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)

Definitely Penny Marshall

This book takes a little getting used to. Penny was a great personality, director and actress. She is not a novelist. If you are used to long flowing sentences with eloquent and precisely used descriptions, this book is not that. It is however what the title promises, a memoir by Penny herself. There is no question that these are Penny's thoughts and words. Having her also read it was priceless. Penny is still as awesome as I have always thought. I love her more, after the book, than before. May she rest in peace.

Surprisingly informative for the television gerati

loved it. I had no idea Penny was a shaker in the movies. Sruprisingly warm and level headed. I could have been good friends with her, but I couldn't dance. Thanks Penny.

Easy listen, good narration

Not quite your standard memoir, It's mostly short stories instead of one coherent piece. It is nevertheless enjoyable and insightful. I learned about her life, the TV and movie business and what it was like growing up in her time.

This was so much fun!

Great memoir! Made me laugh, what an amazing inspiration! Live your life to the fullest! You don’t need a bucket list!

Great book!

I loved listening to a penny Marshall’s life. She is a great actress, director and person. Her narration was wonderful. I highly recommend.

life well lived

interesting read to UP of Michigan. bit too much name dropping ..but a fun listen in the car

True Penny Marshall

Penny Marshall reading this just added to the joy of listening. Somebody who’s checked off their bucket list before it’s necessary has had a quite interesting life. Great insight into the entertainment world. I recommend reading.

Absolutely Delightful!

It's read by Penny Marshall herself, which is key. The stories are great and very funny--she knows how to spin a good yarn--but it's that voice, and that accent, and that signature marble-mouthed style mixed with the casual cadence of ya ol aunt Penny tellin stories while she's makindinnah that really make this a wonderful listen. Good for folks who love old Hollywood lore or behind the scenes looks, or for those who just enjoy funny ladies.

Loved it.

Loved the honesty. Penny Marshall was one amazing woman. I want to rewatch all of her movies now.

Brilliant!

I think anyone who loves, or DOESN’T love Penny Marshall will enjoy this reading. What a sweetheart. She comes across a tough cookie ,but, is a very soft hearted woman.
You can’t help but laugh at her stories and presentation of them. Listen to this book… you’ll see!