My Mother Was Nuts

A Memoir

By: Penny Marshall

Narrated by: Penny Marshall

Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Most people know Penny Marshall as the director of Big and A League of Their Own. What they don’t know is her trailblazing career was a happy accident. In this funny and intimate memoir, Penny takes us from the stage of The Jackie Gleason Show in 1955 to Hollywood’s star-studded sets, offering up some hilarious detours along the way.

My Mother Was Nuts is an intimate backstage pass to Penny’s personal life, her breakout role on The Odd Couple, her exploits with Cindy Williams and John Belushi, and her travels across Europe with Art Garfunkel on the back of a motorcycle. We see Penny get married. And divorced. And married again (the second time to Rob Reiner). We meet a young Carrie Fisher, whose close friendship with Penny has spanned decades. And we see Penny at work with Tom Hanks, Mark Wahlberg, Whoopi Goldberg, Robert De Niro, and Whitney Houston.

Throughout it all, from her childhood spent tap dancing in the Bronx, to her rise as the star of Laverne & Shirley, Penny lived by simple rules: “try hard, help your friends, don’t get too crazy, and have fun.” With humor and heart, My Mother Was Nuts reveals there’s no one else quite like Penny Marshall.

©2012 Penny Marshall (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“There's as much practical, hard-won advice here as there is Hollywood gossip, and Marshall's boundless energy and no-nonsense attitude make for a fun read.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Hollywood aficionados will get a kick out of Marshall’s anecdotes about her circle of friends, including Albert Brooks, John Belushi, and Carrie Fisher, all told in a funny, down-to-earth manner.” (Booklist)

“Penny Marshall is a fascinating woman who has lived a life few of us could survive. Did you know she gave me two of the best jobs I’ve ever had? Of course not, because when she talks she is barely comprehensible. Read her memoir and you’ll come to love her as much as I do.” (Tom Hanks)

Very Entertaining

I loved listening to Penny Marshall's kooky sense of humor and very distinctive New Yawk accent. She had and has many famous friends and exes-- Rob Reiner, Albert Brooks, Carrie Fischer, Art Garfunkel, etc. It was fun to hear about the exploits of these A-listers and interesting to hear about the movies Penny Marshall directed, such as Big, Awakenings, and A League of Their Own.

Great book

Where does My Mother Was Nuts rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was a great story and told well.

What was one of the most memorable moments of My Mother Was Nuts?

How much she loved her mom.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Her divorce from rob.

authentic and real!

my favorite narrator ever! you will feel like you are Penny's friend by the time you finish

Valentine to Friendship

At times, this memoir moves a little slowly, but overall Marshall has a great story about the value of taking chances and enjoying friendships.

kinda of boring

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Penny i ok in 28 min but her voice gets old and her then i did........

If you’ve listened to books by Penny Marshall before, how does this one compare?

never have and don't want to again

What three words best describe Penny Marshall’s voice?

thin,tired and monotone

What else would you have wanted to know about Penny Marshall’s life?

not anything

Any additional comments?

skip this one

I love this woman.

What did you love best about My Mother Was Nuts?

I was going through a rough time in my life and thought maybe I should listen to books by strong successful woman to get my brain back in the game. This was one of many and by far my favorite. Besides the fact that she has that awesome accent that I literally can listen to all day, she has lead an amazing life. Great story, totally inspiring and vo-dee-oh-doe-doe.

Enjoyed the book

What did you love best about My Mother Was Nuts?

The story - she has lead an interesting life

Who was your favorite character and why?

Penny

What does Penny Marshall bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her Bronx accent

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both, laughed and cried

Any additional comments?

I don't think Penny took a breath during the whole book, so be ready for the quick diaolog. I personall love her accent so I didn't find it a problem - other might.

Laverne doesn't disappointe!

once I got use to her voice, i really enjoyed her story in her voice. She's pretty amazing.

WONDERFUL!

Where does My Mother Was Nuts rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL WONDERFUL
Penny Marshall is an excellent audio book writer and reader. I couldn't wait to get in the car to hear another tale. I hated getting out of the car as well!!!

Just like talking over coffee

SO amazing, and strangely comforting, to hear Penny tell stories about her life. I loved her before, now I adore her completely. I think, if I had met her, we could have been great friends. I would encourage anyone to have this audible book, you will not be disappointed. Thank you Penny, for sharing you life stories.