Rating: 
Summary: She's similar to her Debra Barone character, but more fun!
Review: This book is apparently unavailable on audio cassette, and I am unable to listen to CD's in my car (where at least 70% of my audiobook listening is done). So, I knew if I bought this Audio CD, I'd be listening to it at home. Despite the lack of flexibility that involved, I had the pleasure of doing so one afternoon this past week. With Patricia Heaton keeping me company, boy, did my afternoon of household tasks fly by!Her candor and straightforward approach to things that some might try to hide (such as her childhood bedwetting, college- and post-college drinking, plastic surgery, etc.) made me respect her. I guess my sensibility must be a bit similar to hers because I was not put off by anything she revealed about herself or the humorous sarcasm she used at times. Contrary to other reviewers' opinions listed here, I don't think that she was particularly negative about all of her "before-Raymond" jobs, her current success, or her husband & kids. She goes out of her way to say how GREAT her co-workers often were when the jobs were less than wonderful, and she does mention an acting co-star or two that touched her with how nice they were to an up-&-comer. She also easily acknowledges that she probably won't be so lucky with her next jobs after EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND eventually ends, and that such success is not a given. Finally, the loving way she talks about her husband and kids is touching, yet she still can talk to us the way she might to a close girlfriend who wants to "dish" about their home-lives. It's clear that she loves & treasures them, and she obviously wouldn't print anything that she didn't want any of them to read. After listening to her book, I think she'd gladly trade all of her success for her family in a minute, if she ever was forced to choose. EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND is one of my favorite T.V. shows, and I bet the character Debra Barone might have a little of Patricia woven into her. However, after reading this book, I find Patricia to be far more fascinating of a wife/mother/person than Debra will probably ever be allowed to be (since the show is focused on Raymond & how he feels & interacts with his family). I highly recommend that you read this book to get to know the real person behind the TV character.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: This book was disappointing. Not only does Ms. Heaton NOT tell us how to get a job like hers, she does not tell us how SHE got the job. Nothing about how she got the role of Debra. The book is full of funny stories and anecdotes of her life but little substance. She barely mentions her 1st marriage and only barely mentions her drug and alcohol experimentation. Those would have been of interest in her story of overcoming and persistence. She does make some nice observations about family and married life but overall not what I expected. I do not even know her deceased mother's name although she does name her Stepmother. Nothing about her acting classes or her interaction with William Esper who is one of the finest acting instructors in the world. Patricia has a great sense of humor and humility that comes through and I also apprecdiated very much her conservative family values and love of God which is rare in Hollywood. She is well grounded emotionally and spiritually. I wish the book had more pages thoug overall.
Rating:
Summary: A fun and interesting book
Review: This is a fun and interesting book. I actually listened to this on a CD and would recommend doing it that way. She has a great voice and her style of talking makes it just that much more fun. It is also refreshing to hear an actor talk about herself without having to listen to their drug or marriage problems. She is actually a normal human being. She comes across as a very likable and nice person. I would like her as a neighbor.
Rating:
Summary: A fun and interesting book
Review: This is a fun and interesting book. I actually listened to this on a CD and would recommend doing it that way. She has a great voice and her style of talking makes it just that much more fun. It is also refreshing to hear an actor talk about herself without having to listen to their drug or marriage problems. She is actually a normal human being. She comes across as a very likable and nice person. I would like her as a neighbor.
Rating:
Summary: PATRICIA HEATON
Review: WHAT A REFRESHING MEMOIR. I JUST LOVED IT. SHE IS SO WISE ABOUT THE ART OF LIVING, FAMILY AND NEVER FORGETTING HER CHILDHOOD AND FRIENDS. SHE ALSO REALIZES HOW WISE HER PARENTS WERE AND HAS NEVER FORGOTTEN THE LESSONS THEY TAUGHT HER. HER SENSE OF HUMOR IS DELIGHTFUL SHE IS SO SENSIBLE. SHE REALLY HAS A GIFT FOR WRITING. HOPE SHE WRITES ANOTHER BOOK.
Rating:
Summary: A fun and positive read!
Review: What a wonderful book Ms. Heaton has put together. I have just re-read it and I enjoyed it even more the 2nd time. Gee- no trash, no dark passages about her life. It was fun, positive and strong. I don't have a lot of respect for Hollywood "people" but she has shown us that a normal person can make it in Hollywood. What makes it even more refreshing is that she has values and is not concerned about sharing them. It also made me yearn for those childhood days when we could just play all day and not worry about everyone being a potential weirdo. Something our kids will never get to experience. Thank you for a great book Patricia!
Rating:
Summary: Finally - something REAL out of Hollywood!
Review: Whether you live in Hollywood or Iowa, whether you are a mother yourself or simply live vicariously (as do I) through 19 nieces & nephews as well as dozens of children belonging to friends, no matter what profession you find yourself in, you are GUARANTEED to identify with the words of Patricia Heaton! She speaks as one who as lived "in the trenches". Plain-spoken, self-deprecating, and just as witty when writing her own words as acting those onstage from a script, this book is simply fun. It gives you that warm, familiar feeling that makes you finish the last page and immediately want more. I already admired her, but my respect for her willingness to share all the gritty, true, not-so-pretty details that are everyday life make me respect her immeasurably. This one has definite laugh-out-loud, earn-stares-from-others-on-the-bus passages. In another time, I believe Patricia Heaton would have been the one to gladly announce that the emperor not only has no clothes, but is an idiot! Bravo!!
Rating:
Summary: most Fantastic
Review: yes, i am a Huge Patricia Heaton fan so my opinion is probably gonna be biased..this book had me laughing so much i had to stop reading it on my way to work cuz fellow travellers thought i was nuts and i kept missing my stop..it's well written and i love her humour. i love her lists, i totally recommend it. every patty fan should read this book!!
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