Synopsis
As an accountant, Bob Newhart was a great comedian. How, after all, could anyone whose motto was "That's close enough" expect to flourish among bean counters? On the other hand, his success as a professional comic also seemed to defy logic. Television executives could not comprehend how a slow-talking deadpan comedian with a slight stammer could enthrall audience with imaginary phone conversations. Against every expectation, though, Newhart became an authentic media icon and even a cult figure. This hilarious autobiography confirms Newhart's playful assertion that laughter is a tranquilizer without side effects.
The Washington Post - JOnathan Yardley
[Newhart] was about a decade older than we were, but we considered him both our contemporary and our spokesman. He, meantime, smoothly moved into a long, successful and highly visible career: "I recorded several comedy albums. . . . I starred in several television series, all of which have my name in the title. . . . I acted in several movies that didn't have my name in the title. . . . All the while, I've been married to the same woman for forty-three years, had four children, played countless rounds of golf, and met some interesting people." Into the bargain, he gives every evidence of being a nice guy. He's certainly written a very nice, and richly amusing, book.