Charles GrodinBesprekingen

Years ago I enjoyed reading one or two books by Charles Grodin. I checked Libby to see if they had anything written by him. I found only one book. I listened to the three-hour Audiobook. The book is a series of short stories of famous people about some mistake they made and what they learned. I enjoyed the book.

Very interesting concept. Collect stories from famous people about mistakes they wish they didn't make. I figure with 80 different people responding, someone would hit a chord. Of the 80, I did recognize most of them but didn't really have any affection to any of them beforehand to care that deeply.

Kinda reminds me of Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

How I Got To Be Whoever It Is I Am
Author: Charles Grodin
ISBN: 978-0-446-51940-3, Pages: 240, $24.99, Publication Date: April 2009, Hard Cover, Autobiographical, Biographical, Published by Springboard Press a Division of Grand Central Publishing.

Two messages are delivered in this funny and sometimes serious autobiography by Charles Grodin called “How I got To Be Whoever It Is I Am”. Starting at his grassroots, he tells of his family’s history and then launches into his first success as the 5th grade president, who is promptly impeached because of his incessant penchant to talk in class.

No, he did not come from a wealthy background, but was from humble beginnings, and made it in spite of his stumbling around, in an attempt to find his place in the competitive world of acting in television, movies, and on Broadway. One of the messages he conveys is he’s really a nice guy under the façade of being an out-of-step individual who tries to alienate all those who are near and dear to him. He tells of the numerous times he had appeared with Johnny Carson and was always antagonistic, which often rubbed audiences the wrong way. Charles was well understood by the ‘master’ of late night hosts to be a delightful brand of comedy.

Many times in life we reminisce about the ‘do over’ if we had the chance. There are occurrences which would have been addressed differently if given more thought. These are the views of Grodin, but the reality is that in real life, he is not the abrasive and caustic-mouthed person he portrays. In this book he makes up for his inadequacy by playing the Monday morning quarterback and describes how he would have proceeded in a different way in many situations.

It isn’t very often we have an opportunity to look inside the life of an actor and his personal interactions with directors, actors, and producers in such a Candid Camera close-up. Pleasing to the mind and spirit, Charles Grodin is a mensch (a nice person), in his efforts to support causes he truly believes in.

By helping those who have been convicted under the provisions of the Felony Murder laws, Grodin has put his money, time, and honor to right egregious enforcement of these laws. The proceeds from this book, which would normally go to him, are being donated to charity. This book is an excellent read.

Like others have said, this book lacks any deep revelations or insights. Yet, it was an enjoyable read on a hot summer's night. Some anecdotes did disappoint but others were worth the price of the book. Proceeds from the sale of this book go to HELP USA, an non-profit organization that "empowers the homeless" and helps them become self reliant.

An interesting collection of anecdotes that spans the gamut from profound to shallow. Some of the entries are very much in the spirit of the book's title, whereas others are so guarded and flippant in tone as to have little practical application. Nevertheless, it's an enjoyable read, with the great variety of response lending a thread of suspense to these essays. Names from which one would expect thoughtful insights sometimes disappoint, while wisdoms flows occasionally from unlikely sources.½

Great concept. High-profile contributors. Some neat "life-lessons" served in bite-sized fashion. It's a breezy read that has enough diverse topics and characters to keep readers' interest. Still, the book lacks any real "lightbulb" revelations.

If you Like Charles Grodin, be sure to check out one of his very early movies- "11 HarrowHouse". A SUPER heist film.