“Marc Shaiman is responsible for more moments of musical joy in our collective lives than maybe any other living composer. Would that he could bottle a fraction of that joy and sip a little for himself. A tiny draught of contentment before bed. Alas, he can’t, and once again, we’re all better for it, because instead we get this hilarious and moving memoir of how it all happened. Required reading for musical and comedy fans.”

— Lin-Manuel Miranda

“Marc Shaiman is a genius, a doll, and has had one of the oddest careers in show business ever. Fifty years ago, he turned up at my rehearsal, sat down at the piano, and hasn’t left since, going on to carve out an astonishing career both in and out of show business. This saga is hilarious, riveting, and hair raising. So much of what I accomplished in my life would not have happened without him. I am so happy to have him in my life, and you will be too!”

— Bette Midler

“As Marc has told me about himself so many times, what a brilliant, talented, and original genius he is. And how brilliant is this book that celebrates not only those lies, but the countless lies people have told Marc to his face about his immense talent which is celebrated in this wonderfully hilarious and heartfelt tome. Not unlike Marc, I love this book so much and I can’t wait to reread it, with the television off this time.”

— Martin Short