The Secret Life of Cyndy Garvey

With journalist Meisler, Cynthia Garvey tells of shedding her identity as ``Cyndy,'' wife of Los Angeles Dodgers star infielder, Steve Garvey. Married in 1970 at age 20, Cynthia Garvey, a talk show host, escaped from home and a father who beat his children only to land in the worse prison of her marriage, we're told. Her divorce in 1981 separated her from a husband who neglected her and their daughters and engaged in extramarital affairs. One might more readily sympathize with Cyndy/Cynthia if she didn't complain nonstop: about her ex-husband, mistreatment from her cohosts on TV talk shows, snubs from the other Dodgers' wives. She is critical of almost everyone except her former lover, Marvin Hamlisch. She also takes credit for advancing Steve Garvey's career and for his other achievements, perhaps a realistic assessment but also evidence of self-righteousness. Photos not seen by PW. Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club selections. ( July )