Neil Simon tells the heartwarming and often poignant story of growing up in a Jewish family in New York. Remarkably, his skill lies in writing radio and television scripts, though this is not a job description his parents would have predicted for him. Neil's brother is also a talented wordsmith and between the two of them, they make a snappy team in the early days of television in the 1950's. Their television scripts are a big hit, though they are paid very little for their writing.
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Neil's love for writing and the crafting of a story is evident in his dry and witty literary style. As he shares the story of his life, his love, his family and his progress as an award winning playwright, the reader comes to understand the sacrifices a truly gifted playwright is willing to make for his art. Two compelling parts of the biography involve the development of eventual success of Simon's 'Barefoot In the Park' on Broadway, and the point in his career when Simon had four plays running simultaneously on Broadway.
Simon also shares the story of meeting and marrying the love of his life and the struggle she has with cancer.
The review of this Book prepared by Marion Brenner
"Rewrites" is Neil Simon's autobiography. Most of the book is focused on his successful attempt to make good as a comic writer. He talks about his relation with his brother, his early success writing for "Your Show of Shows" on television. Then he talks about his work on Broadway beginning with "Come Blow Your Horn." The other major focus is his life with his first wife, Joan.
The review of this Book prepared by Jack Goodstein