|
Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself |  | Author: Alan Alda
Publisher: RH Audio
Category: Book
List Price: $29.95
Buy New: $7.99
as of 2/10/2010 01:29 EST details
You Save: $21.96 (73%)
New (21) Used (17) from $2.97
Seller: toupsied
Rating:  63 reviews
Sales Rank: 674316
Format: Audiobook, Unabridged
Media: Audio CD
Edition: Unabridged
Number Of Items: 5
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 6.2 x 5.5 x 1
ISBN: 0739354701
Dewey Decimal Number: 792.028092
EAN: 9780739354704
ASIN: 0739354701
Publication Date: September 4, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
| |
| Features:
|
| Also Available In:
|
| Similar Items:
| |
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
On the heels of his acclaimed memoir, Never Have Your Dog Stuffed, beloved actor and bestselling author Alan Alda has written Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself, an insightful and funny look at some of the impossible questions he’s asked himself over the years: What do I value? What, exactly, is the good life? (And what does that even mean?)
Picking up where his bestselling memoir left off–having been saved by emergency surgery after nearly dying on a mountaintop in Chile–Alda finds himself not only glad to be alive but searching for a way to squeeze the most juice out of his new life. Looking for a sense of meaning that would make this extra time count, he listens in on things he’s heard himself saying in private and in public at critical points in his life–from the turbulence of the sixties, to his first Broadway show, to the birth of his children, to the ache of September 11, and beyond. Reflecting on the transitions in his life and in all our lives, he notices that “doorways are where the truth is told,” and wonders if there’s one thing–art, activism, family, money, fame–that could lead to a “life of meaning.”
In a book that is candid, wise, and as questioning as it is incisive, Alda amuses and moves us with his unique and hilarious meditations on questions great and small. Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself is another superb Alan Alda performance, as inspiring and entertaining as the man himself.
From the Hardcover edition.
|
| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 63
 So much wisdom February 7, 2010
SAG1999 (CO United States)
Alda's first book was funny and full of adventures. This one is filled with wisdom and I am in awe at how thoughtful he has been about his life and humanity, and how well he writes. His advice is certainly relevant to us all.
 Not Up To Expectations February 2, 2010
D. Baltes (Wisconsin)
Alda's previous offering, "Never Have Your Dog Stuffed", was a superb biographical work. I was compelled to read it a couple of times, and this does not happen very often. This book, however, left me with very little except the feeling that Mr. Alda may have been trying to cash in on the popularity of his first book.
The book is a gathering of excerpts from speeches given by Mr. Alda along with some biographical notes on each speech. This standard presentation is followed in each case by an explanation of what we, the readers, are supposed to get out of the whole thing.
Although a few of the chapters were a bit interesting, the overall effect left me wondering what the point was....if there was any in the first place.
If anyone really needs a copy, let me know.....you can have mine.
He's always eager to share his philosophy of life...from author of EXPLOSION IN PARIS... February 1, 2010
Linda Masemore Pirrung (Maryland)
I've always loved the characters Alan Alda played and I have a feeling that he's very much like his characters, smart, quick-witted, sensitive, hilarious, easy going, self-depricating. philosophical, and always willing to share his opinions, and also willing to listen to other's opinions. He seems to have great heart. Some of the negative reviews on this site were disappointing to read. It always amazes me how so much of human nature is so quick to judge and assumes the worst in people. I think the older we get we realize what in life is important and we see things through more forgiving eyes. Yes, and I think, basically, that was one of Alan's top messages. You can lead a horse to water....but...(you know the saying) I enjoyed his book and will buy his next one too.
Funny, Yet Authentic January 11, 2010
Pensive Reader "David"
What I like about Alan Alda's writing is that he comes across as a thoroughly human, human being. He's quick on the draw with humor, but this doesn't overshadow his deeper level of transparency. When he weaves in insights about life, you know he's paid the price to learn them.
No one really listens to those speeches the first time... July 13, 2009
J. Green (Los Angeles, California)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Wow. That was nothing like Never Have Your Dog Stuffed.
Whereas Alan Alda's prior book was mainly biographical, this one is simply his commentary and analysis of the various commencement and other speeches he's given. If you're extremely partial to Alan Alda or his liberal politics you might find this book insightful and affirming, otherwise it may sound presumptuous and a bit conceited (with a generous dose of hubris). Not that I don't think he makes some good points - love your children, don't pollute, try to do good - but even then it sounds wishful and sappy. The book is best when he sticks to some of his personal experiences (I liked chapter 6, about better understanding Thomas Jefferson through a Chinese man even if it was a bit of a stretch), but it drags when he quotes the advice he offered (even though some of the advice actually sounded pretty good). Some of the political stuff isn't even very pertinent anymore (he obviously continues to mourn losing the Equal Rights Amendment fight), and he openly admits that some of his topics weren't even a good idea at the time he presented them. I have no doubt he is sincere and passionate but it's just not very interesting. Hardly anyone actually listens to those speeches when they're given, and absent the "commencement" setting, I'm not really sure who'd want to listen to them after the fact. I recommend skipping this one.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 63
|
|
|
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
Proud member of the Celebrity Pro Network. Make sure you check out these other great sites:
Lyrics Database
Celebrity Blog
Celebrity Thing
Celebrity PC
Latest Celebrity Photos
Web Portal
Travel Photos
Quotes
Flash Games
|
Is there a better
price available?
Find out:
|
|
|
|
