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19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it, April 7, 2009
This review is from: I'm Hosting as Fast as I Can!: Zen and the Art of Staying Sane in Hollywood (Hardcover)
Tom Bergeron, currently best known for hosting shows like Dancing With The Stars and America's Funniest Videos, has written a laugh-out-loud memoir about his career in television, titled "I'm Hosting as Fast as I Can! Zen and the Art of Staying Sane in Hollywood." Bergeron's writing is both hilarious and self-deprecating--a much needed antidote to the current dark mood sweeping the nation in the wake of the economy. His first media exposure was a DJ position at a local radio station, while still in high school. Ironically enough, his boss at the time warned Bergeron that there was no career in radio. Fast forward several years and Tom was not only still hosting radio shows, but alternating between a string of TV jobs. Through his narrative, Bergeron takes us on a wonderful journey from a small radio station in Haverhill, Massachusetts to Hollywood, California. Ultimately, each job opportunity stems from his previous experience as Bergeron's star is on the rise. What I find most admirable about Tom's story is that he is not born with a so-called silver spoon, but truly achieves his modern success through old fashioned hard work--and manages to laugh at himself in the process. Various gigs at a Boston television station include hosting a kids show, a crazy talk show, and even reading lottery numbers which leads to hosting an improvisational breakfast show in New York whose most popular character is a sock puppet called Bob. This ironically becomes Bergeron's ticket into national television. Also mentioned is Bergeron's following brief stint in Good Morning America (a catty co-host included), the reason why he will never be a guest on Regis and Kelly, his time on Hollywood Squares, the surprising reason he was chosen as the host for America's Funniest Videos, and why Tom almost turned down the chance to host Dancing With the Stars. Besides his successful TV resume and various backstage gossip, Tom frankly reveals the struggles he has to endure along the way --health scares, bicoastal existence, the conflict between family and career, as well as many hilarious mishaps. In the face of constant change and personal turmoil, Bergeron shares his Zen philosophy of staying calm and looking at life from a glass-half-full perspective. Generously interspersed throughout Bergeron's narrative, are intriguing parables and comedic conversations with himself--which serve to underscore this optimistic way of interpreting life. As Tom puts it, Zen is essentially about acknowledging that all events in life are connected--a philosophy that can certainly be applied to events in Tom Bergeron's captivating life. Overall, Tom Bergeron's memoir is both highly entertaining and inspirational--a story that anyone can relate to, regardless of demographic, and one I would highly recommend at least for a good laugh.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good Book But..., December 31, 2009
As a Bergeron fan, my wife bought me this book for Christmas. It is a very humorous look at Tom's life and the Laws of Attraction. If ever there was a man that could point to this philosophy in his life, it is Tom.
Why am I a fan of this man? He is cool under pressure, glib at times and sarcastic when the moment is right. And all of this is pulled off in a very natural, unforced way. You certainly don't get the impression of scripted, over-practiced babble. According to the book, he loves live television and prefers the NOW aspect of performance. Live Television? That takes guts aplenty.
From the critical side, Tom states that he started off life with a bad temper. Maybe so, but the few instances he details in this tome sound pretty tame to me. If this is a bad temper, then me and everyone I know are more akin to Attila the Hun. That is to say, it is not too difficult to repair something that really isn't broken but only needs a light oiling. Maybe I missed the message or Tom left out some of the more brutal details.
More disappointing is the lack of detail behind "why" he got into Zen. I would like to know the beginnings of this journey and why this practice is superior to others. In the excellent book Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior, Phil Jackson delves into this area providing enough insight to satisfy. Tom does not.
Some reviews stated the book was ego-maniacal. I disagree.
Others stated that they wanted more "dirt" (for lack of a better word). I didn't expect any as Tom is still gainfully employed and I suspect would like to remain in this state.
Still other reviewers stated the book skipped around too much. Well...this is personal taste. I rather enjoyed the editing.
Overall, I really like the book and will recommend it to others.
I hope you find this opinion helpful.
Michael L. Gooch
Author of Wingtips with Spurs
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Laugh Out Loud Funny and Insightful, April 19, 2009
This review is from: I'm Hosting as Fast as I Can!: Zen and the Art of Staying Sane in Hollywood (Hardcover)
I bought this as an audio download just so I could hear Tom's sense of humor and love it. His quick wit translates well, but his deep insight is truly surprising. I've enjoyed every minute of this book and will be truly sorry when it's over, I'm savoring every chapter. I enjoy watching his live performances and now know where his unique quirky senses come from. Great book, well worth it. Would make a great Mother's or Father's Day gift!!
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