Customer Reviews

When Do I Start

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
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This is a wonderful book: nostalgic yet clear-eyed, marvelously informative, frequently insightful, often moving, unfailingly endearing, always interesting, and--best of all--thoroughly entertaining. It's trite to say it, but I literally couldn't put "When Do I Start?" down.

Karl Malden's autobiography is, in addition to being the fascinating chronicle of an all-American life, a veritable between-the-covers film festival: It overflows with intriguing anecdotes--marvelous, revelatory tales of the amazing array of actors, writers, directors, and other assorted characters whose lives have intersected with Malden's over the course of his truly impressive career.

But, perhaps best of all, this book clearly speaks in the author's own thoroughly likable, very American voice: It's down-to-earth, always direct, always truthful, thoughtfully considered, admirably reflective, precisely observant, but never, ever, the least bit mean-spirited or egotistical. This is a book--and a man--to love.

I don't think I've ever enjoyed a film star's memoir more than this one. I recommend "When Do I Start" as the perfect present for every movie buff, every theatre lover, every TV fan--even every travelers' cheque user--on anyone's gift list. I suspect that even people who've never heard of Karl Malden (can such exist?) will like his book--and I know that everyone who reads it will want to sit right down in front of the TV with a big bowl of popcorn to watch all the videos of Malden's many marvelous films.

"When Do I Start?" is a real find and a real "keeper": an admirable, fascinating book by and about an admirable, fascinating man.

And oh, yes: It's got lots of great pictures, too!

Mary Ellen Kelly

This is one of the most interesting books of a 'scratch your way to the top of the ladder' Bios I've ever read.
I highly recommend it to all Actors & Performers. And the vignettes of the classic ActorS of the 50's & 60's is
absolutely fascinating. This is stuff you don't get in the Rag Mags, this book is the real deal.
Karl Malden was the quintessential Gentleman of Hollywood with panache, respect, dedication and loyalty, He & Paul
Newman, a dying breed. I'm going to read it again because I love the ride of reality in the life of a Legend.
5 Stars!

Very easy reading and keeps your attention focused on Karl's life. He came from a very frugal life, remembered that upbringing, and lived his life accordingly. He seemed to be a truly honest, humble, gentle man! I would highly recommend this reading of a special "star."