Day Became Autodid

by Kendall Hailey

Book Overview

The author describes her quest to discover and remain true to her values as she makes the complicated journey of growing up as an autodidact--one who is self taught.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0440550130
• ISBN13: 9780440550136
• Release Date: January 1989
• Publisher: Delta
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Kendall was and is my idol!

I got this book when I was about 12 years old and I have read it until it was completely in tatters. Kendall was such an inspiration to me while I was growing up... I wish I had had the wherewithal to step outside the system as she did. She has such a great eye for hilarious and telling little moments and her journal is so lively, funny, and charged... how many of us have the ability to even know what our own (true) interests and passions ARE, let alone are able to pursue them as guilessly and energetically as Kendall does? I have often wondered where she is now and searched for her name on the internet, but it doesn't come up. If anyone knows what she is doing today please let me know! And if anyone is still wondering whether or not they should buy this book, take it from me, DO. It could change your life.

How Can This Be Out of Print?!

What a wonderful book this is, and how hard to find! I treasure my paperback copy, but wish that it were easier to give this book as a gift. Certainly everyone who has read it has fallen for Kendall and wonders whatever happened to this bright, funny, fascinating young woman. I understand that her father, playwright Oliver Hailey, died in 1993. Her sister, Brooke Hailey, is an actress and screenwriter who appeared in the film version of A Woman of Independent Means. Wherever you are, Kendall, I hope that you are still devouring books with gusto and continuing to write about them. Your fans do miss you.

Amazing insight

I was hooked on this book from the first page. I heard Kendall interviewed by Carol Hemingway (radio) and was captivated by this young woman's insight, humor, intelligence ... and personality. She was blessed with an exceptional childhood, given her incredible parents .. but nevertheless, is such an individual .. and has enormous courage. I had the privledge of meeting her, and she is more delightful than I could have ever imagined .. she's also a good actress (saw her in one of her mother's plays). Wish she would write more books.

This book changed my life

My ninth grade geography teacher gave me this book, I believe, in attempt to assure me that there are other people in the world who love learning things just to know them. I am forever indebted to her for giving me the gift of acceptance... as Kendall Hailey herself said in this book: "To read of emotions that reflect our own is the only proof we have that we are not mad."

A delight.

In her first (and oddly, only) book, Kendall Hailey, daughter of the author of "A Woman of Independent Means," shares the diary entries she made while living and learning at home after an early graduation from high school. Always a warm and witty guide, Hailey shuttles quirkily through both her reading list--stretching from Plato to the Mitfords--and the world of a happily creative family. This book is wonderfully smart and sensitive, touching and hilarious.