To Read or Not to Read

Many celebrities have written books. Not all of them are very good. Here is my list of worthwhile books written by celebrities.

10.Postcards from the Edge - Carrie Fisher - Best remembered for her portrayal of Princess Leia in Star Wars, Carrie Fisher has written a novel that does, indeed, seem semiautobiographical.

The book has a different feel then the movie. It has a very disjointed style, indicative of addiction and having the feel appropriate to the themes of the book. It was much better than expected and it encourages me to read her other books.

9. Bronx Zoo - Sparky Lyle - As a true Yankees fan, I can't help but have a soft spot for Sparky Lyle. Who doesn't recall his handlebar mustache? What makes the book so exciting is that Lyle wanted to have a diary of one year on the amazing Yankee team. And, he picked 1978. What an amazing year to read about.

Following in the style of Ball Four, Lyle presents a scathing, not politically correct account of all his encounters. It was intriguing to me to find out all about my favorite (and not so favorite) players and how they dealt with everything. You get a truly personal view of everyone on the team and their foibles. A must read for any true fan.

8. CoupleHood - Paul Reiser - Paul Reiser first won my heart as Paul Buchman in Mad About You. His timing and straight forward delivery was spot on. In this book, he gives a light-hearted and often hilarious view of what it means to be part of a twosome.

This book had me laughing out loud. What was so wonderful about this book was the same thing I loved about his Television show. When reading it, most couples could say, "oh that's me/us...." That is why it is on my top ten list.

7. Umpire Strikes Back - Ron Luciano - Many of wish for the old days of baseball, when there were real interesting characters running around the field. This book takes me back everytime I re-read it.

Luciano was an umpire during 1968-1980. He made a mark for himself, often throwing out the more vocal of managers (can anyone say Earl Weaver), making shooting gestures when someone was out at a base, etc. In this (often) irreverent book, Luciano speaks truthfully and hilariously about his encounters during his tenure. After many readings this book is still hilarious.

6. A Book - Desi Arnaz - Who didn't love I love Lucy? Well Desi Arnaz, Mr. Ricardo himself, was crazy about Lucy. Even after they divorced, no longer together, he showed just how much he was in love with and always would be.

This book is his story. Not someone to be trifled with, Desi Arnaz used his intelligence and business acumen to build their company (Desilu) and build his career. This book is an honest look at his rise to fame. It was incredibly interesting and left me with a lot of respect for Mr. Arnaz. And, for those who have read it, I am still trying to figure out who the freckle faced girl is.

5.Groucho and Me - Groucho Marx - The Marx brothers. That is all that is needed to conjure up hilarity and hijinx. In this book, Groucho tells his story.

He admits that he is not going to get into great detail, and he might get some of those wrong, but what he does is make it funny and interesting. It is a little haphazard the way he tells each story (well, he was so in real life) but you will find yourself smiling at the tender moments and laughing aloud at the funny ones. A great read for anyone.

4. Kinky Friedman Detective Novels - Kinky Friedman - Perhaps best known for his irreverent songs such as "Put your biscuits in the oven and your buns in the bed," Friedman has generated a series of novels casting himself as an amateur detective and his gang of (sometimes) helpful friends he fondly calls the Village irregulars.

Kinky Friedman is not politically correct, yet he is charming when putting on his southern charm. And, these books have character and build a warm family connection and believable circle of intriguing characters. From Ratso Sloman to the little puppet head he keeps throwing out the window, Kinky Friedman leaves you caring about these people (even his cat who keeps him in line). So, let's hope his twin horn blowers ring for a very long time.

3.Die Laughing -Steve Allen - Steve Allen is a comedian known for complaining about how things are dumbed down for the lowest denominator. He is often seen speaking the lyrics of songs, just to show how inane they truly are.

After writing a huge amount of books, Allen decided to write novels starring he and his wife Jayne Meadows as amateur sleuths. The story is written with his usual intelligence and wit, reminiscing about olden days and keeping us hopping with a good mystery. This book definitely deserves to be near the top of my list.

2. Tell Me Again about the Night I was Born - Jamie Lee Curtis - Jamie Lee Curtis first came to our attention as the sister in Halloween and later on reestablished her career as Arnold Schwarzenegger's wife in True Lies.

Ms. Curtis has written a number of wonderful children's books. This one, Tell me Again About the Night I Was Born, is my absolute favorite. It is entirely to her daughter, who was adopted. But, the story is universal. Any parent would find themselves tearing at this story full of love and obvious nervous anticipation at the arrival of their new family member. My son, Ethan, is adopted and I read this book to him all the time. But this is a classic for any and every parent I know.

Act One - Moss Hart - Moss Hart is a legend in the lives of Theater goers everywhere. Perhaps he is best known for his collaborations with George S. Kaufman, but he should be remembered for his talent and humility. He was a humble man.

This book is his autobiography. It tells of his quick rise as Broadway playwright. It is chock full of anecdotes from his very dysfunctional family to all the major Broadway players. Of course, the most endearing part is his relationship with George S. Kaufman. We get a very personal view into that window and I for one have never been more charmed and interested. Hart's ability to tell each story is evident and it's apparent why he and Kaufman made such a formidable team. From Once in a Lifetime and You Can't Take it With You, to The Man Who Came to Dinner, we see a man who had a huge impact on Broadway. This book will forever be one of my most treasured.