Genre: Memoir
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If I had to say what television show that I believe changed the course of T.V., I would have to say "All in the Family". Norman Lear, through Archie Bunker, introduced subjects that were never before broached. Lear was never afraid to make us uncomfortable, and I thank him for that. The world grew a little bit each time Archie did. I have admired Norman Lear's talent for a long time and was thrilled to see this book.
He tells us about his most interesting life in this book, and much of it was surprising to me. His childhood was tough and his parents self involved. When he was quite young his dad, always on the lookout for a quick buck, was jailed for several years. His mother left him with relatives during those years, and he had his share of troubles. When his dad was home he, much like Archie Bunker, ruled the house from his comfy chair. When his mother tried to say something, his dad yelled "stifle." Sound familiar?
Lear tells us about all the good and all the bad in this well written biography. He was once the highest paid comedy writer of his time and wrote for some of the greats. At their peak, his television programs were viewed by 120 million people a week (All in the Family; Maude; Good Times; The Jeffersons; and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman) and they always made us laugh till we cried.
This book helped me understand the man behind the television shows that I grew up with, and made me appreciate him just a little bit more. Definitely an interesting read for all, especially the baby boomers who can sing the theme song to the Jeffersons at the drop of a hat.
- Beverly
Publisher - The Penguin Press
Date of Publication - October 14, 2014
He tells us about his most interesting life in this book, and much of it was surprising to me. His childhood was tough and his parents self involved. When he was quite young his dad, always on the lookout for a quick buck, was jailed for several years. His mother left him with relatives during those years, and he had his share of troubles. When his dad was home he, much like Archie Bunker, ruled the house from his comfy chair. When his mother tried to say something, his dad yelled "stifle." Sound familiar?
Lear tells us about all the good and all the bad in this well written biography. He was once the highest paid comedy writer of his time and wrote for some of the greats. At their peak, his television programs were viewed by 120 million people a week (All in the Family; Maude; Good Times; The Jeffersons; and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman) and they always made us laugh till we cried.
This book helped me understand the man behind the television shows that I grew up with, and made me appreciate him just a little bit more. Definitely an interesting read for all, especially the baby boomers who can sing the theme song to the Jeffersons at the drop of a hat.
- Beverly
Publisher - The Penguin Press
Date of Publication - October 14, 2014
