Never Have Your Dog Stuffed (2005)

Between the Covers Alan Alda's superlative memoir is full of surprises: a dad in burlesque, a mom battling schizophrenia, and a childhood spent with showgirls.

Hollywood Dish Surprisingly little, even with the chapter ''Famous Women I Have Kissed.'' (They include Meryl Streep, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Jacqueline Bisset.)

Unexpected Names Dropped Bela Lugosi, Sugar Ray Robinson

Bottom Line Alda writes with witty, self-deprecating honesty; our only complaint is that it's just 224 pages.