Now read this... 'This Time Together'

Cape Girardeau Public Library adult services coordinator Paula Fetherston recommends Carol Burnett's autobiography "This Time Together."

I cannot think of anyone who does not like Carol Burnett. From the early 1960s when we saw her as part of the comedic cast on "The Garry Moore Show" and then, of course, as she had us in stitches each week on her own variety show, she has been like a sister, or at the leas a good friend.

"This Time Together" is a mostly lighthearted collection of reminiscences of Carol's life, especially stories of her entry into show business and finally to become the iconic star as we came to know her. Each chapter is one of many stories she tells so that it feels as if we are sitting with her, perhaps over a cup of tea, as she regales and entertains with one anecdote after another, sometimes poignant, sometimes hilarious, always entertaining.

Carol tells us the background of many of the skits on "The Carol Burnett Show" (and doesn't disappoint when she includes the "Gone With the Wind" curtain rod dress scene). She also talks candidly about not only members of her regular cast, Harvey Korman (including the time she fired him), Tim Conway, Vicki Lawrence and Lyle Waggoner, but also many of the stars who appeared on the show over its 11-year run, such as Julie Andrews, Cary Grant, Lucille Ball and Jimmy Stewart.

"This Time Together" could easily be read in one sitting, but it also could be read by those who only have snippets of time, in one-chapter-at-a-time segments without missing any of the overall enjoyment this collection of memories provides. For more memoirs and biographies, visit the Cape Girardeau Public Library or use the NoveList database on the library website, www.capelibrary.org.