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My Dad's Funnier than Your Dad: Growing Up with Tim Conway in the Funniest House in America
Comic and television star Tim Conway (The Carol Burnett Show, McHale's Navy, Dorf) enjoyed enormous popular appeal. In this humorous, loving, and surprising memoir, Tim's eldest of his six children, Kelly, reveals that the Conway home life was as riotous as some of her father's legendary comedy sketches. Kelly Conway allows readers an intimate look at an American childhood set in 1970s and 80s Los Angeles, from the studios of CBS to the racetrack of Santa Anita Park where her father taught his kids the art of horse betting. Tim Conway took his hilarious creativity off the set to the family home, where he acted as the ringmaster to six unruly lion cubs—and often lit the fuse of their short-tempered mother, Mary Anne. Kelly takes us through the fascinating world of entertainment from the lens of her dad’s television stardom to her own career in costume design and wardrobe styling, using the lessons her father taught her about holding her own in the often cruel world of show business. But it’s not until Kelly realizes that she must find the courage to fight for her dad when he faces a devastating life change that her steadfast commitment to him becomes clear—although it will mean losing lifelong relationships, and at times, facing harsh criticism. My Dad's Funnier Than Your Dad is Kelly’s love letter to her father, an account of the warm, laugh-filled world of her childhood. And when life brings sadness instead of smiles, it’s the mutual respect and fierce devotion that Kelly shares with her famous father which ultimately defines the true meaning of love.
280 pages, Hardcover
Published December 30, 2021
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530 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
December 4, 2021
My Dad’s Funnier Than Your Dad, by Kelly Conway, was a loving tribute to her late father the very funny talented comedian and actor, Tim Conway.
I was expecting a light-hearted humorous read, and although delightfully humorous at times, a large portion of the book was quite sad as Kelly spoke of her profanity spewing strict disciplinarian mother (whom Tim Conway later divorced after six children), then the subsequent struggles after divorce, and finally the remarriage to his 2nd wife - which turned into a nightmare physically, mentally to Tim, and mentally and legally to Kelly. Crazy stupid things that had nothing to do with anything except the exercising of complete control over someone (Tim Conway) by current wife. Yeah, the reader will no doubt be reminded of the Casey Kasem ordeal.
The beautiful part of the book discusses many fond childhood memories growing up with their father, and all the fun things Tim did with his children. Discussion about his days with Harvey Korman and the Carol Burnett set and shows, taking his kids to the horse track and teaching them math (creative schooling), but seems things took a turn for Tim and Kelly both in the later years that involved high family drama with wife 2 (and wife’s 2 daughter) in which both were extremely negligent and arrogant in Tim's care. Tim paid the ultimately the price with a very horrifying quality of life. The account is sad and very disturbing in many ways.
However, the deep affection and love for her father, lives and breathes through Kelly's writing - it indeed is a beautiful tribute of love - especially as Ms. Conway chose to narrate her own story.
I adored Tim Conway and will always be a forever fan of the gentle, loving, very humorous and talented man.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced digital audio copy of this publication in exchange for an honest review.
I was expecting a light-hearted humorous read, and although delightfully humorous at times, a large portion of the book was quite sad as Kelly spoke of her profanity spewing strict disciplinarian mother (whom Tim Conway later divorced after six children), then the subsequent struggles after divorce, and finally the remarriage to his 2nd wife - which turned into a nightmare physically, mentally to Tim, and mentally and legally to Kelly. Crazy stupid things that had nothing to do with anything except the exercising of complete control over someone (Tim Conway) by current wife. Yeah, the reader will no doubt be reminded of the Casey Kasem ordeal.
The beautiful part of the book discusses many fond childhood memories growing up with their father, and all the fun things Tim did with his children. Discussion about his days with Harvey Korman and the Carol Burnett set and shows, taking his kids to the horse track and teaching them math (creative schooling), but seems things took a turn for Tim and Kelly both in the later years that involved high family drama with wife 2 (and wife’s 2 daughter) in which both were extremely negligent and arrogant in Tim's care. Tim paid the ultimately the price with a very horrifying quality of life. The account is sad and very disturbing in many ways.
However, the deep affection and love for her father, lives and breathes through Kelly's writing - it indeed is a beautiful tribute of love - especially as Ms. Conway chose to narrate her own story.
I adored Tim Conway and will always be a forever fan of the gentle, loving, very humorous and talented man.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced digital audio copy of this publication in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2022
Kelly Conway is the eldest and only daughter of Tim Conway’s six children. It is clear that she had a very close and loving relationship with her father.
She doesn’t write with much detail about Tim Conway’s career since this is the story of her relationship with her dad. (See sub-title: ‘growing up with Tim Conway’). It is not a Tim Conway biography. Tim Conway wrote his own memoir “What’s so Funny?” in 2013.
After her parents divorced her dad re-married a lady who had been a family friend and for a long time things went along very well. Suddenly it’s when her dad became ill that things took a nose dive into hell.
No explanation is given as to why what seemed a very sudden and complete 180 degree turn-around took place in the relationship between Kelly and her step mother and step sister.
The resulting struggle for Kelly to have access to her father and any say in his care when he was at his most vulnerable and helpless is shocking, depressing and horrifying.
Even if only half of what she writes is true or is exaggerated it’s still a horror story for any child concerned for a beloved parent’s well-being.
I have to wonder where were Tim Conway’s other children during all this time? Out of the five boys only one seemed to be of any help to Kelly.
Tim Conway fan or not is not the question - this a heartbreaking story of a daughter’s fight to remain a part of her father’s life as his life is slipping away.
She doesn’t write with much detail about Tim Conway’s career since this is the story of her relationship with her dad. (See sub-title: ‘growing up with Tim Conway’). It is not a Tim Conway biography. Tim Conway wrote his own memoir “What’s so Funny?” in 2013.
After her parents divorced her dad re-married a lady who had been a family friend and for a long time things went along very well. Suddenly it’s when her dad became ill that things took a nose dive into hell.
No explanation is given as to why what seemed a very sudden and complete 180 degree turn-around took place in the relationship between Kelly and her step mother and step sister.
The resulting struggle for Kelly to have access to her father and any say in his care when he was at his most vulnerable and helpless is shocking, depressing and horrifying.
Even if only half of what she writes is true or is exaggerated it’s still a horror story for any child concerned for a beloved parent’s well-being.
I have to wonder where were Tim Conway’s other children during all this time? Out of the five boys only one seemed to be of any help to Kelly.
Tim Conway fan or not is not the question - this a heartbreaking story of a daughter’s fight to remain a part of her father’s life as his life is slipping away.
February 3, 2022
Decent book but it paints Tim Conway as perfect, is not very funny, and takes a very dark turn for the last 40%.
His only daughter adores him to the point that she makes him into a saint where there are obvious times when he is not. She glosses over his nervous breakdown, doesn’t want to know why he divorced her mother, and refuses to blame him for allowing her stepmom to control everything in later years.
Add to that that Kelly was a spoiled rich kid whose dad took her out of school to play the horses at a racetrack. Tim Conway certainly sounds like fun but at times not a good father figure and she fails to address his shortcomings.
The book is lightweight until she suddenly is pushed aside by her stepmother and stepsister. The last hundred pages give lots of details about how horribly Kelly (and Tim) were mistreated and abused. I have been through something similar when I saw how my dad made horrible decisions for my dying mother and I was unable to help her no matter how hard I tried to step in, so I have a lot of empathy for the author.
But once he dies she doesn’t explain why it all happened or what his will stated. She also doesn't tell us much about her adult life beyond vague references to a pilot fiancé she broke up with (so we have to assume she never married or had kids?) and her work doing costumes for some Hollywood projects.
There are many untold stories that don't get included. She talks about how she could "write a book" about all the fan encounters--well why aren't there more than two or three in this one? She rushes off to TV shows, music videos, and commercials, but doesn't tell us anything about them, nor any behind-the-scenes stories about Tim's career beyond her liking the Carol Burnett fashions.
The book feels incomplete and lacks the humor that her father was so well known for. Kelly claims in the subtitle that she grew up in the funniest house in America, but you wouldn’t know it by reading this mostly sad story by an admiring daughter.
His only daughter adores him to the point that she makes him into a saint where there are obvious times when he is not. She glosses over his nervous breakdown, doesn’t want to know why he divorced her mother, and refuses to blame him for allowing her stepmom to control everything in later years.
Add to that that Kelly was a spoiled rich kid whose dad took her out of school to play the horses at a racetrack. Tim Conway certainly sounds like fun but at times not a good father figure and she fails to address his shortcomings.
The book is lightweight until she suddenly is pushed aside by her stepmother and stepsister. The last hundred pages give lots of details about how horribly Kelly (and Tim) were mistreated and abused. I have been through something similar when I saw how my dad made horrible decisions for my dying mother and I was unable to help her no matter how hard I tried to step in, so I have a lot of empathy for the author.
But once he dies she doesn’t explain why it all happened or what his will stated. She also doesn't tell us much about her adult life beyond vague references to a pilot fiancé she broke up with (so we have to assume she never married or had kids?) and her work doing costumes for some Hollywood projects.
There are many untold stories that don't get included. She talks about how she could "write a book" about all the fan encounters--well why aren't there more than two or three in this one? She rushes off to TV shows, music videos, and commercials, but doesn't tell us anything about them, nor any behind-the-scenes stories about Tim's career beyond her liking the Carol Burnett fashions.
The book feels incomplete and lacks the humor that her father was so well known for. Kelly claims in the subtitle that she grew up in the funniest house in America, but you wouldn’t know it by reading this mostly sad story by an admiring daughter.
December 13, 2021
TW: mental abuse, step parent toxic relationships, parent death, parent sickness, abuse of parent
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:Comic and television star Tim Conway (McHale's Navy, The Carol Burnett Show, The Apple Dumpling Gang) enjoyed enormous popular appeal, including a wide readership for his best-selling memoir, What's So Funny? In her own humorous, loving and surprising memoir, Tim's eldest child Kelly reveals that the Conway home life was as riotous and engaging as some of her father's best-known comedy sketches. Kelly Conway allows readers an intimate look at a supremely American childhood, from the studios of Television City in Los Angeles to the Midwestern pleasures of her mom and dad's home towns. My Dad's Funnier Than Your Dad is her love letter to her father and mother, as well as an account of the warm, laugh-filled world in which she spent her childhood. The book portrays a Cheaper by the Dozen-style upbringing, when she and her five younger brothers spent their lives playing together within a protective cocoon of affection and love. Her dad acted as the ringmaster of their circus. What kind of dad builds his kids a go-cart track in the backyard of his Encino residence by himself, himself, not hiring a crew of professionals to do it? How about a dad that circles the block when his kids go away for our first day in grade school, fretting and fussing that we're okay away from home? What can you say about a famous father who lived not for his celebrity but kept himself firmly grounded in family? While not all puppy dogs and rainbows--the Conways divorced when the author was seventeen--this is nevertheless warm-hearted memoir of a man who was as funny off the set as on.
Release Date: November
Genre: Memoir
Pages: 244
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
What I Liked:
• This book was like a rollercoaster
What I Didn't Like:
• Nothing
Overall Thoughts:
"He did his best work at funerals."
Reading memoirs is always a toss up because you never know if when you get to the ending you'll hate the person or like them. Thank God this latter.
This memoir was kind of all over the place. It reminded me of how people would look back at their lives; random and disheveled.
I found this book relatable in that I am one of 7 kids and it's 6 girls and one boy. The author is one girl in 6 kids. There is something interesting in being one of a huge family filled with siblings. I was shocked that I never knew he had so many kids. I also live in Ohio and hike in Chagrin Falls, so I'm familer with the place.
Final Thoughts: This book is just wow. I cried so much. I laughed. I felt for Kelly. How horrible to not see your father and be able to help.
IG | Blog
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:Comic and television star Tim Conway (McHale's Navy, The Carol Burnett Show, The Apple Dumpling Gang) enjoyed enormous popular appeal, including a wide readership for his best-selling memoir, What's So Funny? In her own humorous, loving and surprising memoir, Tim's eldest child Kelly reveals that the Conway home life was as riotous and engaging as some of her father's best-known comedy sketches. Kelly Conway allows readers an intimate look at a supremely American childhood, from the studios of Television City in Los Angeles to the Midwestern pleasures of her mom and dad's home towns. My Dad's Funnier Than Your Dad is her love letter to her father and mother, as well as an account of the warm, laugh-filled world in which she spent her childhood. The book portrays a Cheaper by the Dozen-style upbringing, when she and her five younger brothers spent their lives playing together within a protective cocoon of affection and love. Her dad acted as the ringmaster of their circus. What kind of dad builds his kids a go-cart track in the backyard of his Encino residence by himself, himself, not hiring a crew of professionals to do it? How about a dad that circles the block when his kids go away for our first day in grade school, fretting and fussing that we're okay away from home? What can you say about a famous father who lived not for his celebrity but kept himself firmly grounded in family? While not all puppy dogs and rainbows--the Conways divorced when the author was seventeen--this is nevertheless warm-hearted memoir of a man who was as funny off the set as on.
Release Date: November
Genre: Memoir
Pages: 244
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
What I Liked:
• This book was like a rollercoaster
What I Didn't Like:
• Nothing
Overall Thoughts:
"He did his best work at funerals."
Reading memoirs is always a toss up because you never know if when you get to the ending you'll hate the person or like them. Thank God this latter.
This memoir was kind of all over the place. It reminded me of how people would look back at their lives; random and disheveled.
I found this book relatable in that I am one of 7 kids and it's 6 girls and one boy. The author is one girl in 6 kids. There is something interesting in being one of a huge family filled with siblings. I was shocked that I never knew he had so many kids. I also live in Ohio and hike in Chagrin Falls, so I'm familer with the place.
Final Thoughts: This book is just wow. I cried so much. I laughed. I felt for Kelly. How horrible to not see your father and be able to help.
IG | Blog
October 10, 2021
Still mopping up a few tears. I'm so glad Tim wasn't portrayed as a "Daddy Dearest" (although his second wife could easily be "Stepmommy Dearest") and was as wonderful in real life as he was on TV.
Update: Eight years ago, I was delighted by Tim Conway's memoir, What's So Funny?: My Hilarious Life and had a blast watching old bits featuring Conway and Harvey Korman on YouTube. It's a book I've recommended to anyone who wants something humourous and good-hearted. So I was pleased to see his daughter, Kelly, had written her own memoir. I worried she would reveal stories about Tim being mean or a bad father, but nothing could be farther from the truth; it turns out he was not only a great man but a wonderful father, both loving and wise. So for the first half of the book, I felt all warm and fuzzy.
But the second half ripped out my heart. When Tim was in his 80s, he developed health problems that required assisted care, and that's when the trouble started with Kelly's stepmom, Charlene. For the rest of Tim's life, Charlene (and her daughter, Jackie) would do her best to not only keep Kelly away from her father but to thwart any good care he should have received that almost bordered on elder abuse. It was absolutely heartrending and made me weep in multiple places.
I hesitate to totally recommend this book as the second half was very depressing and sad but do read Tim's memoir; it is wildly entertaining, and you'll spend hours laughing until you can't breathe watching the old skits.
Thanks to the publisher for the advance digital copy.
Update: Eight years ago, I was delighted by Tim Conway's memoir, What's So Funny?: My Hilarious Life and had a blast watching old bits featuring Conway and Harvey Korman on YouTube. It's a book I've recommended to anyone who wants something humourous and good-hearted. So I was pleased to see his daughter, Kelly, had written her own memoir. I worried she would reveal stories about Tim being mean or a bad father, but nothing could be farther from the truth; it turns out he was not only a great man but a wonderful father, both loving and wise. So for the first half of the book, I felt all warm and fuzzy.
But the second half ripped out my heart. When Tim was in his 80s, he developed health problems that required assisted care, and that's when the trouble started with Kelly's stepmom, Charlene. For the rest of Tim's life, Charlene (and her daughter, Jackie) would do her best to not only keep Kelly away from her father but to thwart any good care he should have received that almost bordered on elder abuse. It was absolutely heartrending and made me weep in multiple places.
I hesitate to totally recommend this book as the second half was very depressing and sad but do read Tim's memoir; it is wildly entertaining, and you'll spend hours laughing until you can't breathe watching the old skits.
Thanks to the publisher for the advance digital copy.
December 31, 2021
To be honest, I was only vaguely aware of who Tim Conway was going into this book. And while it was most likely quite therapeutic for the daughter to write ….. it was a depressing read. One always hopes that those celebrity figures we admire enjoy their golden years, especially since we assume they are generally well off financially, so it’s sad to hear that Tim Conway was the victim of the evil stepwife/stepdaughter scenario. It’s especially depressing that he was the helpless victim at a time when he should have been enjoying his family and last few years in peace.
January 28, 2023
Counting this as read since I got so far into it, but I'm not going to finish it. The writing is just not that good, and I've about had it with the author's agenda.
Also, it was marketed a a biography of Tim Conway, and it's not. It's a memoir of his daughter's childhood and later her feud with her stepmother. Maybe the rift was justified, maybe not. We're only getting one very biased side of the story here. Either way, the book pitched by the synopsis is not the book delivered.
Also, it was marketed a a biography of Tim Conway, and it's not. It's a memoir of his daughter's childhood and later her feud with her stepmother. Maybe the rift was justified, maybe not. We're only getting one very biased side of the story here. Either way, the book pitched by the synopsis is not the book delivered.
March 21, 2022
What was so interesting and unexpected about this book was how lovingly it portrayed Tim Conway. Sadly, there are so many instances in the news today of aging stars becoming severely incapacitated and being physically and/or legally separated from their families by newer spouses. If and when the family members' stories are told, often the stories are designed to settle a score. Not so in this book. Kelly Conway makes readers fall in love with Tim Conway all over again. Gosh, I remember watching the Carol Burnett Show all those years ago and almost crying with laughter at Tim Conway and Harvey Korman -- they were so funny. To realize just how much effort Tim Conway put into those skits was heartwarming. So many moments in this book between Tim and Kelly reminded me of my own father and me. Even the last years during which her relationship with her stepmother broke down, she was not vengeful so much as she was sad. If you loved Tim Conway, you will love this book.
October 20, 2021
After thoroughly enjoying Tim Conway’s memoir years ago, I was very excited to discover that his daughter was releasing a book. What I always found equally as entertaining as Tim Conway telling his own stories was reading or hearing others telling stories about him. I couldn’t wait to read this book.
I had no idea what I was in for.
The first part of the book was as I had expected. Even more so as Kelly Conway lets us in on the close, special relationship she had with her father. Sharing not only funny, but also heartwarming personal stories that made me love and admire Tim Conway even more. A certain part, taking place on a private plane and involving Harvey Korman, had me unexpectedly laughing so hard I had to put the book down.
The second part of the book was heart-wrenching. It pained and angered me to read that his final years were so much worse than they could or should have been. For him and for his daughter.
Even if devastatingly heartbreaking, I don’t hesitate to recommend this book to all Tim Conway fans. These types of situations happen often and the stories need to be told and heard.
From now on, the Willie Nelson song mentioned in the book will be known as "Tim Conway’s Song" to me and every time I hear it, I will think of the man whose work brought me joy and laughter at times when I needed it the most.
Thank you to the publisher for the advance digital copy, and more importantly, a thank you to the author for sharing her story.
I had no idea what I was in for.
The first part of the book was as I had expected. Even more so as Kelly Conway lets us in on the close, special relationship she had with her father. Sharing not only funny, but also heartwarming personal stories that made me love and admire Tim Conway even more. A certain part, taking place on a private plane and involving Harvey Korman, had me unexpectedly laughing so hard I had to put the book down.
The second part of the book was heart-wrenching. It pained and angered me to read that his final years were so much worse than they could or should have been. For him and for his daughter.
Even if devastatingly heartbreaking, I don’t hesitate to recommend this book to all Tim Conway fans. These types of situations happen often and the stories need to be told and heard.
From now on, the Willie Nelson song mentioned in the book will be known as "Tim Conway’s Song" to me and every time I hear it, I will think of the man whose work brought me joy and laughter at times when I needed it the most.
Thank you to the publisher for the advance digital copy, and more importantly, a thank you to the author for sharing her story.
April 7, 2022
The first half of the book was enjoyable, but the second half went into great detail about the demise of her relationship with her stepmother, as her father's health declined. If you like Tim Conway, read his book, "What's So Funny?" This book does a disservice to the memory of a comedy great.
December 1, 2021
3.75 stars. Kelly, the only girl and eldest of Tim Conway’s six kids, tells story after story of growing up in the Conway household with a crew of rowdy kids straight out of a seventies sitcom. While at first I wondered if this level of detail was necessary, as the second half progresses, that father-daughter bond that she expounded upon fuels your growing anger as she then describes the dissipating quality of the ill and aging beloved comic’s care while in her stepmother’s hands.
Tim’s voice disappears.
And then, maybe there’s another part of the story that’s not here either. The sympathy I felt -and I did feel it- was accompanied by a nagging voice reminding me that this was just one side of the story.
As she struggled to get her dad the care he deserved, I wondered where the rest of the rowdy five brothers were; why weren’t they more active on dad’s behalf; why weren’t they more part of Kelly’s story? Why was she seemingly estranged from them, too? Why was Charlene, the stepmother, so angry at Kelly and insisted that she was ‘crazy’? And heck, where was Carol Burnett when Tim was in shabby urine-soaked institutions?
I suppose we’ll never really know, and maybe even Tim himself would say it’s none of y’all’s business.
But he’d probably make us laugh when he said it.
Tim’s voice disappears.
And then, maybe there’s another part of the story that’s not here either. The sympathy I felt -and I did feel it- was accompanied by a nagging voice reminding me that this was just one side of the story.
As she struggled to get her dad the care he deserved, I wondered where the rest of the rowdy five brothers were; why weren’t they more active on dad’s behalf; why weren’t they more part of Kelly’s story? Why was she seemingly estranged from them, too? Why was Charlene, the stepmother, so angry at Kelly and insisted that she was ‘crazy’? And heck, where was Carol Burnett when Tim was in shabby urine-soaked institutions?
I suppose we’ll never really know, and maybe even Tim himself would say it’s none of y’all’s business.
But he’d probably make us laugh when he said it.
January 3, 2022
Kelly Conway, the oldest of Tim Conway's five children with his wife Mary Anne (Dalton) seemed clearly to have dearly loved her father and the feelings were reciprocated. Kelly comes across as a bit spoiled by virtue of Tim having doted on her, although the parenting of Kelly sounds to have gone quite well. We get a fair does of the Tim's humor from the anecdotes that Kelly shares in this memoir. The truly sad part of this story is the fracture in the Conway family that arises from a seeming war that broke out between Kelly and her step-mom, Charlene, (Tim's second wife) in Tim's final years. While Kelly claims that she had earlier loved this woman it is difficult to square this with the actions of Charlene(and her daughter) as they fired doctors, moved Tim around, and had him subjected to questionable medical care while not seeming to feed him or clothe him well. An interesting and somewhat sad story.
December 9, 2022
____________________________
I enjoy life because I enjoy making other people
enjoy it. --Tim Conway
Kelly Conway's dad may be funnier than my dad, but her book is duller than the toy rubber knife I had when I was a child.
I enjoy life because I enjoy making other people
enjoy it. --Tim Conway
Kelly Conway's dad may be funnier than my dad, but her book is duller than the toy rubber knife I had when I was a child.
January 13, 2022
I'm on a bit of a celebrity audio book kick. My Dad's Funnier Than Your Dad: Growing Up with Tim Conway in the Funniest House in America was written and narrated by Kelly Conway, Tim's eldest child and only daughter. Kelly details her unique childhood in Southern California, while her dad was an actor on such hits as the The Carol Burnett Show and McHale's Navy. Kelly share a magical childhood with a doting and fun-loving father who took an active interest in family life. She also shares pool parties and BBQ's with her father's celebrity friends, all who balanced the glitz of Hollywood with the importance of caring for their children and spouses.
Kelly's parents had seven children prior to deciding on an amicable divorce. Tim Conway would marry a family friend, Charlene. Tim remained a dedicated father and successful actor during his second marriage, and for many years, his children had a good relationship with their new stepmother. However, the relationship between Charlene and Kelly began to rapidly deteriorate, when Tim experienced serious medical problems in the last years of his life.
Charlene, along with her daughter, Jackie limited Kelly's access to visiting her father and to his medical information. During her visits, she Kelly noticed erratic behavior and felt that Charlene and Jackie were not providing her father with proper care, such as nutrition and helping with hygiene. There were even suspicious behavior that pointed to both Charlene and Jacking potentially having a prescription drug addiction. Kelly took her stepmother and stepsister to court and mediation, but discovered that spousal rights are difficult to overturn.
I knew a little about Tim Conway prior to listening to this book and although the Hollywood tidbits were interesting, my main takeaway was when you remove the celebrity status, this is a similar story that is playing out in families across America. Elder Abuse, prescription medicine abuse, and family rights are issues that affect so many people. When I was eighteen, a similar situation happened with my paternal grandparents. My grandmother died and the next day, some relatives that I barely knew, swooped in and took my grandfather ( who had Alzheimers) to a different state due to abuse allegations. It still stands as one of the most traumatizing events of my life and although we got lawyers involved and tried to fight it, we found an uphill battle. I deeply empathized with Kelly's fight and as I listened, I felt old emotions bubbling to the surface. This was not an easy listen.
Kelly's parents had seven children prior to deciding on an amicable divorce. Tim Conway would marry a family friend, Charlene. Tim remained a dedicated father and successful actor during his second marriage, and for many years, his children had a good relationship with their new stepmother. However, the relationship between Charlene and Kelly began to rapidly deteriorate, when Tim experienced serious medical problems in the last years of his life.
Charlene, along with her daughter, Jackie limited Kelly's access to visiting her father and to his medical information. During her visits, she Kelly noticed erratic behavior and felt that Charlene and Jackie were not providing her father with proper care, such as nutrition and helping with hygiene. There were even suspicious behavior that pointed to both Charlene and Jacking potentially having a prescription drug addiction. Kelly took her stepmother and stepsister to court and mediation, but discovered that spousal rights are difficult to overturn.
I knew a little about Tim Conway prior to listening to this book and although the Hollywood tidbits were interesting, my main takeaway was when you remove the celebrity status, this is a similar story that is playing out in families across America. Elder Abuse, prescription medicine abuse, and family rights are issues that affect so many people. When I was eighteen, a similar situation happened with my paternal grandparents. My grandmother died and the next day, some relatives that I barely knew, swooped in and took my grandfather ( who had Alzheimers) to a different state due to abuse allegations. It still stands as one of the most traumatizing events of my life and although we got lawyers involved and tried to fight it, we found an uphill battle. I deeply empathized with Kelly's fight and as I listened, I felt old emotions bubbling to the surface. This was not an easy listen.
November 30, 2021
My Dad is Funnier Than Your Dad is a stellar work by author Kelly Conway who writes not only about her famous dad, comedian and classic television actor, Tim Conway, but also the rest of their family, including her mother and five brothers! Love emanates from her work.
The larger portion of the memoir offers the reader a look at what it was like growing up in the Conway household, which is not so much interesting because of the comedic work of the father, but hilarious at what ensues through such a large family. In fact, I was continually drawn to the author’s mother, who with iron will, a fiery spirit and a salty tongue was the needed opposite to her quiet husband.
The remainder of the work, and just as engaging are the reminisces from the author about her own journey and work behind the camera in Hollywood.
I was captivated while reading My Dad is Funnier Than Your Dad and could not put it down. As Kelly recounted the struggles with her step mother and step sister as Tim’s health declined, the tension drew me in further. Rare is the book that can so completely bring me into the author’s world, but Kelly Conway’s book did just that.
My reading was done via the advanced audio copy of her book, as read by the author whose words came beautifully in a conversational style and not as one reading from her own book.
My review copy was obtained by me through Net Galley, with the understanding I would leave my honest review of the book, which I have done here.
The larger portion of the memoir offers the reader a look at what it was like growing up in the Conway household, which is not so much interesting because of the comedic work of the father, but hilarious at what ensues through such a large family. In fact, I was continually drawn to the author’s mother, who with iron will, a fiery spirit and a salty tongue was the needed opposite to her quiet husband.
The remainder of the work, and just as engaging are the reminisces from the author about her own journey and work behind the camera in Hollywood.
I was captivated while reading My Dad is Funnier Than Your Dad and could not put it down. As Kelly recounted the struggles with her step mother and step sister as Tim’s health declined, the tension drew me in further. Rare is the book that can so completely bring me into the author’s world, but Kelly Conway’s book did just that.
My reading was done via the advanced audio copy of her book, as read by the author whose words came beautifully in a conversational style and not as one reading from her own book.
My review copy was obtained by me through Net Galley, with the understanding I would leave my honest review of the book, which I have done here.
October 2, 2021
I grew up watching Tim Conway on tv and movies. He was one of the funniest men in show biz. I was glad to read he carried that over as a father. I laughed at some of the antics his daughter shared in her recollections, especially the home made zip line. But It was upsetting and painful to read about his final years. How he was shuffled from facility to facility by vindictive people, who denied his daughter access to him out of spite. It truly is heartbreaking that both Conway and his daughter were subjected to that. Conway was very close to her father and her recollections are a loving tribute to a man who will never be forgotten. Thanks to Lyons Press and Edelweiss for the early read.
March 12, 2023
OMG ... what a beautifully poignant memoir about one of my favorite comedians. Have a box of tissues ready because you'll need it. :(
December 6, 2021
Who doesn't love Tim Conway? I spent so many hours of my childhood. laughing at his antics with Harvey Korman on the Carol Burnett Show.. I was eager to read this book to find out what fun his family had with him as a father.. I was surprised to find that this is not really what the book is about.. While we do hear about the fun times they had and his creativity as a parent, the book is mainly focused on his only daughter's, author Kelly Conway's. fight with her stepmother for power over the care of her father in his declining years. I had not heard of this while it was ongoing.
It is a story of a daughter's devotion to her. father and the bond of love they had for each other, which is one to be envied.. For decades Kelly thought that she had a loving and happy relationship with her stepmother.. When her father was not longer in a position to care for himself, she found out that her stepmother had nothing but disdain and jealousy for Kelly.. Unfortunately, Tim Conway would pay the price for his wife's feelings.. The egregious spousal/elder abuse that took place is unforgivable. The court system was unable to plug the loopholes that allowed this to continue.
Having just lost my father less than a month ago to Parkinson's, a disease which rendered him unable to make his own health care decisions, this book hit close to home. My father was fortunate to have care workers and family that only wanted the best for him. TO think that such a national treasure as Mr. Conway was treated with anything less than love and respect is beyond heartbreaking, I can feel Kelly's pain.
I could not put this book down. It is captivating and a must read for those with aging parents and those who are grateful to Mr. Conway for all the happiness he so freely gave. Well done, Kelly!
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
It is a story of a daughter's devotion to her. father and the bond of love they had for each other, which is one to be envied.. For decades Kelly thought that she had a loving and happy relationship with her stepmother.. When her father was not longer in a position to care for himself, she found out that her stepmother had nothing but disdain and jealousy for Kelly.. Unfortunately, Tim Conway would pay the price for his wife's feelings.. The egregious spousal/elder abuse that took place is unforgivable. The court system was unable to plug the loopholes that allowed this to continue.
Having just lost my father less than a month ago to Parkinson's, a disease which rendered him unable to make his own health care decisions, this book hit close to home. My father was fortunate to have care workers and family that only wanted the best for him. TO think that such a national treasure as Mr. Conway was treated with anything less than love and respect is beyond heartbreaking, I can feel Kelly's pain.
I could not put this book down. It is captivating and a must read for those with aging parents and those who are grateful to Mr. Conway for all the happiness he so freely gave. Well done, Kelly!
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 21, 2022
An absolutely tragic story of a family torn apart during the slow decline and death of a beloved father and husband. I went into this book thinking it would be somewhat light-hearted — I’ve always loved the genius comic actor Tim Conway and thought this would be a sweet memoir of a TV icon. That is, until I read the first paragraph, which was just gutting. Once we get the end out of the way, we do get an intimate look at the life of the author, Kelly Conway, Tim Conway’s oldest child (of 6!) and only daughter. Kelly’s story paints a warm picture of a special and loving father-daughter relationship — they adore each other and delight in one another’s company. We live through Kelly’s parents divorce, and Tim’s remarriage to someone all Tim’s kids know and love, and see a remarkably functional mixed family. That is, until Tim’s health starts to crater, and that’s when the tragedy starts. Kelly’s stepmother and ne’er-do-well stepsister start cutting Kelly and her brothers out of her father’s care, which takes a turn for the worse as the step-mother and step-sister begin haranguing doctors and nurses, moving him from place to place, and overruling doctor’s orders and medications (or shopping around doctors until they find one that will do what they want.) They begin to cut Kelly and her brother’s out of even visiting with their father, leading to an eventual court case for conservatorship that Kelly loses, as the step-mother has power of attorney as the actor’s wife. Kelly lives through an abject nightmare — watching a beloved’s slow decline, and being denied the ability to be there or do anything about his care. While not the light-hearted read I was hoping for, the book was an important reminder of all the things that can go terribly wrong in a family, and a terrible tragedy from which we all can learn.
December 1, 2021
This book was a heart warming yet while at the same time it was heart breaking to read.
This story, told from Kelly's POV is told in two parts. The first part is about the early years of her life with her 5 brothers and their life growing up in the Conway household. She was open about the craziness her growing up years but also the life lessons that were taught even though they could be viewed as unorthodox by some(trips to the track, dirty dishes in bed). This was the heart warming portion of the book despite there not being a lot about most of her siblings mentioned. In fact, by the end of this entire book, I can only recall her truly mentioning 2 of her 5 brothers throughout the book.
The second half of the book was the heart breaking portion of the book especially as the end of Tim Conway's life approached. The fight with her step mother and sister over his care was horrific at times as well as saddening. While as a reader we are getting only half of the story and that there are two sides to every story, I did find at times that the author spent a lot of time show casing the negative aspects of her step mother and sister but while only painting herself in a positive light making it hard to believe that she had no fault in the fight among the family and was completely innocent during this troubling time.
In the end this was a good read despite my issues with the lack of mention of her other siblings while also leaving me under the impression that her siblings were an after thought since they are hardly mentioned during a large portion of this book. Overall, this was a pretty good read.
This story, told from Kelly's POV is told in two parts. The first part is about the early years of her life with her 5 brothers and their life growing up in the Conway household. She was open about the craziness her growing up years but also the life lessons that were taught even though they could be viewed as unorthodox by some(trips to the track, dirty dishes in bed). This was the heart warming portion of the book despite there not being a lot about most of her siblings mentioned. In fact, by the end of this entire book, I can only recall her truly mentioning 2 of her 5 brothers throughout the book.
The second half of the book was the heart breaking portion of the book especially as the end of Tim Conway's life approached. The fight with her step mother and sister over his care was horrific at times as well as saddening. While as a reader we are getting only half of the story and that there are two sides to every story, I did find at times that the author spent a lot of time show casing the negative aspects of her step mother and sister but while only painting herself in a positive light making it hard to believe that she had no fault in the fight among the family and was completely innocent during this troubling time.
In the end this was a good read despite my issues with the lack of mention of her other siblings while also leaving me under the impression that her siblings were an after thought since they are hardly mentioned during a large portion of this book. Overall, this was a pretty good read.
December 2, 2021
Such a moving and heartbreaking book. I have gone through an entire box of Kleenex while listening to story after story of a man I grew up watching on tv. Kelly is the only daughter of the comedic legend Tim Conway (McHale’s Navy, The Carol Burnett show, The Apple Dumplin’ Gang) In this book she tells of Mr. Conway has the sweet family man and the ultimate professional (at times to the detriment of his own well being) It was so refreshing to see that Tim Conway was exactly who you would have wanted him to be.
The other part of the book is so hard to hear. How such a loving dedicated father was not allowed to have dignity and peace at the end of his life is just awful! I feel such empathy to Mr. Conway’s children. They fought until the end for their father. The amount of disrespect shown to Kelly and her brothers is absolutely mind blowing. I am so glad Kelly had the nerve and backbone to fight for her father.
Listening to this audiobook version, read incredibly by Kelly Conway, I felt extremely connected to this man. This man that spent his life making us all laugh. Listening to Kelly is like talking to a good friend around the dinner table. You can absolutely tell how much she adored her father and how much he adored her right back. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I absolutely would.
The other part of the book is so hard to hear. How such a loving dedicated father was not allowed to have dignity and peace at the end of his life is just awful! I feel such empathy to Mr. Conway’s children. They fought until the end for their father. The amount of disrespect shown to Kelly and her brothers is absolutely mind blowing. I am so glad Kelly had the nerve and backbone to fight for her father.
Listening to this audiobook version, read incredibly by Kelly Conway, I felt extremely connected to this man. This man that spent his life making us all laugh. Listening to Kelly is like talking to a good friend around the dinner table. You can absolutely tell how much she adored her father and how much he adored her right back. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I absolutely would.
September 26, 2022
I would give this book an almost four stars. Kelly Conway is the eldest child of Tim Conway. She is his only daughter of six children. She writes about being his daughter. growing up in California with her parents and five brothers. her childhood is a mostly happy and good one. Because her dad is famous she has grown up in "the industry" knowing many celebrities.
When she is a teenager, her parents divorce. A couple years later he marries his second wife Charlene. For years Kelly is close to her step mother until her father's health becomes bad. He has some health issues that the daughter is concerned about but when she starts trying to help take care of her father, the relationship with her step mother and step sister takes a very ugly turn. There are disagreements on Tim Conways decisions for his health. Kelly believes the step mother and wife of Tim Conway is making poor choices for his health. there are some pretty nasty fights between them some ending up in court. It was sad for me to read about the last years of this brilliant talented man who made me laugh.
It was also good to read about the good parts of his life and he could be just as funny at home as in his career. A good enough book but sad to read that this talented man went through a lot the last four or five years of his life.
When she is a teenager, her parents divorce. A couple years later he marries his second wife Charlene. For years Kelly is close to her step mother until her father's health becomes bad. He has some health issues that the daughter is concerned about but when she starts trying to help take care of her father, the relationship with her step mother and step sister takes a very ugly turn. There are disagreements on Tim Conways decisions for his health. Kelly believes the step mother and wife of Tim Conway is making poor choices for his health. there are some pretty nasty fights between them some ending up in court. It was sad for me to read about the last years of this brilliant talented man who made me laugh.
It was also good to read about the good parts of his life and he could be just as funny at home as in his career. A good enough book but sad to read that this talented man went through a lot the last four or five years of his life.
December 31, 2021
Kelly Conway narrates her memoir about life with a man that entertained millions with his sketch comedy genius. The author does a good job with the narration, bringing to readers a more personal side of her famous father.
Tim Conway was one of the funniest men on television, on shows like McHale’s Navy, The Carol Burnett Show, and The Apple Dumpling Gang. Behind the scenes, he was a great family man, entertaining both his only daughter and his five sons, as well as any neighbors or friends to come their way. This personal view on Tim Conway was eye-opening, but heartbreaking as well. The end of his life was that which I would not wish on anyone and it was hard listening to Kelly tell of the struggles with her stepmother over his care.
The memoir is a little bit scattered, but it is hard to tell the story of your life in a linear fashion. Overall, My Dad's Funnier Than Your Dad: Growing Up with Tim Conway in the Funniest House in America is a good look into the life of a talented man with a passion for both his art and his family.
Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Audio Copy of My Dad's Funnier Than Your Dad by NetGalley and the publisher, Tantor Audio. The decision to listen to and review this book was entirely my own.
Tim Conway was one of the funniest men on television, on shows like McHale’s Navy, The Carol Burnett Show, and The Apple Dumpling Gang. Behind the scenes, he was a great family man, entertaining both his only daughter and his five sons, as well as any neighbors or friends to come their way. This personal view on Tim Conway was eye-opening, but heartbreaking as well. The end of his life was that which I would not wish on anyone and it was hard listening to Kelly tell of the struggles with her stepmother over his care.
The memoir is a little bit scattered, but it is hard to tell the story of your life in a linear fashion. Overall, My Dad's Funnier Than Your Dad: Growing Up with Tim Conway in the Funniest House in America is a good look into the life of a talented man with a passion for both his art and his family.
Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Audio Copy of My Dad's Funnier Than Your Dad by NetGalley and the publisher, Tantor Audio. The decision to listen to and review this book was entirely my own.
February 13, 2022
I am not sure I have ever finished a book and wanted to apologize to its author after closing the back cover. But I certainly feel this way regarding Kelly’s memoir of being Tim Conway’s only daughter of six children. I recognize that this book is only sharing the perspective of one person’s interpretation of her father’s final years of life and the completely unnecessary and uncalled for treatment by her step-mother and stepsister. However, my heart breaks for Kelly and all she went through to love and care for her dad as he aged and couldn’t make decisions for himself.
While the last 1/3 of the book is about the afore mentioned intense discord between Kelly and her stepmom, the beginning is much more lighthearted and describes life growing up with Tim as her dad. Those of us who grew up watching The Carol Burnett Show will enjoy Kelly’s recollections of being a kid on her dad’s set. You can also feel her sense of sadness as a late teenager when her parents divorce. Living in Ohio, it was fun to hear her recount special memories with her grandparents in Chagrin Falls. The center of the book is filled with pictures and memories of Tim with his family and friends.
I listened to the audio and read the book. It is a quick read, but sad one.
While the last 1/3 of the book is about the afore mentioned intense discord between Kelly and her stepmom, the beginning is much more lighthearted and describes life growing up with Tim as her dad. Those of us who grew up watching The Carol Burnett Show will enjoy Kelly’s recollections of being a kid on her dad’s set. You can also feel her sense of sadness as a late teenager when her parents divorce. Living in Ohio, it was fun to hear her recount special memories with her grandparents in Chagrin Falls. The center of the book is filled with pictures and memories of Tim with his family and friends.
I listened to the audio and read the book. It is a quick read, but sad one.
December 10, 2021
I was so excited when I saw this book available for request on Netgalley. I almost cried with joy when I was approved for MY DAD'S FUNNIER THAN YOUR DAD!
The heartbreaking beginning and ending of the book describes the horrible manner in which her father was treated prior to his death and the way her step-mother treated her throughout his illness and eventual death. Ms. Conway has created an insight into the wonderful comedian Tim Conway. I have always loved his antics on The Carol Burnett Show, The Apple Dumpling Gang as well as all of his other hilarious works of comedy genius. I was happy to learn Mr. Conway was exactly the man we loved on television with his family. Through my tears of laughter and sadness, it was easy to see the special bond and love between the author and her father. I absolutely loved listening to this book and appreciate Tantor Audio for allowing me to listen.
Ms. Conway narrated the book with so much passion and love for her father. I'm not sure how she was able to read through some of the text without crying. The audiobook was great and I highly recommended it for all lovers of Tim Conway.
The heartbreaking beginning and ending of the book describes the horrible manner in which her father was treated prior to his death and the way her step-mother treated her throughout his illness and eventual death. Ms. Conway has created an insight into the wonderful comedian Tim Conway. I have always loved his antics on The Carol Burnett Show, The Apple Dumpling Gang as well as all of his other hilarious works of comedy genius. I was happy to learn Mr. Conway was exactly the man we loved on television with his family. Through my tears of laughter and sadness, it was easy to see the special bond and love between the author and her father. I absolutely loved listening to this book and appreciate Tantor Audio for allowing me to listen.
Ms. Conway narrated the book with so much passion and love for her father. I'm not sure how she was able to read through some of the text without crying. The audiobook was great and I highly recommended it for all lovers of Tim Conway.
September 6, 2023
What a beautiful tribute to a beloved man and father. I hope this book helped Kelly heal and reach her two goals as stated in the final chapter. I enjoyed hearing that her father was as wonderful and warm in person as he seemed on TV. In reading this book, there were many times that I wished I could've known him or her. I agree that she was a lucky or blessed girl to have a father like him, and to have a childhood that exposed her to so many stars and memorable experiences.
I enjoyed hearing about the fun times Tim Conway created for his children. I agree that the Carol Burnett show captured moments with stars that are gone makes it a treasure now. I don't see how Tim and Harvey are the same person. Maybe in humor, but not in temperament or character. Tim was a gentle soul. Harvey was described as more selfish and crass.
I was sorry to hear about Tim's final days and the struggles. But I'm glad that Kelly made him happy. My father died in 2018. He couldn't remember my name in the end, but he knew that I was his and smiled whenever I came around. I'm glad Tim had Kelly to help him until the end.
I enjoyed hearing about the fun times Tim Conway created for his children. I agree that the Carol Burnett show captured moments with stars that are gone makes it a treasure now. I don't see how Tim and Harvey are the same person. Maybe in humor, but not in temperament or character. Tim was a gentle soul. Harvey was described as more selfish and crass.
I was sorry to hear about Tim's final days and the struggles. But I'm glad that Kelly made him happy. My father died in 2018. He couldn't remember my name in the end, but he knew that I was his and smiled whenever I came around. I'm glad Tim had Kelly to help him until the end.
December 29, 2021
Ok, I confess... I loved The Carol Burnett Show and Tim Conway and Harvey Korman were the BEST! OMG! Memories of sitting watching this show each and every week are embedded in my mind!
So of course I wanted to read this book.
Much to my dismay, I absolutely HATED the way this second wife (aka stepmother) treated her "husband". Kelly was so supportive and stoic during his last months. Not sure I would have been so nice to my " stepmother".
There were actually times I had to stop reading and take a break because I was so disturbed by the lack of care his "wife" was providing him. Who does this? What kind of animal is she?
All in all, Tim knew Kelly was there, supporting him however she could. Yea Team Kelly!!!!
There's a special place for her stepmother...
Thank you Kelly for this book. And thank you Tim for all the laughs you gave us each and every week. The dentist skirt will always be one of my ALL time favorites. Harvey couldn't stop laughing and it was the BEST!
Love to Tim and all his true biological children he adored!!!
So of course I wanted to read this book.
Much to my dismay, I absolutely HATED the way this second wife (aka stepmother) treated her "husband". Kelly was so supportive and stoic during his last months. Not sure I would have been so nice to my " stepmother".
There were actually times I had to stop reading and take a break because I was so disturbed by the lack of care his "wife" was providing him. Who does this? What kind of animal is she?
All in all, Tim knew Kelly was there, supporting him however she could. Yea Team Kelly!!!!
There's a special place for her stepmother...
Thank you Kelly for this book. And thank you Tim for all the laughs you gave us each and every week. The dentist skirt will always be one of my ALL time favorites. Harvey couldn't stop laughing and it was the BEST!
Love to Tim and all his true biological children he adored!!!
January 24, 2022
What a story. The first half of the book covers the happy times. Times with Mary Anne and Tim's kids. It follows the children growing up and some of the favorite memories of childhood. It shows how much of a father Tim Conway was amidst working in comedy and television.
The second half of this book is where pain is added. It is a heartbreaking continuation of life as health deteriorates and a divided family gets stuck in opposing opinions on care. As an outsider looking in, the blatant disregard for care was infuriating. I can only imagine how it was to experience it for Kelly. (As I do understand this is her side of the story.)
This family was no where near perfect. Whether it was with Mary Anne or Charlene, although it got much more hurtful with the latter. It was quite a story to share.
"'We're changing Dad's bandage,' I said, trying not to sound as angry as I felt. 'It hadn't been changed in a few days.'
'Get your hands off my husband,' Charlene growled. 'And get the f*ck out of my house.'"
The second half of this book is where pain is added. It is a heartbreaking continuation of life as health deteriorates and a divided family gets stuck in opposing opinions on care. As an outsider looking in, the blatant disregard for care was infuriating. I can only imagine how it was to experience it for Kelly. (As I do understand this is her side of the story.)
This family was no where near perfect. Whether it was with Mary Anne or Charlene, although it got much more hurtful with the latter. It was quite a story to share.
"'We're changing Dad's bandage,' I said, trying not to sound as angry as I felt. 'It hadn't been changed in a few days.'
'Get your hands off my husband,' Charlene growled. 'And get the f*ck out of my house.'"
June 13, 2022
I found this book to be an easy and informative read. As difficult as it probably was for the author (Kelly Conway) to put her memories (good and bad) about her father into a book, her words served as a stark reminder that success, fame, fortune, the uncanny ability to make others laugh does not always result in a happy, storybook ending.
While Kelly had to deal with a lot of frustration and harsh feelings from family members during her father's final stages of his life on earth, she was able to use the love she and dad had for each other to keep herself strong.
Some reviewers felt that Kelly could have left out the ongoing confrontations with her step-mother but I felt that these were things which needed to be shared. Just like she learned from her father about how to treat others during good and bad times, those who read the book might be able to do the same as we find ourselves caring for loved ones. They would be lessons learned from a funny dad who we invited into our homes every week through the gift of television.
While Kelly had to deal with a lot of frustration and harsh feelings from family members during her father's final stages of his life on earth, she was able to use the love she and dad had for each other to keep herself strong.
Some reviewers felt that Kelly could have left out the ongoing confrontations with her step-mother but I felt that these were things which needed to be shared. Just like she learned from her father about how to treat others during good and bad times, those who read the book might be able to do the same as we find ourselves caring for loved ones. They would be lessons learned from a funny dad who we invited into our homes every week through the gift of television.
March 28, 2024
I was torn about how to review this book. There is no intimacy in this book from what I could tell. I thought the writing was superficial. The author talks a lot about growing up in the Conway family, but I never felt any authentic connections ring true except as her being the teenage daughter that idolized her father. Kind of frozen in time. She had five brothers - her writing doesn't provide much in the way of details about their personal interactions. Her mother is also a distant character. She spoke of being close to people, but it felt like it was all scenery with no written evidence of real connection. Maybe she was protecting privacies. I did get more involved in the story as Tim's health declines, but I was frustrated even with that because the story was full of gaps and holes. There were sketchy actions that were so childish. (Even the title felt childish to me.) It was unsatisfying because I was hoping for some introspection and couldn't find much. I just don't feel like there has been much "growth" in her life.
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