For Jim Carrey’s next blockbuster comedy, I recommend a movie version of My Seven Years in Captivity – Tails and Misadventures in the San Diego Zoo. Carrey would be a smash portraying author Bill Seaton, who delights readers with descriptions of his crazy challenges and experiences -- with people as well as animals -- while serving as public relations man for San Diego’s World Famous Zoo. Ace Ventura’s adventures as a pet detective pale in comparison.  

How does Seaton react to the idea of Carrey playing him in a movie? "I think Jim Carrey would be perfect as an allergy-prone PR man in a fish-out-of-water comedy like this," he says. "There could be sight gags galore with those wild ‘bit players’ in the exotic San Diego Zoo setting. In fact, my own screenplay based on the book was optioned by a Hollywood producer at one time."

Being chased by a mad rhino, pawed by a baby gorilla, attacked by Lassie, and clawed by a lion are only a few of the incidents described by Seaton in his witty, good-natured way. His warm sense of humor -- peppered at times with a dash of sarcasm -- always shines through, even in the catchy chapter titles. Here are my some of favorite chapters: “The Pink Panda,” “The Man-Eating Duck,” “How To Get Down Off an Elephant,” “Wrestling Camels,” “Animals See the Funny People,” and “Lassie, Go Home.”        

Seaton’s encounter with Hollywood’s famous Lassie is a classic. After arranging for a photograph of Lassie meeting a sea lion, Seaton tried to pet the celebrity canine. Without giving away the full details of this humorous interaction between man and beast, I’ll simply report that it ended with Lassie’s handler saying, “I’ve never seen Lassie react so violently.” And Seaton, who admits he and his family were fans of this legendary animal star, claims he didn’t watch Lassie on TV much after that.

Calling himself a “non-zoologist,” Seaton obviously cherished his work at the San Diego Zoo. He seems particularly proud of helping Joan Embery and her painting elephant obtain a spot on the Johnny Carson show. I remember watching Carson on that particular evening and being fascinated along with millions of other viewers. Thanks, Bill!   

Any adult looking for a funny and feel-good read will surely enjoy My Seven Years in Captivity, a worthy follow-up to Seaton’s first award-winning book, Humorous Letters from the Edge. To order a copy, call SP Press at 800-310-2355.