Book In Review

   Alan Alda wrote, Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself, in a way that gives an interesting look inside of the thoughts of the man who has made a career out of making audiences laugh for a few decades.

         People often mistakingly think of comedic actors as making light of all things.  This book, i think, shows that Mr. Alda is a deep thinker.  He reflects on many areas of life that could use a little more attention.  His words teach others to not take life at face value…to examine what you think; and, why you think what you do…where you place your values in life.  Too many people float through life just existing; they think that is enough out of life to just skip over the difficult and to absorb only the perks.

         In some of the speaches Alan was asked to perform, he challenged the listeners to take action by getting involved in change.  His own life shows the dedication of a person stepping outside of themselves to get involved in issues larger than himself.

         Reaching adulthood myself in the 80′s, i remember the struggles of the movers and shakers to get the constitution amended with the Equal Rights Amendment.  Ultimately the movement failed.  Hindsight illuminates the consequences of that…but, changing the way people conduct themselves on a personal and professional level is never an easy thing.  To Alan Alda’s credit he made a huge attempt at enlightenment.

         Alan Alda’s title says to me, that we all share a sliver of amazement when we go back and observe things that we have said and written down that appear to show a bit of brillance.  Sometimes it is as if we are seperate from ourselves when we express wisdom…almost as if someone else had said it.  It is in those moments that we understand ourselves a bit better and clearly know how we really feel about things on a deeper level.

          Alan had a brush with death a few years ago in Chile from an intestinal blockage.  He lives his life with passion and curiosity.  He examines small and large topics in his book.  Some of his opinions you may agree with and some you may not…but it will indeed set your mind to ruminating.

         It is a good read.  This book was copywrighted in 2007.  It was published by Random House.  You can visit their website at :  www.randomhouse.com/largeprint.  Mr. Alda has his own website at :  www.alanalda.com. 

         The jacket’s design was by karen Lau and the jackets photos were courtesy of the author.