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radioactve_piano's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't actually read the synopsis of this before listening to it, so I was a little taken aback when, by chapter three, I realized he was really just compiling random speeches he'd given over the years.
His advice is witty, honest, and pretty much everything you expect -- but with his self-deprecation thrown in.
Difficult to feel inspired by some talks, though -- especially the ones he'd conclude with things like, "having a child makes everything worthwhile and meaningful". Can't relate = not inspirational; really specific audience = annoying.
His advice is witty, honest, and pretty much everything you expect -- but with his self-deprecation thrown in.
Difficult to feel inspired by some talks, though -- especially the ones he'd conclude with things like, "having a child makes everything worthwhile and meaningful". Can't relate = not inspirational; really specific audience = annoying.
megandevlan's review against another edition
4.0
This was an interesting format, and very true to Alan Alda's style - I could hear his voice in this book!
thewholeplot's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I did not realize how involved with human rights issues and how often he gave serious, versus comedic, speeches. Quite motivational.
miramanga's review against another edition
5.0
Reassuringly liberal, Alda's personal philosophies are a beacon of in these dark and troubled times. A pure shot of hope in the arm, enjoy the anecdotes and musings that will leave you feeling all the warm fuzzies, and more importantly full of hope for the human race. Recommend.
luvbug7554's review against another edition
2.0
The jacket description of this books sounds like it should read like an auto-biography. It's not.
Each chapter of the book is centered on a public speech that the author gave. Several are from funerals, several are from graduation speeches. The chapters lead up to how the author got into the situation and how he got the ideas for the speech.
There are several good ideas and the book made me want to know about Alan Alda. Even at the very end. Not good for a book that is shelved under 'biography'.
Each chapter of the book is centered on a public speech that the author gave. Several are from funerals, several are from graduation speeches. The chapters lead up to how the author got into the situation and how he got the ideas for the speech.
There are several good ideas and the book made me want to know about Alan Alda. Even at the very end. Not good for a book that is shelved under 'biography'.
supernines's review against another edition
5.0
Am I giving this 5 stars because it's a 5 star book or am I giving it 5 stars because Alan Alda holds a special place in my heart? Who is to say? But it was a fun read.
jsargey's review against another edition
4.0
I love Alan Alda's voice, so I would have enjoyed this book even if it was terrible. But luckily, it was also a good book. It's more reflections on his life and the world than a biography, but he does talk about some periods of his life.
teenytinytina's review against another edition
4.0
There are certain voices I'll always listen to no matter what they're reading, and Alan Alda's is one of them. His recital of his own words felt like a conversation with an adorable, practically optimistic, and genuinely nice granddad. Especially loved his excitement towards science and curiosity. Looking forward to listening to his other audiobooks as well.
rach's review against another edition
4.0
Another truly enjoyable book by Alan Alda, and the audio book of this one has the benefit of being read by the man himself. While Alda's first book definitely falls into the genre of memoir, this one can more accurately be described as inspiration and advice. Every chapter is based around a speech Alda has given, whether it be a public commencement speech or a private conversation with family. This isn't just a transcript of those speeches, though. Alda takes the time to set up the circumstances leading up to each talk, describing his thought-process and reasoning for saying the things he did. And through it all, not only are you indeed inspired to live your life better, you really come to understand his life philosophy as one to be admired and followed.
Alda sums up this book best in the last few pages, and I can do no better than to quote him here: "So that's it. I've told you everything I know. Think clearly and think for yourself. Learn to use language to express those thoughts. Love somebody with all your heart. And with everyone, whether you love them or not, find out if you can be helpful. But really, it's even simpler than that. After all this time, and all these talks in public and in private, I think I get it now. If I were taking my friend Arnold's suggestion and spoke from my deathbed, I think I know what I'd say. I see now that I had my meaning all along, I just had to notice it. The meaning of life... is life. Not noticing life is what's meaningless, even down to the last second."
Alda sums up this book best in the last few pages, and I can do no better than to quote him here: "So that's it. I've told you everything I know. Think clearly and think for yourself. Learn to use language to express those thoughts. Love somebody with all your heart. And with everyone, whether you love them or not, find out if you can be helpful. But really, it's even simpler than that. After all this time, and all these talks in public and in private, I think I get it now. If I were taking my friend Arnold's suggestion and spoke from my deathbed, I think I know what I'd say. I see now that I had my meaning all along, I just had to notice it. The meaning of life... is life. Not noticing life is what's meaningless, even down to the last second."