Most Talkative: Stories from the Front Lines of Pop Culture Hardcover – Bargain Price, May 8, 2012

When I was a kid, I'd walk into my grandma's living room at 1:00 pm and would be quickly ushered out. Why? She was watching her "stories" and there was no disturbing her for the next three hours. I remember watching a couple of episodes with her. They were all in black and white and seemed quite boring, with little entertainment value to an eight-year-old boy with zero tolerance for anything "boring." I found it odd because I knew my grandma was a smart, accomplished lady. I could'nt understand why she watched those shows.That's why it surprised me when, as an adult, I became hooked on the Real Housewife franchise. I especially enjoyed the reunions with the likable, diplomatic host, Andy Cohen. I had no idea he was the idea guy behind the whole franchise. I thought he was just a "Bergeron," someone with a upbeat personality hired to narrate a television show. (No offense to Tom Bergeron!)I enjoyed Andy's coming-of-age story, which makes up the first part of the book. But as a fan, I enjoyed learning exactly what steps he took to begin his rise to the top. I have a theory that it is impossible to be truly successful in your field without savvy social skills. You can go to college, study hard, learn the ins and outs of business, get early breaks and make it to the top of the middle in no time. But unless you possess social skills or an uncanny ability to "fake sincerity," you'll never make it to the top. Donald Trump is a rare exception, along with perhaps a few others.Fortunately, Andy possesses a nice palette of social skills and begins his rise immediately. Nice guy makes good. The stories of traveling with Dan Rather and working with the CBS Morning Show were great to read. I always thought Dan was such a stick in the mud! Andy is, of course, being charitable in many cases, self-effacing in others, but he's a powerful person in sheep's clothing. And he deserves his success. As he tells these backstage tales, you can see that the people he interacts with like him too. It takes a lot of luck to make it in television. But it doesn't hurt if you have some heavy hitters in your back pocket. And you don't get them by being an SOB.It must seem ironic to Andy that, as he points out, the Real Housewives franchise is at least partially responsible for putting the daytime soaps out of business. He drives this point home as he bookends his story with tales of his amusing encounters with his idol Susan Lucci.Ultimately, we get to learn a few interesting backstage things about the Housewives. I would have liked a little more, but I understand the franchise is still steaming along with a lot of the same characters, so there is some necessary "couching" going on here, no pun intended. He does "go there" several times in this book. And I lived for these moments. Andy has a very breezy writing style so the book just flows along. I finished it in record time.All the Housewives try to brand themselves. This is Andy Cohen's Skinnygirl Moment! I loved it! I wish Andy all the success in the world because, in my opinion, he clearly deserves it.Five stars. Great read!

Andy Cohen has become a wonderful mixture of producer, talent himself, and fun,all while retaining the same fascination and awe (in some cases) of celebrity and pop culture that makes watching WWHL a delight. That combination seems extremely rare as many celebrities these days seem so jaded and entitled. Throughout the book, the juxtapositions between his parents in St. Louis and his experiences climbing the industry ladder never stop. Not only are these fun to read, but they illustrate his love and appreciation for his parents (who seem as great & fun themselves, especially you've seen them on his show!) whose home encouraged his love of the television industry. Thank you Evelyn and Lou! Andy has managed just the perfect mix of his professional story, even managing to include some very worthwhile career lessons that are applicable anywhere, his personal life experiences (very interesting to read about his process of 'coming out' in a time before being gay was understood as part of biology, not choice, and the trials that went in hand - especially for those of us that were young during the period of uncertainty re: AIDS), and super-fan moments he unflinchingly recounts, regardless of any embarrassment, again seeming uncensored- proving he doesn't take himself so seriously. These super-fan moments happen all the way through his career, popping in at just the right moments in the book. While we're reading about the evolution of his career, it's not only fascinating itself but with said fan moments included, there is never a part of the book where I considered skipping a page or two, as other books of this nature can warrant. You never know what fascinating tidbit will pop up, which keeps readers truly involved and wanting more. Anyone who has dreamt of working in entertainment will of course love reading this (and will learn what not to do at times as well), along with (more importantly for any readers in the industry itself) what TO do. For Bravo TV fans, which I am, we do get the dish on the shows, and some very revealing stories about the personalities off-screen. Andy wrote so well that at times he only needs a few sentences to convey the essence of these "Bravolebrities", often confirming our impressions. Fear not, Housewives fans, there's a lot of entertaining behind the scenes info and stories as well that are told in full chapters.The bottom line is this really is a great book! Regardless of the initial reason of interest that compells you to read it, you'll soon be sucked in by Andy's candor and wit. As I said above, after 20 plus years in the industry, he's still not jaded and is remarkably self-depricating, which is great fun for readers.If you want to read about Andy's life, you'll soon be hooked on reading about his work and vice-versa.Bottom line (thus ending my rambling) is that this is a must-read and will draw you in quickly. I'm regretting not reading it until now and I read everyday. Big mistake on my end! Grab your copy now, grab your rations of food & drink, turn your ringer off and get comfy. You won't want any interruptions while in Andy-land!

Brilliant read.. I initially bought this for my love of "The Housewives" now I hav a new love "Andy Cohen" I finished this book wanting him to be my new BFF.. 10 outa 10 😀😀 Grainne...

A Very Uplifting & Funny Story From Such A Great Man!

unlike Andy this is a bit boring

Light and frothy, much like the TV station he heads. I wish there was more on behind the scenes of Bravo's programmes, but it was a light, easy read.

Andy Cohen's book will make you laugh and think not only of the courage he had to face his own identity and do it with pride, but the courage he has to work CRAZY hours in crazy circumstances! This of course makes the book all the more humourous! I loved how he described his first encounter with Susan Lucci and how he writes of his mother's antics! I have recommended this book to a great friend who is the female counterpart of Andy! A great beach/summer read!!!