Kiss Me Like a Stranger

My Search for Love and Art

By: Gene Wilder

Narrated by: Gene Wilder

Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Told in his own words, a very personal story from the star of many beloved and classic comedies, including Young Frankenstein, The Producers, and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Gene Wilder is one of the great comic actors who defined the 1970s and 1980s in movies. From his work with Woody Allen, to the rich group of movies he made with Mel Brooks, to his partnership on screen with Richard Pryor, Wilder's performances are still discussed and celebrated today. Kiss Me Like a Stranger is an intimate glimpse of the man behind the image on the screen.

In this book, Wilder talks about everything from his experiences in psychoanalysis to why he got into comedy - his first goal was to be a Shakespearean actor - to how a midwestern childhood with a sick mother changed him. He writes about the creative process on stage and on screen, and divulges moments from life on the sets of some of the most iconic movies of our time.

He also opens up about his search for love and his marriages, including his marriage to comedienne Gilda Radner. But the core of Kiss Me Like a Stranger is an actor's search for truth and a thoughtful analysis of why the choices he made - some of them so serendipitous they were practically accidental - changed the course of his life.

Listen to a Fresh Air interview with Gene Wilder.

And don't miss Gene Wilder in Conversation with Wendy Wasserstein at the 92nd Street Y.

©2005 Gene Wilder (P)2005 Audio Renaissance, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC

Critic reviews

• Alex Award Winner, 2000

"A gracious, endearing book....[Wilder] writes with striking candor." (The New York Times)

"Pure Gene Wilder! Uproarishly funny and at times very moving. It made me want to go out and see every Gene Wilder movie again." (Mel Brooks)

A Legend

This is an incredible story with incredible lessons. I loved every moment of this book. It was exactly what I needed at this point of my life. Thank you.

Nice to see you again

It is the performances and it is the content it is the timing. It is the talent. It is all these things, and many many more than I will ever know, but whatever it is after listening to the audiobook, Mr. Wilder, you did it again touched my heart like someone. Oh, so familiar Yet also a like a stranger. thank you. God bless you I love you.

Hope,Caring, Loving

Gene Wilder tells a story so well you can’t put it down! His life and the people in his life were part of his story that made him such an amazing and creative person. He has left us all with inspiration and passionate caring feelings and hope!

A fun, interesting and warm hearted listen.

If you could sum up Kiss Me Like a Stranger in three words, what would they be?

Warm, funny and entertaining.

What about Gene Wilder’s performance did you like?

Gene does a wonderful job of narrating his book. It's like he is sitting next to your telling the story.

Any additional comments?

I will definitely listen to more of Gene's books if they are narrated by him.

What a story; what a reading

I've always loved his work, and this behind the scenes glimpse was magical. Listening to his voice again made me so happy.

A solid piece of self-reflection from Mr. Wilder

What did you love best about Kiss Me Like a Stranger?

I am a huge fan of Gene's work. I started listening to this the day he died as a way to comfort myself. I wasn't disappointed. Gene's innate grace contrasts beautifully with his crass and often foul humor. I loved his honesty about his relationship with Gilda. To many, that is the relationship that defines Wilder. But not to Wilder, who clearly felt his relationship after Gilda was his most significant.

Which scene was your favorite?

His description of military school was, to me, the most illuminating. An empathetic nature is often born from experiences of cruelty. Though it's uncomfortable to listen to, I felt this gave me the most insight in to what made Gene...Gene.

The great Wilder

I love this book and the audible dose not disappoint
Narrated by the late gene wilder with such passion and intensity .

Lots I did not know

Gene lived a pretty amazing life filled with many lows and highs - some on the extreme side. Grateful he left us so many fun movies to watch.

Simply Wonderful!

my review is simple, it was wonderful to hear some of the background of Gene's life directly from him.

Mesmerizing

The only thing that could make this book better than it is is by having it narrated by it's author which it was. An absolutely phenomenal experience.