Rickles' Book

I bought this for my dad. Before I gave it to him I read several pages throughout the book. I know my dad will enjoy this book as the few pages I read were filled with humor and good memories of Mr. Don Rickles past. I love this guys humor and witt!

My wife and myself had the pleasure of spending an evening with Mr. Rickles and his wife back in the early 80's at a private home north of Toronto. I had been a fan for many years and my personal experience with him left me none the less so. Both he and his wife were extremely personable and outgoing...and this book, if you follow through with the many people that come in contact with Don, will show you the other side of a man sometimes called "the merchant of venom." In real life he is anything but the person on the stage; and one of his biggest assests in my mind is his abundant ability to laugh at himself - a rare and valuable commodity that has obviously served him well beyond his 80+ years. The secret to reading this book is to read it in the same clipped, rat-a-tat way that Don speaks in real life. I was laughing so hard reading it outside on my back deck that I noticed the neighbours were giving me odd looks. Loved it. I was also impressed with the depth and loyalty of the relationships Rickles has built with the famous and not so famous over the years...not to mention his touching remembrances of both his mother and father. A necessary read fo all who love to use the phrase, "you hockey puck!"

I could not put down the book. It was like going to see Don in Vegas, but cheaper! Don Rickels is a show business Icon and his stories talk of the days that most of us remember as the "Good Old Days". He speaks of Sinatra and the "Rat Pack" from the eyes of a player. A very funny eye. At 81 Don Rickels is a American Institution.

The first time I saw Don Rickles was at the Boulevard nightclub on Queen Boulevard in Queens a hundred or so years ago. I was 15 and was there to celebrate a friend's sweet sixteen party. It was one of the first times I had ever been on a date and the evening was sweet. Then the entertainment started. A very young, balding bullet headed man came on stage and though he looked benign, in a minute he proceeded to rip into and destroy anyone and everyone in sight. The sweet sixteen girl was his main target and everyone in the place roared and no one more than the guest of honor herself. The man was hilarious. I don't recall how long his set was (a half hour? longer?)but I do remember it was so irreverent and hilarious that, when later, I saw him sitting at the bar, I got my courage up, walked up to him, shook his hand and asked if I could buy him a drink. He smiled and let me! My date and I sat with him and a warmer, kinder man you would not want to meet. Thus began my love affair with Don Rickles, a love affair that has not dwindled over the years. I have made special trips to Vegas just to see him and even ventured to the wastelands of Westbury to see him and Joan Rivers in concert. I have seen all of his movies, and even bought his LP...now I have bought his book and I loved it.Don, you are the best. May you go on forever...and if you do, you can be sure that I'll be there slipping the maitre 'd a few bucks to get a ringside seat. A great comedian, a great man and a great book. Thanks for all of it, Don.

Very entertaining and easy to read book! Each chapter is only a few pages in length and this book is full of so many interesting stories, that this becomes a real page turner! I laughed out loud many times! I especially enjoyed the stories about Mr. S. (Sinatra), the great Johnny Carson, and Don's friendship with Bob Newhart. I wish this book was longer because it is so enjoyable. I saw Don perform in Las Vegas about five years ago (great show!) and it was good to read and learn about his other side: his wonderful wife Barbara. This book is a real who's who of Hollywood. There just aren't performers like Don Rickles anymore. This is a very enjoyable book and I highly recommend it!