There Are Worse Things I Could Do

Adrienne Barbeau's first book is a wonderful testament to a life lived. Good, bad or indifferent she propels her readers to LIVE. Memoirs are always tough, and Barbeau nailed it! Even if I did not know her voice, from the many films, plays and TV shows she has been a part of, her written voice comes through so clearly. It is simultaneously kind, comic and sad without ever being maudlin. Barbeau has a wonderful ability to take the reader in as if writing each reader a note about the day to day, and then she turns things that note around. You are reading a note from a friend and then realize that: Yes she was married to one of the most notable directors of horror in the U.S, yes she had an affair with Burt Reynolds. And yes she has had many loves in her time. Wow! But rather than delivering a tell all revealing the warts of others - although we do read a bit about those warts - Barbeau manages to undauntingly keep the focus on herself. While laughing at herself, and her foibles as a person with loves gained and lost, she takes the comic and imbues it with such heart the reader can visualize how double sided comedy is within each us; as when we laugh at ourselves, there tends to be some sadness lurking - conversely she explores her own tragedies such as the passing of her mother and her best friend, and reveals hope. When reading this book, I was reminded of being lost on occasion. In THERE ARE WORSE THINGS I COULD DO, the reader, along with Adrienne, takes a journey. Barbeau reminds us that when we are lost we seek acceptance, regardless of what that acceptance might mean. But as we lose ourselves amidst gaining acceptance, we discover how within that losing, we can all find ourselves anew. What is so fantastic about this read is Barbeau's refusal to be consumed by circumstance. She keeps on going, keeps living, and keeps growing. For me as a woman, what is so particularly compelling about this book, is that she lets all women know that age truly, does not matter. And she does this simply by revealing her life, not by being pedantic. This is a message to all of us, to keep on keeping on. Ultimately she finds the love she so deserves, and rediscovers her muses: her children. Still, Barbeau reminds us that each day is a blank slate. and although Adrienne has found her muses, she keeps working at her life - understanding that with each day, ones life may need some reconfiguring. And that reconfiguring is a good thing... I was lucky enough to hear Barbeau read passages from the book, and the reading added a wonderful dimension to my understanding of her experiences. Her timing is impeccable, and I hope her publisher will push extensively for a nationwide tour with the author.

WOW!!!! What an amazing, well written. fast paced book, from first page to last. I could not put it down. It takes you on an incredible journey and lets you into the life, love, hopes, dreams, family, friends ,inspirations of a very talented, classy LADY, on so many levels. Highly recommend it!!!!

It is both a brave and generous act for Adrienne Barbeau to share her remarkable journey, and she does so with great grace, honesty and humor. I found myself alternately laughing and crying at her self-effacing, wry and insightful observations of her own very colorful life. Whether mixing with Hollywood's heavyweights or acting with vermin in Moscow (check out the chapter where her costars are dead rats) Ms. Barbeau is a class act who has always remained true to herself. You will love Adrienne and you will love this book!

Ms. Barbeau writes a breezy memoir with wit and candor. Plus, she's lived an exciting and fascinating life. I loved it!