How I Lost 5 Pounds in 6 Years: An Autobiography

by Thomas Duane Arnold

Book Overview

In his self-deprecating way, Arnold tells the story of his life, from his formative years, working in the highly stimulating meatpacking plants of Iowa to his very public successes and failures in the world of movies and TV. 16-page photo insert.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312291345
• ISBN13: 9780312291341
• Release Date: November 2002
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

fantastic!! A++++++++++++

I found this book absolutely wonderful. Smartly funny and also heart-tuggingly sensitive. Tom's quick wit is only to be matched by his willingness to give the reader a rare look into one of Hollywood's truly good guys heart. He lays it all out for his "child" yet to be born... the good, the bad and the hilarious. I highly recomend this book to anyone who loves to laugh and cry all in the same night. Well written and easy to identify with. I hope Tom's family and friends appreciate how lucky they are to have this special man in thier lives- the giving and the sharing of his time, money and support alone shows how much Tom cares for not only those who are close to him but also those in need. Bravo Mr. Arnold. You deserve all the best in life and I thank you for the experience of sharing in your life through your words. Your unborn child has a great daddy!!

IT'S A MASTERPIECE!

Tom Arnold is not only one of the best comedians around, but an amazing author. From the first chapter I knew I was not going to be able to put the book down. I went from laughing to crying to laughing in minutes. He talks about real life and the hardships that come along with it (his life) and he sprinkles humor into every sentence that ends up leaving you in stiches. The book is emotional, sincere and hilarious. I read the book in one night and I want more!!! I highly recommend you buying the book.

Outrageously funny! Waiting for the sequel.

At first I was skeptical of Tom Arnold as an author, but after a few recommendations of "How I Lost 5 Pounds in 6 Years" my thoughts have changed.Tom Arnold's writing technique is wonderful and complements his humor and honesty. I found myself laughing hysterically and moved to tears with a turn of the page.I am glad I bought this book, now I have a new understanding and respect for Tom.

Outrageously funny!!! Waiting for the Sequel!

At first I was skeptical of Tom Arnold as an author, but after a few recommendations of "How I Lost 5 Pounds in 6 Years" my thoughts have changed.Tom Arnold's writing technique is wonderful and complements his humor and honesty. I found myself laughing hysterically and moved to tears with a turn of the page. I am glad I bought this book, not only do I have a ton of respect for this talented man, I also have a new understanding.

Move Over, Shakespeare, an Arnold's Pushin' the Pen!

Tom Arnold's _How I Lost Five Pounds in Six Years_ is just what this family needs! This tome is about the best exposure our wonderful and tight-knit little clan is going to get, so let's build on it! I had just finished Scott Spencer's delightfully humorous and understated novel, _Endless Love_. After that insouciant romp through the flowers, I wasn't in the mood for another lighthearted comedy/romance. So, I went in search of something that looked deep within a man's tortured psyche. Yes, the characters in Spencer's novel added laughter and smiles to my day, but I wanted and needed something dark, overbearing, and consuming (obviously, something Spencer will never be known for). For this reason, I took a calculated risk on Tom Arnold's autobiography.Within a few pages, _How I Lost Five Pounds in Six Years_ quickly confirmed that Arnold's book would be a rare find. Most reviewers found that they could immediately understand their own sub-human and primitive nature through the sullen memories of Tom's tortured childhood. One reviewer spoke for us all when he wrote, "[when] I read about how Tom spent his youth [killing pigs in a slaughterhouse], I couldn't help but connect his dehumanizing job with all of the inner feelings of hatred and moribund humanity that I had built-up through the years." It appears that thanks to Tom's willingness to put it all on the line, almost everyone can find new ways to scale life's toughest ramparts. As a fan of hog carcass splitters and "bung droppers," nothing made me realize, so quickly, that we Arnolds have a lot in common when it comes time to slaughter the pigs. We can better understand our family, our heritage, and, in fact, each other, through Tom's courageous attempts to bring the world around him into focus.