If I Only Knew Then...: Learning from Our Mistakes

Charles Grodin has assembled eclectic information from many interesting people - much of which is valuable - and gives his proceeds to a very worthy cause. Great gift item.

If you can admit that you are not perfect (yet), and want an instruction book for life, this it it. Buy it. Read it. Learn from it.

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.

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.

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.