In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox
(Libby/OverDrive eBook, Kindle)

Carol Burnett turned the musical-comedy variety shows of television's Golden Age in the 1950s platinum between 1967 and 1978 with her eponymous hit show, which racked up 25 Emmys. With 267 episodes broadcast during those 11 years, The Carol Burnett Show became the mainstay of must-see TV long before that was even a thing. Burnett tells the story of this high-caliber ensemble show as only she can, sharing all kinds of behind-the-scenes tales as she profiles her rock-star-famous cast of supporting and supportive comedians: look-alike Vicki Lawrence, invaluable sidekick Harvey Korman, ad-libbing genius Tim Conway, and heartthrob announcer Lyle Waggoner. Together, they formed the comedy foundation for appearances by the reigning TV and movie stars of the day as they participated in the show's cutting-edge sketch format. Burnett illuminates the backstories for such unforgettable characters as the Charwoman and Mrs. Wiggins and famous sketches such as Went with the Wind and The Family. Burnett and company are legends in American humor, and die-hard fans and everyone interested in classic TV comedy will enjoy Burnett's keen and funny recollections.--Haggas, Carol Copyright 2016 Booklist

It's a real treat to listen to comedian Burnett reminisce on her variety show, from its early days, through its height, to its end. As Burnett traces the show's history, she explains the challenges and issues that the show faced but also the cultural context in which it developed, as well as its legacy. No one could narrate this book better than Burnett, not just because of her professional experience, but because of the enthusiasm, love, and sheer joy that emanates from her performance. Her slightly warbly voice brims with amusement and self-deprecation as she recalls her obstacles, her follies, and her successes. Accompanying her story, Burnett includes the first person accounts of are a handful of firsthand narrations from cast, crew, and friends of Burnett who share their stories in working on the show. Altogether, the production adds depth and meaning to Burnett's memoir that the prose alone cannot match. A Crown Archetype hardcover. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Carol Burnett is as much loved today as she was during the 11 seasons she ruled the airwaves and was widely considered one of the nicest people in an industry in which cutthroats outnumber the good guys. In her familiar voice, she narrates her best-selling book, giving listeners an inside view of what it was like to be part of the often chaotic, but always professional, Carol Burnett Show. Free of any artifice or flamboyance, Burnett talks about her favorite sketches, the many A-list stars who appeared on her show, and, of course, her talented cast members. She addresses her flubs, her desire to give her live audiences a real variety show, and her heartfelt feelings about many of her guest stars. Particularly in an entertainment culture where talent is often measured by how outrageous someone can be, all libraries should make this audiobook available and give their patrons an unvarnished, insider's look at what a real television program looked like. VERDICT This is a must-purchase for all collections as well as a treat for all who listen to it. ["This quick trip down memory lane and great behind-the-scenes look at a truly one-of-a-kind production will have strong appeal for fans and readers who remember that era": LJ 7/16 review of the Crown Archetype hc.]-Joseph L. Carlson, Vandenberg Air Force Base Lib., Lompoc, CA © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Carol Burnett turned the musical-comedy variety shows of television's Golden Age in the 1950s platinum between 1967 and 1978 with her eponymous hit show, which racked up 25 Emmys. With 267 episodes broadcast during those 11 years, The Carol Burnett Show became the mainstay of must-see TV long before that was even a thing. Burnett tells the story of this high-caliber ensemble show as only she can, sharing all kinds of behind-the-scenes tales as she profiles her rock-star-famous cast of supporting and supportive comedians: look-alike Vicki Lawrence, invaluable sidekick Harvey Korman, ad-libbing genius Tim Conway, and heartthrob announcer Lyle Waggoner. Together, they formed the comedy foundation for appearances by the reigning TV and movie stars of the day as they participated in the show's cutting-edge sketch format. Burnett illuminates the backstories for such unforgettable characters as the Charwoman and Mrs. Wiggins and famous sketches such as "Went with the Wind" and "The Family." Burnett and company are legends in American humor, and die-hard fans and everyone interested in classic TV comedy will enjoy Burnett's keen and funny recollections. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.

From 1967 to 1978, The Carol Burnett Show made television history and is regularly recognized as one of the best shows of all time. Here Burnett (This Time Together) offers a breezy reminiscence of the show's creation, its cast and guests, and much-beloved characters and sketches. While there's some sense of chronology, most of the book is a collection of similarly themed anecdotes so readers can jump straight to the amazing guests (Ray Charles) or movie parodies (Went with the Wind). Burnett delivers hilarious and heartfelt stories that are full of comedy and light on drama. She stays positive even when discussing the frustrations of being a woman in the television industry and refuses to name names when it comes to her least favorite guest. VERDICT Who doesn't love Carol Burnett, and who better to tell the story of the show bearing her name? This quick trip down memory lane and great behind-the-scenes look at a truly one-of-a-kind production will have strong appeal for fans and readers who remember that era.—Terry Bosky, Madison, WI

From 1967 to 1978, The Carol Burnett Show delighted television viewers of all ages from coast to coast. Now Burnett presents a look at her beloved variety hour. Though it may start with the show's inauspicious beginnings (a forgotten clause in Burnett's contract) and end with its star-studded finale, Burnett's narrative is hardly chronological; instead, it resembles the conversational cadence of a relative reminiscing about the good old days. This is certainly a relatable approach, but it does lead Burnett to repeat details about her favorite stories. Nevertheless, Burnett's fans will enjoy the wealth of knowledge as she reveals her close relationships with her crew, revisits highlights from audience q&a sessions, and shares anecdotes about the biggest stars of the 1960s and '70s. Burnett watched every episode afresh to research this book, and that attention to detail shows in her exhaustive accounts of major sketches. However, even nonfans will enjoy the nuggets of intrigue Burnett scatters throughout, in which she shines a light on the sexism she faced during her tenure as a leading lady of the small screen. (Sept.)