Customer Reviews

Just Call Me Mike: A Journey to Actor and Activist

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am a conservative, over 20 years served, active duty US Marine, currently deployed to Baghdad Iraq. I am guessing some readers would wonder why I read the book. I know Mr Farrell is a little to the left, so what. I have enjoyed hearing his opinions on various political shows over the years so that I can hear what the left has to say. He has always been polite and respectful to all opinions, so I gave it a shot. I was not dissapointed, he tells a great story of how he became who he is, to include his time in the US Marines. I almost laugh at the thought of him serving, but I believe from reading this book Mr Farrell loves his country and is a patriot, just with differing opinions from my own and I salute his service to our country. You will read some about MASH, his childhood and how he became a activist. Be warned, he is harsh to conservatives, which I did not agree with, but I respect his right to speak out, and speak out he does. Maybe a little too much conservatie bashing, he could have got his point across with less, but overall a good read, just have a open mind, and if you are looking for a book only about MASH, this is not it. Semper Fi Mr Farrell, I enjoyed your book.

Mike Farrell's autobiography traces a life that moves from an actor who worked on MASH and other major productions to becoming an activist. His brand of 'citizen activism' takes him from TV set to the streets, using the influence that accompanied his celebrity image to contribute to humanitarian works which are his real passion. His autobiography traces his evolution from a California actor to activist and provides an inspirational tale of change for a wide audience, from prior fans of his career to newcomers who may have never heard his name, but will appreciate the transition story. Public lending libraries, especially those strong in film or celebrity stories, will want this.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This personal account of the life of a personality known to millions exceeded my expectations. Although an autobiography, it goes beyond the typical remembrances of a life lived outside of and in the spotlight, pushing past the usual, and manages to inspire, and to make you think.
Mike Farrell's integrity and commitment to humanity, to making the world a better place, are not just conveyed throughout the chapters of this book in his own words, but have been demonstrated in perpetuity by his selfless actions on behalf of mankind. This book is missing an important word in the subtitle- It should have been called "Just Call Me Mike- The Journey From Actor to Activist to TEACHER." An educator, he is indeed.
M. A. Moore
The Family Press

Although the trajectory of Mike Farrell's life might not be the stuff of timeless autobiography, it's interesting, educational, and primed me for hearing him at a speaker's event in the near future. There's some actor's insight here, but he doesn't dwell on that part of his life (M*A*S*H for him was a chance ride into lifelong celebrity). His family life is the typical married young and then had kids, "We weren't on the same page" divorce, and successful remarriage with children becoming high achievers. And his world travels to observe and testify of various wars and other political and social disasters turns out to be mostly by referral and invitation, not self-appointment. I can't say I disagree with him about anything. Mike Farrell has come far, he appreciates what he's been given, and earned, and his autobiography is a worthwhile pass-along book.

This is a heartfelt, but important book. Mike Farrell discusses human rights concerns openly and clearly and in historical context. I must read for anyone concerned about the future for America.

This book is terrible. Mike Farrel blabs on about nothing important and his thoughts are random and unorganized. There is no structure to the book and nothing to take from it. The book reads like a kid in high school wrote it.