The Art of Men: I Prefer Mine al Dente

Written in a highly accessible, unpretentious, and often funny manner, noted film and TV actress Alley reminisces about the many men in her life, describing the ways in which she was influenced both professionally and personally by them. Where her father seemed a caring, moral authority with "the purest, most simplistic truths ever uttered," her own trajectory lead her through a failed first marriage at age 20, a later entanglement with a borderline abusive lover who was into sadomasochism, the temptation of eloping with John Travolta while both were already married, and a never quite fulfilled flirtation with her Dancing with the Stars partner, the much younger student, Sergey. Most compelling, however, are the lessons learned from men who were never her lovers, for example the importance of being ego-less in ensemble performance from Cheers co-star Ted Danson, and the ability to bring personal beliefs to the service of a comedic role from Woody Allen. In offering a glimpse into the workings of her mind, Alley successfully balances deeply personal revelations with entertaining and often absurd asides. (Nov.)