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If I Only Knew Then...: Learning from Our Mistakes (2007)

by Charles Grodin (Editor)

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625425,141 (3.72)1
As Charles says, "If you don't get wiser as you get older, then you just get older." This book is about identifying our mistakes, learning from them and not repeating them. Grodin, a very funny man who has appeared in movies, tv is currently on WCBS Radio every day, has asked his friends (and friends of friends) - from Robert Redford, Paul Newman, Shirley MacLaine, Alan Alda, Ben Stiller and others - to share sometimes very revealing memories of the biggest mistake they've made. Rosie O'Donnell looks back to her college days and her inability to express her love for a close girlfriend; Irwin Redlener, the Co-founder of The Children's Health Fund, examines a near-mistake - how he almost cancelled a trip to see a grown son who soon after died in a skiing accident. Dr. Nicholas Perricone learns to shift his perspective after witnessing the bravery of a young girl during his internship. Senator Orrin Hatch discusses his mistaken vote against making Martin Luthor King Day a national holiday. And Carol Burnett's hilarious essay explains why meeting Cary Grant turned out to be a big mistake!This book offers intimate insights into dozens of celebrated figures' lives.… (more)
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Showing 5 of 5
Years ago I enjoyed reading one or two books by Charles Grodin. I checked Libby to see if they had anything written by him. I found only one book. I listened to the three-hour Audiobook. The book is a series of short stories of famous people about some mistake they made and what they learned. I enjoyed the book. ( )
  MrDickie | Oct 16, 2023 |

Very interesting concept. Collect stories from famous people about mistakes they wish they didn't make. I figure with 80 different people responding, someone would hit a chord. Of the 80, I did recognize most of them but didn't really have any affection to any of them beforehand to care that deeply.

Kinda reminds me of Chicken Soup for the Soul series. ( )
  wellington299 | Feb 19, 2022 |
Like others have said, this book lacks any deep revelations or insights. Yet, it was an enjoyable read on a hot summer's night. Some anecdotes did disappoint but others were worth the price of the book. Proceeds from the sale of this book go to HELP USA, an non-profit organization that "empowers the homeless" and helps them become self reliant. ( )
  Uninvitedwriter | Jul 6, 2009 |
An interesting collection of anecdotes that spans the gamut from profound to shallow. Some of the entries are very much in the spirit of the book's title, whereas others are so guarded and flippant in tone as to have little practical application. Nevertheless, it's an enjoyable read, with the great variety of response lending a thread of suspense to these essays. Names from which one would expect thoughtful insights sometimes disappoint, while wisdoms flows occasionally from unlikely sources. ( )
  RobertGerardHunt | Aug 18, 2008 |
Great concept. High-profile contributors. Some neat "life-lessons" served in bite-sized fashion. It's a breezy read that has enough diverse topics and characters to keep readers' interest. Still, the book lacks any real "lightbulb" revelations. ( )
  brianinbuffalo | Dec 23, 2007 |
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As Charles says, "If you don't get wiser as you get older, then you just get older." This book is about identifying our mistakes, learning from them and not repeating them. Grodin, a very funny man who has appeared in movies, tv is currently on WCBS Radio every day, has asked his friends (and friends of friends) - from Robert Redford, Paul Newman, Shirley MacLaine, Alan Alda, Ben Stiller and others - to share sometimes very revealing memories of the biggest mistake they've made. Rosie O'Donnell looks back to her college days and her inability to express her love for a close girlfriend; Irwin Redlener, the Co-founder of The Children's Health Fund, examines a near-mistake - how he almost cancelled a trip to see a grown son who soon after died in a skiing accident. Dr. Nicholas Perricone learns to shift his perspective after witnessing the bravery of a young girl during his internship. Senator Orrin Hatch discusses his mistaken vote against making Martin Luthor King Day a national holiday. And Carol Burnett's hilarious essay explains why meeting Cary Grant turned out to be a big mistake!This book offers intimate insights into dozens of celebrated figures' lives.

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