"Growing Up Laughing - My Story and the Story of Funny"

This biography (and interview with comics) by Marlo Thomas has quickly become a favorite of mine. It was just released last fall and isn't available yet in paperback so I picked up a copy from my library. Reading about Marlo's life was like a trip down memory lane because I'd forgotten how much the world has changed for women since she starred in "That Girl" on TV. Here is a quote by Marlo from Chapter 30 that is very telling, I think: "And I was learning that, even for a woman with power, the path was dotted with land mines--she's so ambitious, she's so aggressive, she's ruthless. 'Funny thing,' I used to say, 'a man has to be Joe McCarthy to be called ruthless...all a woman has to do is put you on hold."
While telling her story of growing up as the daughter of Danny Thomas and always having a house full of comedians dropping by, Marlo also intersperses interviews with comics from her dad's era as well as ones from today. There are also lots of jokes so, if you want a good laugh, just pick up her book and leaf through it to read the jokes and brighten your day.
I hadn't a clue about all the things Marlo has done throughout her adult life to enhance the status of women nor her plan to never marry then, despite that, marrying Phil Donahue. (By the way, if you're reading this Marlo, let me squelch any rumors that Phil and I were ever an item. It's just that people used to mistake my husband for Phil Donahue. I always wondered if that started rumors given he was with me and not you! When I saw the picture of Phil with Danny Thomas, I realized my husband did look a lot like Phil at that time -- except I never saw mine with a cigar in his mouth.)
So followers....if you want a quick and fun read, pick up this book by Marlo Thomas and/or give it to someone you want to make happy!

pazt