Audie Award Nominee, Narration by the Author or Authors, 2013
The man behind the Real Housewives writes about his lifelong love affair with pop culture that brought him from the suburbs of St. Louis to his own television show.
From a young age, Andy Cohen knew two things: He was gay, and he loved television. Now presiding over Bravo's reality-TV empire, he started out as an overly talkative pop-culture obsessive, devoted to Charlie's Angels and All My Children - and to his mother, who received daily letters from him while he was at summer camp, usually reminding her to tape the soaps. In retrospect, it's hard to believe that everyone didn't know that Andy was gay; still, he remained in the closet until college. Finally out, he embarked on making a career out of his passion for television. The journey begins with Andy interviewing his all-time idol Susan Lucci for his college newspaper and ends with him in a job where he has a hand in creating today's celebrity icons. In the witty, no-holds-barred style of his show Watch What Happens: Live, Cohen tells tales of absurd network-news mishaps, hilarious encounters with the heroines of his youth, and the real stories behind the Real Housewives.
Dishy, funny, and full of heart, Most Talkative provides a one-of-a-kind glimpse into the world of television, from a fan who grew up watching the screen and is now inside the TV, both making shows and hosting his own.
©2012 Henry Holt and Company (P)2012 Macmillan Audio
Sensitive critic
"If you're depressed, listen to this book!!!"
I was in the worst mood for the past week, having many problems with my grown son who is living with me at the moment. I thought nothing could cheer me up until I started listening to Andy.
He's hilarious! My favorite part was his letters to his mother when he was a little boy away at camp. The way he describes his mother - and the way he voices her part - is just hysterical. Not only is it funny, it's endearing and it makes you wish you could meet her.
I really recommend this book if you are in the doldrums - it will get you right out of them. Highly recommended!
"Sweet to Sour"
This is mainly for Real HOusewife fans. It's okay, but more like listening to his journal. Not as shallow as the real housewives, but close.
His reading was the best part, especially when he would have a real reaction and crack himself up.
NO. I skipped through half of it because the stories droned on.
If you are really into pop culture you'll like this because of the dishing factor. There's not much substance there.
"So funny!!!"
Funny, insightful, inspiring
it feels like andy is talking to you. you get exactly what you get on WWHL. best. show. EVER!
(bt dubs, not too happy its not on this week but its ok since youre promoting this funny as hell book!)
vanderpump
yes
"Super fun, light listen!"
A must listen for any Bravo/Housewives fan. Andy's narration is fun and light and made my 8 hour drive fly by.
atlantabrenda
"A good and entertaining listen"
Andy Cohen is a good story teller and has had some very interesting experiences. He spends a little too long on Oprah but overall it was a great book and very entertaining.
Andy did a great job reading the book and in certain parts, addressed things to audio listeners which I appreciated.
"LOVED IT!!"
Loved hearing Andy voice read his own words. So much fun!
Found out so much about Andy's background and fabulous work ethic.
Only he can tell the listener like he wants it to be heard. Wonderful!
When he came out. Very touching.
"too precious"
I've never seen a real housewives show and had not heard of this man before this book. So, why did I get it? I really don't remember. His mother thinks he's HYSTERICAL. I don't, but I'm probably a grouch
"Download it now. Seriously, right now."
This book ranks way up at the top. Hysterically funny. A must-listen-to for anyone who loves cable television, all things pop culture, All My Children, Bravo, the Bravo housewives, - and the concept of endlessly pranking one's poor, unsuspecting, gullible, midwest Jewish mom.
You have to give it up for Andy's Mom, Evelyn Cohen, and his partner-in-crime, Graciela, someone you will wish were your bestie after listening to this book.
You know how sometimes you're kinda psyched to have the actual author, especially if they are a celebrity, read their bio? And then you're like "Gah! Did you not listen to yourself? For God's sake, go out and hire a professional!" (I'm looking at you, Lauren Conrad). Well, this is NOT one of those times. Andy Cohen is as fabulous on audio as he is on his "Watch What Happens Live" TV show. An absolute joy to listen to...after recommending this book to everyone, I had to add the caveat that they MIGHT be missing something if they were reading, rather than listening to, this book. Listening to him imitate everyone from his Mom to Real Housewife Lisa VanderPump is hilarious, and you feel throughout the book that he is sitting and chatting with you - or better yet, confiding in you as though the two of you are on a sleepover in high school. Delicious, hysterical.
Not only is the book laugh-out-loud hysterical (you know that embarrassing moment when you are commuting on the subway or out running and burst out laughing while listening to a book, prompting weird stares from passers-by? Be prepared) - but the book is also a touching narrative on what it is like to be a gay teen in the 80s, long before popular culture and society at large began accepting out and proud gays. In addition, it offers a fantastic look at interning at a national news - and then morning - program, and the rise up the ladder in the burgeoning cable television industry. Download now. Right now.
J.F., CA I am a voracious reader/listener who enjoys many different genres. I am often listening to multiple books at the same time - something on mobile and something else on my laptop.
"Sooo funneee!"
This book was so funny! I loved it! Even watching Andy on Watch What Happens did not reveal this very funny side of him. I totally enjoyed his funny twists and creative ways of telling all the stories in this book. I love his honesty - not self deprecating, just honest. As mad as I was with the obviously biased way he treated Teresa Guidice at the last RHONJ reunion (2011), I am now grudgingly able to lighten up on him somewhat. Prior to his shredding of Teresa, I did not have a particular feeling one way or the other about him. After Teresa, I did not like him. Now I have somewhat forgiven him. He came alive in a new and colorful way for me. By the way, his narration is to die for. For that I gave him a solid 10/10. Get this book. It is a light, refreshing and easy listen. You will be pleased you did. I may even listen more than once.
"Made me laugh"
I am a fan of books by funny people and Andy Cohen doesn't disappoint. It really enjoyed hearing his story of getting in the "biz". They way he depicts his mother is great! And the pranks he pulled on his parents really made me laugh!
No