He talks fondly of his father, Max, telling us what a special man he was by example, not praise. I liked the story about his dad (an insurance salesman) paying his customers' monthly payments if they ran into hard times. He kept a debit book but never pressured anyone for payment. When Max died, his customers came to his funeral, put a box by his grave, and paid off their debts.
He goes on to speak of school days, Navy days and a life well spent. He shares his ups and downs in his career and with women. He shares his feelings when his father died and he and his mom became "the two of us." The reader gets to know the kind man behind the sarcastically witty comedian.
He name drops constantly, but that is okay. Even though his comedy act is filled with barbs about people, this book shows us the admiration that Don feels for the people he shares the entertainment business with, and there is no doubt that most of them return the love and admiration.
I liked the book. It is simply written, with short paragraphs and uncomplicated stories. There are interesting pictures to help us along this journey into the world of Don Rickles, and there is always a smile to be shared. Don Rickles passed away yesterday, at the too young age of ninety, but his warmth and humor have left their marks on an audience who won't forget him.
- Beverly
Publisher - Simon & Schuster; Reprint edition
Date of Publication - May 8, 2007