To the Temple of Tranquility...And Step On It!

A Memoir

By: Ed Begley Jr.

Narrated by: Ed Begley Jr.

Beloved actor and environmental activist Ed Begley Jr. shares hilarious and poignant stories of his improbable life.

"Smart, funny, and honest." —Christopher Guest

"Charming and disarming and personal." —Geena Davis

Ed Begley Jr. is truly one of a kind; a performer who is known equally for his prolific film and television career and his environmental activism. From an appearance on My Three Sons to a notable role in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman to starring in St. Elsewhere—as well as films with Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, and mockumentarian Christopher Guest—Begley has worked with just about everyone in Hollywood. His "green" bona fides date back to 1970, and have been the topic of two books, a reality show, countless media appearances, and even repeated spoofs on The Simpsons (in one episode, Begley's solar powered car stalls out on train tracks, but is saved when the train is revealed to be an "Ed Begley Solar Powered Train”).

In To the Temple of Tranquility...And Step On It!, Begley shares a fountain of humorous and moving anecdotes throughout his life. The result is candid and endearing; in one chapter, he is summoned to Marlon Brando's house to discuss the practical uses of electric eels. In another, he tells the story of taking Annette Bening to the Oscars in “an oddball kit-car that had gull wing doors, and was nearly impossible to get in or out of, unless you were a yoga master, which fortunately she was.” Not to mention insightful and surprising tales about The Beatles, Monty Python, Richard Pryor, Cesar Chavez, Jeff Goldblum, Tom Waits, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carrie Fisher, and so many more luminaries.

Begley’s unmistakable voice is honest and revealing in a way that only a comic of his caliber can accomplish. Behind all the stories, Begley has wisdom to impart. This is a story of family, friends, addiction, failure, and redemption.

Ed Begley Jr is one, funny storyteller!

Whether drawn to him or not, you cannot deny him as being exceptionally generous with sharing his experiences for the reader. Begley is a real life Forest Gump character and lucky to be alive (!). He's loved by many and a caring guy that is not afraid to show his human imperfections and this makes the reader/listener appreciate
just how many different lives he's had.

Wonderful

He’s hip and humble. A great storyteller, and he comes from a very illustrious past.

What a life!

So many stories! The book could have been twice as long and I wish it had been.

Buy this book! A wonderful read .

Ed has crafted a memoir with humor, engaging story telling and advice for living a peaceful and productive life. Highly recommended!

Lots of fun to listen to.

Ed does a great job of telling his story with a great deal of humor. He certainly has had an interesting career and life. A little too much of a drunk-a-log in parts, it that’s the life of an addict/alcoholic for certain.