Customer Reviews

So Far...

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a wryly told portrait of a man whose life has had its share of ups and downs. With his father murdered when he was a very young boy, and his beloved sister raped and murdered when he was a young man, the author's life tragedies are significant. Yet, so are his successes.

This is a man who struggled to come to terms with the harsh blows dealt him in life. He is a man whose coping mechanism led him to abuse drugs and alcohol, addictions that, as a result of his celebrity status, were to become public and a source of great mortification. Conversely, Kelsey Grammer was also to find great personal success in his life, as an Emmy Award winning star of two hit series, "Cheers", where he was part of the stellar ensemble, and "Frasier", a spin-off of his character in "Cheers" and one in which he is the star.

Still, this is a remarkably candid recounting of those events in his life that were painful, as well as of those that brought him joy. Told with intelligence and wry humor, it is a touching look at a flawed man who is coming to terms with who he is. While the author does give some details of his professional life, this is not a book about stardom. Rather, it is a book of one man's journey through life, thus far, and his odyssey of self-discovery and acceptance.

I highly recommended that one get the unabridged audio book, which is narrated by Kelsey Grammer himself. While it may be a little hammy from time to time, his narration lends a certain poignancy to his words. His humor also shines through some of the reading, as does his innate intelligence. Those who enjoy memoirs and biographies will certainly enjoy this book.

I came across So Far at the library and I was not planning on checking it out. But, once I started reading it, I could not put it down.

Kelsey comes across as an average guy who has had many setbacks throughout his life. It was enjoyable to read about someone who accepted responsibility for his life without spending all of his time trying to blame someone for his problems.

This book has made me appreciate Kelsey Grammer for being an incredibly talented actor who has never been afraid to take risks for his career. Also, it is enjoyable to read about someone who lives life to its fullest.

So Far is a quick and easy read. I wish more books were like Grammer's autobiography.

While this is not the most tightly woven book I have ever read, I always enjoy reading about the life journey and current thoughts of an actor. I especially respect Kelsey Grammer's long run as Frasier Crane.

Though this memoir, we learn of the details of Grammer's life and also his life philosophy. We hear the truth behind the Hollywood gossip. We also hear the heart behind the actor and the character we have come to know from our weekly "visits".

This book and Grammer's work itself taught me a lot about the power of comedy, and how as an actor, comedy is not as easy as it looks... and yes, it is as significant as high drama.

It can be read very quickly - as an actor as well I try to read as much as I can from other actors. This is a book that can be shared and enjoyed by many.

In my line of work finding the time to read is a luxury. However after listening to this audio book by Mr Grammer I have the urge to find it and read it. The insights and emotions he relays are incredible. His awsome voice is a plus and his openness of his past, both, good and bad is another big plus. Too many times you get a sugar coated self told/written story as well as the sensationalism that comes with talking about ones self. I would highly recommend this audio book to anyone, not just the Frasier fans. Great job, Mr Grammer!

Kelsey Grammer's 1995 book is a brisk and interesting, if somewhat shallow, memoir. The defining moment of his life was the horrific murder of his young sister, yet even here his prose is reminiscent of poster captions, always skirting real self-examination and having less depth than a People magazine story.

Though he played the character of Frasier Crane for twenty years, that part of his life rates relatively little space. He devotes much more time to his early stage career and his romantic entanglements. He cavalierly dismisses his many girlfriends and wives as neurotic and needy, while taking no responsibility for the failure of any of his relationships.

I still enjoy watching Frasier, but after reading this book, the man seems a lot like his character - a self-centered elitist who sees himself through rose-colored glasses. I think a ghost writer might have written a more in-depth book.

Normally I prefer to read on my own, thank you very much, HOWEVER, Kelsey's wonderful read of his autobiography draws you in and holds you fast. There is a reason why he does so much voice work as well as act and you can understand it here. BE WARNED the deep resonant tones you expect from Fraiser are not here, but FRAISER IS IN EFFECT ONLY A FACET of him. My one regret is that Kelsey, for all of his vocal gift, has no interest in doing audio books. Which is strange as his interests in theater and entertainment <such as doing a production of MAN OF LAMANCHA> stem from his strong vocal talents. In any event you should buy the tape, close your eyes and let his voice roll over you.

Fans of "Cheers" and "Frasier" will enjoy this journey through the life of
lead actor Kelsey Grammer. Actors and artists will treasure this account of
an actor's education -- in life, in relationships, and in the craft itself.

Within these pages Grammer as author is succinct, revealing, vulnerable, and
at times unusually gracious. Meanwhile he is entertaining, erudite, educated
--- possessing at least these portions of his very public persona.

Is Grammer the author as truthful as Grammer the actor?
The writer is under no such obligation.

As the final page turns, revealing so many traumas and tragedies in this man's life,
readers may be surprised to find so much grace on display.

Grammer bears Auden well.

"If equal affection cannot be, let the more loving one be me." --- W. H. Auden

Dr. David Frisbie
THE CENTER FOR MARRIAGE & FAMILY STUDIES
Author of "Happily Remarried" and 11 other books

I have never seen Cheers. I came across Frasier once while watching TV and was instantly amazed with Kelsey Grammer. The old adage "never judge a book by it's cover" is most powerfully applied when it comes to this mid-nineties autobiography. What a corny, ostentatious appearance. But inside Mr. Grammer takes you through the tragedies of his childhood, the meanderings of his twenties and thirties, and finally what is Frasier Crane. You will identify with his tragedies and rejoice with his successes. He has experienced more than I can imagine and stands as a type of steadfastness, despite his shortcomings. Good one for your shelf.

This is a wryly told portrait of a man whose life has had its share of ups and downs. With his father murdered when he was a very young boy, and his beloved sister raped and murdered when he was a young man, the author's life tragedies are significant. Yet, so are his successes.

This is a man who struggled to come to terms with the harsh blows dealt him in life. He is a man whose coping mechanism led him to abuse drugs and alcohol, addictions that, as a result of his celebrity status, were to become public and a source of great mortification. Conversely, Kelsey Grammer was also to find great personal success in his life, as an Emmy Award winning star of two hit series, "Cheers", where he was part of the stellar ensemble, and "Frasier", a spin-off of his character in "Cheers" and one in which he is the star.

Still, this is a remarkably candid recounting of those events in his life that were painful, as well as of those that brought him joy. Told with intelligence and wry humor, it is a touching look at a flawed man who is coming to terms with who he is. While the author does give some details of his professional life, this is not a book about stardom. Rather, it is a book of one man's journey through life, thus far, and his odyssey of self-discovery and acceptance.

I highly recommended that one get the unabridged audio book, which is narrated by Kelsey Grammer himself. While it may be a little hammy from time to time, his narration lends a certain poignancy to his words. His humor also shines through some of the reading, as does his innate intelligence. Those who enjoy memoirs and biographies will certainly enjoy this book.

Familiar with Grammer's work on both "Cheers" and "Frasier," I find him a talented actor and enjoy his celebrated character, Dr. Frasier Crane. However, upon first seeing his autobiography I was immediately dubious. In order to appeal to the least common denominator in all of us, I expected it to be filled with only two things: tales of controversy from behind the scenes of his two hit shows, and scandals from the semi-private life of an illustrious celebrity. Instead I found an extremely intelligent and sincere look at the self.

The narrative moves naturally through a life filled with great losses and spectacular successes, united by the thread of self-awareness and acceptance. The fabulously successful TV shows are only touched upon and some readers may be disappointed by this dearth. It is not well-paid writers who bring poignancy to Frasier Crane, it is Grammer himself, and his story provides not only an enjoyable and philosophical look at his life, but at life itself, and his tale of "trials and triumphs" is instructive and inspiring.

I especially recommend the audio format (unabridged) of this book which is read by Grammer himself and provides the listener a singularly intimate relationship with the author.