'Hey, Reiner, you ought to write those things down,' his friends have said. At eighty, Carl Reiner is one of the best raconteurs on the planet. Rat...
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reviews
Mar 31, 2010
Judy
rated it: 
I really wanted to like this book. Unfortunately, I had to force myself to finish it which I found really disappointing. Organized as a series of unrelated chapters of anecdotes, there was a very disjointed feeling to the book. But then the author is 80 years old. Was there no editorial input from the publishers? Reiner obviously has a healthy respect for his humor, creative energy, and writing ability. The book contained some interesting stories about show business personalities such as Mi
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Jul 30, 2011
Sarah
rated it: 
I wasn't totally impressed with this book, although I am a huge fan of the man who wrote it. I am looking forward to his memoirs, the anecdotes in this book were hit and miss. You also have to be a huge fan of the time period in which he writes because most of the people in his stories (not including the like of mel brooks and dick van dyke) are obscure to today's audiences.
Nov 06, 2011
Brian
rated it:
When I was a kid I thought Carl Reiner was hilarious on the Dick Van Dyke show. This book, however, was not as funny. It is a collection of anecdotes through his career, presented in a random, non-chronological order. I found the stories from earlier in his life more interesting than those from the period in his life after he found success.
Oct 17, 2011
Rick
rated it: 
I read a lot of memoirs and autobiographies both historical and entertainment and this is one of the more unusual ones I have ever read. This is not a typical memoir. It is a collection of anecdotes from Carl Reiner's illustrious career. Some I knew and some I did not. They appear in no particular order.
The book is quite fun and I can definitely suggest as a fun and light read.
The book is quite fun and I can definitely suggest as a fun and light read.
Dec 10, 2011
Jocelyn
rated it:
Not an in-depth memoir by any means, yet still a good read. It has touching moments mixed in with the hilarious and gives some insight into why Carl is Carl. I look forward to a full bio of Mr. Reiner with eagerness!
Jun 22, 2011
Susan
rated it:
Pleasant sort of memoir of Carl Reiner told in short stories about his life. Clean, positive, well written in direct, easily read style. Not hilarious, just enjoyable.
May 06, 2008
Ryan
rated it:
I found this book on a library shelf on audiobook, read by the author. I have read a few bad reviews on Amazon, but having Mr. Reiner himself tell me these stories makes them come to life. This book is exactly what it sounds like: anecdotes and stories that Reiner tells his friends, non sequiturs and all.
He even impersonates the people in his delivery, adding to the feeling you are sitting across a table from him, as he recounts some of the most memorable moments of his life. This i More...
He even impersonates the people in his delivery, adding to the feeling you are sitting across a table from him, as he recounts some of the most memorable moments of his life. This i More...
May 11, 2009
Dave
rated it: 
Really funny book from a true Renaissance man! I really enjoyed the format of this book. It was set up like you are sitting around a living room and he is telling stories. I didn't realize a lot of the things he did in his life, and I found them to be thoroughly interesting. Not too in depth into his life, just really good anecdotes!
Sep 12, 2011
Erin
rated it:
This book is like listening to your Grandpa tell interesting stories about his life. Carl Reiner is a good storyteller, but it's a lot of anecdotes about stars I've never heard of.
Overall, an charming quick read. Reiner comes off as sweet, smart, and, as expected, very funny.
Overall, an charming quick read. Reiner comes off as sweet, smart, and, as expected, very funny.
Aug 25, 2008
Joe
rated it:
Parts of this book are slow and yet others are so funny that my sides ached from laughing. The stories about how the '2000 year old man' routine (with Mel Brooks) was developed is some of the funniest stuff I have ever read.
Jun 27, 2008
Steve
rated it:
I was fortunate to experience this book via audio, and highly suggest that format for "My Anecdotal Life." Reiner is a master storyteller, gifted mimic, and hearing him tell his own stories is a wondrous treasure.
Dec 30, 2011
Caitlin
rated it:
If you like some of the all time great comedy writers it's a cute read. However I wasn't as enthralled as I was by Dick Van Dyke's memoir, which initially inspired me to pick this one up.
Feb 09, 2011
Debbie
rated it:
Cute short stories about Carl's life in showbiz. Would have liked a bit more cohesion throughout, since the only common denominator in all stories is Carl. Still, a cute read.
Mar 27, 2008
Tony
rated it:
I love this book. Carl Reiner is the funniest man alive and his autobiography is an enormous testament to that talent. One of my favorite books.
Feb 10, 2008
Jan
rated it:
I enjoyed listening to this book, laughing aloud from time to time. It was especially good because Carl Reiner narrated it himself. He is a funny guy.
Sep 21, 2011
Joshua
rated it:
Loved it.
Always knew Carl was hilarious on various shows/series, but it turns out he's brilliant in print too.
Always knew Carl was hilarious on various shows/series, but it turns out he's brilliant in print too.
Nov 15, 2008
Terry
rated it:
This book was a fun read by a comic genius. Great stories...many good laughs.
Jan 30, 2012
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