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You Can Get There from Here
The entertainer recounts her experiences in an ill-fated television series, the McGovern presidential campaign, and her tour of China and the resulting changes in her life, her career, and her self-determination
249 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1975
2 people are currently reading
423 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 15, 2021
I enjoyed the book. I just turned a teenager when Shirley helped out in George McGovern against Nixon. The most interesting part was the second part-Shirley's trip to China with all female. Since I traveled to China about 30-35 years later, it was interesting to compare how we (my friend and I) felt compared to their group.
March 25, 2021
Shirley MacLaine fails at TV, gets political, visits Red China and goes Vegas in "You Can Get There From Here." Written in 1975, it is a time capsule of a time when women's liberation colored MacLaine's view on all matters, sometimes to her own detriment. Her story is interesting as she realizes that her limited Hollywood power isn't enough to get what she wants in her concept of a scripted TV show. Her star power, however, is enough to make a difference in the McGovern campaign. When that also fails, she takes a diverse group of women and a female documentary crew to China to investigate how Mao's revolution has changed life in that country. The experience has a profound effect on most of them, but too much time is spent on their complaints that are typical of Americans in other lands. It was a bold experiment, but she probably would have been better off hiring a journalist to write about it rather than depend on her own diary and the technically impaired camera crew.
April 20, 2025
Shirley’s writing is a benediction she bestowed upon the world.
The book can be divided into three parts: Shirley’s professional failure and the downfall of old Hollywood, her political devotion, and her experience in China in the 1970s during the Cultural Revolution.
The first and second parts were the reasons why Shirley had an existential crisis. The flop of her TV show, the failure of political campaigns, and the disappointment she felt toward Western society imbued her with self-doubt—a doubt from which her trip to China freed her.
The book truly captures everything about her journey into a brand-new stage of her career and life, so much so that I find it hard to put into words how I feel after reading it.
At first, I was amazed by how politically aware and valiant she was, as well as by the way she perceived herself and the world. She was self-assured—as a movie star should be—but not self-willed or egocentric. She faced her own problems and the bad decisions she had made with decency and composure. As I turned the pages, I felt my admiration for her growing. She cared about so much more than just showbiz, unlike those old stars who chose to stay lost in reveries and bubbles. "Humanitarian"—the word people used to describe her in a poll.
What dumbfounded me the most was that, as a Western woman, she had an overwhelming love for Oriental culture and primeval nature. In stark contrast to most other women in the delegation, she embraced the cultural differences and relentlessly sought more.
As a Chinese person, I have never been awed by my own culture or values the way she was. (Though I think this is partly because I know much more about that particular period and how horrible things truly were than she did. And let’s be honest—they only showed her the good side. Even so, some of what they showcased was still considered inferior.)
I'm pretty sure I read this book from a perspective diametrically different from that of many other readers, for I am a born-and-raised Chinese. But the culture shock I felt was no less than what the delegation experienced, for countless changes have taken place over the years—no one wears those unisex uniforms anymore, and no one does self-criticism sessions anymore. Most importantly, we care less and less about one another. We are Westernized—at least my generation is. So Shirley and the Americans were not the only ones sinking into deep thought and ambivalent feelings.
This book gave me—a fangirl who initially bought the paperback just for fun—far more to think about than I had expected.
How do we make actual progress in gender liberation? Is competitiveness truly inherent, or is it learned? What is truth, anyway? Is there anything truly qualified to be called “truth”, or do we just label whatever we want to believe as the truth? All these questions piled up and led to her collapse.
We have all been haunted by these issues ever since we began thinking for ourselves—sex liberation, equality, human nature, and the real meaning of life. Honestly, I still don’t know the answers after reading this book, and neither does Shirley, I suppose. After all, despite regaining her confidence and belief in herself, she still ended all these inquiries and quests with a question mark.
There were no answers, which is why I found it ironic that, in light of her experience, she concluded that "everything is possible" and went back to her old career, her glory, and her fame. She was eventually emancipated from self-doubt despite never fully understanding China or settling the foregoing questions. Once again, she happily embraced individualism after witnessing and being deeply touched by collectivism. Deep down, she knew that if she had been born Chinese, she would have been a better person. But she chose to live with her own fragility, unable to endure hardships even remotely resembling those the Chinese were bearing.
Call me selfish or self-centered, but I like her a little less for this.
But for those people accusing her of not writing objectively or claiming that a real journalist should have done the job instead—I'm sorry, but you don’t understand how refreshing it is to see the world through the eyes of someone with such a strong personality. Her belief in the afterlife and reincarnation somehow makes her more truthful than most living beings. She poured out everything in her mind in the most delicate and genuine way, with such fortitude—a quality we lack most nowadays.
The book can be divided into three parts: Shirley’s professional failure and the downfall of old Hollywood, her political devotion, and her experience in China in the 1970s during the Cultural Revolution.
The first and second parts were the reasons why Shirley had an existential crisis. The flop of her TV show, the failure of political campaigns, and the disappointment she felt toward Western society imbued her with self-doubt—a doubt from which her trip to China freed her.
The book truly captures everything about her journey into a brand-new stage of her career and life, so much so that I find it hard to put into words how I feel after reading it.
At first, I was amazed by how politically aware and valiant she was, as well as by the way she perceived herself and the world. She was self-assured—as a movie star should be—but not self-willed or egocentric. She faced her own problems and the bad decisions she had made with decency and composure. As I turned the pages, I felt my admiration for her growing. She cared about so much more than just showbiz, unlike those old stars who chose to stay lost in reveries and bubbles. "Humanitarian"—the word people used to describe her in a poll.
What dumbfounded me the most was that, as a Western woman, she had an overwhelming love for Oriental culture and primeval nature. In stark contrast to most other women in the delegation, she embraced the cultural differences and relentlessly sought more.
As a Chinese person, I have never been awed by my own culture or values the way she was. (Though I think this is partly because I know much more about that particular period and how horrible things truly were than she did. And let’s be honest—they only showed her the good side. Even so, some of what they showcased was still considered inferior.)
I'm pretty sure I read this book from a perspective diametrically different from that of many other readers, for I am a born-and-raised Chinese. But the culture shock I felt was no less than what the delegation experienced, for countless changes have taken place over the years—no one wears those unisex uniforms anymore, and no one does self-criticism sessions anymore. Most importantly, we care less and less about one another. We are Westernized—at least my generation is. So Shirley and the Americans were not the only ones sinking into deep thought and ambivalent feelings.
This book gave me—a fangirl who initially bought the paperback just for fun—far more to think about than I had expected.
How do we make actual progress in gender liberation? Is competitiveness truly inherent, or is it learned? What is truth, anyway? Is there anything truly qualified to be called “truth”, or do we just label whatever we want to believe as the truth? All these questions piled up and led to her collapse.
We have all been haunted by these issues ever since we began thinking for ourselves—sex liberation, equality, human nature, and the real meaning of life. Honestly, I still don’t know the answers after reading this book, and neither does Shirley, I suppose. After all, despite regaining her confidence and belief in herself, she still ended all these inquiries and quests with a question mark.
There were no answers, which is why I found it ironic that, in light of her experience, she concluded that "everything is possible" and went back to her old career, her glory, and her fame. She was eventually emancipated from self-doubt despite never fully understanding China or settling the foregoing questions. Once again, she happily embraced individualism after witnessing and being deeply touched by collectivism. Deep down, she knew that if she had been born Chinese, she would have been a better person. But she chose to live with her own fragility, unable to endure hardships even remotely resembling those the Chinese were bearing.
Call me selfish or self-centered, but I like her a little less for this.
But for those people accusing her of not writing objectively or claiming that a real journalist should have done the job instead—I'm sorry, but you don’t understand how refreshing it is to see the world through the eyes of someone with such a strong personality. Her belief in the afterlife and reincarnation somehow makes her more truthful than most living beings. She poured out everything in her mind in the most delicate and genuine way, with such fortitude—a quality we lack most nowadays.
July 2, 2024
What a prolific thinker, traveler and writer! I read this as research for my podcast, Advanced TV Herstory. Shirley gives her unvarnished account of "Shirley's World," a disaster of a series produced by the legendary Sheldon Leonard. In including the whole effort to transfer her film stardom to a lucrative TV series in this book, she preserved TV herstory. Set decorations, wardrobe, make-up, world wide settings that required extensive travel. The only thing missing was a script that wasn't an embarrassment. MacLaine recounts her life on the road for presidential candidate George McGovern and her extended trip to China, leading a woman's delegation. It was an accessible and nicely paced read.
January 28, 2025
I truly thought I'd read all of her books, but upon reading this one, I had no memory of the story of her visit to China so I guess I hadn't read it before. The rhapsodizing over how wonderful China was was a little weird for me. But I guess that is colored by what we know now about China vs what was known then. The book does come off a little dated with the language used, but I suppose that is just what the times were. The book held my attention and there were parts that were fascinating, but it wasn't my favorite of her books.
December 16, 2021
Shirley, eu apenas te amo.
July 21, 2022
I used this title as my senior quote when I graduated from high school! That plus the 5 star rating should tell it all. Open your mind and you will get what she's saying!
January 17, 2016
This is MacLain’s second book in which she documents her experiences learning about the world and herself.
This one begins in Las Vegas where she is the star of a one woman show. She uses this as the platform to share with us something about the tinsel town world in which she lives and works.
She then moves on to recount two particular travel adventures which have affected and taught her something about herself, others and life in general.
The first is the time she spent on the campaign trail with George MavGovern during his failed attempt to achieve the American presidency. From this experience she learns something about herself but also about the organizational dysfunction of a political campaign and what happens to those left in disillusionment and dismay when the campaign falls apart and they must admit defeat.
The second adventure was a trip she took to The People’s Republic of China, leading a group of women who were there to experience and observe the “post Mao world”. Each of the woman was deeply affected by what she saw and interestingly many of their reactions were quite different from their colleagues in the same group.
MacLain herself saw a society that outwardly appeared successful and happy, but one in which individuality was completely suppressed and creativity was forbidden. This was a society created by a political leader who wanted a clean slate to build what China needed to function in the evolving world. But his attempt to “improve society” had replaced a culture which had taken years to evolve and replaced it with a framework in which functionality alone was the gold standard. It was not only curious, but repellent to those who hold American values. Nevertheless, MacLain is astonished by what their determination has helped them to achieve.
Although I am not a fan, it is hard not to be affected by MacLain’s honest charm and open heart. She is determined to share her deepest thoughts with those she doesn’t know, believing others may benefit from her experiences.
An easy read for those who enjoy her writing.
This one begins in Las Vegas where she is the star of a one woman show. She uses this as the platform to share with us something about the tinsel town world in which she lives and works.
She then moves on to recount two particular travel adventures which have affected and taught her something about herself, others and life in general.
The first is the time she spent on the campaign trail with George MavGovern during his failed attempt to achieve the American presidency. From this experience she learns something about herself but also about the organizational dysfunction of a political campaign and what happens to those left in disillusionment and dismay when the campaign falls apart and they must admit defeat.
The second adventure was a trip she took to The People’s Republic of China, leading a group of women who were there to experience and observe the “post Mao world”. Each of the woman was deeply affected by what she saw and interestingly many of their reactions were quite different from their colleagues in the same group.
MacLain herself saw a society that outwardly appeared successful and happy, but one in which individuality was completely suppressed and creativity was forbidden. This was a society created by a political leader who wanted a clean slate to build what China needed to function in the evolving world. But his attempt to “improve society” had replaced a culture which had taken years to evolve and replaced it with a framework in which functionality alone was the gold standard. It was not only curious, but repellent to those who hold American values. Nevertheless, MacLain is astonished by what their determination has helped them to achieve.
Although I am not a fan, it is hard not to be affected by MacLain’s honest charm and open heart. She is determined to share her deepest thoughts with those she doesn’t know, believing others may benefit from her experiences.
An easy read for those who enjoy her writing.
May 8, 2015
This is Shirley's 2nd book in her vast literary library.
The book starts off with he being offered the part in a TV show. She has a vastly different idea of her characters modern woman of the 70's than the director and the show ends up a flop. After returning to NY Shirley then devotes her time to the McGovern Campaign and travels around the US talking to various people about whats wrong with the country and why McGovern is the change that is needed. After McGovern is defeated by Nixon, and paying a visit to her parents, Shirley then is chosen to lead a woman's delegate to communist China.
Picking 12 very divers women including an African American from Mississippi that she met on the campaign trail, a Native American and a 12 year old who was grape boycott organizer. I truly admire her desire to have a vast cross section the typical American woman.
Traveling around China and meeting the people is a fantastic read. The one thing that struck me personally was that because of the tight communist rules it seemed like the people had nothing to look forward to and for me that is what makes my life worth getting out of bed for every morning.
The book starts off with he being offered the part in a TV show. She has a vastly different idea of her characters modern woman of the 70's than the director and the show ends up a flop. After returning to NY Shirley then devotes her time to the McGovern Campaign and travels around the US talking to various people about whats wrong with the country and why McGovern is the change that is needed. After McGovern is defeated by Nixon, and paying a visit to her parents, Shirley then is chosen to lead a woman's delegate to communist China.
Picking 12 very divers women including an African American from Mississippi that she met on the campaign trail, a Native American and a 12 year old who was grape boycott organizer. I truly admire her desire to have a vast cross section the typical American woman.
Traveling around China and meeting the people is a fantastic read. The one thing that struck me personally was that because of the tight communist rules it seemed like the people had nothing to look forward to and for me that is what makes my life worth getting out of bed for every morning.
August 3, 2011
This second memoir from Shirley MacLaine has a lot of the components that made the first book so excellent. The time frame was a bit shorter though and the focus was significantly more political. However, the politics never got oppressive and the stories were all full of interesting human interactions. Shirley again did not hesitate to tell it like it is, even when her honesty caste her in a less than favorable light. She continues to please me with her openness and honesty and the fact that her life has been extremely interesting, doesn't hurt a bit. I'm looking forward to taking on the third of her memoirs.
December 17, 2016
Very interesting account of Ms. MacLaine's work on the McGovern Presidential campaign in the early 1970's, but is mainly the story of her experiences with a group of totally disparate women while visiting Communist China. Each woman experiences China differently, of course, and the trip had the added advantage of being filmed by an all female crew. The lessons they learned and what this brought to their individual lives is the crux of this book. This is a 1975 publication, but well worth the read if you're inclined to search for it.
July 29, 2024
Not bad, though not really Shirl's best. Mostly it's a fascinating look at Maoist China shortly after opening itself to the West. She seems so dazzled. Little would anyone know that in 10 years, their whole work force would be making plastic do-hickeys and underwear for spoiled Americans 12 hours a day.
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February 23, 2008791.43
September 4, 2009
Not my favorite out of all Shirley's books, but at least I've read them all now! I'd like to see the documentary, but I can't even find it on Netflix.
September 20, 2012
What a wonderful writer Maclain is. She picks you up and takes you with her on her spiritual journey to other earthly, and soulful plains.
March 15, 2017
5 Star book all the way!!!
A GoodRead...you will not be disappointed by this true tale of Paul LeBlanc's life in the movie industry as the most well known hair and make-up artist in the biz.
A GoodRead...you will not be disappointed by this true tale of Paul LeBlanc's life in the movie industry as the most well known hair and make-up artist in the biz.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews