Brief Encounters

Conversations, Magic Moments, and Assorted Hijinks

By: Dick Cavett, Jimmy Fallon - introduction

Narrated by: Dick Cavett

A 2016 Grammy nominee for Best Spoken Word Album

Dick Cavett is back, sharing his reflections and reminiscences about Hollywood legends, American cultural icons, and the absurdities of everyday life

In Brief Encounters, the legendary talk show host Dick Cavett introduces us to the fascinating characters who have crossed his path, from James Gandolfini and John Lennon to Mel Brooks and Nora Ephron, enhancing our appreciation of their talent, their personalities, and their place in the pantheon. We tag along as Cavett spends an afternoon with Stan Laurel at his modest apartment in Los Angeles, spars with Muhammad Ali at his training camp, and comes to know a young Steve Jobs—who woos him to be Apple's first celebrity pitchman. He also offers piquant commentary on contemporary politics, the indignities of travel, the nature of comedy writing, and the utter improbability of being alive at all.

On his talk show, Cavett welcomed the leading figures from film, music, theater, literature, comedy, sports, and politics, and engaged them in conversation that made viewers feel that the discussion was taking place in their own living rooms. Jimmy Fallon, the new host of The Tonight Show, has called him "a legend and an inspiration" and has written a foreword that makes clear the debt that today's talk show hosts owe to Dick Cavett. Brief Encounters opens the door on how Cavett's mind works and what it is like to live in his world.

To spend a few minutes, or an hour, or even a whole evening with Dick Cavett is an experience not to be missed, and now there's no reason to deny yourself. Settle in, and enjoy the conversation!

Critic reviews

<p>“A welcome sequel to <i>Talk Show</i>, Dick Cavett covers a lot of ground in a collection of erudite and witty pieces...<i>Brief Encounters</i> is very good and very funny, at times pointed, but always engaging.” —<i>The Chicago Tribune</i><br><br>“[<i>Brief Encounters</i>] looks back on Dick Cavett's time with some of the biggest names of the 20th century. A touching essay about the late James Gandolfini, a fond remembrance of an afternoon at Stan Laurel's small Los Angeles apartment, sparring with Muhammed Ali, and being talked into signing on as Apple's first celebrity pitchman by a young Steve Jobs are all here, as are Cavett's warm memories of John Lennon.” —<i>Esquire.com</i><br><br>“<i>Brief Encounters</i> includes numerous observations about contemporary culture and politics -- neither Democrats nor Republicans are spared … -- as well as moving recollections of and tributes to stars no longer with us, from Stan Laurel to James Gandolfini.” —<i>USA Today</i><br><br>“[Cavett's] book is at its best when summoning memories of long-gone entertainment figures such as Stan Laurel and Groucho Marx…Cavett never abandons his wit…With his pithy prose style and compact paragraphs, Cavett has a sure feel for the art of column-writing.” —<i>Columbus Dispatch</i><br><br>“Great, pithy stories and recollections... In his signature charming prose, Cavett introduces readers to the fascinating characters that have crossed his path.” —<i>Examiner.com (Named a Best Celebrity Book of the Year)</i><br><br>“The book is a delightful peek behind the curtain at celebrities, complex characters, and the nuances of everyday life--all told with his singular wit and style.” —<i>Publishers Weekly</i><br><br>“The very model of a quick-witted interviewer, Cavett … still works the crowd effectively…. [Cavett] remembers working as a gag writer for famed comedians and recalls the Broadway badinage and smart repartee that marked the well-regarded Dick Cavett Show.” —<i>Kirkus Reviews</i><br><br>“In the late 1960s to mid-1970s the Dick Cavett Show was a late-night TV destination. [Cavett] was known as a literate, erudite interviewer who loved wordplay, but who didn't take any guff from his guests… Most notable are his anecdotal stories about such people as Groucho Marx, Nora Ephron, and Muhammad Ali.” —<i>Library Journal</i><br><br>“The best bathroom reading ever written! Each story takes just the right amount of time.” —<i>Mel Brooks</i></p>

back in the old days

I love his style as an interviewer and I enjoyed the listen, he is so funny and particular tp the English language

A great book to listen to while you walk or drive

While I enjoyed the entire book, I thought that the essays and biographical elements of the first half were slightly superior to the stories which Cavett relates in the second half of the book.
But I would counsel anyone who has an interest in the era of television which Dick Cavett speaks about, to read this book. Or to listen to it.

What a treat

Brings back when my mom and I sat in the kitchen and watched his show each night on our 13 in B&W tv on top of the refrigerator while my father sat by himself in the family room watching God knows what on the giant color tv.

Cavett at his best

What did you love best about Brief Encounters?

Cavett's style. He obviously enjoys being the smartest guy in the room. He has had a fascinating life and he shares it in perfectly sized doses.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Cavett is Cavett.

Which character – as performed by Dick Cavett – was your favorite?

He did them all very well.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No- you don't want to use it up too quickly.

Any additional comments?

His sniping at conservatives- Cheney, Palin, Limbaugh- comes off as petty and dated.

So many people so many great stories!

It will keep you very entertained the whole time you are listening to Dick Cavett!