonia after collapsing at the age of 58. This forced a change of pace and a shift to freelance work. Romance eluded her at times, and she went through both marriage and divorce, followed by more therapy. Friends and family members died or moved on. The short, punchy chapters unfold in rapid succession. The style is candid, chatty, and amusing. There is never a dull moment, making for easy and enjoyable reading. The book is illustrated with family photographs that bring the players to life. A bonus is a retrospective update as to what became of the main characters. Then the Phone Rang illustrates that life can have its synchronicities, although sometimes you have to use your contacts. Sandy shares her resourcefulness and vivacious character to the full, reflecting that a career in the music, television, or advertising world is not for the faint-hearted. This is a thoroughly entertaining memoir that is both charming and insightful.

C Conard

5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging, Honest and Unforgettable
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Then the Phone Rang by Sandy Pearl is a captivating memoir that drew me in from the very first page. Sandy’s story begins in her childhood in Santa Barbara and follows her adventurous journey hitchhiking through Europe, eventually leading to her dynamic career in the music and entertainment industries back in California.

What I loved most about this book was how personal and honest it felt. Sandy doesn't shy away from sharing both the highs and the lows of her fascinating life, and her storytelling is as heartfelt as it is compelling. Some moments made me laugh, others were deeply moving, and the entire book felt incredibly real and relatable.

I read it quickly because I couldn’t put it down—it’s that engaging. I would definitely recommend Then the Phone Rang to anyone who enjoys memoirs, especially those about bold, inspiring women who’ve lived extraordinary lives.

Veronica W

5.0 out of 5 stars A revealing, vulnerable, honest autobiography that touches your heart!
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
When I saw the title, “Then the Phone Rang: My Journey from Hitchhiking Hippie to the Hollywood High Life,” bells went off! Who could resist the read? I must say this book doesn’t disappoint. It is revealing, vulnerable, honest and written through the eyes of one with a deep understanding of those around her and the way in which to tell you about it.

Pearl starts the book with an intuitive look at her family dynamic, which parallels that of many dysfunctional families and one that will be familiar to many readers. Its fast paced chapters take you from one compelling story laced with humor and insight to another. Each narrative sparkles with humor and pathos as you ride this roller coaster of life. From traveling as a youth through her career beginning at Atlantic Records and pacing through her work as a producer in Hollywood, Pearl maintains a wry sense of humor and self. Her narratives are charming and touching. Written in a down to earth style, Pearl takes you behind the scenes with some Hollywood greats. Who knew that Steve Tyler has a big heart? Or that Jack Klugman and Tom Bosley don’t?

The Charley years bring us back to family life away from the big lights but drama continues in the form of a stalker and her mother’s death. We land on a happy note with shorts about on-line dating before netting the Jersey boy. Pearl brings us up to date with her family and in her final chapter, “Nowadays,” she says, “...perhaps I’ll write.” I sure hope that’s true. I long to embrace her next chapter, but for now, I hear my phone ringing….

swine.song

5.0 out of 5 stars A straightforward, entertaining account of a unique life.
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Then the Phone Rang by Sandy Pearl
This engrossing memoir takes us back to those heady times when a phone rang and was answered. A time when a ringing phone held, not spam, but possibility, adventure, a new path to the unknown. A time not less complicated, but unadulterated. This straightforward account is brimming with archetypes and oddballs, harrowing encounters and delicate moments, landmark events, and the rarefied air at the periphery of fame. Told with Pearl’s direct and wry wit, this charming account elicited out loud laughter and brought me to the threshold of tears, adding up to a portrait of a layered, unique life. Highly recommended.

L. Shamlian

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book! ... Nostalgia, Resilience, Reflection
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I truly enjoyed "Then the Phone Rang." As Sandy recounts her life, it sparked a nostalgic feeling that particularly resonated with me, prompting reflection on my own journey and an introspective look into the complicated and sometimes crazy path we each navigate.

Her memoir beautifully portrays, with humor, candor and emotion, Sandy's significant life.
I was drawn along as she navigates twists and turns with a combination of ingenuity, luck, and drive. The book highlights that much of life might be unexpected, and opportunities arise when one is present, engaged, and willing. Her story compelled me to turn the page to see what the next phone call would bring!....

J. Hess

5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful life!
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2025
Verified Purchase
The book started slowly for me and I wondered how these shorts snippets were going to work out. As I continued reading. It soon became clear that Sandy is a woman of character who loves living and has had a full life, abundant in both joy and sorrow. It’s not that there is any single remarkable accomplishment, it’s her lifetime of active, loving, perhaps fearless living that makes for an inspiring and worthwhile read.

E. Tuduri

5.0 out of 5 stars From Heartbreak to Happiness.
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2025
Verified Purchase
Engaging, yes, page-turning throughout. Sandy has written a revealing portrait of a young lady’s journey through the thick and thin of a life full of twists and turns. She’s open, straightforward, and seldom, if ever, pulls punches from heartbreak to happiness.
She’s an excellent writer, poignant and expressive.
I highly recommend this book.

Amazon Customer

5.0 out of 5 stars What a journey!
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2026
Format: Paperback
What a life! Sandy’s storytelling is so engaging, entertaining, heartfelt, personal and authentic, I felt like I was right there throughout the ups and downs, love and loss, failure and success. Everyone should read her story of a life well-lived with adventure, courage, class, resilience and humorous self deprecation. I’d love to know her in person and I hope she keeps writing.

Amazon Customer

5.0 out of 5 stars A thoughtful, honest, and fast-paced look at life in Hollywood's heyday.
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2026
Format: Paperback
Interesting, fun, well-written. Sandy reflects on her life in the Hollywood entertainment scene of the 60's-70's with irony, intelligence and a wry sense of humor. Her reflections on love and loss are poignant and powerful. While not a "tell-all", she does give readers a sense of what life was like in that golden era, and a glimpse of some of the characters we knew and loved.

C Holland

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and relatable personal story of interesting times
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2026
Format: Paperback
This is a delightful book on several levels. An honest, personal story of Á life lived in interesting decades and in interesting careers. Á relatable human story. Á fun, breezy, writing style that carries the reader along with lots of interest.

R Richardson

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read…Couldn’t put this book down!
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2025
Format: Paperback
‘Then the Phone Rang’ is a page-turning memoir: An interesting, honest, heartfelt account of an amazing life, filled with twists, turns, celebrities, love, loss, behind-the-scenes show biz stories, failure, success and courage. Sandy Pearl’s writing style is riveting, heartfelt and drew me in immediately. I laughed, cried and sometimes gasped while reading about her hitchhiking adventures and misadventures. Highly recommend.

E. Martin

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast and Fascinating
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2025
Format: Paperback
A fascinating read by a woman who managed to escape most of the pitfalls of the Hollywood-Music Industry scene. Pearl does not bank on her looks or charm. She very seriously takes on the hard work, the nitty gritty that requires long hours, days on end, while still having a great time. When the phone rings, she is fearless!!! Pearl takes on whatever comes next. There's a certain nostalgia remembering the music business before cell phones took it onto the information highway. Sandy Pearl's successful career includes exciting, droll, and even; dangerous characters . All in all this is an entertaining story about commitment, loyalty, and adventure; the tale of a life well lived.

R Defrhen

5.0 out of 5 stars Then The Phone Rang
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2025
Format: Paperback
I loved this book! Written with such honesty, love and humor! Full of adventure, triumph over hardship and fun rock and roll stories. I couldn’t put the book down!

J Kupperman

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fascinating life.
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2025
Format: Paperback
I finished it last night, late… couldn’t put it down.
And now I feel the privilege of getting to know someone better who has lived more lives and had more experiences than I can count on all my fingers and toes.
Fascinating life.
Thank you so much for sharing your trip through life with all of us.

E Katz

5.0 out of 5 stars From hippie to producer.
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2025
Format: Paperback
This was an instant page turner that I could not put down. Sandy’s journey though out her life was about being flexible and a hard worker. She was willing to try lots of different jobs and climb from a secretary to producer in the entertainment business in LA. Her writing was so heart felt and honest. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone especially young people so they can value the beauty of achieving success through being dedicated. We all know life is a journey and Sandy’s certainly had highs and lows.

B Shaw

An interesting and relevant life
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2025
Format: Paperback
A highly enjoyable and entertaining book. Fast-paced and well-written, always with heart and humor, vividly recalling one woman's travels through turbulent times in exciting places while living an interesting and relevant life.

Amazon Customer

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Engaging!
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2025
Format: Paperback
The high compliment is sometimes bestowed upon a film, a song, or a book that it has “something for everyone.” Well, I declare that the memoir Then the Phone Rang offers a lot of somethings for anyone. There’s a personalized tour of Hollywood’s dynamic film and music scene; a riveting travelogue of a young single American girl abroad; a coming of age tale about overcoming obstacles galore; love stories to break, mend, and renew the reader’s heart; life threatening misadventures told with disarming frankness; and a unique quirky wit throughout.

My listing of strong points for Then the Phone Rang could easily go on at length, but I suggest that you simply land a copy of this highly engaging book for yourself and relish it, start to finish. Like me, you will wish to congratulate the author, Sandy Pearl, but like me, I guess that you will thank yourself as well.

This is superb storytelling, certain to both entertain and inspire.

Jen L

5.0 out of 5 stars Very fun read with great stories and wisdom
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2025
Format: Paperback
This book is such a fun and memorable read (I'll probably read it again!). Beautifully written stories that perfectly capture a time and place, with subtle wisdom throughout. I highly recommend!

aRC

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, interesting read
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2025
Format: Paperback
Then the Phone Rang is a fun and honest autobiography in which Sandy Pearl shares her surprising journey from a free-spirited hippie to working in the heart of the entertainment industry. She tells her story in a clear, easy-to-read style, filled with funny and memorable moments. The book includes behind-the-scenes stories, unexpected opportunities, lots of travel, and lessons learned along the way. Overall, it’s an enjoyable and down-to-earth read about taking chances and ending up somewhere you never planned.

Jenn P

5.0 out of 5 stars Bridget Jones or Pamela Des Barres? A truly fun read.
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
“Then the Phone Rang”, is such a fun and intimate collection of vignettes, it reads like a diary. It’s like a cleaner version of Bridget Jones or Pamela Des Barres. More self-confident than the former. Less “groupie” than the latter. And yet, such a collection of snapshots from an era that their collection reads with the delight of a flip-book. Cruise through it and the snaps become a film…. The bonus of the celeb gossip makes this read a (guilty) pleasure! Yum!

ABD

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive debut- courageously open, relatable, witty and engaging
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
What a fantastic debut novel! Anyone who came of age in the sixties and seventies will appreciate the nostalgic soundtrack of the their lives woven into this wonderful memoir. Then the Phone Rang has it all: family dysfunction, adventure, rock stars, celebrities, love, loss, mystery, failure and success. Told with disarming candor, wit, and humorous self-deprecation, it's an amazing true life story. Ms. Pearl's appealing personal voice pulls you right into her journeys as she recounts her hard-won life lessons. I hope the phone will ring again, and will be watching for her screenplay!

MakeAdeMe

5.0 out of 5 stars So much fun!
Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2026
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
What a life! What a great storyteller Pearl is. It drew me in from the first page. Filled with adventures, excitement,ups,downs,failure and success, told with wry wit, disarming candor and humor. It is chock full of behind-the-scenes entertainment industry stories and love stories that will break and mend your heart. Brava, Sandy. It is so visual, i can easily see this being a mini series and I hope you keep writing.

L Shively

5.0 out of 5 stars A Perfect Travel Read – Personal, Powerful, and Unforgettable
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I bought this book a while ago, but saved it for a cross-country plane ride so I could really take my time with it—and I'm so glad I did. It’s a quick, easy read, but packed with rich experiences and a full range of emotions. The author's writing is incredibly personal and honest; it felt like sitting down with a friend who’s sharing the most meaningful moments of her life. I couldn’t put it down until I finished it! I absolutely loved it and would love to know her in real life.

J. Caster

5.0 out of 5 stars Authentic and captivating
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Such an authentic account from someone with no apparent agenda other than to reflect upon and makes sense of her life’s journey. Being a slight bit younger than the author, it allowed me to experience what I might’ve encountered had I’d been her age in the 1960s. Many of the stories are truly captivating - some hilarious, some fun, some poignant and some downright scary. I wish I could read it again for the first time!

M Lusk

5.0 out of 5 stars Sandy Pearl, Zelig of the 1970s L.A Cool!
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Without giving away any story highlights, this is a delightful and honest page-turner of a book. The author clearly hit a number life's bumps along the way, but her hard work ethic, humor and ability to spot a good opportunity continually saw her through. She clearly has a very sunny nature. It is very fun reading about what it was like being in the music and tv industry in the 70s and 80s. An excellent read!

Margaux

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun & Inspiring insider look at rock n roll & TV life by just saying yes
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This was a fun and fabulous inside look into the rock n roll and entertainment world and I’ve lived in that world. Sandy’s a very good writer - it’s a fast read because it feels she’s a bestie right there telling you a funny story. Inspiring to see how amazing things happened in her life when she said yes to new opportunities and adventures and how she got rewarded and promoted into jobs she thought way outside her reach, by showing up and doing the work.
Really positive and fun memoir of a wonderful life after starting out with some scary and intense cautionary tales from hippie hitchhiking in the 70s.

Dog S

5.0 out of 5 stars An Easy and Thought-Provoking Read
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
A very engaging and well-written autobiography. This book was very easy to read and was partially a nostalgic trip down memory lane as well as a thought-provoking look into the past. It reminded me of many of my own experiences growing up and working in LA. The author was both very vulnerable and very funny. I couldn't put it down!

K Spechler

5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to put this book down! Great Read!
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2025
Verified Purchase
This is a well written autobiography from an era that I also grew up in, which is one reason I was interested in reading it. I appreciated her honesty and the way she put the whole story together. I read it in just a couple of days. She had some amazing experiences but also some real challenges. But she pushed through and kept a great attitude in dealing with adversity. I highly recommend this book!

D Glenn

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly Moving
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I enjoy supporting local authors and artists. When I found THEN THE PHONE RANG, written by a women in my community, I immediately ordered a copy. How glad I am to have read Sandy's life story. Her debut novel is incredibly moving, her tenacity is admirable and her writing kept me riveted. My wish is for Sandy to publish another book or the screenplay she admits to have already written!

JHH

5.0 out of 5 stars Eye Opening Adventures!
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Easy and compelling read about life experiences, family dynamics, mental health, successes, losses, and still she is a survivor! Perseverance prevails. Thank you for sharing your story so others can learn from your real life experiences. I definitely recommend this book, "Then the Phone Rang".

Steven

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast paced and entertaining.
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is a life story told with candor, wit and wisdom. The author navigates through countless obstacles and achievements, much joy and sorrow, usually showing spunk and resilience. Her adventures and misadventures will resonate with anyone who has been around since the 1950s and spent time in Southern California. Her appreciation for the people most meaningful in her life shines through.

Jo P

5.0 out of 5 stars It paid to answer the phone!
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I read the book in 2 sittings because it read like a personal diary. Sandy’s dysfunctional family dynamic gives her reason to hitchhike away from all of them. She finds job after job by doing her best and moving up through the ranks each time. She has an incredible work ethic showing up on time and being the last to leave often. It paid off by her landing in the exciting celebrity rich world of the music industry. She encountered men trying to get a piece of her physically and mentally. Throughout she learned life lessons and moved on with hilarious observations.
Her family continued to pull her back into the fold often through guilt for her much needed help. Her relationships with men were both hilarious and sad and I found myself either laughing or tearing up. This book is perfect to read to escape today’s crazy world. Totally entertaining and a true story…my fave!

Gene

5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting autobiography.
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2025
Verified Purchase
Then the Phone Rang is a very well written autobiography, combining personal details of the author’s life and interesting stories about her career in the music and TV world. The book is very easy to read and after each chapter, I really felt like i wanted to learn what happens next. There is an underlying theme of courage to all the anecdotes and the choices she made. I don’t generally read autobiographies or memoirs, but I highly enjoyed this one and I would definitely recommend it.

tam

5.0 out of 5 stars An honest, interesting and entertaining journey.
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
When this author revealed her own personal family dynamics , I was stricken by her candor. Then I was hooked. Her authenticity and genuine spirit made me feel like I’d know her all my life. I aligned with the stories of her life in show business and growing up in the early 70’s in Ca.I laughed, cried and related because it’s not all Champagne and sun glasses. Very good read…T

Tony

ormat: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I truly enjoyed Sandy’s book Then The Phone Rang. She has certainly weathered through some adventures and tells her tales with wonderful detail and a humor earned through wisdom. Sandy knows how to live and how to appreciate every accident that befalls her. I wished every chapter was longer!

Bob

What an interesting life! I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This author conveyed some very personal and meaningful experiences in her life that I connected with right away.
She touches with great sensitivity on going through challenges and fear with courage.
With some laughs along the way, she takes us through her journey, showing care and commitment to her relationships and life's never-ending drama.

Stephen

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read!
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
What a great read! First book in along time I went cover to cover in one sitting. What an amazing journey Sandy takes us on. My life now seems dull and uneventful!

bari

5.0 out of 5 stars It’s a great read!
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is a book about how life happens. Sandy’s writing style is very relatable and warm in a way that made me feel like I was spending time with a dear, old friend and we were catching up on a lifetime. It’s a good read written by someone that’s had a life worth sharing.

nkh

5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to put down!
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
What a journey! Interesting, engaging, humorous, and relatable. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended.

SB Local

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ!
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2026
Format: Paperback
A friend recommended *Then the Phone Rang*, and I'm so glad they did. The storytelling is genuine, immersive, and full of charisma—perfect for anyone who loves humorous, heartfelt, entertainment- centered stories.
I devoured it in one night and have already recommended it to several friends.
Highly recommended!