Terrific
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A joy from beginning to end, the only downside being I think my wife is even more in love with him than she was before I foolishly bought this for her...
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Alan Alda at his best
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Never have your dog stuffed is the story of Alda's life. It begins with his mentally ill mum trying to stab his dad when Alan was 6, this was in the days when it was shameful to have any mental instability in the family, years later he finds out his mum was probably suffering from Bipolar, he then goes on to document their life in Vaudeville and staying with various relatives, although quite serious things happen Alda's humour throughout the book makes it unputdownable. This paperback version has been updated and the last part of the book tells how he almost died while miles from anywhere and because of his role in Mash he was able to discuss what they would have to do to save him.
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With a title like that ...
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It's easy to remember and locate ... I'm not a fan of movie star autobiographies unless I'm really hooked on them, and the best actors are not the best writers - it's usually those who have shot to fame after a lot of complex life experience who have something meaningful to convey. Alda fits the bill in this book which is not so much an autobiography but a long conversation - with some distinctive themes and experiences - no tedious story of my life stuff. You'll find out more facts about Alda on the inner flaps of the book about the author.
The book itself begins with the immortal words "I was six before my mother decided to stab my father (paraphrased)". There is a lot of humour and the book dwells a great deal on childhood - here the dog comes in and represents a mantra about not getting stuck - why cling when you should say goodbye?
There aren't too many dates or numbers or addresses or people he's met - hardworking Alda has exceptionally for an actor - remained faithfully wedded to his wife the whole way through and is now a grandfather.
The highlight of the book is how Alda comes to terms with the Romanic church and realises to grow up. There is also a lot about acting - becoming Hecuba after Hamlet. I suppose that this book conveys that well known adage - if you want to be rich/successful - find what interests you - and fruits may follow. He talks about his mother's schizophrenia with compassion, and his relationship with his father. The first half of this book buzzes with life and heartache - acting is not a reccommended career.
So Alan found Mash or Mash found him which lead to a career blossoming in writing and presenting.
A very easy, light hearted read with lots of cheerful lessons - perhaps a little too cheerful. Nice pictures and this is a man who had strippers cooing over him as a young child.
I think this is certainly a very readable book and Alan stands out as someone who has made it without having to sound heroic about it. Essential reading for budding (if sad/brave) movie stars and those who want to know about facets of life in the USA through a very genial veteran.
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Not what you may expect
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If you have seen Alan Alda interviewed or on the screen then you may expect a typical actor's autobiography full of witty anecdotes and name dropping. This autobiography is nothing like this, but at the end of the book you do have the feeling of understanding what makes Alda tick. The stories of his father and his relationship with him are very strong. When I finished this book, I was slightly disappointed that I had not read more of his part in MASH and various films, but overall I enjoyed the book.
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Wow, an existentialist celebrity autobiography!
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This is a breath of fresh-air: an autobiography that doesn't attempt to glorify the writer's achievements, or threaten to overload on name-dropping and "hilarious" recollections of celebrity hi-jinks (take note all professional footballers). Alda presents an overview of his life in the broadest terms, you are over half-way through the book before he has even decided to become an actor, and he remenices about crumby jobs, and the day to day struggle of the out of work actor/writer. Even when, post MASH, he has some level of success he is still haunted by neuroses about learning scripts, writers block, whether celebrities should take part in politics etc. He is a modest man, there is no hyperbole in his writing, but if you are expecting The Story of MASH, or accounts of his acting work alongside Scorsese, Streep or Woody Allen you won't find it here. This book has wider appeal than that, philosophising about everyday dilemmas and not focussing on celebrity tittle-tattle of interest only to "OK"-reading rubber-neckers.
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