Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 113
 Wonderful piece of work. November 30, 2009
Anna Davis
I have long been a fan of M*A*S*H and originally read this book because of that fact only. This book was a real treat to read though. Alda is one of the best, raw, most literal writers out there. He writes with such simplicity, rather than phoney self uplifting, he writes simply what he thinks, in the most basic way. I enjoyed this book more than the one that follows it, Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself, but both books are fantastic. Shortly after finishing his second book. I wrote Alda saying how much I enjoyed them. Hardly expecting a response, I received a very short, yet heartfelt letter from him less than a month from when I had shipped my own out. An incredibly smart man, don't pass up this book!
stuffed dog October 6, 2009
Victoria L. Monaco (blue springs, mo)
First time ever to order using Amazon. The process is very simple and efficient. Alda's book speaks about life lessons he learned growing up, acting, parenting and writing. Laugh out loud funny at times. Quite poignant at others. The man is as deep as the serious side of his character, Hawkeye Pierce. But it's not about Hawkeye! Thanks Amazon and thank you Mr. Alda!
I couldn't put it down!!! September 12, 2009
K. Damman
I am not usually a reader of biography/autobiography, but at the recommendation of a friend I picked this up. I have only three words to say about it--best thing ever. It is funny, thought-provoking, and entertaining as hell.
 Like a macaroon August 1, 2009
Showme (Missouri)
The book is an almost-perfect confection. Delicious, but something, something is .... missing.
Mr. Alda's writing style is clear, clean. I like the philosophical jewels he tucks into a paragraph for readers to pick up or not. Some of his imagery is superb. On Larry Gelbart fixing a script: "Larry would come right over on his bicycle, take out his wrench, and reach into the speech to tighten a word here or knock a phrase sideways there, and pretty soon it was sailing again."
When I read the story of his poor, dead, stuffed dog, I felt a little underwhelmed, and wondered how he would use the story later to warrant its place in the book's title. Well, he did carry that off quite well, and without hitting the reader over the head with the lessons.
I was touched by Mr. Alda's descriptions of his relationship with each of his parents, the father he adored/competed with/sometimes looked down on, and the mother he hated/loved. I felt sad for the tragedy of his mother's mental illness: the rage he felt toward her, but also the prison in which she resided without treatment.
I laughed out loud when he told the story about pulling the cockroach out of his pants pocket while on stage.
Although Mr. Alda allows the reader glimpses of his life with Arlene and their daughters, I wish there had been more depth there, and I think this could have been possible without compromising their privacy. Did Arlene continue with her music? How did she come to be a children's book author and photographer (as revealed only on the book jacket)? Did his daughters produce the seven grandchildren by immaculate conception or were there partners involved - I mean, he names the grandchildren, but there is utterly no mention of their fathers. He makes reference to getting the girls somewhat involved in acting when they were adolescents, but then makes no mention of their professional lives later.
Touching and hilarious April 10, 2009
Victoria Giraud (Sherman Oaks, CA)
Not only is Alan Alda smart and funny on TV and in movies, but he's a terrific writer. His life hasn't been an easy one but he persisted with optimism and garnered plenty of wisdom and lots of laughs from his experiences.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 113
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