Steven Helmer Publications

Synopsis: Falling in love with acting when she first saw Jimmy Stewart in a movie, Carol Burnett go on to pursue her dream, starting on Broadway and eventually becoming one of the most recognizable people on television. This memoir talks about her decades-long career, the people she met and the memories she made along the way. Review: Even though I am pretty sure they were all re-runs by that point, I remember watching quite a few episodes of The Carol Burnett Show when I was a child. While I don't know if I could necessarily say it was my favorite show growing up (it might have been a little too adult) I do remember enough of the skits to understand why it was a popular series and, now that I'm older, how it was just one of the reasons she is an icon today. As a result, when I came across her memoir This Time Togethe r, at the library, I decided to check it out and read it. After finishing the book last night, I can say I both enjoyed it and have gained even more of an appre...

Synopsis: Actor and comedian rose to fame in the 1970s and 80s as part of the Monty Python comedy troupe. In this "sortabiography," he discusses that rise to fame and the impact it had both on his career and his personal life. Review: I know I'm not as big of a Monty Python fan as other people are. However, I have watched my share and did, at minimum, enjoy the movies Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Life of Brian . Plus, I'm familiar with Eric Idle from some of his other work, such as his hilarious cameo appearance in National Lampoon's European Vacation . So, when I had an opportunity to read Always Look on the Bright Side of Life , I did. Overall, I thought it was a good decision. Idle brings a good mix of comedy and seriousness to this book. The former both makes reading the book easier and also softens some of the sadder/darker stories, especially when he discusses the tragic way some of his fellow Monty Python actors saw their lives end. At the same t...