Bright Light: Spiritual Lessons from a Life in Acting

By: Dee Wallace (with John Nelson)
Publisher: O Books
Publication Date: April 2011
ISBN: 978-1-8469-4598-4
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
Review Date: May 2011

Most readers first memory of Dee Wallace is as the wonderful Mom in everyone’s favorite alien movie, E.T.This book, however, is a serious ‘curve’ in what Dee Wallace, with her acting, has come to represent.

In this spiritual autobiography, Dee Wallace actually ‘draws’ readers into her world, and soon the reader is hooked - as chapter after chapter becomes a self-help guide full of fun, entertainment, interesting remarks, and core truths that can help anyone to live a better, “brighter” life.

The journey of each life - the path we choose for ourselves as we grow - is a concept that Dee Wallace covers. In her own words, she tells of various aspects and issues in her own life that led her to where she is now. Her intuitions about things in the Hollywood industry, as well as stories of her auditions and how her feelings about them would generate energy while in a room with casting people, are among the stories that are told. Dee also talks a great deal about her home, her family, and where she came from. Although there were pitfalls and problems, as with any family, she credits them for her strength and her strong morals - which certainly came in handy in a “world” that sometimes is certainly not known for its moral fiber.

From her upbringing in Kansas to her awkward high school years, where she experienced a time when her growing spurt was out of control, to her Mother’s mentorship, and her father’s…issues, Dee takes the reader by the hand and leads them to a place of honesty and courage that they can then live by, or pass on to their own offspring to make their lives “brighter.”

The writing is very deep and intense at times, but Ms. Wallace has the power to automatically switch gears and offer humor, fun, and a look inside the Hollywood land that we all envy, in a way. She also has a firm grip on reality and how all people lose their way. But, with her eloquent words, Dee Wallace shows how people can find the power that they have within themselves to come back from any situation.

Quill Says: An interesting read from an interesting and inspiring woman.