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List Price: $15.00 | | Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
Salesrank: 91566
Released: September 9, 2008 |
| Our Price: $0.99 |
| Used Price: $0.01 |
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| Media: Paperback |
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Editorial Review:
Picking up where his bestselling memoir Never Have Your Dog Stuffed left off–having been saved by emergency surgery after nearly dying on a mountaintop in Chile–beloved actor and acclaimed author Alan Alda offers an insightful and funny look at some 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?) Here, Alda listens in on things he’s heard himself saying 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 uniquely hilarious meditations on questions great and small.
Praise for Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself
“Engagingly thoughtful and thought-provoking . . . [Alan Alda] candidly shares many stories of his life, so easily and wittily you can hear him speak as you read.”
–Sydney Sun Herald
“Alda is chatty, easygoing and humble, rather like a Mr. Rogers for grownups. His words of inspiration would be a perfect gift for a college grad or for anyone facing major life changes.”
–Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Smart, engaged, funny and observant.”
–San Antonio Express-News
Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself Reviews:
No one really listens to those speeches the first time... 
2009-07-13 - 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.
Speeches are Best Heard, not Read 
2009-06-05 - Perhaps I would have enjoyed Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself if I had listened to it, rather than reading it cold. Unfortunately, the book is not what I was expecting. I was hoping to read more anecdotes such as what he presented in Never Have Your Dog Stuffed, but this is a recitation of his various speeches, commencement addresses and eulogies, with some personal information used as set-up for those orations.
The set-ups to the speeches are the best part of the book. The stories of his first daughter when she was an infant; the heartbreaking story of the rabbits; his friendships with Ossie Davis, Peter Jennings and Anne Bancroft. This is the Alan Alda I wanted to read. I wasn't particularly interested in the advice he had for college graduates, scientists, or even other actors. His life as he's lived it is infinitely interesting, and I would have liked to have learned more about it.
It's certainly a worthwhile read for fans of Alan Alda (and I definitely count myself in that number). It is not the compelling read that I was counting on, however, and this is a pity.
Dear Alan... have I told you lately.... 
2009-04-14 - I so respect Alan Alda, that his book, (which happens to be great) could be the worst thing ever
published and I would probably still love it!!! So glad that I don't have to defend my opinion,
everyone I have lent it to loves it also. Just want to make sure I get it back, otherwise I shall have
to buy another copy. Maybe that is not such a bad idea!!!
Not What I Expected...
2009-03-24 - I really wanted to like this book because I like what I have seen of Mr. Alda's career. I got to page 62 when the question "What is the point of finishing this" came to mind. A bunch of commentary about becoming a parent or being an activist, or being a activist parent. In part, I began to feel as if I was reading a book on political viewpoints from the 70's and 80's.
I expected the book to be a funny account of life-lessons learned, not a commentary about various public speaking engagements he made. Sadly, I don't recommend this book.
A pleasant cup of tea 
2009-03-05 - This is a review of the audio book version. I always had respected him as a person though I was not a M.A.S.H. fan. The stories are not sensational, but humble and honest and more for people willing to be moved by little things in life. The book is not only entertaining but insightful as well.
