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I'm Not Really Here
In his number one New York Times bestseller, Don’t Stand Too Close to a Naked Man, Tim Allen regaled us with tales from the male-female front. Now, in I’m Not Really Here, he takes a look at men in midlife—and their relationship to wives, children, friends, the universe, God, and why it’s so tough to get a good night’s sleep.
The book opens with Tim suddenly waking from a strange dream. He’s been reading late into the night about today’s hot scientific topic—quantum physics—and what he’s learned about the nature of reality really disturbs him. Fortunately, he’s got plenty of time to mull it over. Tim’s wife and daughter are going away on a camping trip, and Tim is left at home with their dog, Spot. At first, he’s excited at the opportunity to eat what he wants (bologna and potato chip sandwiches), watch the sci-fi videos he loves, and finish the 1946 Ford he’s been restoring so he can deliver it to a car show on Monday. Unfortunately, he can’t find the final part: a one-of-a-kind hood ornament. He encounters very strange coincidences, meets people he doesn’t know who seem to know too much about him, and wonders if his life is half full or half empty.
As he roams from room to room, Tim ponders how we wind up sounding like our parents when we raise our own children (“Don’t stir your ice cream into soup!”), men’s fascination with pricey gadgets (“Does this drill bit set really cost $89,000?”), and how romantic “chemistry” really works (“It’s all based on salt”). He describes his own rise to celebrity and what it’s like to buy groceries without wearing a mask. He explores the allure of hot cars, the temptation of fast-food chain prizes which seem to be getting bigger ad bigger all the time (“I’ll have the happy meal and the Harley, please”), and his obsession with his place in the cosmos.
I’m Not Really Here deals, in the Toolman’s inimitable way, with some of the urgent questions a man faces at midlife, from “What is real?” to what should he eat for breakfast (“The gummy cinnamon buns or the cereal no one can pronounce? Moose lips. Mouse licks”). This book is a culmination of a five-year journey of self-discovery. It will surprise and challenge, make you wonder and think, and induce laughter on every page.
The book opens with Tim suddenly waking from a strange dream. He’s been reading late into the night about today’s hot scientific topic—quantum physics—and what he’s learned about the nature of reality really disturbs him. Fortunately, he’s got plenty of time to mull it over. Tim’s wife and daughter are going away on a camping trip, and Tim is left at home with their dog, Spot. At first, he’s excited at the opportunity to eat what he wants (bologna and potato chip sandwiches), watch the sci-fi videos he loves, and finish the 1946 Ford he’s been restoring so he can deliver it to a car show on Monday. Unfortunately, he can’t find the final part: a one-of-a-kind hood ornament. He encounters very strange coincidences, meets people he doesn’t know who seem to know too much about him, and wonders if his life is half full or half empty.
As he roams from room to room, Tim ponders how we wind up sounding like our parents when we raise our own children (“Don’t stir your ice cream into soup!”), men’s fascination with pricey gadgets (“Does this drill bit set really cost $89,000?”), and how romantic “chemistry” really works (“It’s all based on salt”). He describes his own rise to celebrity and what it’s like to buy groceries without wearing a mask. He explores the allure of hot cars, the temptation of fast-food chain prizes which seem to be getting bigger ad bigger all the time (“I’ll have the happy meal and the Harley, please”), and his obsession with his place in the cosmos.
I’m Not Really Here deals, in the Toolman’s inimitable way, with some of the urgent questions a man faces at midlife, from “What is real?” to what should he eat for breakfast (“The gummy cinnamon buns or the cereal no one can pronounce? Moose lips. Mouse licks”). This book is a culmination of a five-year journey of self-discovery. It will surprise and challenge, make you wonder and think, and induce laughter on every page.
253 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
15 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
About the author
Tim Allen
81 books40 followersTimothy Allen Dick was born on June 13, 1953, in Denver, Colorado, USA, to Martha Katherine (Fox) and Gerald M. Dick. His father, a real-estate salesman, was killed in a collision with a drunk driver while driving his family home from a University of Colorado football game, when Tim was eleven years old. His mother, a community-service worker, remarried her high-school sweetheart, an Episcopalian deacon, two years after Tim's father's death. Tim has a total of eight siblings. His ancestry includes English, German, Irish, and Scottish.
When Tim was young, his family moved to Birmingham, Michigan. In high school, his favorite subject was shop, of course, and after high school, he attended Western Michigan University and graduated with a degree in Television Production in 1975. In 1978, he was arrested on drug charges and spent two years in jail. Upon his release, he had a new outlook on life and on a dare from a friend, started his comedy career at the Comedy Castle in Detroit. Later, he went on to do several cable specials, including, Comedy's Dirtiest Dozen (1988) and Tim Allen: Men Are Pigs (1990). In 1991, he became the star of his own hit television series on ABC called Home Improvement (1991). While continuing to film his television series throughout most of the 1990s, he starred in a string of blockbuster movies including The Santa Clause (1994), Toy Story (1995), Toy Story 2 (1999) and Galaxy Quest (1999). In August 1996, he developed and unveiled his own signature line of power tools, manufactured by Ryobi. On top of all that, he has his own racing team, Tim Allen/Saleen RRRRacing. In May 1999, he ended his series Home Improvement (1991) after eight seasons and in 2001, he filmed such movies as Big Trouble (2002) and Joe Somebody (2001).
When Tim was young, his family moved to Birmingham, Michigan. In high school, his favorite subject was shop, of course, and after high school, he attended Western Michigan University and graduated with a degree in Television Production in 1975. In 1978, he was arrested on drug charges and spent two years in jail. Upon his release, he had a new outlook on life and on a dare from a friend, started his comedy career at the Comedy Castle in Detroit. Later, he went on to do several cable specials, including, Comedy's Dirtiest Dozen (1988) and Tim Allen: Men Are Pigs (1990). In 1991, he became the star of his own hit television series on ABC called Home Improvement (1991). While continuing to film his television series throughout most of the 1990s, he starred in a string of blockbuster movies including The Santa Clause (1994), Toy Story (1995), Toy Story 2 (1999) and Galaxy Quest (1999). In August 1996, he developed and unveiled his own signature line of power tools, manufactured by Ryobi. On top of all that, he has his own racing team, Tim Allen/Saleen RRRRacing. In May 1999, he ended his series Home Improvement (1991) after eight seasons and in 2001, he filmed such movies as Big Trouble (2002) and Joe Somebody (2001).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
April 13, 2009
This book is absolutely terrible. 38 pages in and I give up. Now, I loved his first book, Don't Stand Too Close To A Naked Man. That one was fun lighthearted reading. This book is about his weekend alone while his wife and daughter are away as he nears a mid-life crisis trying to find the answers to why we're here, etc. To give you an idea about why this book by a comedian is so obnoxious, let me just state that on page 37 he starts going into detail about a quantum physics priciple called Schrodinger's Cat paradox. He's not making fun of it, he explains it and wonders if it's principles can be applied to life. He rattles on about this paradox for 7 pages!! The book was bad up to this point, but now it's just pathetic. The book starts out with a 5 page dream sequence in a jungle that literally makes no sense whatsoever at all, and the book goes downhill from there. I can't finish this and I'm selling my copy of the book.
January 21, 2009
I expected something completely different, but I was thrilled with what I got, this book really made me think instead of guffaw. There is humour in it, but it is much closer to philosophic topics. I enjoyed it lots, to me it was actually much better than "Don't stand too close to a naked man", and if he wrote something new I would buy it at once.
September 7, 2016
I decided to sample what was in the biography section of the little book outlet here, wanting to learn more about the backgrounds of a few famous and little-known people. That brought this book into my hand.
What was surprising here was that Tim Allen (whom I enjoyed years ago as Tim "The Toolman" Taylor) is really into quantum physics and is very well read on that deep topic, his road to searching for meaning in life. Apparently, he dismisses out-of-hand the possibility of Christianity being even a valid option, which leads me to guess that he has not seen any of its reality and vitality. Yet he can see the otherwise-inexplicable differences between the physical and spiritual realms, he realizes there is intelligence behind life, etc.
I decided not to read all of it because I had already gained a sense of Allen's search, and while enjoying his clean humor (good stuff!), didn't need to drink too heavily of the coarser material.
I pray that He is willing to accept his Creator!
What was surprising here was that Tim Allen (whom I enjoyed years ago as Tim "The Toolman" Taylor) is really into quantum physics and is very well read on that deep topic, his road to searching for meaning in life. Apparently, he dismisses out-of-hand the possibility of Christianity being even a valid option, which leads me to guess that he has not seen any of its reality and vitality. Yet he can see the otherwise-inexplicable differences between the physical and spiritual realms, he realizes there is intelligence behind life, etc.
I decided not to read all of it because I had already gained a sense of Allen's search, and while enjoying his clean humor (good stuff!), didn't need to drink too heavily of the coarser material.
I pray that He is willing to accept his Creator!
November 15, 2014
This was a re-read for me, from waaayyyy back in my youth. Very funny to read a book, by the way, where he's introducing the concept of email and the internet to an audience that might not be familiar with it, and at one point says how a movie better be good because they're charging a very pricey $7.50 for theater tickets. Ha! The 90s!
So, first 90% of book is enjoyable when he sticks to the funny and less so when he attempts to be all mystical/profound/revelatory/navel-gazey. Hmph. Then last 10% of book goes straight down the profundity tube, which while I might be slightly more interested reading that stuff in an actual philosophy book, is not what I was looking for from the ToolMan. Alas. I think he has another book too that sticks way more to the humor and for that reason is more enjoyable. I applaud his search for truth and all, it just makes for a kind of rambly, stream-of-consciousness read.
So, first 90% of book is enjoyable when he sticks to the funny and less so when he attempts to be all mystical/profound/revelatory/navel-gazey. Hmph. Then last 10% of book goes straight down the profundity tube, which while I might be slightly more interested reading that stuff in an actual philosophy book, is not what I was looking for from the ToolMan. Alas. I think he has another book too that sticks way more to the humor and for that reason is more enjoyable. I applaud his search for truth and all, it just makes for a kind of rambly, stream-of-consciousness read.
May 16, 2008
One day, Tim read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. He got an enlightenment. He wished to share it with us all. Then he got another enlightenment. He could sell it as a book.
Well I got an enlightenment as well. Tim could've wrapped it in one sentence, "Read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance."
Well I got an enlightenment as well. Tim could've wrapped it in one sentence, "Read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance."
June 25, 2009
Yes, Tim Allen on quantum mechanics, and I'm not joking. This was a real surprise to say the least. So good.
December 23, 2022
I read this book probably 20 years ago, and just recently rediscovered it on the back of a bookshelf. It had a few post-it slips on pages, so I re-read them to see why I marked them, then gave up and read the entire book again.
I have to say, I have no idea why some of sections I'd marked had seemed relevant to me back then. Some of Mr. Allen's random thoughts about eastern religions may have seen a bit humorous to me two decades ago. Today they seem somewhat derogatory; derived from dogma and opinion more than actual insight.
I will admit, some of my thoughts might be tempered by Tim Allen the man v Tim Allen the author. For my tastes, he's too political in his prose. It's the same reason I didn't watch his show "Last Man Standing" nor will I watch the newest "Santa Clause" film. It's just not my cup of Eggnog.
I have to say, I have no idea why some of sections I'd marked had seemed relevant to me back then. Some of Mr. Allen's random thoughts about eastern religions may have seen a bit humorous to me two decades ago. Today they seem somewhat derogatory; derived from dogma and opinion more than actual insight.
I will admit, some of my thoughts might be tempered by Tim Allen the man v Tim Allen the author. For my tastes, he's too political in his prose. It's the same reason I didn't watch his show "Last Man Standing" nor will I watch the newest "Santa Clause" film. It's just not my cup of Eggnog.
March 6, 2019
I got this book used years ago but never got around to reading it. I loved Tim Allen in Home Improvement and he’s great in his newer show Last Man Standing too. This book was written while he was still filming Home Improvement.
It was not that good. It was okay. The parts where Tim Allen shares what is happening in his life and makes jokes is good. But a lot of the book is philosophical thinking and talking about quantum physics and I just didn’t want to read that. I don’t mind a little philosophy but there was heavy quantum physics talk and especially at the end, there was SEVENTEEN pages of a letter from someone to Tim that goes deep into Quantum talk. I skimmed it, it was so boring. If I wanted a heavy science book I would have picked one up. The cover above suggests quantum talk but the cover of the one I have doesn’t show that and I wasn’t prepared for it.
Another thing that bothered me was he keeps talking about when he was in Jail. This was news to me but not once does he go into more detail. Maybe he covered it in his last book but that doesn’t help me. If he doesn’t want to talk about it, than he shouldn’t mention it.
The book is a NYT Bestseller which surprises me. I would not have thought it would be good enough to even possibly win. I was disappointed.
It was not that good. It was okay. The parts where Tim Allen shares what is happening in his life and makes jokes is good. But a lot of the book is philosophical thinking and talking about quantum physics and I just didn’t want to read that. I don’t mind a little philosophy but there was heavy quantum physics talk and especially at the end, there was SEVENTEEN pages of a letter from someone to Tim that goes deep into Quantum talk. I skimmed it, it was so boring. If I wanted a heavy science book I would have picked one up. The cover above suggests quantum talk but the cover of the one I have doesn’t show that and I wasn’t prepared for it.
Another thing that bothered me was he keeps talking about when he was in Jail. This was news to me but not once does he go into more detail. Maybe he covered it in his last book but that doesn’t help me. If he doesn’t want to talk about it, than he shouldn’t mention it.
The book is a NYT Bestseller which surprises me. I would not have thought it would be good enough to even possibly win. I was disappointed.
January 29, 2012
This book wasn't what I thought it would be! I thought it was going to be alot of silly anecdotes about Hollywood and being a stand-up comedian, but it was deep, or cleverly disguised as deep, into quantum physics, and "What is the meaning of Life?", etc. As usual, after reading this book, I have more questions than answers. I might even have to delve into some or all of the books Mr. Allen suggests for future reading!
November 14, 2010
An absolute pleasure to read. Tim Allen is at his quirky, middle-of-the-road kind of guy, not unlike his character on Home Improvement, but without the 'accident waiting to happen' plot devices. Very entertaining. I'd read anything Tim Allen writes.
February 26, 2012
I read this in my mid teens and it helped fuel an interest in quantum physics. I found the book not only funny, but eerily insightful. Leagues better than Don't Stand Too Close to a Naked Man. Definitely worth a re-read if I can find it.
August 23, 2012
I read this ages ago, it's what sparked my interest in Quantum Physics and Philosophy. I just had to add it on here since it holds such a special place in my heart. lol
It's not the greatest book ever written, but as long as you don't take yourself too seriously you'll enjoy it!
It's not the greatest book ever written, but as long as you don't take yourself too seriously you'll enjoy it!
November 4, 2009
Actually a well written comedy by Tim Allen, Mainly describing what is a Mid Life Crisis to him.
December 13, 2014
It is absolutely the common man's introduction to the ideas and theories of metaphysics. It has some laughs and stuff that as normal people, most can relate to.
April 2, 2019
I don’t think so Tim
November 5, 2022
Did not finish
February 24, 2020
This book gives us a look into the life and mind of Tim Allen. His struggle to discover the meaning of life leads us, the reader, down a path filled with quantum physics, religion, and simple struggle. This one of a kind private tour into Tim Allen’s thoughts and life is sure to excite and challenge the understandings of our existence.
July 15, 2015
This book, while genuinely really thoughtful and funny in some places, felt a bit padded. It went on too long, some parts felt overly flourished to the point where I didn't know what really happened (mind you I'm not speaking of humor points where I KNOW for a fact they didn't simply because of how they were ended in a ridiculous punch line) or not given sometimes they seemed plausible but overly mystical. It was hard to grasp what was meant to be actual event and poetic interpretation which makes it hard to take some ideas seriously. I assumed that this book, being basically non-fiction, would make that distinction a bit clearer. Some of the dialogue felt unnatural, like I was reading an overly stylized conversation that people would have in a play or movie, and other times there was just golden passages of thoughtfulness, cleverness, and real significant feelings that did compel me to keep reading.
I was intrigued by the book. I kept reading because I did want to learn more. To think more. But sometimes I think the reoccurring elements were too much. I think whole chapters could have stood to be thinned out because they felt like they were re-treading territory already covered. Of course the book has an over arching theme of feeling disconnected to society, life, feeling bored/bland, putting to words those feelings that aren't depressed but aren't happy either, and giving them weight which was good and meaningful hence my continued reading of the text and choice to keep it in my collection in case I want to reference something. But this doesn't change the feeling that it was a bit over filled and jokes and themes were over extended. And again, sometimes the way it was written I couldn't always tell what legitimately was meant to have happened in the author's life and how it related to the over all story, and what was overly embellished to the point where it felt unnatural the way the people were speaking and yet it 'could' have happened. Make sense?
Overall? I think that this book really put forth good ideas/concepts. While I didn't arrive at the same concept of GOD being the ultimate force keeping things together (as apparently the author did if you read the dedication praising the love of God being responsible for his good fortune), I still think it did a decent job at putting together those intagible feelings we have sometimes of "what is the point". I personally never needed a reason to exist because life is just random and needs no purpose and fate is imaginary and we do what we can with the time we have, but the idea of addressing the feelings of realizing just those things was over all pretty decently handled with clear effort put into it, the author even takes great care to explain as in depth, but simply, deeper concepts of science so that we can follow exactly what each thing means.
All in all, I recommend checking it out. Its a bit wording, takes a little too long here and there. A bit repetitive where it doesn't need to be. But it shows great effort and thought and can get you thinking at least a bit.
I was intrigued by the book. I kept reading because I did want to learn more. To think more. But sometimes I think the reoccurring elements were too much. I think whole chapters could have stood to be thinned out because they felt like they were re-treading territory already covered. Of course the book has an over arching theme of feeling disconnected to society, life, feeling bored/bland, putting to words those feelings that aren't depressed but aren't happy either, and giving them weight which was good and meaningful hence my continued reading of the text and choice to keep it in my collection in case I want to reference something. But this doesn't change the feeling that it was a bit over filled and jokes and themes were over extended. And again, sometimes the way it was written I couldn't always tell what legitimately was meant to have happened in the author's life and how it related to the over all story, and what was overly embellished to the point where it felt unnatural the way the people were speaking and yet it 'could' have happened. Make sense?
Overall? I think that this book really put forth good ideas/concepts. While I didn't arrive at the same concept of GOD being the ultimate force keeping things together (as apparently the author did if you read the dedication praising the love of God being responsible for his good fortune), I still think it did a decent job at putting together those intagible feelings we have sometimes of "what is the point". I personally never needed a reason to exist because life is just random and needs no purpose and fate is imaginary and we do what we can with the time we have, but the idea of addressing the feelings of realizing just those things was over all pretty decently handled with clear effort put into it, the author even takes great care to explain as in depth, but simply, deeper concepts of science so that we can follow exactly what each thing means.
All in all, I recommend checking it out. Its a bit wording, takes a little too long here and there. A bit repetitive where it doesn't need to be. But it shows great effort and thought and can get you thinking at least a bit.
June 25, 2020
Tim Allen's I'm Not Really Here is the story of one man's weekend with his own thoughts, and though entertaining and thought-provoking at times, feels just as disjointed and uneven. Within a paragraph, Tim can go from passive jokes about his fame, family, and women to philosophical questions of quantum physics and the presence of ourselves in the "real" world. It's a fairly easy read for the most part, but definitely more of a time-killer than anything. In the end, I think that's how the author wanted it - as he killed the time over his weekend thinking about life, religion, and our physical existence, so did we.
July 6, 2009
Having enjoyed Tim Allen's first book, I got this book, expecting more comedy. Instead, I got a big dose of Deepak Chopra "reality is a myth" pseudo-philosophy, combined with an attempt at understanding quantum mechanics, with a side of humor. Unfortunately, it gives a barely passable attempt at the humor, while making a mess of the philosophy - so much so that I couldn't bring myself to add a tag of "non-fiction" to this book.
This book is closely related to the fictional book "Why Do You Think You Think" in the excellent Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, which states things like:
Rand demonstrated the inherent evil in this fallacy, but Allen sees it as a source of comedic material, all while presenting it as a great, new wisdom he has stumbled upon because he read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.
The strength of true philosophy (like that of Thomas Aquinas) is, in the words of G.K. Chesterton, that reality is, in fact, real. It is the strength of Thomism, and it is the fatal flaw of this book.
If you're looking for good philosophy, try Chesterton's Saint Thomas Aquinas: The Dumb Ox. If you're simply looking for humor, there's much better mental chewing gum out there than this book.
This book is closely related to the fictional book "Why Do You Think You Think" in the excellent Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, which states things like:
Thought is a primitive superstition. Reason is an irrational idea... What you think you think is an illusion created by your glands, your emotions,... A scientist knows that a stone is not a stone at all - it is, in fact, identical with a feather pillow. Both are only a cloud formation of the same invisible, whirling particles... Are we going to be stopped by a syllogism? ... Are you going to endanger the harmony of your community - your fellowship with your neighbors, your standing, reputation, good name, and financial security - for the sake of an illusion? (Part II, Chapter 1)
Rand demonstrated the inherent evil in this fallacy, but Allen sees it as a source of comedic material, all while presenting it as a great, new wisdom he has stumbled upon because he read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.
The strength of true philosophy (like that of Thomas Aquinas) is, in the words of G.K. Chesterton, that reality is, in fact, real. It is the strength of Thomism, and it is the fatal flaw of this book.
If you're looking for good philosophy, try Chesterton's Saint Thomas Aquinas: The Dumb Ox. If you're simply looking for humor, there's much better mental chewing gum out there than this book.
January 7, 2017
The book reads as a stream of consciousness. The plot, to the extent that there is one, takes place over a weekend. With wife and child away, Tim is free to ramble around and search for a missing hood ornament to augment and finish his restored car before a big auto show. The narrative is written as if it's in the moment - sort of like an annoying facebook friend who is constantly posting what they had for breakfast and random thoughts about the world, society and black holes.
Much of the book is focused on Allen's musings about quantum physics and the idea that things can be two places at the same time - or maybe two times in the same place. It's a laymen's guide to the topic and does encourage me to try reading up more on the topic. In teaching programming, I've read about the coming of quantum computers, which are supposed to be super-fast because each bit can be turned off, or on, both or neither all at the same time. I don't know if Allen's take on the topic is accurate, so passed the book on to a colleague who teaches Physics, hoping he'll be able to be a more critical reviewer.
interestingly, the book jacket makes no mention at all of the quantum physics angle, despite the title which reflects Allen's fear that based on quantum physics we can't know whether reality is real. The standard anecdote involves Schroedinger's cat: the cat is in a box ad until the box is open there is no way to know if the cat is alive or dead, so while the box is closed, the cat is both dead and alive at the same time. Therefore, we have to throw out "I think, therefore I am" because we may be thinking - or not - and either exist or don't all at the same time....or something like that.
The publisher clearly doesn't think the public is ready for such deep philosophy (or science) from a stand-up comic, and is hoping you'll by the book expecting to laugh at Allen's absurdity. Frankly, the book was interesting enough to read through the whole thing, but I can't say that it was very funny. Allen's attempts at comedy often felt forced, or fell flat. But then I thought the same thing reading Jerry Seinfeld's book, so maybe I'm just not easily amused.
If you want a layman's guide to quantum physics, this may appeal to you. If you're looking for belly laughs, you'll probably be disappointed.
Much of the book is focused on Allen's musings about quantum physics and the idea that things can be two places at the same time - or maybe two times in the same place. It's a laymen's guide to the topic and does encourage me to try reading up more on the topic. In teaching programming, I've read about the coming of quantum computers, which are supposed to be super-fast because each bit can be turned off, or on, both or neither all at the same time. I don't know if Allen's take on the topic is accurate, so passed the book on to a colleague who teaches Physics, hoping he'll be able to be a more critical reviewer.
interestingly, the book jacket makes no mention at all of the quantum physics angle, despite the title which reflects Allen's fear that based on quantum physics we can't know whether reality is real. The standard anecdote involves Schroedinger's cat: the cat is in a box ad until the box is open there is no way to know if the cat is alive or dead, so while the box is closed, the cat is both dead and alive at the same time. Therefore, we have to throw out "I think, therefore I am" because we may be thinking - or not - and either exist or don't all at the same time....or something like that.
The publisher clearly doesn't think the public is ready for such deep philosophy (or science) from a stand-up comic, and is hoping you'll by the book expecting to laugh at Allen's absurdity. Frankly, the book was interesting enough to read through the whole thing, but I can't say that it was very funny. Allen's attempts at comedy often felt forced, or fell flat. But then I thought the same thing reading Jerry Seinfeld's book, so maybe I'm just not easily amused.
If you want a layman's guide to quantum physics, this may appeal to you. If you're looking for belly laughs, you'll probably be disappointed.
June 3, 2016
I like the author as actor and comedian so, I thought picking up this book would be a good fit for me. Well...
Tim Allen, the family man, finds himself alone for one weekend and having an issue finding a car part and in the midst of a mid-life crisis. His search for the part allows him to search for unanswered questions on the meaning of life.
I found myself at time giggling at the author's personal antidotes and flashbacks of childhood but I thought the book would be more funny. I thought it would be even more about his life. It wasn't, at least not that much. In fact, the author sometimes carried on with such dribble about quantum physics that it was painful to read. The next to last chapter was nothing more than a letter from a friend that I almost decided to skip it altogether.
However, I didn't. The reason is that I find the meaning of life to be a interesting topic. Quantum physics aside, it becomes important to all of us at some points in our lives. In essence, we all eventually question why we are here or have a mid-life crisis. For the author, this book was much more like a diary, so personal that he was compelled to write it. The thought though is maybe he should not have.
In any case, I found the book to be okay and rather honest. Although, he could have made the whole thing up in some regard as he might have not been there when he wrote it. *wink* For his efforts and thought provoking ideas he gets my 3 stars.
Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book for my own collections. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~M.M. aka Naila Moon
Tim Allen, the family man, finds himself alone for one weekend and having an issue finding a car part and in the midst of a mid-life crisis. His search for the part allows him to search for unanswered questions on the meaning of life.
I found myself at time giggling at the author's personal antidotes and flashbacks of childhood but I thought the book would be more funny. I thought it would be even more about his life. It wasn't, at least not that much. In fact, the author sometimes carried on with such dribble about quantum physics that it was painful to read. The next to last chapter was nothing more than a letter from a friend that I almost decided to skip it altogether.
However, I didn't. The reason is that I find the meaning of life to be a interesting topic. Quantum physics aside, it becomes important to all of us at some points in our lives. In essence, we all eventually question why we are here or have a mid-life crisis. For the author, this book was much more like a diary, so personal that he was compelled to write it. The thought though is maybe he should not have.
In any case, I found the book to be okay and rather honest. Although, he could have made the whole thing up in some regard as he might have not been there when he wrote it. *wink* For his efforts and thought provoking ideas he gets my 3 stars.
Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book for my own collections. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~M.M. aka Naila Moon
May 12, 2019
All my philosophical questions started here. It is the start of my brain looking and thinking outside the box. I got more curious about things. 🙂
February 1, 2011
I don't ordinarily read all this "cosmic consciousness" (what my wife refers to as "woo-woo" - see my review of "One Door Away From Heaven" by Dean Koontz) stuff, mostly, I think, because I have met all too many pompous purveyors of the whole shebang. However, I've always liked Tim Allen's viewpoint. SOOOO, here we go: This is a sort of cosmic journey of self-discovery through a sort of existential process - the journey being more important than the destination, which I DO espouse). Lot of reflections on life, family, work, prison and other stuff, in the pursuit of a hood ornament, I kid you not, all in Mr. Allen's humorous style. Also, an examination of quantum physics (see the movie "What the %$_($*&_)&@ do we Know?" before you read this book, for a good background, including interviews with hard scientists, Buddhists, and ordinary folk, interspersed with dramatic interludes starring Marlee Matlin, who is easy on the eyes as well as quite the actor). Unfortunately, towards the end, he refers to letters and interactions with a couple of old friends, which probes the nature of all this "woo-woo" stuff at a depth that, honestly, lost me, and decreased the enjoyment of the book. Nonetheless, it's a good, fun (well, at times) read. See the movie first.
February 7, 2018
I also read Tim Allen's first book (Don't stand so close to a naked man), and expected something similar. But this tells an obviously fictionalized story much like in his sitcom which branches out into a collection of physics theories. He tries to make this funny, but really doesn't get the job done. Sometimes I#m not sure what parts are supposed to be funny or are just a bit ignorant. Especially the part about IMAX cinemas on pg. 162 or the bit about a turtle (something like: "We know everything there is to know about those little amphibians"). The second example at least works as a joke, but I laughed a lot more about the first thing which was so incredibly dumbheaded I really was laughing out loud. Kudos to Allen if these jokes were all finely tuned, bit I'm not really sure about it.
When he reads a letter from a friend who explains about ten different physics theories, this really doesN't look like the work of an informed and able author.
When he reads a letter from a friend who explains about ten different physics theories, this really doesN't look like the work of an informed and able author.
March 31, 2011
I read this several years ago (when many of its references weren't so out-dated) but it never seemed to find direction and break out of its rut of uncertainty. I think after his first book (which I loved), Tim Allen was pressured to write a second, either for money or attention or to satisfy the whims of the publishing-powers-that-be. But his heart wasn't in it, and it shows. It has its moments, but too much of it feels forced and unsure of what it really wants to say. If you happen across this book in a bargain bin, go ahead and pick it up; it's worth a couple bucks and a lazy weekend read. Otherwise, I recommend his very funny original tale, Don't Stand Too Close to a Naked Man.
August 21, 2011
Not really what I was expecting, I found this somewhat self-indulgent and not really that brilliant - I did skim some chunks, esp the LONG letter from his friend Chris. I am slightly suspicious of people who spend their time trying to figure out the meaning of life and their place in it - rather egotistical in my opinion, and really a waste of time as I'm sure the universe will continue on it's way regardless of our thoughts on it (though of course I could be wrong ... I'm sure Tim Allen wouldn't agree!).
I guess if you're interested in quantum physics and existentialism you might enjoy this ...
I guess if you're interested in quantum physics and existentialism you might enjoy this ...
January 11, 2017
Tim Allen's second book is about mid-life crises, his in particular. He has read a lot of physics and philosophy and says some bright things. I'm afraid I was bored with a good part of it. He's a nice guy but his view of things doesn't give me any new windows to look out of. This book was a Valentines Day gift from Rose. She read Allen's first book when I brought it home from the library, and judging from the time she had to spend slogging through it, I decided to pass. 2/28/97 Anyway, I just landed a new job. So I'm not going to have a lot of free time for a while. I start at CSI on 3/17/97. I hope I can cut it.
October 11, 2011
Having read Tim Allen's first book "Don't Stand Too Close to a Naked Man", I was eager to read more of his writings. However, this book was a disappointment. I was expecting humor, but he actually went on to explain quantum physics and such. I have absolutely no understanding of physics, and even though he dumbed it down, this was not the read I was hoping for. As guilty as I feel, I couldn't finish the book. I got to about page 40 and had to put it down.
Hopefully he'll come out with another book more similar to his first.
Hopefully he'll come out with another book more similar to his first.
August 4, 2014
Gives a totally different perspective on Tim Allen as a person, which is an interesting phenomenon in itself. It covers very intriguing concepts in a clever and funny way. The book's presentation was good and information had a nice rhythm which kept my interest through the conclusion. Information was presented in a lighthearted, easy-to-follow manner, but the actual substance of the topics is rather dense, and lends itself to further research. I took frequent breaks in order to give it due consideration.
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