Book Review: I’m Hosting as Fast as I Can
As part of my summer reading feast, I recently finished the biogrophy of ubiquitous television host, Tom Bergeron, called “I’m Hosting as Fast as I Can!” If you watch any television at all, there’s a fair chance that you’re already familiar with Tom. He is the host of the very highly rated “Dancing With the Stars” as well as the long running ABC hit, America’s Funniest Videos. He’s also done stints as the host of Hollywood Squares and Good Morning America, as well as acting as Emcee for the Emmys and other award shows.
If you’re thinking that this is just a book about a couple of hit television shows, you’re wrong. It touches on many aspects of his career, for sure, but it covers so much more. Tom has an interesting approach to life, both family and professional, and the world in general, which he shares in an engaging fashion. He also relates many amusing yet insightful anecdotes from his more than fifty years which kept me turning pages from beginning to end.
He shares some unexpected revelations, too. For example, can you picture a guy like Tom having anger management issues and screaming while beating his car with a snow shovel? It happened. One other interesting tidbit, without spoiling the whole book, came from some of Bergeron’s early career choices. He had his first job as a radio D.J. when he was only a senior in high school, prompting him to ditch out on going to college. An early mentor (his boss) informed him that if he didn’t go to school and take some courses to prepare a career to fall back on, he would be fired. Taking the advice to heart, Tom immediately enrolled in courses so he could become…
… a mime.
It’s a really engaging biography, whether you are a fan of the shows he hosts or not, and I highly reccomend it for some interesting views on life.
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One Response to “Book Review: I’m Hosting as Fast as I Can”
I don't know what it was about AVF's former and talented host Bob Saget that grated on me so much when he was the host. I could not watch that show for more than a few minutes without turning it off. Perhaps its because as a fan of classic and even corny humor Saget didn't do that well. In interviews, Saget didn't seem to feel totally proud of his gig there. In any event, TB is a JOY to watch. He seems geniuinely funny in any venue – not forced, not egotistical. Just funny and pleasant. As an entertainer, when I watch him I always hope some of his likability and ease rubs off on me and that I come across as well as he does. Many people don't realize that there is a real gold mine in many show biz bios, since people don't usually just appear on the national scene but usually have to work years before they get their “big break” and others may work under the radar and be busy and never get that break. I view him as the perfect emcee who could have succeeded in any ear in show biz. And, no, I never met him or Saget. Saget is said to be a superb comedy club performer and is respected by many pros for his work in that and other venues.