I'm Over All That: And Other Confessions

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I'm Over All That: And Other Confessions

3.27 of 5 stars 3.27 · rating details · 552 ratings · 154 reviews

“IN THIS THIRD ACT OF MY LIFE, MUCH HAS BECOME CLEARER. SO MUCH IS OVER, AND I AM OVER SO MUCH . . .” At a certain time in life, we all come to realize what is truly important to us and what just doesn’t matter. For Shirley MacLaine, that time is now. In this wise, witty, and fearless collection of small observations and big-picture questions, she shares with readers all t...more “IN THIS THIRD ACT OF MY LIFE, MUCH HAS BECOME CLEARER. SO MUCH IS OVER, AND I AM OVER SO MUCH . . .” At a certain time in life, we all come to realize what is truly important to us and what just doesn’t matter. For Shirley MacLaine, that time is now. In this wise, witty, and fearless collection of small observations and big-picture questions, she shares with readers all those things that she is over dealing with in life, in love, at home, and in the larger world . . . as well as the things she will never get over, no matter how long she lives.

Among the things that Shirley is over: people who repeat themselves (“when you didn’t care what they said the first time”); conservatives and liberals; ill-mannered young people; the poison of celebrity (“Why do so many people want to be famous when they see how it can destroy your life?”); being polite to boring people (“If they won’t stop talking, I go into a trance and meditate”); getting older in Hollywood (“How peaceful it is not to have to look particularly pretty anymore or to wear a size 6”).

In the opposite camp, there are some things Shirley will never get over: good lighting (“Marlene Dietrich taught me how to light myself”); gorgeous costars (“The vanity of male actors is an impossible wall to scale”); performing live (“Yes, it is better than sex”); and above all, brave people with curious minds (“Fear is the most powerful weapon of mass destruction”).

Along the way, she recalls stories of some of the true greats she has known—Alfred Hitchcock, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, the two Jacks (Lemmon and Nicholson)—and ruminates on the state of Hollywood past and present. She recollects her relationships and romances with politicians (including two prime ministers), scientists, journalists, and costars.

An unabashed seeker of truth and unrepentant free spirit, Shirley looks squarely at a world that can irritate, confuse, and provoke her, but that can also delight her with its beauty, humor, and future promise. Reading I’m Over All That will make you feel you have been reunited with an old friend who tells it like it is but never takes herself too seriously.

Shirley MacLaine may be over all that, but this irresistible book ensures that we will never get over her.(less)

ebook, 224 pages

Published April 5th 2011 by Atria Books (first published April 2011)

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May 01, 2013 Trixie Fontaine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-books-consumed, non-fiction, hocus-pocus

My mom gave me this book for my fortieth birthday. My mom is a fan of Shirley MacLaine. And Coast to Coast AM.

If you're a Shirley fan, it's probably five stars. If you're a more moderate admirer of Shirley because your mom raised you to be, then three or four. As always, it's awesome to me to read any high profile person openly and casually talking about her unconventional relationship models.

Fun for the dishy famous people love notes, personable, affirming, and inspiring - it takes more than ju...more

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Jun 19, 2012 Peggy rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I needed a plane read so quickly picked up out of the bargain bin...thinking "How bad can it be?"

um...well...

The book presents herself as a kitschy cross between a female Andy Rooney (grumpy over why youngsters are rude, etc.) and, of course, the enlightened time traveler. I had to put the book down and read the flight magazine to take a break.

She's a really bright woman with some insights. I enjoyed her chapter on the founding fathers and her interpretation of the Great Seal... but she also tel...more

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Apr 12, 2012 Abby rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I began reading this book last year. In the book, Shirley Maclaine said she hoped President Obama was more than the great speeches he makes and I was taken aback, offended, and closed the book.

But then I recently realized that the Obama administration and his advisers have done more for the bailout of banks than foreclosed families. Slowly, families who are in danger of being foreclosed on have gotten relief but I don't believe enough has been done. While the bailout for financial institutions w...more

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Apr 03, 2012 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I 'read' this as an audiobook read by the author. Some parts of it were so funny I snorted my latte while driving and listening. The Hollywood reminiscences are fun, though her time was mostly before mine and I only briefly know of the actors and directors etc she talks about (though who doesn't know about - and enjoy personal stories about such greats as Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Alfred Hitchcock, Jack Nicholson, to name a few?). But I loved more her frank, honest, no-nonsense approach to life...more

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Sep 12, 2011 Betty rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arlington-library, biography-auto

The experience and wisdom of her years is well worth reading. She has separated her book into 50 chapters. Some on which she is so over and others on how she will never or does not want to get over. Each chapter is filled with stories of her life. She does give name some names of her past lovers, and why they so excited her. Much of the book is written about her mystical experiences and her past lives. Her dog, Terry, is one of the most important relationships in her life. She tells us she has f...more

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Jun 26, 2011 Kathleen Hagen added it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-audio-books, 2011-nonfiction

I’m Over All that, and Other Confessions; by Shirley MacLaine, narrated by the author, produced by Simon and Schuster Audio, downloaded from audible.com.

At a certain time in life, we all come to realize what is truly important to us and what just doesn't matter. For Shirley MacLaine, that time is now. In
this wise, witty, and fearless collection of small observations and big-picture questions, she shares with listeners all those things that she is over
dealing with in life, in love, at home, and i...more I’m Over All that, and Other Confessions; by Shirley MacLaine, narrated by the author, produced by Simon and Schuster Audio, downloaded from audible.com.

At a certain time in life, we all come to realize what is truly important to us and what just doesn't matter. For Shirley MacLaine, that time is now. In
this wise, witty, and fearless collection of small observations and big-picture questions, she shares with listeners all those things that she is over
dealing with in life, in love, at home, and in the larger world... as well as the things she will never get over, no matter how long she lives. Among the
things that Shirley is over: people who repeat themselves ("when you didn't care what they said the first time"); conservatives and liberals; ill-mannered
young people; the poison of celebrity ("Why do so many people want to be famous when they see how it can destroy your life?"); being polite to boring people
("If they won't stop talking, I go into a trance and meditate"); getting older in Hollywood ("How peaceful it is not to have to look particularly pretty
anymore or to wear a size 6"). In the opposite camp, there are some things Shirley will never get over: good lighting ("Marlene Dietrich taught me how
to light myself"); gorgeous costars ("The vanity of male actors is an impossible wall to scale"); performing live ("Yes, it is better than sex"); and above
all, brave people with curious minds ("Fear is the most powerful weapon of mass destruction"). Along the way, she recalls stories of some of the true greats
she has known - Alfred Hitchcock, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, the two Jacks (Lemmon and Nicholson) - and ruminates on the state of Hollywood past
and present. She recollects her relationships and romances with politicians (including two prime ministers), scientists, journalists, and costars. Shirley
MacLaine may be over all that, but this irresistible book ensures that we will never get over her. And she does a wonderful job narrating her own book. She has the skill that makes it seem as if she’s sitting across from you in your living room, both of you with a glass of wine.
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Jun 15, 2011 Judith rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shirley MacLaine has learned many lessons in her life, but probably her most all-encompassing one has been how to go out on a limb. Taking risks, expanding her awareness, traveling to the far reaches of the world (and beyond!)-- These traits are all uniquely her.

In her latest memoir, MacLaine shares some of the conclusions she has reached, most especially about what she no longer spends time worrying or thinking about. In a conversational tone, with a wry sense of humor showing itself now and th...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 25, 2011 Tucker added it · review of another edition

Recommended to Tucker by: Abby S

Shelves: finished

A friend gave this book to me for my birthday. I love my friends. As for the book...it took me about an hour to read followed by three hours to deconstruct the introductory episode where the author watches a baby drown and does nothing, on the premise that the baby is a Thai Buddhist and if it falls out of a canoe it was its destiny to do so because that's what its parents believe. She could have made an argument for respecting local traditions and the superstitious choices of the parents and me...more

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May 10, 2011 MaryEllen rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Well, Shirley is always entertaining! And that's the thing. She's an entertainer. Her life is amazing. I loved reading what she's "over," what she's not over, and what she's semi-over. From religion to vanity, from family to exercise. From sex (she's kind of over it, but good Lord, she had enough with enough people for 50 lifetimes) to her now happy life of semi-seclusion in New Mexico with her dog.

I'd love to have dinner with Shirley. I'm sure we'd be friends. Even with the things I'm not quit...more Well, Shirley is always entertaining! And that's the thing. She's an entertainer. Her life is amazing. I loved reading what she's "over," what she's not over, and what she's semi-over. From religion to vanity, from family to exercise. From sex (she's kind of over it, but good Lord, she had enough with enough people for 50 lifetimes) to her now happy life of semi-seclusion in New Mexico with her dog.

I'd love to have dinner with Shirley. I'm sure we'd be friends. Even with the things I'm not quite over about her — like the amoral power-sexcapades. It's not just that she was married (a "very liberal arrangement") and slept with stars of stage and world politics abounding — it's that she never cared about the other people that her somewhat narcissistic behavior effected. That the Prime Minister of Sweden was married was merely a "technicality" to Shirley. "He was technically married." Technically. O.K. So was she. Technically. How marvelous. And on it went. She never carried about who might be hurt in her wake, and that is disturbing —especially for a woman spouting Karma on every other page. Karma's only for other things I guess. A blind spot? Perhaps.

I'm not over Shirley's inability to "get" why she's not given the same spiritual credibility as the Dalai Lama. Seriously. She is clearly bothered that the Dalai Lama can speak without being ridiculed, while when she speaks about reincarnation, past lives, UFOs and other New Age passions, she is the subject of snickers, hoots, and yes, at times, ridicule. Though not as much now as 20 years ago. And she's met and spent time with the Dalai Lama. (She's met everyone, that is well established.) A bit of jealousy over the chasm between her spiritual cred and the Tibetan spiritual leader's. Shirley finally attributes the difference to "wardrobe." And she is bothered enough by this to repeat it several times in the book. Perhaps if she wore a monk's robe she'd be taken more seriously. Well, there's something to that. The Dalai Lama's credibility is bolstered in part by NOT sleeping with movie stars and female heads of state galore, even though, as a powerful man, he had the charisma and no doubt opportunity to do so.

Shirley argues that everyone would be as promiscuous as those on film sets and political campaigns given the opportunity to partake. It just is the way it is. Somehow I can't see the Dalai Lama doing that on any film set, or any campaign. Or some other folks who are a bit "over" the orgy part of politics and movies.
What would Buddha, Jesus, or lots of other folks do?

Shirley is fascinating, as much for her blind spots as her entertaining ways. She speaks about the development of doctrine in Christianity, for example, as if she actually knows what she's talking about, citing only one person, and one council, to blame for the exclusion of reincarnation in Christian tradition. She overlooks that it was never part of the Hebrew Tradition from whence came Christianity. And while touting the Church Father Origen for his belief in it (he called it the trans-migration of souls), she fails to understand that Origen in his own time held a fringe belief among Christians and was considered a gnostic or a heretic in his own time by many. He held a minority belief. It wasn't Theodora of Byantium alone who did away with the teachings of Origen (and others) in Constantinople in 553, three centuries after Origen's death. Even while speaking of trans-migration of souls, Origen was not teaching reincarnation as such. A bit complicated for Shirley, its seems. She's no scholar, that's certain. That's why her dogmatic statements about spirituality can be off-putting. She's not a scholar, and her self-directed studies are skewed. But darn it, even the Peruvian Shamans get the credibility (deserved) that she so craves. Must be the wardrobe.

Here's the thing: whether you believe in past lives or not, history and blame according to Shirley, are off.

So read the book for the entertaining aspects. Consider she has some wisdom and much to offer. But be discerning: take the good, leave the dross, enjoy the ride with Shirley MacLaine.

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Dec 26, 2012 Jessi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I got this book as a birthday present from a friend. I've always meant to read one of Shirley MacLaine's books and this one didn't let me down. For all intents and purposes, it lived up to my expectations of what a Shirley MacLaine book would be. She talked about her metaphysical beliefs, her travels, her sexual exploits, and her dealings with people of power (hollywood elite, political and mobster).
The metaphysical aspects of this book were interesting in both believable and unbelievable way...more

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Sep 06, 2011 Stephanie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oh Shirley, Shirley, Shirley.....you are SUCH a nut! And yet, in a lot of ways you really aren't. This book was quite enjoyable to listen too....and I highly recommend doing this one via audio. It's great to hear Shirley's voice and performance, and I'm not sure I would have stuck with it in book form.

Is Shirley a nut? Well, I like to keep an open mind. And here's why some of her ideas didn't bother me - because she's SINCERE! She's GENUINE. And quite frankly, I like her politics. When she wasn'...more

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Jul 14, 2011 Holly Boyd rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This one is okay...I kind of skipped around and read the chapters that caught my attention. Basically in each chapter she tells you what she is done with such as "I'm over politics or fear taught through religion" or some chapters she tells you "I'll never get over good lighting" etc. Some of it is interesting from a woman who has had an amazing career and still continues to work.

Sharon, you will like this....
My favorite part is the story she tells about Danny Kaye...apparently he would fly to g...more

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Jun 28, 2012 Andrea Borod rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As nutty as she comes off, there are little nuggets of truthful, insider information regarding the sad state of American film today, and of the creative field in general.

While Maclean paradoxically drops names while discussing the perils of ego, she does offer up hilarious renditions of Fidel Castro to Arik Sharon.

While this book could have benefited from some editing (strong editing), the chapter entitles "I Will Never Over Over Trying to Understand the Russian Soul," had me laughing out loud...more

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May 22, 2011 Terri rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: spiritualism, aging, women

It was a nice read only because it allowed me to re-connect with an author who helped re-affirm and solidify my beliefs 20 years ago. I thank her for that. Plus she wrote it in Santa Fe! a city of artistic energy. My dream retirement home. The book though was at times a little "old auntish" - eccentric I don't mind, but whining is not very agreeable at any age. There were also some curious remembrances that didn't seem to be the way I remembered certain historical characters and events. But that...more

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Aug 05, 2011 Caran-marie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, occult-religion

Absolutely delightful. I have read all MacLaine's books through the years- enjoying her search for answers and adventures. This one touches on reincarnation, UFOs, and politics, and the everyday issues we all face in our maturing years.

This book is wonderfully open and honest. MacLaine is a seeker who has found some truths through her life and is willing to share them. Along with tell all tidbits like ridding in cars with JFK, and curmudgeonly complaints, - why does the world laugh at her when s...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Roderic Moore rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A rather disjointed discourse, which could be likened to the flow and inconsistency of a verbal conversation with someone, but entertaining nonetheless. Of course, as all Maclaines books contain, there are interesting revelations throughout the book regarding her love lives, past lives, early days in this life, etc. She is an acquired taste, and her tone here is one of a person that simply doesn't care what people think of her, or what she has to say. Take it or leave it. Cantakerous as usual, b...more

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May 14, 2011 Laurel-Rain rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shirley MacLaine has learned many lessons in her life, but probably her most all-encompassing one has been how to go out on a limb. Taking risks, expanding her awareness, traveling to the far reaches of the world (and beyond!)—These traits are all uniquely her.

In her latest memoir, MacLaine shares some of the conclusions she has reached, most especially about what she no longer spends time worrying or thinking about. In a conversational tone, with a wry sense of humor showing itself now and then...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 26, 2011 Claire rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: auto-biography, nonfiction

I love the format Shirley MacLaine chose for this book: it is a collection of reminiscences and opinions which reveal the things she is over in this life, as well as the things she's trying to be over, and those she will never be over.

She is, for example, over liberals and conservatives, rude young people, and flying. She's not over good lighting, Africa, or having her hair colored. She covers a lot of ground from the political to the metaphysical, Hollywood stars, affairs, travel, and more. She...more

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May 14, 2011 JoAnne Pulcino rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult-non-fiction

I’M ALL OVER THAT: AND OTHER CONFESSIONS
Shirley MacLaine
This is an enchanting, witty book by the renowned and celebrated star who is also a channeler, a student and seeker of truth, a free spirit and a truly fascinating woman.
She calls this the third act of her life and proceeds to tell us the annoying and mundane things that she is over and the important things she will never get over. While the world can provoke her, she is also delighted by its beauty, humor and future promise.
Be prepared to...more

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Jul 27, 2011 Barbara P rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have read most of Maclaine's books and this one didn't hold quite as much interest EXCEPT for her brief chapters on things is over and things she will never be over. She writes from a 78y/o perspective and that I find very intriguing. She has lived a full life as a movie star, world traveler but most of all an unabashed seeker of truth. This characteristic of hers is what always kept me reading her books. She writes from a metaphysical and spiritual base and has interviewed, befriended so many...more

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May 16, 2011 David rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

She's not really "over all that". In fact, this book is a tapestry woven from all Ms. MacLaine's strange notions about life and such. In just the first few pages, she tells us that her chronic asthma was caused by George W. Bush (but later on, she describes her self-invented "cure" for asthma), that she witnessed a Buddhist couple in Thailand allow their child to drown after falling from a boat and didn't object since it was part of the child's karma.

Does she still believe in reincarnation? Yup....more

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Jul 09, 2012 Sherri Rabinowitz rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: spirtual seekers and hollywood buffs

I really enjoyed the book it is a very entertaining and thought provoking. There are parts that are funny and light. And there are parts that are very serious and to be honest I sometimes thought a chapter that was deep would be light and visa versa. It was a very different book from Shirley Maclaine because she sounded worried about us instead of upbeat as she was in her other books, I can't blame her at all for that I feel the same way. Just look at or read the news, it's sad and people are so...more

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Mar 25, 2012 CuteBadger rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I won this book in a magazine competition, which is just as well as I'd have been cross if I'd paid anything for it! It doesn't say anything new and is really just "greatest hits" from Ms MacLaine's earlier volumes of autobiography.

Each short chapter (or diatribe) is on a different subject. There's very little in the book about her acting career (which I would have been interested in), but there's loads about her theories on reincarnation, extra-terrestrials and so on - which I'm not interested...more

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Dec 19, 2011 Rick Ludwig rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-since-retirement

I enjoyed this most recent visit with the very honest, very outspoken Shirley Maclaine. She is not over her commitment to discovering herself and that is wonderful. The book is a variety of short and long chapters on various topics she is or isn't over. The book is alternately funny, touching, challenging, informative, and out-there. But, it wouldn't be Shirley any other way. She's a great talent, a compelling writer, and an honest observer of our world. She understands that not everyone will ag...more

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May 20, 2011 Paula rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oh, Shirley! Shirley MacLaine. I have loved her like a third grandma for so long, and it's hard to be critical.

I loved the premise of this book--a bunch of short essays about what she doesn't care about anymore now that she's in her crone years, and things that she still cares passionately about. A nice taking stock of values, from someone who has truly been an independent spirit in many ways.

Some of the essays have more impact than others, some seem pretty tossed-off. If this had been more pai...more

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Aug 02, 2012 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really like Shirley Maclaine as an actress, so that's why I picked up this book. I thought it would be a little different than how it turned out to be. However, once I got over my expectations, I found it to be kind of funny and very thought provoking. She raises a lot of good questions about humanity in general. Why are we here? You wouldn't expect an actress to ask the big questions like that but she does, and I believe this is a good book to read because it really does get you asking yourse...more

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May 22, 2012 Chris rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have read many of Shirley MacLaine's previous books and enjoyed them. This book is probably her last. I'd read along, thinking that she is just a bitchy old lady complaining that things are not as they used to be and then I'd read something that really made me think and keep on reading. I guess I'm saying that the book is inconsistent. She has lots to say about politics and politicians, metaphysics and show business. She spends a lot of time telling the reader about her fantastic accomplishmen...more

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Jul 21, 2012 Mj rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, memoirs-bios-autobios

I haven’t read any of Shirley MacLaine’s books before although I have always admired her as a dramatic and comedic actress, dancer and political activist and for her boldness in being true to herself and always speaking her views and ideologies without concern for any fallout or judgment. The book didn’t disappoint.

Like the author, the book is smart, sassy, outspoken and opinionated and at the same time mellow and wise. The topics are wide and varied and demonstrate her very full and active life...more

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Aug 14, 2011 Tiffany Rader rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have always found Shirley Maclaine fascinating and entertaining, in a book and on screen. I have read her prevous autobiographies and while I don't share many of the same beliefs, I do appreciate her candor and open mindness. This book just seemed like a rant of a woman who spends too much time alone. It was far more negative than her previous books in my opinion.

However, there were some questions answered about mysterious men that she alluded to in previous books.

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Dec 01, 2012 Melissa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love Shirley. She writes with such candor, and I appreciate that - especially where her memories of living and working in Hollywood are concerned. This book contained lots of little tidbits of her time with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Jack Black. I felt at times that her thoughts meandered a bit, and this book could have done with a bit more editing - but overall, it felt like having a long conversation with Shirley over a cup of tea, and that was lovely.

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About Shirley Maclaine

Shirley MacLaine is an Academy Award-winning American film and theatre actress, well-known not only for her acting, but for her devotion to her belief in reincarnation. She is also the writer of a large number of autobiographical works, many dealing with her new age beliefs, such as solipsism, as well as her Hollywood career. She is the older sister of Warren Beatty.

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