Of Mule and Man Third Edition by Farrell, Mike (2009) Paperback

by Mike Farrell

In May 2008—shortly after being named by the Los Angeles Times as a “Person of the Year”—Mike Farrell drove himself across the country on a book tour like no other. Networking with political groups (and friends like Joseph Wilson and Valerie Plame), Farrell has redefined the very concepts of book touring and "promotion" through a progressive lens.Best known for his eight years on M*A*S*H and five seasons on Providence , Mike Farrell is also a writer, director, and producer. Farrell has served on human rights and peace delegations to many countries around the world. His first book, Just Call Me Mike (Akashic Books, 2007), was a Los Angeles Times bestseller.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Humor

Paperback

First published May 1, 2009

About the author

Mike Farrell is best known for his eight years on M*A*S*H and five seasons on Providence. He is also a writer, director, and producer. He serves as cochair emeritus of Human Rights Watch in Southern California, and cofounded Artists United to Win Without War. As president of Death Penalty Focus, he speaks, writes, and coordinates efforts to stop executions. He lives in Los Angeles. (from the publisher's website)"

Reviews

[Linnea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I love Mike Farrell and enjoyed this book a lot, though some parts did get to be a bit repetitive. A quick, fun read that also managed to make me think a bit.

[Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok

I had hoped for some insight in his travelogue. Instead it was just travelogue. Entertaining travelogue, but still just travelogue

[Terry Tschann Skelton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really disappointed. I have a lot of respect for Mike Farrell, but this account of his travels to promote a book (he drives a hybrid, the Mule)driving from bookstore to radio station to bookstore across the county. His descriptions of the countryside he drives through are OK, but pretty trite and the descriptions of the wonderful people he encounters all begin to sound the same. Sorry, but I just wasn't able to finish it.

[John Kues · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, though some of his talk gets tiresome, and his imaginary conversations with "mule" (A Prius rental) just a bit much. There is a sameness about all the wonderful people he knows and meets involved with abolishing the death penalty. While I agree with his views of Bush and Chaney I also found them repetitive.

[Paula Koneazny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like Mike Farrell & respect the activist work he does, particularly in conjunction with Death Penalty Focus. I recently attended a DPF awards dinner in Beverly Hills for which he was the M.C. The book itself, which I received a complimentary copy of at the benefit, is really his cross-country, speaking-tour travel blog translated into book format. Mildly engaging as such.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diary format. It was fun and inspiring. Farrell was very enthusiastic about everything, but some of the compliments seemed empty or trite. His "relationship" talk with the rental car was too much even for me who drives a similar car.

[Maggie Van Kampen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only is the book sprinkled with humor, it really makes you think. Although, I probably should have read the first book.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

read twice. unique concept and well written