If I Only Knew Then...: Learning from Our Mistakes (Paperback)

~ Charles Grodin (Author)
Key Phrases: New York, Star Trek, Los Angeles (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When actor and TV commentator Grodin (It Would Be So Nice if You Weren't Here) asked Shirley MacLaine about her biggest mistake, she suggested he go ask President Bush about his. Others of the 82 celebrity contributors to this collection who look back at lessons learned the hard way squirmed to evade Grodin's truth or dare, while many have risen to the challenge with painful memories of nervousness, humiliation, social embarrassments, shame, regret, denial and guilt. Recalling an incident when she was 13, Mary Steenburgen can still feel my face burn with shame at my own snobbery. After Leonard Nimoy ignored a publisher's warning, fans wrongly interpreted the title of his memoir, I Am Not Spock, to mean he was rejecting the character and all things connected with Star Trek. Walter Cronkite's biggest mistake was retiring too soon. The standout piece is by Pete Hamill, who compresses his entire life into five pages as he reflects on the aftermath of his decision to drop out of high school. (Grodin will donate his royalties to HELP USA, which serves the homeless.) (Nov. 1)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

As Charles Grodin says, "If you don't get wiser as you get older, then you just get older." The core of this book is about identifying our mistakes, learning from them, and not repeating them. Charles Grodin, a very funny individual who has appeared in movies, television and currently is on WCBS Radio every day, has asked his friends (and friends of friends)--from Robert Redford, Paul Newman, Shirley MacLaine, Alan Alda, Regis Philbin, Ben Stiller, and others--to share sometimes very revealing memories of the biggest mistake they've made.

Rosie O'Donnell looks back to her college days and her inability to express her love for a close girlfriend. Regis Philbin learned to trust his instincts when an early talk show got cancelled. Irwin Redlener, the Co-founder of The Children's Health Fund, examines a near-mistake--how he almost cancelled a trip to see a grown son who soon after died in a skiing accident. Dr. Nicholas Perricone learns to shift his perspective after witnessing the bravery of a young girl during his internship. Senator Orrin Hatch discusses his mistaken vote against making Martin Luthor King Day a national holiday. And Carol Burnett's hilarious essay explains why meeting Cary Grant turned out to be a big mistake!

If I Only Knew Then...offers intimate insights into dozens of celebrated figures' lives.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Springboard Press (April 7, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446582190
• ISBN-13: 978-0446582193
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #615,146 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Super read from page 1 on, October 24, 2007

By	armchairinterviews.com (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If I Only Knew Then...: Learning from Our Mistakes (Audio CD)

Remember when Archie Bunker met Sammy Davis, Jr.? You probably do: that episode of "All in the Family" was iconic television - a memorable moment. You'd be surprised to learn who wrote the script for it: I was. That answer and many more are tucked away inside If Only I Knew Then..." by Charles Grodin.

What happened when Carol Burnett met Cary Grant? Carol tells you right here. It's a moment you'll long remember-Carol does.

How did Goldie Hawn feel as she left the popular TV series Laugh-In? What lessons did she take from Laugh-In as she moved to a new career in movies?

How did actor Gene Wilder meet director Mel Brooks? Hint: a woman was involved. Wilder and Brooks went on to combine their talents in many successful movies.

Paul Newman, Rosie O'Donnell, Robert Redford-the list goes on and on. Deeper than just `celebrity gossip,' these vignettes provide an inside look at what actors, artists, television personalities and others have learned from life-they share not only their wisdom, but the difficult ways they acquired it.

Charles Grodin has compiled the life lessons of many of his friends so that the rest of us can learn from their experiences. Meanwhile, Grodin is donating 100 percent of his book royalties to an organization that serves the homeless. Obviously, he's not in this for the money. Instead, he is genuinely trying to pass along collective wisdom.

Pick up this highly readable new book and start reading anywhere: you won't put it down!

Armchair Interviews says: Charles Grodin is a comedian, actor and former talk show host.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars That's why there are pencils with erasers, everyone makes mistakes, December 1, 2007

By	A. Wilber "Long Island Momma" (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If I Only Knew Then...: Learning from Our Mistakes (Hardcover)

I really enjoyed this book. There are stories from different famous people about a mistake they have made and what they learned from that mistake. The stories are often funny and sometimes sad, bringing a tear to your eye. It's a great book to take when you are waiting at the doctor's office. I read some stories to my 15 year old son that he found very interesting, and lead to some interesting conversations. I highly recommend this book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touching and funny, November 19, 2007

By	FilmBuff (Santa Monica, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If I Only Knew Then...: Learning from Our Mistakes (Hardcover)

Some very touching stories about people's mistakes in life, and how they overcame them to have successful careers. I thought Robert Towne's story about Robert Evans and the story behind the making of "The Two Jakes" was hilarious. There's a bit of something in here for everyone - along the lines of "Chicken Soup for the Soul." Found myself laughing out loud at one point, and at another point wiping away a tear. Highly recommended.