If you are like me, you will feel very lucky if you decide to listen to this fine book and performance.With its refreshing lack of cynicism and the wonderful story of the lucky life of a man who has been well known to children, parents, ... pretty much every American.To me, Dick Van Dyke is both "Bert" from Mary Poppins and the great, loving Dad in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Of course I saw his iconic television shows often as a child and later as a young adult. But in both Mary Poppins and Chitty, Van Dyke story is an important part of my own reality at that time.His courageous "family-friendly" decisions about the parts and films he would perform are similar to the decisions that my father and uncle made for the same reasons during the same timeline (60s and onward). I well remember being embarrassed at school where I was teased because my Dad made kid's films. My friends' parents made "grown up" movies, while like Van Dyke, mine only did "kid's stuff." I find in hindsight, now as a mother with three kids and three step-kids, that my embarrassment was very misplaced and Van Dyke's decision to be a "family movie" actor, like the Sherman Brothers' decisions, were courageous (My father is one of the Sherman Brothers who Walt Disney introduced Dick Van Dyke to my Father and Uncle as the culmination of his initial introduction to the movie-in-progress to hear many of the Mary Poppins songs. This meeting and Dick's reaction to the whole project, especially the music, is beautifully described in My Lucky Life's Chapter called A Jolly Holiday. I was a pre-teen during that time. My Dad, Robert, the brother than Dick describes as the "quiet" one and Van Dyke were friendly.) Like Van Dyke, my father wasn't into the party scene, and as I listened to this autobiography, I found myself learning why these two naturally imaginative but not perfect men, both incredible creatives, were friends. I was often on the Disney lot during the filming of Mary Poppins as I was a professional singer from age 5 - 18.
I found that the author's description of Walt Disney was very similar to the way that I understood him. I was lucky enough to see Disney, Van Dyke and other actors, directors, animators, and more at work together.On my breaks from singing, I would visit my Dad and Uncle whose office was three doors down from Walt's in the old Animation Building.
Watching the intensive and interactive type of creativity that was pervasive on the Disney lot until Walt passed away taught me how to believe in myself as a creative person and also as a manager of creative people doing creative work, no matter the topic or
The book is read by Dick Van Dyke, which is an essential aspect of the book's excellence.His friendly, casual writing is augmented by his friendly, casual vocal work, combined with his perfect timing makes listening to this book a delight. He is not trying to be funny, and it is not a joke book. It covers serious subjects with a lightness. I tend to think that some of it is understated, or perhaps remembered more kindly than it was at the time, but that is part of the charm of the book and it's author.
This is an ideal "first read" because for most of us, Van Dyke is a "known quantity" and someone with whom we are comfortable. If Van Dyke is "in touch" with the threads and stories of his life as much as it seems in this book, he is blessed.
I think that this is the case, that Van Dyke is indeed lucky and also blessed.It also seems that he is aware of this. His story allows us into his life, his decisions and the lucky breaks that have made his life a lucky one. In my opinion, the author understates the problems he has had and the solutions which he has chosen. Audiences may feel that the "family G-rated observations" of experiences like substance abuse does bring down the reality of his telling a few points.
But how could he really help but to be Lucky? He was (and IS for each generation of children whose parents show them the Mary Poppins video or on line) a Chimney Sweep, and as we all well know "a sweep is as luck as lucky can be."

I love this book, my wife told me about this book and I got hooked from his first story. It is a fast listen and hearing Mr Van Dyke tell his own story is worth it. I can't imagine any other narrator telling his story. I have been a fan sense The Dick Van Dyke show and a big Mary Poppins fan. He is a big inspiration in my life as for I am a family comedy performer.

If you love Dick Van Dyke you will love this book. I only wish it were longer. It is narrated by Dick Van Dyke himself so in that sense it is better than the paper version. Although I do wish I had the paper version with the photos...

My first audiobook. No longer a virgin! And what a way to start.

Doesn't hurt that I adore Dick Van Dyke but that aside, his autobiography is magic...made more magical by his telling of his own story. A thoroughly enjoyable listen.

This was a nice account of Dick Van Dyke's life. It was not full of "juicy tidbits", but nicely read by the author himself. It was at times slow, but still an interesting life story.

The book is a delightful listen and is a good guide book on how to enjoy life. Do good and be good and good will flow back to you seems to be the theme for this book.

I mostly read science and history books to find out about our place in the universe, but I'm glad I veered off those topics and listened to this book. The author's approach to life gave me an interesting perspective.

The author's reading of his own book was superb and added to the listening experience.

No. Although his voice has lessened with age, hearing Dick Van Dyke tell his story brings his unique gift to the listener

Portions of his life we of a certain age, all shared...Bye, By Birdie, his television experiences, and of course, Mary Poppins...

Yes. Unfortunately we all must age and at 85 years old, age has taken its toll on Dick's clarity. Still I wish I had his sparkle and energy when I reach 85

60's Icon

What a treat to hear the fabulous Dick Van Dyke tell his own wonderful story. I was lucky enough to see Mr. Van Dyke perform with his group, the Vantastix, during the time I listened to this and it just made me appreciate his talent and character all the more. Enjoyable all around.

This book is a must for any Dick Van Dyke fan. From the wonderful back stories of the Dick Van Dyke show, Mary Poppins, Chitty-Chitty, Bang-Bang. To the parts that you might be unfamiliar with. it's hard to stop listening.
There is something new in every chapter. Like how he got his start in show business. His brief run in with the Mob. Almost getting fired from his job at an Atlanta TV station. His political activism, and his struggle with alcoholism.
I am so glad the Dick Van Dyke narrates this book himself. I felt as if I were a relative of his, and asked him what his life was like? "Well pull up a chair, and I'll tell you all about it".
There are so many performers. Dick Van Dyke is truly an entertainer.

This is a light, breezy book in line with the author's own entertaining style. It is made more pleasant by the author reading it himself. What has made Dick Van Dyke such a likeable person is his self-effacement. He really seems to believe that luck rather than talent is the reason for his success. Certainly he was fortunate to team up with Carl Reiner but, viewing his work, one can say that Carl was as fortunate to find him. Surprising was his strong spiritual sense and sincere moral convictions. Unfortunate, in my opinion, was the lack of development in this area. The shallow soil of Tinseltown does seem to make it difficult for genuine spiritual growth. While he occasionally alludes to the demons with which he has dealt, he does not go into details. And that is just as well. Stories of the fall and redemption of celebrities are as boring as they are predictable. In this work one is impressed by the fact that, for the most part, the author has managed to keep these demons at bay. That he has also managed to survive as a genuinely good person in this narcissistic culture is itself impressive. There is hope yet for Hollywood.