Review: How I Got This Way
How I Got This Way
by Regis Philbin
Read by: Regis Philbin
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Harper Audio
Publish Date: November 15, 2011
Format: Audio CD | 9 hours and 37 minutes
Rating: 4 of 5
Fans of Regis Philbin will love this entertaining memoir. It is comprised of 30 chapters, each about someone who made a difference in his life. There are many witty stories and memories, all told in Regis’ inimitable style.
While I’ve only been a casual fan of Regis, I enjoyed these stories immensely. The only chapters I didn’t relate to were the ones about Notre Dame. I’m just old enough to remember most of the people but a few from the beginning of his career such as Jack Paar, Cary Grant, Steve Allen, Joey Bishop and Don Rickles were stories prior to my time. I knew Regis was the sidekick for The Joey Bishop Show which aired against The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, but I gained new insight in to what it was like to work with Joey Bishop and not in a good way. Regis sets the story straight on an incident that happened on that show and if it were me I don’t think I could have waited this many years!
One of my favorite parts was a wonderful story about Jack Nicholson culminating in the two of them going to a Lakers game. Another was the chapter on Jerry Seinfleld and how much of fan he is of the show and Jerry’s comedy and some nice stories about his friend David Letterman. And who knew what a great guy George Clooney is. Regis and his wife attended a party at Clooney’s mansion in Como Italy and say it was one of their best evenings ever. Wish I could have been there too! As expected there were chapters on Kathy Lee and Kelly and of course Regis’ wife, Joy. A few people I was surprised to find included were Donald Trump and Howard Stern.
The audiobook was read by Regis himself. He is an excellent storyteller and did wonderful job with the narration. If someone else would have narrated the book I doubt I would have chosen to listen to it, and I’m sure if I read the book I would have had Regis’ voice in my head as I read the words.
One of the few problems in choosing audio over print is missing the photos that accompany memoirs and non-fiction books. Harper Audio solved the problem by including a pdf file of the photos contained in the book with both the downloadable and CD audiobook. The photos included span Regis’ 50 years in show business and their inclusion was a welcome addition.
I enjoyed listening to the book and I would recommend it to fans of Regis, young and old.
—————–
Source: Review copy provided by Harper Audio
Under My Apple Tree 
What a fabulous idea to include a pdf of the photos! Like you, I’m a casual fan and really haven’t watched his morning show in a few years. But I’d still enjoy hearing his stories. I’m adding this to my Must Listen list. Great review!
LikeLike
Thanks Mary. I would definitely say listen over read. Listening to Regis is what made this one fun.
LikeLike
I’m not a huge Regis fan, but I am a fan of a lot of the other people you mentioned. I may have to get this book for my mother, though – I think she’d love it.
LikeLike
The list of people he writes about is also reason to listen/read the book. I forgot to mention that the table of contents is available on google book preview so people can see who the chapters are about.
LikeLike
I’m not a Regis fan, but I still bet this would be an enjoyable book to listen to. He’s just had such a long career and has known so many celebrities.
LikeLike
I’ll bet it’s very entertaining! Very nice review, Leslie!
LikeLike
Oh, Regis! I grew up watching “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee” with my grandparents and have a healthy appreciation for the man’s long career in show business. I can’t imagine that anyone else could have narrated his story — that would be a travesty!
LikeLike