Every now and then, something takes me completely by surprise.  Today one of those unexpected moments occurred.  I read the line: "My mother didn't try to stab my father until I was six..."  This was a side to Alan Alda's life that I never knew existed.

Born Alphonso D'Abruzzo, Alan Alda's childhood was far from normal.  His father, famed actor Robert Alda, and mother provided him with plenty of exposure to acting, especially in burlesque.  NEVER HAVE YOUR DOG STUFFED shares Mr. Alda's experiences growing up, finding the love of his life, struggling to succeed where so many fail, and making it to the big time with the hit show M*A*S*H.  This isn't a book of scandalous gossip; it tells the truth in an honest manner.

Having finished NEVER HAVE YOUR DOG STUFFED in one sitting, I found my thoughts of the actor were confirmed.  Alan Alda is and will always will be a class act!