Reviews
Brief Encounters: Conversations, Magic Moments, and Assorted Hijinks by Dick Cavett, Jimmy Fallon
jpmrrtx's review against another edition
3.0
If you are a Dick Cavett fan, you will certainly enjoy this read. It is a series of columns he wrote for the NY Times. While I did enjoy it, I had hoped it would have more of a behind the scenes feel to it. He has spoken and written many times of the many people he looked up to or idolized and was lucky enough to meet. While there were a few of those kind of stories in the book, I had hoped for more. It is entertaining and a little snarky at times, but reads fairly quickly. As it was a collection of published columns, the stories you didn't enjoy were over quickly, but the ones you did enjoy were unfortunately over quickly as well.
emsterino19's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn't terribly familiar with Dick Cavett when I started this book, but that made no difference. This entertaining compilation of his writings had me marveling at all of the "greats" he has stories of. You won't be disappointed!
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
daviddiamond's review against another edition
3.0
If you can overlook the pretentiousness and the constant reminder that he went to Yale, this is a pretty interesting book. Personally, I was hoping for more behind the scenes with legendary performers. Those stories however (stories of Ali, Jonathan Winters, Johnny Carson, and my favorite, Stan Laurel) are wholly entertaining. Just wish there were more.
mythyagain's review against another edition
5.0
If you are too young to remember The Dick Caveett Show, Google him on YouTube and you will find his interviews with John Lennon or Janis Joplin. This book details his interviews and friendships with interesting celebrities such as Jonathan Winters, Charlie Chaplin, Muhammad Ali, and Stan Laurel, to name a few.
p0tat0's review against another edition
3.0
I think Dick Cavett is incredibly funny and charming and some of these essays were as well. Frequently I was left with some version of the question, "was that really the most humorous anecdote in all your encounters with Muhammad Ali?" Surprisingly, I think his personal reminiscences about life in Nebraska or in college at Yale were more interesting than the essays about celebrities.
verafran's review against another edition
4.0
Update (02/01/16): Posted a longer review on my blog. Check it here.
***
That was one of the most pleasant reading experiences I've ever had.
I've spent most of my life reading fiction but now - finally - I discovered the fantastic universe of nonfiction books, especially the ones dealing with comedy and/or written by comedians and funny people.
psalmcat's review against another edition
5.0
I need to figure out if Mr. Cavett is still writing his column and subscribe in my RSS feed. These essays were delightfully funny, wittily barbed, and a good insight into the entertainment industry. I forget that he was a really big deal when I was younger, mostly because he was over my head as a child.
claudiaswisher's review against another edition
4.0
My first audio book on Overdrive. I was terrified I wouldn't finish it before it was whisked off my phone.
I have been a loyal, enthusiastic, fan of Dick Cavett's since his first television shows...I followed him from network to network. I heard once he felt his key to success was his attempt to treat every guest with 'universal postive regard.'
But he could be opinionated, and got in trouble with the Nixon Whitehouse...but then, all the best folks did.
This book is a collection of columns for the NYT...read in his wonderful voice. You can tell the editors give him wide latitude...he writes about everything. His highjinks in Nebraska, his early career, and most amazing, his friendships with famous people. Meeting Stan Laurel, being invited to meet John and Yoko on 'the bed.' Muhammad Ali sleeping in his guest room. His stories of Groucho's last years are so bittersweet. He shares stories of Liz and Dick...he knew all my childhood heroes.
He reflects, he remembers, and he shares. I learned that his wife, Carrie Nye died and he has remarried. I hope he is happy. He has made so many people happy...people who wanted intelligent conversation on TV in the daytime. People who wanted to see brilliant talents talking to other brilliant talents.
This book reminds me why I love him, and how very much I love him
I have been a loyal, enthusiastic, fan of Dick Cavett's since his first television shows...I followed him from network to network. I heard once he felt his key to success was his attempt to treat every guest with 'universal postive regard.'
But he could be opinionated, and got in trouble with the Nixon Whitehouse...but then, all the best folks did.
This book is a collection of columns for the NYT...read in his wonderful voice. You can tell the editors give him wide latitude...he writes about everything. His highjinks in Nebraska, his early career, and most amazing, his friendships with famous people. Meeting Stan Laurel, being invited to meet John and Yoko on 'the bed.' Muhammad Ali sleeping in his guest room. His stories of Groucho's last years are so bittersweet. He shares stories of Liz and Dick...he knew all my childhood heroes.
He reflects, he remembers, and he shares. I learned that his wife, Carrie Nye died and he has remarried. I hope he is happy. He has made so many people happy...people who wanted intelligent conversation on TV in the daytime. People who wanted to see brilliant talents talking to other brilliant talents.
This book reminds me why I love him, and how very much I love him
bookcrazylady45's review against another edition
4.0
A trip down memory lane to all the late night television shows filled with marvelous people. They don't make them like that anymore. Time to reflect on people long gone who seemed forever while they were with us.