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Fall Down Laughing: How Squiggy Caught Multiple Sclerosis and Didn't Tell Nobody
 
 
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Fall Down Laughing: How Squiggy Caught Multiple Sclerosis and Didn't Tell Nobody [Hardcover]

David Lander (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)


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Book Description

September 11, 2000
In the summer of 1999, David Lander revealed publicly that he suffers from multiple sclerosis-a secret he'd kept for fifteen years even while living and working in Hollywood's celebrity fishbowl. Diagnosed with the illness after filming the last episode of Laverne and Shirley, Lander continued to develop his film and television career while hiding his illness. His success was an astonishing testament to his physical and emotional strength and his determination to prove that those with M.S. can still enjoy fulfilling and challenging lives.

Fall Down, Laughing is the humorous and poignant story of Lander's courageous struggle with multiple sclerosis. Over the years, Lander tried everything to improve his condition: exercise programs, alternative medicine, support groups, the latest crop of designer drugs. Weaving his experiences against a backdrop of entertaining celebrity anecdotes, Lander offers a message of affirmation that will provide information and hope to millions of M.S. sufferers, their friends and caregivers.


Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Best known for his portrayal of the character "Squiggy" on the sitcom Laverne and Shirley (1976-1983), David Lander has appeared in feature films including Who Framed Roger Rabbit, A League of Their Own, and A Bug's Life. He has guest-starred on more than thirty television shows, including Mad About You, Twin Peaks, and Pacific Blue. A lifelong baseball fan, he is a scout for the Anaheim Angels and part owner of the Portland Beavers, a Minor League ballclub. In addition to his active film and television career, Lander is the Goodwill Ambassador for the National M.S. Society.

Product Details

  • Hardcover: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Tarcher; 1ST edition (September 11, 2000)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1585420522
  • ISBN-13: 978-1585420520
  • Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #230,782 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

22 Reviews
5 star:
 (20)
4 star:
 (1)
3 star:    (0)
2 star:
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Average Customer Review
4.8 out of 5 stars (22 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

76 of 76 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Been There Done That, September 14, 2000
By 
Glenda Stencil (Jacksonville, FL USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Fall Down Laughing: How Squiggy Caught Multiple Sclerosis and Didn't Tell Nobody (Hardcover)
Fall Down, Laughing is not only an informative book but one that will make people understand that having MS does not take away your humor. The book is realistic in the way it portrays the disease. yet it shows that the diagnosis is not the end of a persons life or career for that matter. From someone who has suffered with Multiple Sclerosis for eighteen year, raised a wonderful family and was able to continue working, I personally found this real-life account of someone who has been through it all, refreshing and very accurate. I would encourage anyone who has MS or is a family member of an MS patient to read this brave story, written by one who shares our circumstances.
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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, Heartfelt and truly Funny, April 5, 2002
By 
Elizabeth "Reader" (Bronx, NY, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: Fall Down Laughing: How Squiggy Caught Multiple Sclerosis and Didn't Tell Nobody (Hardcover)
Leave it to David Lander to show you the funny side of a chronic condition. I read this book mainly on the subway to and from work and the passengers probably thought I was mad laughing at a book were the title contained the word "Multiple Sclerosis". If they only knew how he presented MS in this book, they'd be laughing too.

This book was better than I expected. Most biographies I read about people with illness starts in adult hood and doesn't really build up their character. David started in way before he became "Squiggy". I liked this approach because it made him seem more `common' as opposed to the non-attainable celebrity type.

At the point in time I was yet undiagnosed with any illness. It turned out I had another illness, although the one I do have may develop into MS one day. This book made me feel better about whatever I was about to face.

It was real, heartfelt and honest. David is inspiring and sharing his story in the way he did makes him even more loveable. Thanks David.

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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Fianlly, laughing at MS!, November 18, 2000
By 
Cathy E. Kostick (Port Carbon, PA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Fall Down Laughing: How Squiggy Caught Multiple Sclerosis and Didn't Tell Nobody (Hardcover)
Finally, there's a comical side of MS! I started reading the book during a recent MS flare-up; even though I thought I'd started feeling worse both physically and mentally, I think this book was the best medicine I could've hoped for! Your comedy and writing are incredible. Thanks, David, for all you do for us MSer's!!
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Inside This Book (learn more)
First Sentence:
In the beginning I was just a boy with a dream: I wanted to be a cowboy. Read the first page
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
New York, Credibility Gap, Los Angeles, Penny Marshall, Performing Arts, Dinner of Champions, Garry Marshall, Rob Reiner, Tom Sherak, Harry Shearer, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Albert Brooks, Enter Laughing, Entertainment Tonight, Fred Silverman, Happy Days, Sunset Boulevard
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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