Knock Wood

Candice Bergen became an actress because her father was famous. Edgar Bergen was a ventrioloquist who began in vaudeville, came into his own on the radio, and appeared on television. He came from the classic era of Hollywood and is a symbol of the era, but Candice grew up and captured fame in a new era. She examines the transition in her book and the impression her father had on her life. As with many autobiographies, the portion about the author's childhood is often the best. Why? It is common to reflect on the good memories, so we are treated with stories about Edgar taking little Candy to see the vault with all of the different Charlie McCarthy bodies and heads, or memories about the extravagant birthday parties the celebrities of years past had for their children. There is even a tense flashback to a date Miss Bergen had with an older celebrity that ended being driven home in silence. It is somewhat uncomfortable reading about how Candice had to grow up. This is not only because of the conflict between Candice and her parents, but also because of the turbulent time period. Bergen mingled with many famous minds of the 1960s, so the contrast between her peaceful childhood and the chaos of her young adult life is stark. Bergen reflects on her life, often taking a harsh stance against her behavior at the time. She labels herself as a follower of the crowd, and a stubborn daughter. She also claims that she allowed herself to fall back on her beauty instead of maturing as a person. These reflections are in depth and sometimes refreshingly frank; they make it easy to like her. The title of this book, Knock Wood, refers to the dummy that made the Bergens a famous family. Therefore, the story begins and ends with the impact this fame had on Candice's life. However, many years have passed since this book was published; it would be nice to see a follow up.

Candice Bergen has always handled herself with style. She is very much her father's daughter. Both of whom had reserved mannerisms, had difficulty of expression; yet had great admiration of one another. Her bearing and appearance indicates that she is a lady. She has always been a rugged individualist with a sense of humor that could make one blush, Candice has a little-seen side that the public isn't privy to. As I read her autobiography, although she is of my mother's generation, and I younger. Despite her father's vocation, although he was very, very accomplished, he was conservative. Which, is how he raised his two children. Like my life, she grew up privy of privileged. Attending Westlake School for Girls in Bel Air at a time when it still had a boarding school, which was abandoned not long after she graduated. Yet with many changes long ago, propriety still matters there. She went east to college. To my great surprise experienced the same thing as I did not very long ago. She studied art history, and had a passion for photography. She is infinitely sophisticated and is extremely knowledgeable about art and comedy. As she wrestled with the dilemma of leaving college without a degree. Candice has proven that having a college degree doesn't automatically mean a girl can step right into the job of her dreams. To open the right doors, often what's needed is a business skill your prospective boss can use. And, as her motto of life is the old legend: "follow your bliss." Which, is great advice whatever someone chooses to do in life. One should never say, 'I might have, when they never even tried.' Candice appreciates life.