Review: Priceless Memories
I listened to the audio version of Priceless Memories by Bob Barker. It’s billed as a memoir, but it was really just a bunch of rambling memories. Bob Barker does the narrating and, at first, this worked well on the audio because it was like listening to an old relative reminisce, but I’m not sure it would fare so well in the print version. He tells of his childhood, his time in the Navy, his marriage to Dorothy Jo and of his experiences on both Truth or Consequences and The Price is Right. He doesn’t have an unkind word for anyone and his love for his mother and his late wife are very apparent. There really isn’t any new information in this book and Bob Barker clearly avoids touching upon any scandalous topics.
I enjoyed the beginning of this audio book, but by the end of it, I felt like I was being preached to. I would estimate that 20 percent of the book covers Barker’s stand on animal rights – his reasons for them and his activism in animal rights organizations. Don’t get me wrong – I’m all for animal rights, I just don’t think it’s necessary to know about every parade he’s marched in and what organizations he chooses to donate money to. I’ve always liked Bob Barker, but I’ve never been what you would call a fan – I think his fans would enjoy this one more than I did.
Review copy provided by Hachette Books.
Bermudaonion's Weblog 
I’m not a huge fan of Bob Barker, but I loved the Price Is Right when he was the host. My husband and I are listening to this right now and enjoying it so far. We’re at the part where he’s just starting to talk about all the animals he and his wife took in, so I haven’t heard any preachy parts yet.
–Anna
Too bad he blew a good start to this book. You’d think an editor somewhere would have been forceful enough to tone down the preaching. I’m not a fan of the man either and will probably pass on this one.
Diary….I was just going to say the same thing.
I am not a HUGE fan of BB. I really find him bombastic and egotistical. I don’t discount his great work on behalf of animals, but I also think he objectifies women. Oh…did I say all that.
Thanks for the great review! I’ll probably pass, I’m just not that interested in the guy!
Thanks for the review. When I was much younger (like 7 or 8) my mom use to watch this show all the time and I remember how many times I use to hear him talk about his wife – and then she died. For some reason that always marked me up to this day.
I think I would be bored by too much preaching. Blah. Love the animals, but not my thing either!
It’s really too bad. I think if Bob Barker would have focused the book on interesting tidbits about The Price is Right, it would have attracted more readers.
Too bad it didn’t work out. It could have had potential!
It doesn’t really sound like my kind of book!
Loved The Price id Right growing up, but probably wouldn’t need to read this. Especially after reading your review!
Hmmm …. interesting. I’ve been wondering about this book because he’s always tried to come across as the ultimate good guy. In fact, he’s never had much to say about the scandals that hit his behind the scenes reputation. Makes you wonder what the real truth is.
Hmm… I think I’ll pass on this one!
Ok, I know it’s terrible of me, but I was really hoping there’d be some scandal. 🙂
Kathy its too bad you didn’t like the book (audio). I probably won’t put it on my wish list. I wonder if the book is like the audio which I am sure it is and if thats the case I don’t want to hear all that, I want to hear about his life and scandals. LOL
I’m still laughing at Alyce’s comment 😀
I don’t appreciate preachiness either. Hopefully, proceeds go to the Humane Society or another animal related agency.
I’m not the biggest Barker fan so I’ll probably not be reading this one, but thanks for the honest review of it.
I agree – I wanted more stories of the game shows. I too thought the animal rights stuff, although a huge part of his life, took on a lecturing tone.
I, too, was disappointed that such a large chunk of the book was devoted to animals rights. Like you, I support that, but I would have liked to have heard more stories about the game shows or even other parts of his life. It was just a little to preachy, as you said.
And I definitely think this benefited from being an audio book, and that’s probably why it’s being pushed so heavily in that format. I don’t know that I could have finished it had I been reading the print version.
Great review!!
Probably not one that I’ll be picking up. My grandparents were always big fans of the show so they might enjoy it.
My grandparents are fans of Bob, they always loved Price Is Right and even met him once in Las Vegas. I’ve been thinking this would be something they may enjoy listening to. They miss the old guy, and now when they watch Price Is Right all they do is heckle Drew Carey – after every show my grampa says “Well he’s sure no Barker!”
LOVED The Price is Right.. but never have had much interest in Bob Barker. I think the audio would world for me better than the book… that is if I could muster up the desire to put it ahead of some of the other things on my list. You review was very helpful.
I grew up watching the Price is Right with my Dad and totally loved the show. But I don’t think I want to read Bob’s memoir, especially if he goes on and on about his stance on animals. We already know about that…we want to hear about him!! Thanks for the great review Kathy!!
ohhh! i used to watch the price is right on the rare days i stayed home sick from school–11am, channel 2! i loved the gameshow and bob with his little lollypop microphone.
i was slated to review this audio book as well, but my copy never arrived! maybe it made it’s way into my mailbox while i was on my vacation. here’s to hoping!
I didn’t like this one too much. I thought the book was really repetitive.
Thanks for the honest review. I wasn’t much interested in this one to begin with; now I think I’ll skip it completely. I appreciate it!
I brought this one home from the library but returned it when it seemed I wouldn’t be getting around to it any time soon. I had read a review that said he didn’t discuss any of his past bad behavior but your review is the first that let me know he came off preachy. I love his animal rights cause but I don’t care for anyone but a minister to preach to me.