The Other Side of Me

October 31, 2005
Sheldon writes his memoir as an intense and emotional rollercoaster as only he can with battling bipolar disorder nearly his entire life. From his suicide attempt at age 17 in 1934 to the publication of his first book in 1969, Sheldon has worked hard for his accomplishments. His prolific writing career reads like a grocery list of productions spanning film, theatre, television and books. O'Malley guides listeners through the author's adventures in Hollywood and Broadway with a lively and animated tone that engages listeners. Some of his vocal caricatures for secondary characters seems questionable, instilling them with comical or bland voices that disrupt the story rather than enhance it. When 88-year-old Sheldon reads the Afterword, his voice lacks O'Malley's energy. As a bonus feature, Sheldon is also interviewed about his life and the writing of this book. Though he repeats some anecdotes from his book, listeners will still enjoy the additional words from the author.

November 1, 2005
Sheldon ("The Sky Is Falling"), best-selling novelist, playwright, screenwriter, and sometime film producer/director, has written a truly engaging memoir of his life. With his self-deprecating humor, he takes us from his Depression-era youth, rife with poverty and uncertainty, to his heady days as an Oscar-winning screenwriter and celebrated novelist, ultimately providing a frank assessment of the roller-coaster ride of success and failure that distinguishes a career in Hollywood and Broadway. Included are insights into the different Hollywood studios for which Sheldon worked, but especially interesting are the behind-the-scenes details of his encounters, working relationships, and friendships with celebrities who include Cary Grant, Buster Keaton, Groucho Marx, George Balanchine, and Elizabeth Taylor. Although Sheldon is fairly reticent regarding his family life, he is open about his lifelong personal battles with depression. His skilled storytelling quickly moves beyond touching and entertaining anecdotes to a compelling narrative that charts his creativity, drive, and struggles. This book would be a valuable and popular addition to public libraries. [See Prepub Alert, "LJ "7/05.]" -Rebecca Bollen Manalac, Sydney, Australia"

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.