Even This I Get to Experience

By: Norman Lear

Narrated by: Norman Lear

The New York Times bestselling memoir from the creator of some of the most iconic television programs ever, including All in the Family, Maude, Good Times, The Jeffersons, and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.

“Charming, candid, and copious . . . There is still a lot of zest, passion, and whimsy in the man who taught Americans to laugh at their failings.” —The New York Times

Norman Lear’s iconic television programs—most memorably All in the Family—drew in as many as 120 million viewers each week. These shows dealt with the most serious issues of the day—racism, poverty, abortion—yet still left audiences howling with laughter. But TV is only a fraction of Lear’s tale. The renowned producer came of age during the Great Depression and fought in World War II, staging variety shows for his fellow airmen in addition to flying fifty-two bombing missions. After the war he caught his break as a comedy writer in Hollywood, soon working with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Movies with Frank Sinatra, Dick Van Dyke, and Jason Robards followed. Then came the ’70s and Lear’s legendary string of TV hits, working with actors like Carol O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner, Sally Struthers, Red Foxx, Sherman Hemsley, and Bea Arthur. Filled with moving insights and behind-the-scenes stories from the shows that redefined the medium, Even This I Get to Experience is a memoir as touching, funny, and remarkable as any of Lear’s unforgettable creations.

"Lear is one of the great storytellers of our time...This book should be required reading for everyone working in Hollywood." —James Patterson

“One of the best Hollywood memoirs ever written . . . an absolute treasure.” —Booklist, starred review

Great journey with a great writer

Loved the stories about all the shows I grew up with written by a great storyteller.

ICONIC NORM LEAR

Would you listen to Even This I Get to Experience again? Why?

Yes.
So many of the changes of the human condition during the 60's,70's, and 80" are played out on TV sitcoms, made iconic because they were developed and written by Norman Lear.

What did you like best about this story?

Norman Lear narrating the book and how he came up with the concepts of the shows

What does Norman Lear bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Norman Lear brings himself, wide open and vulnerable.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me do both, laugh and cry

Any additional comments?

LOVED IT! LOVED IT! Will read it again

Great peek behind the scenes

This was a good book, no surprise as Lear is a fantastic storyteller. Getting the perk behind the scenes is a real treat.

What a beautiful memoir

Thank you, Norman Lear, for an honest, poignant depiction of your life. I am thankful for your longevity. I have loved your productions and I have to say after hearing this book, I love you.

Facinating

An interesting life recounted with wit and wisdom which serve to add, not override, the story. Delightfully entertaining and enriching.
My thanks to Mr Lear for his perseverance.