Yes, this is the Linda Richman, the mother-in-law Mike Meyers made famous in his "Coffee Talk" skits on Saturday Night Live back in the 1990s. But she's not dishing about Streisand in this PBS special. Instead, she deal... more »s with some serious issues ranging from depression to agoraphobia. Subtitled "How to Be Happy Even When Life Has Other Plans for You," this 75-minute lecture outlines Richman's less-than-happy life. Her father died when she was 8, her mother was eventually institutionalized for depression, she married a chronic gambler when she was 19, she became housebound for 11 years, and then after recovering she lost one of her two adult children in a car accident. But Richman manages to find humor in her life as she addresses the audience while strolling about the "living room" set. She offers homespun advice, all self-tested, on how to wallow in misery and then get on with life. Richman is a compelling enough speaker that the camera wisely stays with her, making for mercifully few audience shots. She recounts conversations from her life, tells stories about her friends, and even includes an anecdote or two about her daughter and that famous son-in-law. --Kimberly Heinrichs« less
"I WASN'T SURE I COULD FIND MY SMILE DURING THESE DIFFICULT DAYS FOR OUR COUNTRY. I RECALLED SEEING LINDA RICHMAN ON A T.V. SHOW, SPEAKING ABOUT HOW SHE HAD LEARNED TO LAUGH AGAIN. I DECIDED TO ORDER HER BOOK TO SEE IF SHE HAD ANY INSIGHT WORTH SHARING. FORTUNATELY, I FOUND THE FUNNIEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ. ALONG WITH A GUIDE TO LIVING JOYOUSLY UNDER INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES, LINDA MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD. I SURE HOPE SHE INTENDS TO KEEP WRITING. I FOUND MYSELF WISHING THERE WERE MORE PAGES TO DEVOUR. BRAVO MS. RICHMAN. KEEP 'EM COMING. 5 STARS AND THEN SOME"
How Delightful!
Bella | Creedmore, New Jersey | 04/20/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I watched this special on PBS and had to buy it to keep and watch over and over again. Linda Richman is some kind of special lady, and her tape makes so much sense. Linda makes you feel like she is talking directly to YOU, giving you homespun advice about how to cope when life throws you a bunch of curve balls. Linda doesn't cry in her beer; she has risen above the complexities and hardships of her life and become a better person for it, and wants to share her knowledge with you. This tape will make you feel like a million bucks!"
MAKING LEMONADE OUT OF LEMONS
ceilmar | san diego, california | 04/20/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"i just watched this tape for the second time. linda is the eighth wonder of the world. what a joyful hour this incredible woman has given to me. a true gift . thank you PBS for having the wisdom to put a show like this on your station. i have watched pbs for years and love wayne dyer, deepak chopra and the many spirtual leaders of this generation. what has been lacking was a spiritual person without the b.s. which you gave me when you showed this remarkable woman. i applaud pbs. I applaud this woman and i recommend this tape to everyone."
Life's Medicine for you to watch and to follow
SANDY | 03/08/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw this video on our local PBS show. She is fantastic. She is someone who shares her own life experiences with the audience. She tells stories which anyone can relate to. She is an excellant speaker. She is entertaining. She will keep your interest during the entire video. Plus, her advice is credible and a must to follow. She gives straight facts to help you through the hard times of life. She is someone who has been there and is willing to help others. A real credit to life - a must have for anyone and everyone!"
I'd Rather Laugh
SANDY | GREAT NECK, NEW YORK United States | 02/17/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of the most touching books I have ever read. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Here is a book about a woman who managed to overcome tragic adversities, and has the will to come out on top with an amazing attitude . This book was heartwarming and a fast read. I wholeheartedly recommend it. I would give this booK * * * * *"