Wait Wait...I'm Not Done Yet!

by Carl Kasell, Diane Montiel (Editor), Steve Alexander (Editor)

NPR icon Carl Kasell,the most beloved person in public radio, shares memories of his life. From growing up in North Carolina, where Carl was hooked on radio at an early age (his mother had to chase him out of the house to get him to stop listening to the radio and play with other kids), to NPR and Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! you'll read heartwarming, hilarious and informative stories about Carl and NPR. Some of public radio's biggest stars contributed stories to the Bob Edwards, Susan Stamberg, Cokie Roberts, Nina Totenberg, Paula Poundstone, Mo Rocca, and many others. The book includes two, 16-page photo inserts, featuring dozens of photos from Carl's personal collection and documenting his amazing career.

Genres: Biography, History, Memoir

240 pages, Hardcover

First published September 11, 2014

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd have to take back a million and one things if I was ever to be remembered like Carl. He's incapable of saying an unkind word, and everyone remarked how he's the quintessential gentleman.

Everyone was so affectionate in their recollections, and for a public radio fan, flipping through the pages was like walking through an NPR hall of fame, with a VIP pass. NPR royalty didn't hold back in wanting to contribute their own memories alongside Carl's.

For all the times Carl perfected his own copy before going on air, his memoir didn't seem to carry quite the same polish. It seemed cobbled together rather than thoughtfully curated. And at the risk of sounding incredibly insensitive, I rather tired of hearing nearly everyone comment on the way his second marriage restored him after a painful time of having been widowed. Some things command attention when first spoken without needing to be repeated.

Still, what fun to learn that Andy Griffith was his drama teacher, how he got his start in the fledgling WUNC years, his affinity for magic, and of countless years of tireless work and redemptive laughter and light moments.

If you didn't know you (and Carl) have been pronouncing his name wrong all these years, then - ignoring all its inglorious editing - you'll have to read it for yourself.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Mildly interesting recap of NPR legend Carl Kasell's career and life. Filled with memories written by his colleagues and family, who all adored him and said the same things about him. Roxanne Roberts, quoting Peter Sagal, sums up this book quite well: "The problem is there aren't many great Carl stories because really great stories need a punch line. And Carl...has never done anything that merits a punch line."

Enough said.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably more than I really wanted to know about Carl Kasell.. .but I do love Wait Wait Don't Tell Me and he was an important part of the show... borrowed from a friend and felt like I needed to read the whole thing..

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of Wait Wait and Carl will love this memoir!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Wait, wait, don't tell me so I thought I would enjoy this book. It's amazing to see how many famous people he met when they were just starting out. He has done so many things in his career. I enjoyed how the story was told using different people's viewpoints. The pictures in the book complemented the story nicely.

[Novel Destination · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great photos interspersed with personal reflections about Mr. Kasell's radio and broadcasting career. Fun anecdotes and memories shared by people that know him intimately...especially the NPR staff. People that love listening to NPR will want to read this book.

[Sharon Braxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. As a fan of the show, "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me", I knew I would like this book. Carl Kasell is a class act. He is the kind of person you want for a friend. I loved the honesty he wrote with.

[Rajesh Gandhi]

Kavish gave me this book!!

[Sara Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book filled mostly with sweet stories written by others about one of National Public Radio’s most beloved newsmen. A quick boom that endears him to the reader and makes us fall in love with him a little bit more…as if that were possible!