Diane Keaton’s autobiography Then Again has been on display on the front shelves of the library for a long while. Every time I passed by, I admired her smile and style. Not until last weekend, I went to the library and decided to take this book home. I don’t know what got into me, but all of sudden, I became so curious about her.
It is fascinating to read someone’s life and one’s honest self reflections, especially when one narrates with self mocking humor. Diane Keaton is a master of taking herself seriously and not that seriously. Then Again is really a memoir of her own and her mother. Their own words are intertwined. I see the likeness and differences between the mom and the daughter. They have lots in common, such as the pursue of artistic ways to express themselves, but their lives are different, a world famous, never-married and wonderful actress with two adopted kids vs. a loving housewife who married to the guy with love at first sight and raised four kids, but struggled to have her own shine in the entire life.
Just read the chapter of Woody Allen’s letters to her. They were hilarious and made me smile. Of course, Diane Keaton’s love affairs with three great film makers or actors are interesting. And others as well. At age 50, Diane Keaton adopted her daughter and then her son. She was 65 while writing this book and is a mom of two teenagers. Only half way through the book, I look forward to more stories, about herself, about her mom and her adopted daughter and son. So far so good.
When I first came to the US, I made quick friends or friendly acquainted with a young couple. The wife and I took strolls together and had very nice chats a few times; the husband, a very well trained amateur tennis player, and I played tennis a few times. That was about it. Once they told me that I would be like Diane Keaton when I get older, much older. Back then I didn’t even know for sure who Diane Keaton was. I took it as a compliment anyway because both of them are fan of Diane Keaton. Maybe I asked why, and forgot what they said. Now I know something about Diane Keaton, and still don’t know why my then new friends thought so. I was 10 years younger, probably about 10 pounds heavier, and was always wearing clothes which were too loose on me. I was so terribly naïve for my age and such a day dreamer that I was a bit stupid, in my today’s eyes. It remains a mystery, a nice mystery, why the couple said something so sweet since I lost contact with them after we moved a year later.
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