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I'm Over All That and Other Confessions
The award-winning actress and New York Times bestselling author pens the funniest, most accessible and timely book of her career, detailing all the things she's over ...and a few things she's not. Shirley MacLaine is one of the most admired Hollywood actresses, and indubitably one of the most fearless. Whatever the topic - show business, ageing, politics, family or the future of mankind and the universe, Shirley has never shied away from sharing opinions that are as fascinating as they are honest. In a series of short essays Shirley shares her opinions and insights on all the things that drive her crazy, inspire her to action, and keep her firmly in the public eye. With essay titles such as I Am Not Over Good Journalists, I'm Trying to Get Over Anger, Sex Got Over Me and I Can't Remember If I'm Over Memory Loss, this is Shirley's pithiest and funniest book to date. As frank and personal as Nora Ephron's I Feel Bad About My Neck - which, incidentally, Shirley doesn't since she knows the secrets of good lighting - I'm Over All That is MacLaine at her acerbic and irreverent best.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2011
85 people are currently reading
717 people want to read
About the author
Shirley MacLaine
114 books326 followersShirley MacLaine is an actress, author, and former dancer. Known for her portrayals of quirky, strong-willed, and eccentric women, she has received numerous accolades over her seven-decade career, including an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, six Golden Globes, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Apart from acting, MacLaine has written numerous books regarding the subjects of metaphysics, spirituality, and reincarnation, as well as a New York Times bestselling memoir, Out On a Limb.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
September 3, 2013
I needed a plane read so quickly picked up out of the bargain bin...thinking "How bad can it be?"
um...well...
Shirley presents herself as a kitschy cross between a female Andy Rooney (grumpy over why youngsters are rude, etc.) and, of course, the enlightened time traveler. I had to put the book down and read the flight magazine to take a break.
She's a really bright woman with some insights. I enjoyed her chapter on the founding fathers and her interpretation of the Great Seal... but she also tells the reader she met her dog in a previous life as an Annubus (that's a God of the Netherworld to us uninitiated. Duh.) in ancient Egypt. Why isn't daily reality interesting enough, and why aren't current connections important enough, so that one feels the need to find previous connections in past lives in order to justify a sense of, or perhaps need for,exclusivity? Is nothing in daily life that extraordinary in and of itself without the addition of some time travel or pseudo philosophic new age reinterpretation?
As an aside, I find it of interest that she can consider herself to be so enlightened and never yet seem to have any empathy or sympathy towards the wives of those many married men with whom she had affairs. This thought crossed my mind when she was discussing how "over" sex she was.
I think I'm over her.
um...well...
Shirley presents herself as a kitschy cross between a female Andy Rooney (grumpy over why youngsters are rude, etc.) and, of course, the enlightened time traveler. I had to put the book down and read the flight magazine to take a break.
She's a really bright woman with some insights. I enjoyed her chapter on the founding fathers and her interpretation of the Great Seal... but she also tells the reader she met her dog in a previous life as an Annubus (that's a God of the Netherworld to us uninitiated. Duh.) in ancient Egypt. Why isn't daily reality interesting enough, and why aren't current connections important enough, so that one feels the need to find previous connections in past lives in order to justify a sense of, or perhaps need for,exclusivity? Is nothing in daily life that extraordinary in and of itself without the addition of some time travel or pseudo philosophic new age reinterpretation?
As an aside, I find it of interest that she can consider herself to be so enlightened and never yet seem to have any empathy or sympathy towards the wives of those many married men with whom she had affairs. This thought crossed my mind when she was discussing how "over" sex she was.
I think I'm over her.
October 13, 2017
Life and Shirley MacLaine
Shirley MacLaine captured the minds and heart of millions of fans by some of her best performances in several Hollywood movies, especially the Academy award winning movie "Apartment" with Jack Lemmon. In this book she shares very intimate and somewhat controversial ideas of life, but this is not unexpected from Shirley as she always has been a social revolutionary. She says that she has learned to ease up on worry, scheming for films or roles, planning for better surroundings, and feeling anger at American leaders who operate politically rather than humanely. She says; she is getting freer from the expectations of the external world. In fact, the one worry she can't seem to give up and get over is the fear of being lonely. Her thoughts, at times becomes quite intense and metaphysical; when she observes that she has found that people are looking for something to fill the loneliness inside them; It doesn't matter how wealthy or well situated they are, the thought turns to why are we here, what is the point of life, is God real, are we alone in the universe?
When she was in 50s, MacLaine says that she was unhappy at getting a lot of grandmother roles, even though in her own mind, she is still young and bouncy. She speaks very candidly about her best friend Elizabeth Taylor, whom she calls, a very down-to-earth person, loyal, funny and a woman to be adored completely. MacLaine is honest about open marriage, sex and living fully. She insists that having an open mind about life is helpful. She admits she had had "an awful lot of lovers". She often fell for the leading men she worked with, although she wasn't attracted to Jack Lemmon, her co-star in The Apartment, because he was too nice, or Jack Nicholson, whom she starred with in Terms of Endearment, because he was too dangerous.
MacLaine is tremendously talented and a gifted woman who shares her ideas about everything that matters, from religion to politics and philosophy. Reading her story is a joy.
Shirley MacLaine captured the minds and heart of millions of fans by some of her best performances in several Hollywood movies, especially the Academy award winning movie "Apartment" with Jack Lemmon. In this book she shares very intimate and somewhat controversial ideas of life, but this is not unexpected from Shirley as she always has been a social revolutionary. She says that she has learned to ease up on worry, scheming for films or roles, planning for better surroundings, and feeling anger at American leaders who operate politically rather than humanely. She says; she is getting freer from the expectations of the external world. In fact, the one worry she can't seem to give up and get over is the fear of being lonely. Her thoughts, at times becomes quite intense and metaphysical; when she observes that she has found that people are looking for something to fill the loneliness inside them; It doesn't matter how wealthy or well situated they are, the thought turns to why are we here, what is the point of life, is God real, are we alone in the universe?
When she was in 50s, MacLaine says that she was unhappy at getting a lot of grandmother roles, even though in her own mind, she is still young and bouncy. She speaks very candidly about her best friend Elizabeth Taylor, whom she calls, a very down-to-earth person, loyal, funny and a woman to be adored completely. MacLaine is honest about open marriage, sex and living fully. She insists that having an open mind about life is helpful. She admits she had had "an awful lot of lovers". She often fell for the leading men she worked with, although she wasn't attracted to Jack Lemmon, her co-star in The Apartment, because he was too nice, or Jack Nicholson, whom she starred with in Terms of Endearment, because he was too dangerous.
MacLaine is tremendously talented and a gifted woman who shares her ideas about everything that matters, from religion to politics and philosophy. Reading her story is a joy.
September 6, 2011
Oh Shirley, Shirley, Shirley.....you are SUCH a nut! And yet, in a lot of ways you really aren't. This book was quite enjoyable to listen too....and I highly recommend doing this one via audio. It's great to hear Shirley's voice and performance, and I'm not sure I would have stuck with it in book form.
Is Shirley a nut? Well, I like to keep an open mind. And here's why some of her ideas didn't bother me - because she's SINCERE! She's GENUINE. And quite frankly, I like her politics. When she wasn't going on with the new-agey stuff I really like what she had to say. And sometimes I liked what she had to say even when she WAS going on with the new-agey stuff.
You don't have to be into crystals to thoroughly enjoy the opinions of this very opinionated lady. The Hollywood stuff was good and I liked what she had to say about Bush and his ilk. Her attitudes about society/affairs/travel are often dead on. Even her stuff about 2012 (gut reaction: Oh pleeeze!) was okay because she's got a totally different take on it. Our Shirley "believes" in 2012 but she does not think it's going to be Armagedeon. Quite the opposite.
Rock on, Ms. MacLaine. No matter how loopy they want to paint you, you're still a class act.
Is Shirley a nut? Well, I like to keep an open mind. And here's why some of her ideas didn't bother me - because she's SINCERE! She's GENUINE. And quite frankly, I like her politics. When she wasn't going on with the new-agey stuff I really like what she had to say. And sometimes I liked what she had to say even when she WAS going on with the new-agey stuff.
You don't have to be into crystals to thoroughly enjoy the opinions of this very opinionated lady. The Hollywood stuff was good and I liked what she had to say about Bush and his ilk. Her attitudes about society/affairs/travel are often dead on. Even her stuff about 2012 (gut reaction: Oh pleeeze!) was okay because she's got a totally different take on it. Our Shirley "believes" in 2012 but she does not think it's going to be Armagedeon. Quite the opposite.
Rock on, Ms. MacLaine. No matter how loopy they want to paint you, you're still a class act.
Read
April 26, 2011A friend gave this book to me for my birthday. I love my friends. As for the book...it took me about an hour to read followed by three hours to deconstruct the introductory episode where the author watches a baby drown and does nothing, on the premise that the baby is a Thai Buddhist and if it falls out of a canoe it was its destiny to do so because that's what its parents believe. She could have made an argument for respecting local traditions and the superstitious choices of the parents and mentioned how this results in emotionally and intellectually uncomfortable choices for foreign visitors. If she had carefully made that argument I might have still disagreed but I wouldn't have reacted so negatively. What she actually says sounds rather more like she believes that metaphysical facts are different in Thailand: if you live in Thailand and believe in Buddhism, you have a destiny and you reincarnate; if you don't, then you won't. Not only can you create a reality that's true for you, but you can project your beliefs onto others (your children) and make your reality true for them, such that if you think happy thoughts while you watch your children die unnecessarily, then those happy thoughts magically become reality for them so it's all OK and nothing about the situation needs to be improved. Anyway, the passage in question is very unclear and brief and it is useless to overanalyze it. I guess what I hoped for in a retrospective of a lifelong spiritual seeker was a little seriousness -- at least when the subject is drowning babies. Can we be lighthearted and "all over" everything else except avoidable infant mortality?
Maybe I am a pill. This is not a philosophy book and when I stop demanding ethical coherence from it I can have a better memory of it. Toward the end she had a lot to say about the Mayan prophecy of 2012. My favorite part was her story about going to a party and mistaking cocaine for Sweet & Low.
Maybe I am a pill. This is not a philosophy book and when I stop demanding ethical coherence from it I can have a better memory of it. Toward the end she had a lot to say about the Mayan prophecy of 2012. My favorite part was her story about going to a party and mistaking cocaine for Sweet & Low.
May 10, 2011
Well, Shirley is always entertaining! And that's the thing. She's an entertainer. Her life is amazing. I loved reading what she's "over," what she's not over, and what she's semi-over. From religion to vanity, from family to exercise. From sex (she's kind of over it, but good Lord, she had enough with enough people for 50 lifetimes) to her now happy life of semi-seclusion in New Mexico with her dog.
I'd love to have dinner with Shirley. I'm sure we'd be friends. Even with the things I'm not quite over about her — like the amoral power-sexcapades. It's not just that she was married (a "very liberal arrangement") and slept with stars of stage and world politics abounding — it's that she never cared about the other people that her somewhat narcissistic behavior effected. That the Prime Minister of Sweden was married was merely a "technicality" to Shirley. "He was technically married." Technically. O.K. So was she. Technically. How marvelous. And on it went. She never carried about who might be hurt in her wake, and that is disturbing —especially for a woman spouting Karma on every other page. Karma's only for other things I guess. A blind spot? Perhaps.
I'm not over Shirley's inability to "get" why she's not given the same spiritual credibility as the Dalai Lama. Seriously. She is clearly bothered that the Dalai Lama can speak without being ridiculed, while when she speaks about reincarnation, past lives, UFOs and other New Age passions, she is the subject of snickers, hoots, and yes, at times, ridicule. Though not as much now as 20 years ago. And she's met and spent time with the Dalai Lama. (She's met everyone, that is well established.) A bit of jealousy over the chasm between her spiritual cred and the Tibetan spiritual leader's. Shirley finally attributes the difference to "wardrobe." And she is bothered enough by this to repeat it several times in the book. Perhaps if she wore a monk's robe she'd be taken more seriously. Well, there's something to that. The Dalai Lama's credibility is bolstered in part by NOT sleeping with movie stars and female heads of state galore, even though, as a powerful man, he had the charisma and no doubt opportunity to do so.
Shirley argues that everyone would be as promiscuous as those on film sets and political campaigns given the opportunity to partake. It just is the way it is. Somehow I can't see the Dalai Lama doing that on any film set, or any campaign. Or some other folks who are a bit "over" the orgy part of politics and movies.
What would Buddha, Jesus, or lots of other folks do?
Shirley is fascinating, as much for her blind spots as her entertaining ways. She speaks about the development of doctrine in Christianity, for example, as if she actually knows what she's talking about, citing only one person, and one council, to blame for the exclusion of reincarnation in Christian tradition. She overlooks that it was never part of the Hebrew Tradition from whence came Christianity. And while touting the Church Father Origen for his belief in it (he called it the trans-migration of souls), she fails to understand that Origen in his own time held a fringe belief among Christians and was considered a gnostic or a heretic in his own time by many. He held a minority belief. It wasn't Theodora of Byantium alone who did away with the teachings of Origen (and others) in Constantinople in 553, three centuries after Origen's death. Even while speaking of trans-migration of souls, Origen was not teaching reincarnation as such. A bit complicated for Shirley, its seems. She's no scholar, that's certain. That's why her dogmatic statements about spirituality can be off-putting. She's not a scholar, and her self-directed studies are skewed. But darn it, even the Peruvian Shamans get the credibility (deserved) that she so craves. Must be the wardrobe.
Here's the thing: whether you believe in past lives or not, history and blame according to Shirley, are off.
So read the book for the entertaining aspects. Consider she has some wisdom and much to offer. But be discerning: take the good, leave the dross, enjoy the ride with Shirley MacLaine.
I'd love to have dinner with Shirley. I'm sure we'd be friends. Even with the things I'm not quite over about her — like the amoral power-sexcapades. It's not just that she was married (a "very liberal arrangement") and slept with stars of stage and world politics abounding — it's that she never cared about the other people that her somewhat narcissistic behavior effected. That the Prime Minister of Sweden was married was merely a "technicality" to Shirley. "He was technically married." Technically. O.K. So was she. Technically. How marvelous. And on it went. She never carried about who might be hurt in her wake, and that is disturbing —especially for a woman spouting Karma on every other page. Karma's only for other things I guess. A blind spot? Perhaps.
I'm not over Shirley's inability to "get" why she's not given the same spiritual credibility as the Dalai Lama. Seriously. She is clearly bothered that the Dalai Lama can speak without being ridiculed, while when she speaks about reincarnation, past lives, UFOs and other New Age passions, she is the subject of snickers, hoots, and yes, at times, ridicule. Though not as much now as 20 years ago. And she's met and spent time with the Dalai Lama. (She's met everyone, that is well established.) A bit of jealousy over the chasm between her spiritual cred and the Tibetan spiritual leader's. Shirley finally attributes the difference to "wardrobe." And she is bothered enough by this to repeat it several times in the book. Perhaps if she wore a monk's robe she'd be taken more seriously. Well, there's something to that. The Dalai Lama's credibility is bolstered in part by NOT sleeping with movie stars and female heads of state galore, even though, as a powerful man, he had the charisma and no doubt opportunity to do so.
Shirley argues that everyone would be as promiscuous as those on film sets and political campaigns given the opportunity to partake. It just is the way it is. Somehow I can't see the Dalai Lama doing that on any film set, or any campaign. Or some other folks who are a bit "over" the orgy part of politics and movies.
What would Buddha, Jesus, or lots of other folks do?
Shirley is fascinating, as much for her blind spots as her entertaining ways. She speaks about the development of doctrine in Christianity, for example, as if she actually knows what she's talking about, citing only one person, and one council, to blame for the exclusion of reincarnation in Christian tradition. She overlooks that it was never part of the Hebrew Tradition from whence came Christianity. And while touting the Church Father Origen for his belief in it (he called it the trans-migration of souls), she fails to understand that Origen in his own time held a fringe belief among Christians and was considered a gnostic or a heretic in his own time by many. He held a minority belief. It wasn't Theodora of Byantium alone who did away with the teachings of Origen (and others) in Constantinople in 553, three centuries after Origen's death. Even while speaking of trans-migration of souls, Origen was not teaching reincarnation as such. A bit complicated for Shirley, its seems. She's no scholar, that's certain. That's why her dogmatic statements about spirituality can be off-putting. She's not a scholar, and her self-directed studies are skewed. But darn it, even the Peruvian Shamans get the credibility (deserved) that she so craves. Must be the wardrobe.
Here's the thing: whether you believe in past lives or not, history and blame according to Shirley, are off.
So read the book for the entertaining aspects. Consider she has some wisdom and much to offer. But be discerning: take the good, leave the dross, enjoy the ride with Shirley MacLaine.
May 14, 2011
Shirley MacLaine has learned many lessons in her life, but probably her most all-encompassing one has been how to go out on a limb. Taking risks, expanding her awareness, traveling to the far reaches of the world (and beyond!)—These traits are all uniquely her.
In her latest memoir, MacLaine shares some of the conclusions she has reached, most especially about what she no longer spends time worrying or thinking about. In a conversational tone, with a wry sense of humor showing itself now and then, she spotlights the issues that still concern her, while sharing those that do not...and why.
Each chapter reveals them, and some of my favorites include: I Am (Almost) Over Watching the News; I Am Over Politics. It's Jazz, And I'm Over All That Jazz; I Am Over Young People Who Are Rude; I Am Trying to Get Over the Feeling That the World is Falling Apart; and I Wonder If I Will Be Over the Drama of 2012.
In the chapter on "news," she shares her thoughts on the entertainment aspect of news reporting. How the news is without any objectivity or perspective, but seems to be all about ratings. How it's all about who can tell the story in a more colorful or entertaining way.
Her chapter on rudeness (especially of young people) features a discussion of communication via technology, and how "niceness" is lost in the process.
Her fascinating insights into the 2012 issue and "magnetic reversals" kept me turning those pages.
What strikes me most about Shirley MacLaine, both in this memoir and in her others, is her determination to be true to her own quest, the journey that leads to answering the big questions in life. Her boundless curiosity, her sense of humor, and her generally positive approach to her investigations has kept me coming back to each book she has written. Because I'm sure she's not "over" seeking and writing about it.
Now that she's written "I'm Over All That: And Other Confessions," I now can't wait to see what she'll do next. Five stars.
In her latest memoir, MacLaine shares some of the conclusions she has reached, most especially about what she no longer spends time worrying or thinking about. In a conversational tone, with a wry sense of humor showing itself now and then, she spotlights the issues that still concern her, while sharing those that do not...and why.
Each chapter reveals them, and some of my favorites include: I Am (Almost) Over Watching the News; I Am Over Politics. It's Jazz, And I'm Over All That Jazz; I Am Over Young People Who Are Rude; I Am Trying to Get Over the Feeling That the World is Falling Apart; and I Wonder If I Will Be Over the Drama of 2012.
In the chapter on "news," she shares her thoughts on the entertainment aspect of news reporting. How the news is without any objectivity or perspective, but seems to be all about ratings. How it's all about who can tell the story in a more colorful or entertaining way.
Her chapter on rudeness (especially of young people) features a discussion of communication via technology, and how "niceness" is lost in the process.
Her fascinating insights into the 2012 issue and "magnetic reversals" kept me turning those pages.
What strikes me most about Shirley MacLaine, both in this memoir and in her others, is her determination to be true to her own quest, the journey that leads to answering the big questions in life. Her boundless curiosity, her sense of humor, and her generally positive approach to her investigations has kept me coming back to each book she has written. Because I'm sure she's not "over" seeking and writing about it.
Now that she's written "I'm Over All That: And Other Confessions," I now can't wait to see what she'll do next. Five stars.
December 17, 2013
Dearest Shirley,
I half hoped I could get an answer to a question I have of you.
In your book "I'm Over It Because I Am Better Than All of You People" I love to read but this is one instance where I wish I had ignored the clearance bin and saved my $2.00- mainly because then- I wouldn't have had to read about you allowing an infant to drown in your presence.
Inciting others is not enjoyable to me, but you managed to spark some very, very real emotions inside of me. (ooh- maybe you were me in another life or vice versa- that'd be a fun story for your next book)
That aside. At one point, you state:
"My anger at injustice has not changed or diminished as I move along my spiritual path." Then you go on to question the taking of life as the highest cosmic and spiritual crime and where does that leave the human race in relation to how we conduct our affairs?
Then you go on to regale us with a very Annie Oakley-esque tale that has you saving a wild leopard in Africa.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I have a very simple and straightforward question of your checks and balances.
Under what star of yours is it okay to knowingly allow a baby child to drown? I only pray this story is false, and instead some malarkey you dreamed up to add some dramatic hype to your tales of soul searching.
If it is true, I would like to think you plan on expediting some more soul searching missions, not the least of which, aim for the one where you locate your ACTUAL soul.
I find it hard to believe a woman of your age needs to hear this but here I go:
A child of one or less years of age cannot be expected to care for itself and even less understand the dangers of water. But I digress- I understand- who were you to interfere on behalf of a baby's utter helplessness while it floundered to it's death?
After that, your book about becoming a starlet that knows everything about everything became a series of sick and mooted points for me.
Yet I tried to soldier on and finish it. I didn't make it far.
I am small town and simple, but not enough that I don't recognize a bunch of self pretentious BS.
The fact that you claim to have not interfered in the name of religion (although in the next breath- you claim to be "over" religion) sounds more to me like you didn't want to get your hair wet.
It isn't everyday we are given opportunities to be normal, decent, caring human beings. Oh wait. I am confused because you say we are given these chances if only we step up and take responsibility for our choices. But I guess that doesn't apply to you.
As my wise and humble father has always said, "there are those of us that "do" and then there is everyone else.
Whatever judgment day comes your way, at the hands of God or Allah or King Tut, whomever it is that you lay down at night and speak to, I pray they understand YOU.
Because I sure as hell don't.
I will also pray they are far more forgiving than myself.
Though I don't actually find myself needing it, out of politeness, I am asking in advance for forgiveness for my small-town, poor person prejudice...
I half hoped I could get an answer to a question I have of you.
In your book "I'm Over It Because I Am Better Than All of You People" I love to read but this is one instance where I wish I had ignored the clearance bin and saved my $2.00- mainly because then- I wouldn't have had to read about you allowing an infant to drown in your presence.
Inciting others is not enjoyable to me, but you managed to spark some very, very real emotions inside of me. (ooh- maybe you were me in another life or vice versa- that'd be a fun story for your next book)
That aside. At one point, you state:
"My anger at injustice has not changed or diminished as I move along my spiritual path." Then you go on to question the taking of life as the highest cosmic and spiritual crime and where does that leave the human race in relation to how we conduct our affairs?
Then you go on to regale us with a very Annie Oakley-esque tale that has you saving a wild leopard in Africa.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I have a very simple and straightforward question of your checks and balances.
Under what star of yours is it okay to knowingly allow a baby child to drown? I only pray this story is false, and instead some malarkey you dreamed up to add some dramatic hype to your tales of soul searching.
If it is true, I would like to think you plan on expediting some more soul searching missions, not the least of which, aim for the one where you locate your ACTUAL soul.
I find it hard to believe a woman of your age needs to hear this but here I go:
A child of one or less years of age cannot be expected to care for itself and even less understand the dangers of water. But I digress- I understand- who were you to interfere on behalf of a baby's utter helplessness while it floundered to it's death?
After that, your book about becoming a starlet that knows everything about everything became a series of sick and mooted points for me.
Yet I tried to soldier on and finish it. I didn't make it far.
I am small town and simple, but not enough that I don't recognize a bunch of self pretentious BS.
The fact that you claim to have not interfered in the name of religion (although in the next breath- you claim to be "over" religion) sounds more to me like you didn't want to get your hair wet.
It isn't everyday we are given opportunities to be normal, decent, caring human beings. Oh wait. I am confused because you say we are given these chances if only we step up and take responsibility for our choices. But I guess that doesn't apply to you.
As my wise and humble father has always said, "there are those of us that "do" and then there is everyone else.
Whatever judgment day comes your way, at the hands of God or Allah or King Tut, whomever it is that you lay down at night and speak to, I pray they understand YOU.
Because I sure as hell don't.
I will also pray they are far more forgiving than myself.
Though I don't actually find myself needing it, out of politeness, I am asking in advance for forgiveness for my small-town, poor person prejudice...
November 15, 2022
First of all, the author: Shirley MacLain is a goddess. A mesmerizing actress and an immensely talented human being. I stand in awe of her. And she’s so much more than her Hollywood persona so hooray for her.
Second, the book: it’s rambling. There are some 4- and 5-star moments. Hilarious chapters and moments of MacLain’s life, like mistaking cocaine for sweet and low. And unlike some, I don’t discount her spiritual experiences, even while a lot of it doesn’t resonate with me. Who’s to say what she’s experienced? But the certainty of “aliens” and other aspects of the spiritual realm are offputting and odd.
Overall, the lower rating is because the book lacks direction.
Second, the book: it’s rambling. There are some 4- and 5-star moments. Hilarious chapters and moments of MacLain’s life, like mistaking cocaine for sweet and low. And unlike some, I don’t discount her spiritual experiences, even while a lot of it doesn’t resonate with me. Who’s to say what she’s experienced? But the certainty of “aliens” and other aspects of the spiritual realm are offputting and odd.
Overall, the lower rating is because the book lacks direction.
May 4, 2014
In the words of Maureen O'Hara "Rubbish!"
Read
June 26, 2011I’m Over All that, and Other Confessions; by Shirley MacLaine, narrated by the author, produced by Simon and Schuster Audio, downloaded from audible.com.
At a certain time in life, we all come to realize what is truly important to us and what just doesn't matter. For Shirley MacLaine, that time is now. In
this wise, witty, and fearless collection of small observations and big-picture questions, she shares with listeners all those things that she is over
dealing with in life, in love, at home, and in the larger world... as well as the things she will never get over, no matter how long she lives. Among the
things that Shirley is over: people who repeat themselves ("when you didn't care what they said the first time"); conservatives and liberals; ill-mannered
young people; the poison of celebrity ("Why do so many people want to be famous when they see how it can destroy your life?"); being polite to boring people
("If they won't stop talking, I go into a trance and meditate"); getting older in Hollywood ("How peaceful it is not to have to look particularly pretty
anymore or to wear a size 6"). In the opposite camp, there are some things Shirley will never get over: good lighting ("Marlene Dietrich taught me how
to light myself"); gorgeous costars ("The vanity of male actors is an impossible wall to scale"); performing live ("Yes, it is better than sex"); and above
all, brave people with curious minds ("Fear is the most powerful weapon of mass destruction"). Along the way, she recalls stories of some of the true greats
she has known - Alfred Hitchcock, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, the two Jacks (Lemmon and Nicholson) - and ruminates on the state of Hollywood past
and present. She recollects her relationships and romances with politicians (including two prime ministers), scientists, journalists, and costars. Shirley
MacLaine may be over all that, but this irresistible book ensures that we will never get over her. And she does a wonderful job narrating her own book. She has the skill that makes it seem as if she’s sitting across from you in your living room, both of you with a glass of wine.
At a certain time in life, we all come to realize what is truly important to us and what just doesn't matter. For Shirley MacLaine, that time is now. In
this wise, witty, and fearless collection of small observations and big-picture questions, she shares with listeners all those things that she is over
dealing with in life, in love, at home, and in the larger world... as well as the things she will never get over, no matter how long she lives. Among the
things that Shirley is over: people who repeat themselves ("when you didn't care what they said the first time"); conservatives and liberals; ill-mannered
young people; the poison of celebrity ("Why do so many people want to be famous when they see how it can destroy your life?"); being polite to boring people
("If they won't stop talking, I go into a trance and meditate"); getting older in Hollywood ("How peaceful it is not to have to look particularly pretty
anymore or to wear a size 6"). In the opposite camp, there are some things Shirley will never get over: good lighting ("Marlene Dietrich taught me how
to light myself"); gorgeous costars ("The vanity of male actors is an impossible wall to scale"); performing live ("Yes, it is better than sex"); and above
all, brave people with curious minds ("Fear is the most powerful weapon of mass destruction"). Along the way, she recalls stories of some of the true greats
she has known - Alfred Hitchcock, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, the two Jacks (Lemmon and Nicholson) - and ruminates on the state of Hollywood past
and present. She recollects her relationships and romances with politicians (including two prime ministers), scientists, journalists, and costars. Shirley
MacLaine may be over all that, but this irresistible book ensures that we will never get over her. And she does a wonderful job narrating her own book. She has the skill that makes it seem as if she’s sitting across from you in your living room, both of you with a glass of wine.
December 19, 2011
I enjoyed this most recent visit with the very honest, very outspoken Shirley Maclaine. She is not over her commitment to discovering herself and that is wonderful. The book is a variety of short and long chapters on various topics she is or isn't over. The book is alternately funny, touching, challenging, informative, and out-there. But, it wouldn't be Shirley any other way. She's a great talent, a compelling writer, and an honest observer of our world. She understands that not everyone will agree with everything she believes, but she honestly doesn't care. She puts herself out there and it's up to us to take what we wish from the buffet. I find myself wishing I could have a conversation with her, but I fear she'd find me too boring to bother with. That's okay. She's shared herself with me through her writings and for that I'm grateful.
When I finished some chapters, I said, "She nailed it."
When I finished other chapters, I said, "What a unique take on someone or something famous. It reeks of truth and gives me a new perspective on this person or place.
When I finished other chapters, I said, "A Little out there, but there are some real nuggets for further contemplation contained here."
When I finished a very few other chapters, I said," She's such a bright, inquiring individual; how can she believe this stuff?"
When I finished the book, I said,"God this person is interesting and knows how to relate what she sees, hears, feels, and thinks. She is aging with grace and energy in her own way."
I can see why you've made so many friends over the years, Ms. Maclaine. You take life seriously and really want to learn every day. Keep on telling us your tale. It's a good one and it makes us think about our own lives: where we've been; where we're going; and what we're deriving from the experience.
When I finished some chapters, I said, "She nailed it."
When I finished other chapters, I said, "What a unique take on someone or something famous. It reeks of truth and gives me a new perspective on this person or place.
When I finished other chapters, I said, "A Little out there, but there are some real nuggets for further contemplation contained here."
When I finished a very few other chapters, I said," She's such a bright, inquiring individual; how can she believe this stuff?"
When I finished the book, I said,"God this person is interesting and knows how to relate what she sees, hears, feels, and thinks. She is aging with grace and energy in her own way."
I can see why you've made so many friends over the years, Ms. Maclaine. You take life seriously and really want to learn every day. Keep on telling us your tale. It's a good one and it makes us think about our own lives: where we've been; where we're going; and what we're deriving from the experience.
July 29, 2015
I haven’t read any of Shirley MacLaine’s books before although I have always admired her as a dramatic and comedic actress, dancer and political activist and for her boldness in being true to herself and always speaking her views and ideologies without concern for any fallout or judgment. The book didn’t disappoint.
Like the author, the book is smart, sassy, outspoken and opinionated and at the same time mellow and wise. The topics are wide and varied and demonstrate her very full and active life experiences, her significant intellect and knowledge and her wide diversity of interests and social network over the years.
The topics are an excellent eclectic mixture, nothing earth shattering, just the stuff that make up life. The variety, flow and writing style kept me very engaged. I can now add admiring Shirley MacLaine as an author to my list.
It was a quick and easy read. The book and Shirley’s comments were sometimes irreverent but always down to earth and practical. Her philosophy on life was in full evidence including her well-grounded, spiritual and holistic approach to the earth/universe and everyone/everything in it. Her views seemed logical, researched and very well thought out, definitely not the “fluff stuff” that her detractors have labelled her with.
Very enjoyable read from a terrific lady. I admit my bias. From what I know, I like the lady and what she stands for. I felt like I was on the couch or in the kitchen with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine chatting with her about life. Doesn’t get much more comfortable or connective that that.
Like the author, the book is smart, sassy, outspoken and opinionated and at the same time mellow and wise. The topics are wide and varied and demonstrate her very full and active life experiences, her significant intellect and knowledge and her wide diversity of interests and social network over the years.
The topics are an excellent eclectic mixture, nothing earth shattering, just the stuff that make up life. The variety, flow and writing style kept me very engaged. I can now add admiring Shirley MacLaine as an author to my list.
It was a quick and easy read. The book and Shirley’s comments were sometimes irreverent but always down to earth and practical. Her philosophy on life was in full evidence including her well-grounded, spiritual and holistic approach to the earth/universe and everyone/everything in it. Her views seemed logical, researched and very well thought out, definitely not the “fluff stuff” that her detractors have labelled her with.
Very enjoyable read from a terrific lady. I admit my bias. From what I know, I like the lady and what she stands for. I felt like I was on the couch or in the kitchen with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine chatting with her about life. Doesn’t get much more comfortable or connective that that.
April 4, 2012
I 'read' this as an audiobook read by the author. Some parts of it were so funny I snorted my latte while driving and listening. The Hollywood reminiscences are fun, though her time was mostly before mine and I only briefly know of the actors and directors etc she talks about (though who doesn't know about - and enjoy personal stories about such greats as Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Alfred Hitchcock, Jack Nicholson, to name a few?). But I loved more her frank, honest, no-nonsense approach to life and herself, to what's happening with our country, our culture and our planet. I found her metaphysical topics intriguing. She's such a mix of worldly and 'what's beyond this world'-ly. I think she'd be an amazing person to sit next to on a plane (not that she's going to fly again - as you'll learn in the book) as she could probably converse interestingly on any topic under the sun (and beyond!). Finally, I loved that she's an intense animal lover, and it's fun to hear about her relationship with her dog, who seems to be as much of a character as she is.
August 5, 2011
Absolutely delightful. I have read all MacLaine's books through the years- enjoying her search for answers and adventures. This one touches on reincarnation, UFOs, and politics, and the everyday issues we all face in our maturing years.
This book is wonderfully open and honest. MacLaine is a seeker who has found some truths through her life and is willing to share them. Along with tell all tidbits like ridding in cars with JFK, and curmudgeonly complaints, - why does the world laugh at her when she talks about reincarnation and not the Dali Lama- is it the wardrobe? Who wants to stop reading?
Written in such a confidential tone- it's like a letter from a best friend-or a chat between buds over a cup of tea. As I said, delightful.
This book is wonderfully open and honest. MacLaine is a seeker who has found some truths through her life and is willing to share them. Along with tell all tidbits like ridding in cars with JFK, and curmudgeonly complaints, - why does the world laugh at her when she talks about reincarnation and not the Dali Lama- is it the wardrobe? Who wants to stop reading?
Written in such a confidential tone- it's like a letter from a best friend-or a chat between buds over a cup of tea. As I said, delightful.
December 28, 2018
I was a fan of Shirley MacLaine a long time ago and her book "Camino" was what inspired me to walk the first of my three caminos. However this book is pretty lightweight. I enjoyed her references to her walk and some of her gossip about famous people she has had relationships with---and others.
March 19, 2021
This was such a bizarre? entertaining? confusing? read. I gave it 4 stars solely based on how entertained I was throughout not for the content itself. This book is a collection of short essays about all the things Shirley MacLaine is either over or never going to get over. Some are great life lessons, some are harsh but made me laugh at the pure candidness and others are completely out of left field for me. It's a quick memoir-ish book that is sure to provide some chuckles and few WTF?! moments.
My book reviews are also posted at https://www.instagram.com/justonemoor....
My book reviews are also posted at https://www.instagram.com/justonemoor....
December 28, 2024
Listened on Audible.
She isn't over as much as I had hoped for. Still living in the past, so to speak. So some of it was interesting. When she started talking about her past lives I picked up another book to read.
Still kind of a wack job.
She isn't over as much as I had hoped for. Still living in the past, so to speak. So some of it was interesting. When she started talking about her past lives I picked up another book to read.
Still kind of a wack job.
November 27, 2020
I wish I had never picked this up because Ive always enjoyed her movies (even though she plays the same self centred rude characters) but now I realise that's actually her in real life. I'm not a fan of narcissists
May 1, 2013
My mom gave me this book for my fortieth birthday. My mom is a fan of Shirley MacLaine. And Coast to Coast AM.
If you're a Shirley fan, it's probably five stars. If you're a more moderate admirer of Shirley because your mom raised you to be, then three or four. As always, it's awesome to me to read any high profile person openly and casually talking about her unconventional relationship models.
Fun for the dishy famous people love notes, personable, affirming, and inspiring - it takes more than just money and privilege to be as confident and outspoken about embracing a belief system mocked and/or feared by most people; it takes character. She really feels like a role model to me; as a webwhore, it's awesome to read a woman insisting on living a whole life with ALL the things she values: good lighting, intimacy, magic, politics, comfort, solitude . . . and not trying to hide any of those things she values.
The format of the book made it a perfect challenge for me (or any person at a life-assessing stage) to think along with her about what's important to me, what's no longer of interest to me, and what I'm still working to let go of.
Super readable, and she saves a lot of the talk about her belief system for towards the end, so I think it was manageable if you loathe that stuff; by the time you get to more than a paragraph of it you should already either love her (and be able to at least tolerate it) or have stopped reading the book.
If you're a Shirley fan, it's probably five stars. If you're a more moderate admirer of Shirley because your mom raised you to be, then three or four. As always, it's awesome to me to read any high profile person openly and casually talking about her unconventional relationship models.
Fun for the dishy famous people love notes, personable, affirming, and inspiring - it takes more than just money and privilege to be as confident and outspoken about embracing a belief system mocked and/or feared by most people; it takes character. She really feels like a role model to me; as a webwhore, it's awesome to read a woman insisting on living a whole life with ALL the things she values: good lighting, intimacy, magic, politics, comfort, solitude . . . and not trying to hide any of those things she values.
The format of the book made it a perfect challenge for me (or any person at a life-assessing stage) to think along with her about what's important to me, what's no longer of interest to me, and what I'm still working to let go of.
Super readable, and she saves a lot of the talk about her belief system for towards the end, so I think it was manageable if you loathe that stuff; by the time you get to more than a paragraph of it you should already either love her (and be able to at least tolerate it) or have stopped reading the book.
April 12, 2012
I began reading this book last year. In the book, Shirley Maclaine said she hoped President Obama was more than the great speeches he makes and I was taken aback, offended, and closed the book.
But then I recently realized that the Obama administration and his advisers have done more for the bailout of banks than foreclosed families. Slowly, families who are in danger of being foreclosed on have gotten relief but I don't believe enough has been done. While the bailout for financial institutions was necessary, the CEOs still walked away with bonuses. There is an unfairness here Obama should never have ignored. And if you look carefully, his financial advisers such as Paulson, Bernanke, and Geithner are ones who helped the mortgage bubble form in the first place.
So I picked up the book again. I'm glad I did. I've read other memoir books by Ms Maclaine and I enjoy her educated opinions on everything from a career in show business to reincarnation. She is a woman who feels, thinks, and studies. She's nobody's fool.
I highly recommend this book to anyone of any age. I guarantee you will not only learn about Shirley Maclaine, you will also learn more about yourself and your own opinions.
But then I recently realized that the Obama administration and his advisers have done more for the bailout of banks than foreclosed families. Slowly, families who are in danger of being foreclosed on have gotten relief but I don't believe enough has been done. While the bailout for financial institutions was necessary, the CEOs still walked away with bonuses. There is an unfairness here Obama should never have ignored. And if you look carefully, his financial advisers such as Paulson, Bernanke, and Geithner are ones who helped the mortgage bubble form in the first place.
So I picked up the book again. I'm glad I did. I've read other memoir books by Ms Maclaine and I enjoy her educated opinions on everything from a career in show business to reincarnation. She is a woman who feels, thinks, and studies. She's nobody's fool.
I highly recommend this book to anyone of any age. I guarantee you will not only learn about Shirley Maclaine, you will also learn more about yourself and your own opinions.
December 16, 2021
I listened the audiobook I always love to hear the stories and life by the actual person. I love when they break into laughter when retelling their memories.
It’s always hard for me to put any less that 4 stars to any biography BUT this one get less because I found it boring. She did include juicy stories about her sex life and actually named names but her monotone voice was what made it boring.
She included a lot of her personal views on politics and for me it was too much.
I felt it was like having a text book read aloud to me.
As for her other beliefs they are hers and I love that she has always felt so open to share.
I found her to be so intelligent and interesting but still with a absolute boring “older grumpy person” quality 😂
I really wanted to like this book so much more.
It’s always hard for me to put any less that 4 stars to any biography BUT this one get less because I found it boring. She did include juicy stories about her sex life and actually named names but her monotone voice was what made it boring.
She included a lot of her personal views on politics and for me it was too much.
I felt it was like having a text book read aloud to me.
As for her other beliefs they are hers and I love that she has always felt so open to share.
I found her to be so intelligent and interesting but still with a absolute boring “older grumpy person” quality 😂
I really wanted to like this book so much more.
May 20, 2011
Oh, Shirley! Shirley MacLaine. I have loved her like a third grandma for so long, and it's hard to be critical.
I loved the premise of this book--a bunch of short essays about what she doesn't care about anymore now that she's in her crone years, and things that she still cares passionately about. A nice taking stock of values, from someone who has truly been an independent spirit in many ways.
Some of the essays have more impact than others, some seem pretty tossed-off. If this had been more painstakingly edited, it would have made for smoother reading, but probably not long enough for a whole book. A cute all-in-one-sitting read, maybe for air travel.
I loved the premise of this book--a bunch of short essays about what she doesn't care about anymore now that she's in her crone years, and things that she still cares passionately about. A nice taking stock of values, from someone who has truly been an independent spirit in many ways.
Some of the essays have more impact than others, some seem pretty tossed-off. If this had been more painstakingly edited, it would have made for smoother reading, but probably not long enough for a whole book. A cute all-in-one-sitting read, maybe for air travel.
May 14, 2011
I’M ALL OVER THAT: AND OTHER CONFESSIONS
Shirley MacLaine
This is an enchanting, witty book by the renowned and celebrated star who is also a channeler, a student and seeker of truth, a free spirit and a truly fascinating woman.
She calls this the third act of her life and proceeds to tell us the annoying and mundane things that she is over and the important things she will never get over. While the world can provoke her, she is also delighted by its beauty, humor and future promise.
Be prepared to sit down with what feel like an old friend, and thoroughly enjoy a conversation that will entertain you and make you laugh as she recollects her life in Hollywood and her romances.
Shirley MacLaine
This is an enchanting, witty book by the renowned and celebrated star who is also a channeler, a student and seeker of truth, a free spirit and a truly fascinating woman.
She calls this the third act of her life and proceeds to tell us the annoying and mundane things that she is over and the important things she will never get over. While the world can provoke her, she is also delighted by its beauty, humor and future promise.
Be prepared to sit down with what feel like an old friend, and thoroughly enjoy a conversation that will entertain you and make you laugh as she recollects her life in Hollywood and her romances.
July 10, 2012
I really enjoyed the book it is a very entertaining and thought provoking. There are parts that are funny and light. And there are parts that are very serious and to be honest I sometimes thought a chapter that was deep would be light and visa versa. It was a very different book from Shirley Maclaine because she sounded worried about us instead of upbeat as she was in her other books, I can't blame her at all for that I feel the same way. Just look at or read the news, it's sad and people are so stuborn about things that narrows they're focus instead of broadening it. I still enjoyed it though, it was pure Shirley.
August 2, 2012
I really like Shirley Maclaine as an actress, so that's why I picked up this book. I thought it would be a little different than how it turned out to be. However, once I got over my expectations, I found it to be kind of funny and very thought provoking. She raises a lot of good questions about humanity in general. Why are we here? You wouldn't expect an actress to ask the big questions like that but she does, and I believe this is a good book to read because it really does get you asking yourself what it is that you believe about our purpose. Off-beat but very on point with what is happening in society.
May 9, 2011
This was a birthday gift from someone who remembered me reading "Out on a Limb" eons ago. Shirley is that favorite aunt who's traveled the world and lived an incredible life, the one who has an opinion on everything, loves to be the center of attention, and who gets crotchety when she's tired.
May 30, 2011
Ho-hum.
I think this might be the companion to the tour that she is doing now, where she shows pictures and tells stories from her life. It probably "reads" much better as a show, because she does have fascinating stories to tell. It just did not necessarily translate to the page.
I think this might be the companion to the tour that she is doing now, where she shows pictures and tells stories from her life. It probably "reads" much better as a show, because she does have fascinating stories to tell. It just did not necessarily translate to the page.
May 21, 2011
I was over all that about 1/2 way through. Interesting stuff on her spiritual beliefs, boring showbiz stuff.
October 23, 2011
I've read some of her books in years past - this one was ok - I find her a fascinating person knowing what she believes in but this was just so-so.
January 16, 2015
Love it ...
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