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Knock Wood
Candice Bergen’s bestselling 1984 an “engaging, intelligent, and wittily self-deprecating autobiography” (The New York Times).
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1984
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
January 10, 2023
Candice Bergen became an actress because her father was famous. Edgar Bergen was a ventriloquist who began in vaudeville, came into his own on the radio, and appeared on television. He came from the classic era of Hollywood and is a symbol of the era, but Candice grew up and captured fame in a new era. She examines the transition in her book and the impression her father had on her life.
As with many autobiographies, the portion about the author's childhood is often the best. Why? It is common to reflect on the good memories, so we are treated with stories about Edgar taking little Candy to see the vault with all of the different Charlie McCarthy bodies and heads, or memories about the extravagant birthday parties the celebrities of years past had for their children. There is even a tense flashback to a date Miss Bergen had with an older celebrity that ended being driven home in silence.
It is somewhat uncomfortable reading about how Candice had to grow up. This is not only because of the conflict between Candice and her parents, but also because of the turbulent time period. Bergen mingled with many famous minds of the 1960s, so the contrast between her peaceful childhood and the chaos of her young adult life is stark.
Bergen reflects on her life, often taking a harsh stance against her behavior at the time. She labels herself as a follower of the crowd, and a stubborn daughter. She also claims that she allowed herself to fall back on her beauty instead of maturing as a person. These reflections are in depth and sometimes refreshingly frank; they make it easy to like her.
The title of this book, Knock Wood, refers to the dummy that made the Bergens a famous family. Therefore, the story begins and ends with the impact this fame had on Candice's life. However, many years have passed since this book was published; it would be nice to see a follow up.
As with many autobiographies, the portion about the author's childhood is often the best. Why? It is common to reflect on the good memories, so we are treated with stories about Edgar taking little Candy to see the vault with all of the different Charlie McCarthy bodies and heads, or memories about the extravagant birthday parties the celebrities of years past had for their children. There is even a tense flashback to a date Miss Bergen had with an older celebrity that ended being driven home in silence.
It is somewhat uncomfortable reading about how Candice had to grow up. This is not only because of the conflict between Candice and her parents, but also because of the turbulent time period. Bergen mingled with many famous minds of the 1960s, so the contrast between her peaceful childhood and the chaos of her young adult life is stark.
Bergen reflects on her life, often taking a harsh stance against her behavior at the time. She labels herself as a follower of the crowd, and a stubborn daughter. She also claims that she allowed herself to fall back on her beauty instead of maturing as a person. These reflections are in depth and sometimes refreshingly frank; they make it easy to like her.
The title of this book, Knock Wood, refers to the dummy that made the Bergens a famous family. Therefore, the story begins and ends with the impact this fame had on Candice's life. However, many years have passed since this book was published; it would be nice to see a follow up.
April 23, 2015
When I looked into purchasing "A Fine Romance" Candice Bergen's recently released second memoir, I decided to read this first as a run up to it. A fascinating woman who has lived a fascinating life. The book is extremely well written, with wonderful observations that are insightful painful, humorous. A wry wit and a good turn of phrase. Thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it quite highly. I am looking forward to "A Fine Romance"
April 13, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much more than I thought I would. In the lesson, don't judge a book by its cover, here it is don't judge an actress by her roles. In this biography we find a loving, feeling, caring person just trying to find her way, as we all are. I admire her much more than I already did.
June 8, 2015
I have read several memoirs of individual's whose careers have been in the limelight. Candice Bergen's Knock Wood contained the most intelligence and understanding of her everyday moments. It helped that she kept a diary to reference life events. What comes across clearly is how Candice possesses a mature assurance as a writer which she lacked as a budding newcomer, so the insights prove doubly revealing.
I did wonder if her father's passing prompted (on a subconscious level) Candice to invest more into her acting craft since she would not be riddled with guilt at eclipsing her father. Edgar Bergen entertained vast audiences in the vaudeville scene and eventually on a popular radio show as a ventriloquist using a puppet named Charlie. It is rich psychological fodder to consider the impact of being a ventriloquist had on Edgar and his family. Without a doubt, Candice and her father shared a special bond that emphasized the lack of quality men in her company.
I comprehend even more why the role of Murphy Brown (not discussed in the book) appealed to Candice. Both had journalist attributes, a steely exterior belying a lovely, compassionate person, crusader for causes, financially independent, and not made anxious by solitude.
It is almost befitting that I read this a few weeks prior to Father's Day. Candice spotlighted her father in the position of one who adored and loved the man. A mutual respect demonstrated through sparring may have been the immature way they interacted while Candice was a young woman, but in the end, honest communication was introduced. It healed. Family relationships are rarely turbulent free. It is more a matter of adapting and finding what each person needs as you and the world change.
I did wonder if her father's passing prompted (on a subconscious level) Candice to invest more into her acting craft since she would not be riddled with guilt at eclipsing her father. Edgar Bergen entertained vast audiences in the vaudeville scene and eventually on a popular radio show as a ventriloquist using a puppet named Charlie. It is rich psychological fodder to consider the impact of being a ventriloquist had on Edgar and his family. Without a doubt, Candice and her father shared a special bond that emphasized the lack of quality men in her company.
I comprehend even more why the role of Murphy Brown (not discussed in the book) appealed to Candice. Both had journalist attributes, a steely exterior belying a lovely, compassionate person, crusader for causes, financially independent, and not made anxious by solitude.
It is almost befitting that I read this a few weeks prior to Father's Day. Candice spotlighted her father in the position of one who adored and loved the man. A mutual respect demonstrated through sparring may have been the immature way they interacted while Candice was a young woman, but in the end, honest communication was introduced. It healed. Family relationships are rarely turbulent free. It is more a matter of adapting and finding what each person needs as you and the world change.
January 28, 2009
Twenty-five year old paperback from a used bookstore, it's Candice Bergen's memoir--pre-Murphy Brown. I wanted to read it because she and I are about the same age, and growing up I was a big fan of her dad, ventriliquist Edgar Bergen and his alterego Charlie McCarthy.
Bergen led a surprising life--Hollywood childhood, flunking out of University of Pennsylvania in one year (inattention mostly), photojournalist traveling the world though really liking to hunker down at home, self-confessed lousy actess for about 10 years until she decided to learn how to do it, and a romantic late bloomer, not marrying until well past 30. On finally finding someone who felt right, she wrote, "I used to believe that marriage would diminish me, reduce my options. That you had to be someone less to live with someone else when of course, you have to be someone more."
Bergen led a surprising life--Hollywood childhood, flunking out of University of Pennsylvania in one year (inattention mostly), photojournalist traveling the world though really liking to hunker down at home, self-confessed lousy actess for about 10 years until she decided to learn how to do it, and a romantic late bloomer, not marrying until well past 30. On finally finding someone who felt right, she wrote, "I used to believe that marriage would diminish me, reduce my options. That you had to be someone less to live with someone else when of course, you have to be someone more."
August 12, 2012
I just re-read this book, which I've carried across the country three times. I loved it the first time, which accounts for my dragging it around. It was good the second time too, but I found it a bit more self- a sorted the second time. I loved it the first time, as she figured out who she was and realized that even rich and famous people have their issues. And who wouldn't, being raised with a dummy. One can see as she comes out of her shell, and gets out of abusive relationships to become the woman who epitomized strength in Murphy Brown. And learns her comedic side as she allows herself to let go. Really, it's nice to see someone so open about their foibles and their growth.
January 7, 2020
Knock Wood
by Candice Bergen
1984
Linden Press
3.0 / 5.0
Candace Bergen was raised in the 1950's to feel special and unique. A Beverly Hills address and celebrity parents certainly helped that feeling. Her own celebrity and wealth seem to be guiding forces in her life, and her sense of entitlement is repeated often, but she also mocks these things that will always be her life. These stories of her life are witty, well written and revealing. She doesn't take it to seriously.
Candace spent her adolescence in a Swiss boarding school. At 19, she was a hit in theater productions, performing in many shows; and was accepted into the profession of photojournalism easily, and quickly. Almost unheard of at that time.
An insightful look into a life of privilege from an actress, model, and the daughter of Edgar Bergen. It had to be hard growing up with so much expectation and always being in the spotlight, but Candace seems to have found the humor and joy in her work and her life. She has been successful and an inspiration, as well as an excellent friend, to many. Well worth the read.
by Candice Bergen
1984
Linden Press
3.0 / 5.0
Candace Bergen was raised in the 1950's to feel special and unique. A Beverly Hills address and celebrity parents certainly helped that feeling. Her own celebrity and wealth seem to be guiding forces in her life, and her sense of entitlement is repeated often, but she also mocks these things that will always be her life. These stories of her life are witty, well written and revealing. She doesn't take it to seriously.
Candace spent her adolescence in a Swiss boarding school. At 19, she was a hit in theater productions, performing in many shows; and was accepted into the profession of photojournalism easily, and quickly. Almost unheard of at that time.
An insightful look into a life of privilege from an actress, model, and the daughter of Edgar Bergen. It had to be hard growing up with so much expectation and always being in the spotlight, but Candace seems to have found the humor and joy in her work and her life. She has been successful and an inspiration, as well as an excellent friend, to many. Well worth the read.
October 7, 2023
Candy has been one of my favorite actresses from as far back as I can remember. Rereading this memoir is one of my most coveted yearly traditions. She’s effortlessly funny, she’s unbelievably brilliant, she’s an impressively natural storyteller. I love her so dearly. This should be required reading for any Candy Bergen fan. She has a gift that is rarely seen anywhere else.
February 7, 2016
Since I read Candice Bergen's second book, A Fine Romance (saw it in OverDrive), I decided to read her first as well. I think her first was better written, and found it interesting as I did her second. I'm listening to Jeff's audio book on Charles Manson, and so I was also looking forward to learning Bergen's thoughts about Manson (the Tate home had recently been occupied by Bergen and her then-boyfriend, Terry Melcher (Doris Day's son), and Manson was upset at Melcher. (Of course, she was upset. Before she knew that he was a murderer and could have murdered her, though, she did not think much of Manson or his family, or "flower-children" in general.)
Here are quotes I enjoyed:
page 94: "Our fantasy lives were shaped by movies like those of other kids of our generation, but it was our parents who made the fantasies, who cherished childhood more than we. Hollywood, for them, was the Sea of Dreams where they set their silver sails and filled their nets with magic. Our parents were Ivanhoe and Moses, Spartacus and Shane. They fought lions, roped stallions, slew dragons, rescued maidens; they healed the sick, sang in the rain, woke up in Oz and got back to Kansas. Snapped their fingers-it snowed in summer. Sent a memo-it rained indoors.
And we were the children of Paradise, where nothing seemed beyond our reach. Fantasy was, for us, familiar. The extraordinary, everyday. But reality remained a stranger, and most were pleased to leave it that way."
page 163: "Switzerland was the perfect solution cows, cuckoos, mountains, meadows-the whole country was a rest home.
page 165: "To be a teacher in a Swiss finishing school was, I suppose, a kind of death with dignity-an Alpine end of the line. These were all decent people, kind and hard-working and in retrospect the patience displayed by dedicated, underpaid professors with insolent young girls-some of whose allowances were equal to their salaries-seems only short of saintlike. If the language teacher hadn't arrived a communist, he certainly would have left as one.
Though Montesano was one of the most highly accredited girls' schools in Switzerland, the education offered by Swiss finishing schools was "higher education" only in the sense that it took place at 3,400 feet; it was less a course of college preparation than a crash course in how to run a chateau."
Here are quotes I enjoyed:
page 94: "Our fantasy lives were shaped by movies like those of other kids of our generation, but it was our parents who made the fantasies, who cherished childhood more than we. Hollywood, for them, was the Sea of Dreams where they set their silver sails and filled their nets with magic. Our parents were Ivanhoe and Moses, Spartacus and Shane. They fought lions, roped stallions, slew dragons, rescued maidens; they healed the sick, sang in the rain, woke up in Oz and got back to Kansas. Snapped their fingers-it snowed in summer. Sent a memo-it rained indoors.
And we were the children of Paradise, where nothing seemed beyond our reach. Fantasy was, for us, familiar. The extraordinary, everyday. But reality remained a stranger, and most were pleased to leave it that way."
page 163: "Switzerland was the perfect solution cows, cuckoos, mountains, meadows-the whole country was a rest home.
page 165: "To be a teacher in a Swiss finishing school was, I suppose, a kind of death with dignity-an Alpine end of the line. These were all decent people, kind and hard-working and in retrospect the patience displayed by dedicated, underpaid professors with insolent young girls-some of whose allowances were equal to their salaries-seems only short of saintlike. If the language teacher hadn't arrived a communist, he certainly would have left as one.
Though Montesano was one of the most highly accredited girls' schools in Switzerland, the education offered by Swiss finishing schools was "higher education" only in the sense that it took place at 3,400 feet; it was less a course of college preparation than a crash course in how to run a chateau."
December 15, 2014
Sons and daughters of famous celebrities sometimes become stars in their own right. At other times they seem to achieve success just because they are the famous person's son or daughter. In Candice Bergen's case, it was no doubt some of both. It is my sense that landing staring roles on the silver screen would have come harder had her dad not been radio ventriloquist Edgar Bergen. Yet Candice possessed a star quality that still would have probably made her a box office draw.
The Bergen memoir Knock Wood includes a synopsis of her father's rise in the entertainment world, and progresses to when the book was first published in 1984. A normal childhood might be difficult if your only sibling was a dummy. Candice seems to have survived the experience pretty well. She struck out on her own and achieved a considerable success as an actress. She also did pretty well as a photographer until deciding to give up that pursuit to give more focus to doing well on the screen.
When I sat down to read this, I was anticipating the author's account of something that made big news. Because of the date of the book, there is no mention of the famous flap over the TV show Murphy Brown. That happened later in the 80s with a vice presidential calling out of Bergen by Dan Quayle over the story line. That's OK though. There is an abundance of other events in her life which are worth reading about. If you wish to know about the Murphy Brown incident, you will find a lot of information by doing an online search.
The recollections about the time leading up to the death of her father are quite heartfelt. She was there in Las Vegas on the opening night of what was to be his farewell engagement on stage. He was in failing health at the time, but despite concerns over whether he would do well it was a flawless performance. She cried that night. Three nights later, he died in his sleep.
I am not a big reader of stories by or about Hollywood celebrities, but this one was not a disappointment. I am happy about the fact that this book was reissued. I am very happy to have received this book thanks to Goodreads!
The Bergen memoir Knock Wood includes a synopsis of her father's rise in the entertainment world, and progresses to when the book was first published in 1984. A normal childhood might be difficult if your only sibling was a dummy. Candice seems to have survived the experience pretty well. She struck out on her own and achieved a considerable success as an actress. She also did pretty well as a photographer until deciding to give up that pursuit to give more focus to doing well on the screen.
When I sat down to read this, I was anticipating the author's account of something that made big news. Because of the date of the book, there is no mention of the famous flap over the TV show Murphy Brown. That happened later in the 80s with a vice presidential calling out of Bergen by Dan Quayle over the story line. That's OK though. There is an abundance of other events in her life which are worth reading about. If you wish to know about the Murphy Brown incident, you will find a lot of information by doing an online search.
The recollections about the time leading up to the death of her father are quite heartfelt. She was there in Las Vegas on the opening night of what was to be his farewell engagement on stage. He was in failing health at the time, but despite concerns over whether he would do well it was a flawless performance. She cried that night. Three nights later, he died in his sleep.
I am not a big reader of stories by or about Hollywood celebrities, but this one was not a disappointment. I am happy about the fact that this book was reissued. I am very happy to have received this book thanks to Goodreads!
August 1, 2015
I hadn't read this book when it first came out; so after reading Candice's current book, "A True Romance" I figured I'd back tract and read this. I agree with most comments that this was the "better" book. It's definitely better written, more cohesive and thoughtful. But let's face it, she was 38 when this book was published. Not knowing how long it took her to write it, let's just say she was YOUNGER. Thoughts come a little easier and better expressed in your early thirties than they do in your mid-sixties. Trust me on this. I've got your back Candice.
I enjoyed both books, and for some reason I can relate. I've not lived a privileged life, not famous; but understand growing up in that time period and being a single woman back in the seventies. Being older is not so bad. Enjoyed the book; both books.
I enjoyed both books, and for some reason I can relate. I've not lived a privileged life, not famous; but understand growing up in that time period and being a single woman back in the seventies. Being older is not so bad. Enjoyed the book; both books.
April 13, 2015
Reviewers often call autobiographies "honest", is this because the author tells unflattering things about themselves? My first inclination was to use honest but there is nothing unflattering about this book. Bergen has a voice that rings true. She speaks of a deep love for her father, her reliance on friends, her attempt to lead the life of a independent woman while longing for a deeper relationship. She speaks frankly and often amusingly. My favorite line ( best in context). ..." all hippies look alike". I love the sixties and the hippie culture but it is rare to find an interesting account that presents another view. Bergen does this with every aspect of her life.
April 23, 2015
Candice Bergen was a princess of 1950s Hollywood. She wrote this autobiography in the 1980s, and it's fascinating. She writes of childhood parties that included miniature train rides at Walt Disney's, flying adventures with her father, and being on the radio at a very young age, verbally sparring with Charlie McCarthy, her father, Edgar Bergen's alter ego/dummy. She also tells of living in a house with boyfriend Terry Melcher until just a few weeks before Charles Manson's people killed everyone there.
She writes honestly, including about her flaws and her struggle to become a real woman from a fairy tale/make-believe childhood.
She writes honestly, including about her flaws and her struggle to become a real woman from a fairy tale/make-believe childhood.
September 3, 2018
Candice Bergen has always been one of my favorites. Even though this book was written in the mid-eighties well-before she hit her stride as Murphy Brown, it was a good read. I especially enjoyed her memories of her father, the great Edgar Bergen, and his sidekick, Charlie McCarthy. As Bergen grew older, she ran with an interesting crowd--newsmakers of the sixties that we only read about, she knew first-hand. It was an interesting glimpse of a privileged life. She is funny and candid and openly discussed her chilling brush with the Manson family, as well as her early movie roles.
June 28, 2015
Tremendous
I read a lot of show biz biographies. Many of them really fail to scratch the surface of the person at issue. Bergen's autobiography( through her 34th birthday) is not one of those. She write beautifully. She is intelligent. And she is honest about the people she meets and surrounds herself with. Most important, she is refreshingly honest about herself. Add all these things up and you have one of the best Hollywood stories, ever.
I read a lot of show biz biographies. Many of them really fail to scratch the surface of the person at issue. Bergen's autobiography( through her 34th birthday) is not one of those. She write beautifully. She is intelligent. And she is honest about the people she meets and surrounds herself with. Most important, she is refreshingly honest about herself. Add all these things up and you have one of the best Hollywood stories, ever.
March 27, 2015
As a Candice who grew up in L.A, I always felt a special affinity with this Candice. Reading her autobiography reminds me why I've always admired her. What a sharp, observant, introspective woman. And what crazy things she's gotten to observe. If you want insight on what life was like in Hollywood in the 50s and 60s, you'll love this.
June 17, 2019
I bought this book at a yard sale because I had seen Edgar Bergen both live and on TV as a child. I found the book to be honest and very good at self-examination. It also gives a glimpse into the Hollywood fame world that most of us will never know. I recommend it as an easy read and a good example of self-critique.
November 13, 2018
Love Candice Bergen and have now read both books. She paints a picture of an adventurous life and also lets her true self be seen. I read them out of order but it’s probably better to read this one first
November 16, 2018
Elegantly articulate, Thoughtful and endearing.
Someone I was quite impressed with, who I had on a pedestal until she appared to leap off it with a bravely goofy role in Starting Over, reveals her unpretentious truth. Which makes me admire her even more.
Someone I was quite impressed with, who I had on a pedestal until she appared to leap off it with a bravely goofy role in Starting Over, reveals her unpretentious truth. Which makes me admire her even more.
December 10, 2008
I read this many years ago and it remains one of the funniest books I have read.
August 21, 2024
It's interesting to read a memoir written before its author became more successful in her career. What was also interesting was finding out about Bergen's father and what he was known for. I didn't quite understand the popularity of vaudeville before this book. In some ways, this first memoir by Candice Bergen is better than the second - the narrative arc of her father's (and Charlie's) influence on her life was very strong. And she was clearly more aware of her privilege and shortcomings in the 1980s, something I did not observe in A Fine Romance.
Had Knock Wood been written now, some of these chapters would have had quite a different tone, with different revelations (particularly in how men treated Bergen). It's an educational peek into the past. I'm glad that things have changed.
Mind you, both memoirs had me thinking "girl, RUN" whenever she described her relationships...
Had Knock Wood been written now, some of these chapters would have had quite a different tone, with different revelations (particularly in how men treated Bergen). It's an educational peek into the past. I'm glad that things have changed.
Mind you, both memoirs had me thinking "girl, RUN" whenever she described her relationships...
June 30, 2023
This book was wonderful! I read the other reviews and almost didn’t read it because a lot of people were saying it was about her dad, and not her. That’s absolutely not the case. This is a very honest reflection of her life and her need for acceptance from her father. It does play a role because it shows how it affected other relationships and the way that she lived her life. I had a very strong appreciation for her prior to reading this. And now I could not be a bigger fan. I highly recommend this book!
August 30, 2019
Continuing my reading another Hollywood actor/actress biography I read this one. Candice had a privileged life to the max. A tv star father and a chesterfield cigarette model mother. But there was always that weird dummy sharing the house. The only part that was rather muddy in her past was the decision to ask her parents to send her to a European private school. It was unclear what really made her want to flee California. Guess I should get the book again and read that chapter again.
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January 15, 2021Surprisingly absorbing memoir of a child of privilege and her march into maturity. Funny, insightful, touching and illustrative of how difficult it is for one who grew up with everything to become a sentient being. Bergen delivers fascinating profiles of her contemporaries in the film business and of political activists of her day as she transforms herself from a rich Hollywood princess into a working actress and photo-journalist. Well worth the time.
August 24, 2021
I picked this up and thought, did she really write an autobiography while she was in her 30s? Four years before "Murphy Brown?" Yes, she did, and it is wonderful. Incredibly well written. She tells of growing up rich and famous, being Edgar Bergen's "sister," her careers as a model and actress.
No names named. Practically everyone that she has a romance with, excepting her husband, Louis Malle, is given privacy. Oh, how times have changed.
No names named. Practically everyone that she has a romance with, excepting her husband, Louis Malle, is given privacy. Oh, how times have changed.
November 21, 2025
A beautiful Story of growth and love
I had forgotten her journalistic and photographed work. Great to hear of the family something i knew little of and her telling of growing into her own person seemed refreshingly done and honest.
If you have enjoyed any of her work, read this book!
I had forgotten her journalistic and photographed work. Great to hear of the family something i knew little of and her telling of growing into her own person seemed refreshingly done and honest.
If you have enjoyed any of her work, read this book!
February 23, 2020
Really enjoyed Bergen's way of writing. She has led a life of privilege, and yet I loved reading about her reflections on growing up, her relationship with her father, old Hollywood and the times and her learning about herself on her journey up to about age 34. Enjoyable read.
April 26, 2020
Interesting and honest.
August 2, 2020
It was very funny
September 18, 2020
Read in 1985. Interesting autobiography of Candice Bergen growing up in Hollywood. Also includes a synopsis of her father's rise in the entertainment world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews