Customer Reviews

It's Only Temporary: The Good News and the Bad News of Being Alive

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1 star:		(2)

 

 

....to gain an understanding of what Evan went through. I wrote an extensive review of his first book on Amazon in 1998, and received a lovely email from Mr. Handler thanking him for my kind words. The review was later deleted (not sure why) but I wrote another short one back in 2000 to make up for it. And here is why: it's a phenomenal story about what it is like to be young and on the cusp of success before it is snatched away from you. Make no mistake - this man should be dead. The survival rates for his type of leukemia in the 1980's were dismal at best. His navigation through treatment and all it's emotions is striking, and made this nurse think twice about how healthcare is delivered.
So what happens when you beat the odds and have to live? You press on. And so he has, and has gained success again in the process - although not nearly what he should have. It should be noted that Evan was on his way to a major acting career when he was young. Matthew Broderick and a host of other young 1980's actors have basically had better careers because he had to drop out of the business for treatment. He should have won his Tony by now...if not his Oscar.
So - the new book. Of course, it's not about his time on Sex and the City. That's only a small portion of what he's been doing since his recovery. So those looking for some insight into that character should read something else. It's about trying to gain self-identity as something other that a patient. Living a life you weren't expecting to have. It's anecdotal (most good writing is) and funny. The story of selling his engagement ring back to Sotheby's made me cry, because beating cancer doesn't preclude you from failed relationships.
As a new mom, I love that he has embraced fatherhood - he's lucky he could have kids after all his treatment. And it was nice to catch up with his progress after all these years. I loved it.

Evan Handler's IT'S ONLY TEMPORARY picks up where is earlier memoir 'Time on Fire' left off. Where the first volume detailed his battle with lukemia this book tells of his attempts to restart his acting career and personal life once he was cured of the illness. He writes of being cast in the Broadway production of 'Six Degrees of Seperation'and of his abortive attempts to commit to one woman. He writes of his attempt to volunteer at the hospital where he once underwent treatment and how the hospital,recalling what he'd written about them in the earlier book, refused his offer. The book ends with the story of how he met his wife. (At a bookstore appearence he read one of the better chapters; the meeting of his in-laws and the cultural differences between his Northern Italian wife and family and Americans.) These chapters are so good that the book concludes on a wonderful note.

I read Evan Handler's new book the week it came out (MySpace was abuzz with it's empending release for a while). It was wonderful. I was expecting a self important, "this is me after cancer, pity me!" type of book, but was pleasently surprised. It is full of humorously self depricating, truly hysterical essays that draw you in to the book. They are not presented in a "first this happened and then this happened" progression. Like the author explains in the intro, he wants it to be like getting to know someone, you find out things about them randomly and out of order. My favorite moment in the book was, after describing some truly terrible behavior, Mr Handler reminds the reader that he had had cancer. Sounds odd? You have to read it to fully appreciate why I had to set the book down for a few moments to laugh myself silly. I also had my eyes opened to the fact that Americans have dirty butts. We do, and the authors wife knows this. I haven't been the same since! Mr Handler is a remarkable writer and this book shows off his talents beautifully. I was drawn into his mind and was pleased with what was presented to me there. Honest, raw emotions and dark humor. Each essay brings you further to what I see as his point: Life is not easy, even if you're supposed to appreciate it a little more than others. I firmly suggest anyone read this book. It is like talking to a really good friend you haven't seen in years. Catching up on all you've missed. Being entertained by his self expression. This book is worth the price and then some. Read it!! You'll thank me!

I read Time on Fire when a colleague was dying of lymphoma. I found the book extraordinary, and it hit me hard--and the situation, and especially his anger, though frightening, were riveting.. Sadly, this new book is anything but on fire--it's boring as he goes from relationship to relationship. I liked him better when he was angry--he had more interesting things to say. Yet I'm glad he has survived, thrived, and is finally happy.

Evan Handler's second memoir is heavy, light, illuminating, infuriating, jaded and joyful. Finding his way in the world (again) after surviving an "incurable" cancer that hit him while he was an actor on the rise in his 20s, Handler muddles through relationships with a hard-boiled charm that won me over. It's a fantastic read.

A tremendous guide book to have on the travel back for the souls that has taken this journey.

My daughter sent me Evan's book and it opened my eyes. Everyone can relate to his anger, joy and depression as he fights for life, success and happiness. There were times during the read that I wanted to shake him but in the end, I rejoiced for him.

I only knew Evan Handler from Sex and the City. I heard him interviewed and he was talking about his book, he was so funny and entertaining that I ordered his book. Loved it and know my Sister-in-law is loving it too! I would read any of his books!

Once again, Evan Handler shares his heart & soul with us, as he takes us on his personal journey from conquering cancer, to his life today. And, what a journey it is! His honesty, & willingness to share his journey, is extrordinary, but in a very ordinary way. By the end of the book, I truly felt that I had gotten to know him, as I would with any new friend. Anyone who has lived through a life-changing experience of any kind, will be able to relate to the powerful feelings that he expresses with such candor & humor. As a friend of mine says, "everyone has a story" -- but not everyone has the ability to share their story in such a delightful way, & leave you wanting to know more. (And, I always love a happy ending!)

I thoroughly enjoyed being taken on Evan's journey as he searched for companionship and self-fulfillment. His wit, sarcasm, and self-effacing honesty kept the pages turning quickly. As a wife and mother, I especially enjoyed the chapters about Evan meeting and falling in love with his wife and the subsequent birth of their daughter. My thoughts went from "hmmm, not sure I would like this guy if I were to meet him on the street" to "what an amazing husband and father." Evan illustrates that gratitude and contentment are wonderful qualities to possess, regardless of the age at which they are acquired.