THE OTHER SIDE OF ME

Sidney Sheldon, playwright, Oscar-winning screenwriter, and bestselling novelist, has written a glossy, gossipy, candid show-biz memoir. Mike O'Malley narrates this rags-to-riches saga at a leisurely pace with subdued intimacy, even when he reveals the lows of Sheldon's life, including the struggles he has had being bipolar and experiencing profound personal losses, such as the death of a child. O'Malley lightens up with some hilarious moments, some very personal, as well as some shocking interactions with movie stars like Judy Garland, Groucho Marx, and a surprisingly combative Cary Grant. O'Malley's conversation with 88-year-old Sheldon and Sheldon's afterword don't add any life lessons but neatly tie up a relaxing, titillating entertainment. M.T.B. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 06]