What a Fool Believes: A Memoir

(Hardback)

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

Doobie Brothers. Steely Dan. Chart topping soloist. Across a half-century of American music, Michael McDonalds 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 1970s 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 stardomfrom 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 hes learned, and that if hes learned anything at all its that theres 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.

Reviews

"Like its namesake song, McDonalds memoir is refreshingly self-deprecating and, at its core, an underdogs triumph." Kirkus Reviews(starred review)

Author Bio

A seasoned actor, writer, and stand-up comedian, Paul Reiser has appeared in many films and television shows, including cocreating and starring in the critically acclaimed NBC series Mad About You. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Couplehood, Babyhood, and most recently Familyhood. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two kids.