Lessons For Dylan: On Life, Love, the Movies, and Me

by Joel Siegel

In an autobiographical memoir directed to his young son Dylan, the film and theater critic uses stories and anecdotes to present the story of his life and the life lessons he has learned.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Jewish

400 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2003

Reviews

[Pari · Rating 4 out of 5]

While on rest, a friend recommended this to me - and I was so happy to read this. Loved the hilarious memories. So different from "Breath becomes Air" - just a bit too late to read this one. If I were to ever write a book, hopefully the tone is similar to this one!

[Douglas Lord · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-known critic Siegel underwent his last day of chemotherapy shortly after his son, Dylan, was born. Perhaps only slightly mistitled, his first book goes beyond the titular lessons (e.g., “The Smoking, Drinking, and Drugs Lecture”), chronicling Siegel’s life, Judaic heritage, and civil rights work in the 1960s South. Though obviously overwhelmed by his disease, the author sometimes takes a devil-may-care attitude: “One of my mantras is that pain is God’s way of telling me I’m not dead yet.” Few details of fighting the disease are spared, colostomy bag and all. Along with some good laughs and interesting tidbits about rubbing shoulders with famous and noteworthy folk, it can be a compelling, if chatty, read. Some material is unsurprising (e.g., his failed Broadway musical), and Siegel cannot resist characterizing those he met along the way (Ringo Starr is a schmuck, Orson Welles a genius). His humanity and obvious love for his son are touching. Recommended, though for memoir rather than child rearing collections due to the autobiographical bent.
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[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

As he looks forward to becoming a first time father in his 50's, Joel Siegel id diagnosed with colon cancer which metastasizes to his lungs since he is uncertain about how much time he will have with his young son, he writes about all the things that he want his son to know about his life, his Jewish heritage, and his philosophy of life.

[Gil-or (readingbooksinisrael) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though Joel Siegel is older than me by 57 years this was so relatable. All throughout the book I kept on going, "Uh huh!" and "Me too!", especially at the Yiddish parts. Besides that this book was funny. I kept laughing aloud, prompting my brother to scream at me. His life was very interesting, too. Or at least the way he told it, in little snippets.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I heard on TV about Joel Siegel's death from colon cancer, I was saddened - mostly because he was leaving a young son without a father. The book is partly interesting, partly mundane. He describes his illness and then goes on to leave a legacy about himself for his son.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little meandering but enjoyable. This guy was in the right place at the right time to witness some important 20th century history (Civil Rights Movement, RFK's assassination, etc). He's also not afraid to talk shop or point out the heroes and egos of the entertainment industry.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read! Super fast and well written. Really opens your eyes to how a cancer patient feels about the end of life and why memories and stories of the past are so important to pass on to future generations.

[Christine Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. This pick will make you laugh a lot and also cry.

[Brian]

Like life, bittersweet. And bitter, and sweet. I think Joel would have made a good dinner guest.