How I Got This Way

December 12, 2011
In his much-anticipated memoir, talk show host Philbin discusses his decades-long career in television and pays homage to his greatest influences (including his favorite sports teams). The beginning of the book traces his journey from the Bronx to the University of Notre Dame, a subsequent stint in the Navy, and his first hosting gigs, most notably on The Joey Bishop Show. Philbin notes some of his most memorable interviews from those early days, including "king of all the gossip hounds" Walter Winchell and a young Bill Cosby. His most well-known co-hosts receive dedicated chapters where he describes in detail Joey Bishop's sour temperament and his genuine fondness for Kathie Lee Gifford and Kelly Ripa. Later, he shares stories about Hollywood stars, recounting a party at George Clooney's villa at Lake Como and watching a Lakers game courtside with Jack Nicholson. Each chapter of this well-written, fun book ends with a few pieces of relevant advice for the reader, rounding out a work that fans of Regis or general celebrity gossip will surely enjoy.

December 15, 2011
TV talk-show legend Philbin reminisces about some of the important people who have impacted his impressive 50-year run. "Rege" is not the most insightful author. Palling around with Jack Nicholson was a hoot; meeting Joe DiMaggio was a thrill; dining at home with George Clooney was a delight; etc. A few dozen strong personalities comprise the author's pantheon of friends and heroes, but none of them, including wife and frequent TV co-host Joy, receive anything other than superficial attention. For example, Philbin's description of his life partner: "Great face. Great figure. Wonderful personality. Charming conversationalist. All the things you want in a woman." Chapters devoted to other potentially fascinating personalities—e.g., George Steinbrenner, Jerry Seinfeld, Steven Spielberg—run just a scant few pages, and each chapter ends with a few painfully obvious observations about "What I Took Away From It All." Philbin, whose broadcasting career started in the late '50s and continues today despite his recent departure from his daily morning show with Kelly Ripa, got to know hundreds of interesting people during his unparalleled tenure in TV. He apparently just didn't know any of them that well. And perhaps that has been the secret to his enduring success. He doesn't probe. He doesn't pry. He's the guy you can continually goof on and still get away with it. Others have come and gone, but the breezy Philbin is still here. What you see on TV is what you get in this book. Fans will love it; others won't have much to contemplate.

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

July 1, 2011

As you surely know, Philbin, who's been wowing millions for nearly three decades as host of Live! with Regis and Kelly in its various guises, will be retiring soon. This memoir, which celebrates the idea that living well is the best revenge, publishes one month before he waves good-bye. With a 500,000-copy first printing; essential for all popular collections.

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.