As Charles Grodin says, "If you don't get wiser as you get older, then you just get older." The core of this book is about identifying our mistakes, learning from them, and not repeating them. Charles Grodin, a very funny individual who has appeared in movies, television and currently is on WCBS Radio every day, has asked his friends (and friends of friends)--from Robert Redford, Paul Newman, Shirley MacLaine, Alan Alda, Regis Philbin, Ben Stiller, and others--to share sometimes very revealing memories of the biggest mistake they've made.


Rosie O'Donnell looks back to her college days and her inability to express her love for a close girlfriend. Regis Philbin learned to trust his instincts when an early talk show got cancelled. Irwin Redlener, the Co-founder of The Children's Health Fund, examines a near-mistake--how he almost cancelled a trip to see a grown son who soon after died in a skiing accident. Dr. Nicholas Perricone learns to shift his perspective after witnessing the bravery of a young girl during his internship. Senator Orrin Hatch discusses his mistaken vote against making Martin Luthor King Day a national holiday. And Carol Burnett's hilarious essay explains why meeting Cary Grant turned out to be a big mistake!


If I Only Knew Then...offers intimate insights into dozens of celebrated figures' lives.