I'm a fan of Sidney Sheldon's novels, so reading THE OTHER SIDE OF
ME was a treat. The title was inspired by one of his biggest
selling books, THE OTHER SIDE OF MIDNIGHT, with "the other side"
referring to Sheldon's career before becoming a popular author.
Some fans may be aware that Sheldon started his adult life trying
to break into the entertainment business. His first attempts were
aimed at writing plays; this eventually led to a career on
Broadway, which in turn led to Hollywood, movies and
television.

What a fascinating life Sheldon has had so far! Part of his success
can be attributed to luck (being in the right place at the right
time), but a large part has to do with his almost stubborn need to
succeed when he's told "No." I thought some of Sheldon's tactics
were a bit underhanded. For example, he lied to the government to
try to get into the Air Force. He didn't pass the eye exam but
found a way to fake it; the government eventually figured him out,
though it took them a long time. But this is just one example of
what Sheldon was able to accomplish despite the odds against
him.

This memoir is filled with a number of wonderful anecdotes about
his days mingling with Broadway and Hollywood royalty, including
Groucho Marx, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Kirk Douglas. My
own anecdote about Sheldon comes from a writer friend of mine. A
number of years ago, she told me how she had met him at a writers'
event and that he was such a gentleman. I had already read a number
of his books by that time and was a big fan, but I had no idea
prior to that conversation that Sheldon was the creator of such
classic television programs as "I Dream of Jeannie" and "The Patty
Duke Show."

This is a candid look at Sheldon's very interesting life, and
readers will gain great insight into what makes him tick. Sheldon
is still writing novels, which he admits is his most favorite
achievement. THE OTHER SIDE OF ME is recommended for Sidney Sheldon
fans and for those who enjoy reading memoirs and
entertainment-related books.