What a Fool Believes

A Memoir

By: Michael McDonald, Paul Reiser

Narrated by: Michael McDonald, Paul Reiser

Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

A sweeping and evocative memoir from the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Grammy Award-winning, platinum selling singer-songwriter Michael McDonald, written with his friend, Emmy Award-nominated actor, comedian, and #1 New York Times bestselling author Paul Reiser.

Doobie Brothers. Steely Dan. Chart topping soloist. Across a half-century of American music, Michael McDonald’s unmistakably smooth baritone voice defined an era of rock and R&B with hit records like “What A Fool Believes,” “Takin’ It to the Streets,” “I Keep Forgettin’,” “Peg,” “It Keeps You Running,” “You Belong to Me,” and “Yah Mo B There.”

In his candid, freewheeling memoir, written with his friend, the Emmy Award-nominated actor and comedian Paul Reiser, Michael tells the story of his life and music. A high school dropout from Ferguson, Missouri, Michael chased his dreams in 1970’s California, a heady moment of rock opportunity and excess. As a rising session musician and backing vocalist, a series of encounters would send him on a wild ride around the world and to the heights of rock stardom—from joining Steely Dan and becoming a defining member of The Doobie Brothers to forging a path as a breakout solo R&B artist.

Interwoven with the unforgettable tales of the music, Michael tells a deeply affecting story of losing and finding himself as a man. He reckons with the unshakeable insecurities that drove him, the drug and alcohol addictions that plagued him, and the highs and lows of popularity. Along the way he relays the lessons he’s learned, and that if he’s learned anything at all it’s that there’s often little correlation between what you get and what you deserve.

Filled with unbelievable stories and a matchless cast of music greats including James Taylor, Ray Charles, Carly Simon, and Quincy Jones, What a Fool Believes is a moving and entertaining memoir that is sure to be a classic.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Michael McDonald and Paul Reiser (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Loved the whole history of how he came to be!

I have always loved his singing voice, but loved his speaking voice even more now!

Those eyes! 😍

When I hear that voice I’m a swooning 16 y.o again. Fun and genuine stories of some bad decisions…loved the honesty. Keep writing and singing.

Fantastic, so well written and so humble

This was a great story. I knew of Michael - of his music, not necessarily as a individual artist, but more his voice from the band songs that I heard on the radio being a kid who grew up in the 70’s/80s - the stories were fascinating. I can relate to all the names that he names of the top artists. It’s so intriguing to hear the background stories on people and situations you can relate with; Challenges and the reality of being a recording artist and, of course, the addiction and personal stories of his family, wife and kids we would’ve never known about. I know it touched so many as it did me with similar challenges in their lives or their family’s. It was very entertaining and honest and kind and humble and I couldn’t put it down. Appreciate you too Paul for pushing to get it out! Look, only 5 comma’s.

I’m sad the audiobook is over.

I’m sad I came to the end of the book. It is a beautiful journey through his life. I thought PR did a great job putting the book together. Michael is open concerning events and choices, good and bad, which occurred in his life. I’m glad I share the planet with Michael McDonald.

Who isn’t a fan of MM?

It was great to hear the book read by Mike and not someone else . He gave it more of a genuine, organic feel. The stories are fantastic, whether you’re a fan or not. Everyone knows his songs and especially his voice . You won’t be disappointed with this book.

The best audiobook I've had the joy of listening to, hands down.

The bonus at the end with both guys chatting, the musical ditties in between the chapters, make the audio version the one worth getting in my opinion.
Hearing Micheal's voice and personality come through is something I'll treasure forever. And Paul, it's good to hear from you, too. I've missed you.

wonderfully told autobiography

Like many, I thought I had an idea about his story. It turns out that I was too young to really know and understand. Such an amazing career

Real Love

Listening to this book will make you even more of a fan of Michael McDonald than you were before--- if that's even possible.

Having Michael in the car with you, telling you his story is an absolute gift. His honesty and sense of humor shine through. The anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes look at his career and family is heartwarming and inspiring. Michael we love you.

Nice surprise!

Wow, so easy on the ears, good story teller, witty sense of humor. Loved it.

LOVED IT!

Delightful listen! Funny, self depreciating and ADORABLE man!! And he narrates the book! 👌. The last 1/2 hour is a conversation between Michael and Paul Reiser which is also great! Highly recommend!