Michael Palin
The second installment of the diaries of actor and writer Michael Palin is an excellent continuation of Diaries 1969-1979: The Python Years. Palin continues to chronicle both the successes and failures of himself and his Python cohort, but also his own family’s growth, his wonderful spunky mother and the sad decline of his sister into depression. Like diarist Sir Samuel Pepys (1633 –1703) his own personal comments show Palin to be a warm, caring, colorful and brilliant man. In addition, those of us who enjoy nosing around the backstage of life will enjoy descriptions of the humdrum and everyday workings of the rich and famous. The end product of a movie, play or book may seem effortless but the energy and work going on behind the curtains is immense, demanding and never-ending. A thoroughly worthwhile read both for Python fans but also anyone with an interest in British politics, the inner-workings of the movie business or the exhausting life of a star