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What a Fool Believes

By: Michael McDonald, Paul Reiser
Narrated by: Michael McDonald, Paul Reiser
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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
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What listeners say about What a Fool Believes

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Great, personal listen

There are a few artists I have picked up a vibe on I don't really understand...maybe my autism...but i received exactly what I wished for when hearing Michael was writing this...almost like sitting in a room, one and one, and just listening to his warm, humble self telling his story. Excellent book....thanks, Mike!!!

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A very human story

I liked how relatable Michael comes across in this memoir. There’s just the right balance of stories from his personal and professional life.
It’s well read by him, and I enjoyed the brief piano interludes at the end of the chapters.
He’s someone I always felt I knew ‘of’ rather than about and this memoir corrects that.
Thank you:)

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Beautifully honest and engaging story

I grew up listening to many of the people and bands Michael played with, and so interesting to hear of his journey and involvement, almost weaving his way through.
Fabulous listen and loved the extra interview piece at the end

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A small insight into a large catalogue of work

For anyone that has ever heard Michael MacDonald, this is a must read into his huge catalogue of work over a considerable time span and his personal "battles" together with quite a large number of good times and achievements.

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A tremendous listen

Loved this from the word go. Produced with such honesty and integrity. Really felt like I gathered a greater understanding of one of my musical heroes. Michael reads it beautifully and the music interludes are a real treat for the listener. The interview at the end is a lovely added bonus so keep listening through the credits!

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