Then Again

By: Diane Keaton

Narrated by: Diane Keaton

NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Janet Maslin, The New York Times • People • Vogue

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR —Financial Times • Chicago Sun-Times The Independent • Bookreporter The Sunday Business Post

Mom loved adages, quotes, slogans. There were always little reminders pasted on the kitchen wall. For example, the word THINK. I found THINK thumbtacked on a bulletin board in her darkroom. I saw it Scotch-taped on a pencil box she’d collaged. I even found a pamphlet titled THINK on her bedside table. Mom liked to THINK.

So begins Diane Keaton’s unforgettable memoir about her mother and herself. In it you will meet the woman known to tens of millions as Annie Hall, but you will also meet, and fall in love with, her mother, the loving, complicated, always-thinking Dorothy Hall. To write about herself, Diane realized she had to write about her mother, too, and how their bond came to define both their lives. In a remarkable act of creation, Diane not only reveals herself to us, she also lets us meet in intimate detail her mother. Over the course of her life, Dorothy kept eighty-five journals—literally thousands of pages—in which she wrote about her marriage, her children, and, most probingly, herself. Dorothy also recorded memorable stories about Diane’s grandparents. Diane has sorted through these pages to paint an unflinching portrait of her mother—a woman restless with intellectual and creative energy, struggling to find an outlet for her talents—as well as her entire family, recounting a story that spans four generations and nearly a hundred years.

More than the autobiography of a legendary actress, Then Again is a book about a very American family with very American dreams. Diane will remind you of yourself, and her bonds with her family will remind you of your own relationships with those you love the most.

©2011 Diane Keaton (P)2011 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“For anyone looking to join one woman’s—albeit a famous woman’s—touching and funny journey into the vortex that is the parent-child relationship, Then Again features an especially honest tour guide.” (USA Today)

“A poem about women living in one another’s not uncomplicated memories. . . . Part of what makes Diane Keaton’s memoir, Then Again, truly amazing is that she does away with the star’s ‘me’ and replaces it with a daughter’s ‘I.’ ” (Hilton Als, The New Yorker)

“Although peek-behind-the-curtain moments are delicious—Woody Allen! Warren Beatty! Jack Nicholson! . . . this is a [memoir] about a mother and a daughter, with insights and confessions and lessons to which all readers can relate.” (The Wall Street Journal)

Some profound insights for the introspective.

If you could sum up Then Again in three words, what would they be?

Mothers and Daughters

What other book might you compare Then Again to and why?

I'm not certain--this book seems "sui generis". It is NOT a celebrity memoir (although there are some aspects of it that might seem so). Perhaps I would call it a non-fictional, trimmed-down contemporary version of a book like "Buddenbrooks" or "The Forsythe Saga".

What about Diane Keaton’s performance did you like?

She seemed very natural and off-the-cuff. Reading her own words, her reactions were sometimes very personal. I like the fact that the book is only roughly chronological.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The story of her mother's death.

Any additional comments?

The double meaning of the title provides a "vade mecum" into the essence of the book: it's primarily a meditation on living in the shadow of death; on living with parents with all of their caprices; of acknowledging the inescapable, ineluctable pull of family life, of the fact that 1946 can be as fresh, compelling, and memorable as yesterday afternoon was.

But I don't think that any thinking, feeling person need have any similarities to Keaton to appreciate her thoughts on the loss of parents. Keaton's mother left journals, photos, and other documents of her own life which Keaton is able to use as a launching pad for her own memories and perceptions.

I liked the entire book, but interestingly found the family dynamics in Keaton's life more absorbing than the discussion of film and other actors.

I really hope that Keaton writes some more--perhaps more about aging, or reflections on "still life", or on adult sibling relationships, or the art of bringing up children in this bewildering time.

I notice that quite a few reviews are negative and I suspect that they come from people who lack either introspection or experience, or who would have preferred more gossip. I did not find any longeurs or moments of tedium in "Then Again" at all. I would not want anyone to be put off from a deeply rewarding reflection because of some negative responses. I give Keaton's work 5 stars unreservedly.

Absolutely Beautiful!!!

This will forever be one of my favorite memoirs. I read the book and have listened to Diane read her heartfelt memories and am better for it. She must be the most genuine celebrity in Hollywood which must be very rare. Her ability to recall and assimilate the things in life that make us who we are is a treasure and is giving me much food for thought as I prepare for a similar path. Thank you Diane for opening your heart to the world.

There's more than one reason to like Diane Keaton

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, Definitely.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Then Again?

The continuous reminder to 'Think'. I felt it was such a profound word and simple statement for a woman suffering from Alzheimer disease, during and before the disease started talking affect.

What about Diane Keaton’s performance did you like?

Her voice is always soothing but I think her realism really gets to me in this performance. Letting people know... it doesn't matter who you are... the things we all deal with in life are alike, though never the same.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Then Again... I might mirror my Mother but during her struggles, I found my own way to reflect in what has made me who I am... more a part of her than I realized and much a stronger self.

Meh.

I find her self depreciating speak seems somewhat inauthentic given how her stories always seem to be about even when supposedly about others. I also find her over the top flattery and romantic rose colored glasses view of Woody Allen a bit nauseating.

Unexpected reflection on the frailty of human life

What a delightful surprise. I like Diane Keaton and was open to reading this after seeing her interview on John Stewart. I expected a bio and sure, there's a bit of that. Her stories of her early years and subsequent breakthrough was interesting and engaging. What really surprised me (and really touched me) was the juxtapositioning of her mom's journals with her own. I think it's difficult for some of us (maybe just me....) to think of our own parents as human and just as prone to failure as we are, not to mention that they do get old and weak. This book really brought that home to me but in a kind way. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

Love Diane? Listen Up!

What did you love best about Then Again?

A quirky lady and trained actress telling you her story with frankness and humor.

Any additional comments?

Nothing beats a writer who reads his/her own words skillfully

not the best audio production

Where does Then Again rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

hard to say. I'm wondering whether the skipping back and forth between the mother's diary entries, letters and notes as well as letters and notes from former lovers and friends - not to mention from Keaton herself - and Keaton's present account, was made harder to follow without any layout hints. maybe different background sounds or something could have been added to help the listener?... or maybe it was just that some bits just weren't all that captivating?

What about Diane Keaton’s performance did you like?

very honest and touching

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

a surprising family story

Would you listen to Then Again again? Why?

I rarely listen to autobiographies more than once, so it's no knock on this title that I wouldnt listen to it again

What was one of the most memorable moments of Then Again?

The portrayal of Keaton's mother and her struggle with dementia was surprising and moving. It's really a story of family relationships.

Which character – as performed by Diane Keaton – was your favorite?

Her mother

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Keaton's openness about her bulimia

Any additional comments?

I could have done without the Keaton giggles but otherwise an outstanding performance

Coulda been better

Would you try another book from Diane Keaton and/or Diane Keaton?

I liked some of the book, but found Diane Keaton's voice/narration distracting. I felt like she was doing too much performing and laughing at her own jokes. If she weren't a famous actress, I doubt the writing alone would have gotten the book published.

It's as if Diane was sitting across from you.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Diane's story is simple, loving and you realize that she is just like any other woman. Great listening.