How would you like a job that puts you in contact with many of your favorite stars and other celebrities -- sometimes resulting in being invited to dinner or social events with them? Bill Seaton, who worked on public relations for the San Diego Zoo and Sea World for more than 40 years, didn't realize that would happen to him when he quit his position in Washington, DC, uprooted his family, and moved to California in 1955.

However, involvement with people like Jimmy Stewart, Esther Williams, Debbie Reynolds, Dorothy Lamour, Dinah Shore, Dean Martin and Johnny Carson soon became an exciting by-product of his PR work. In his Humorous Letters from the Edge: Chronicles of a Crazy Clan, Seaton reports on this aspect of his job along with amusing accounts of many other exploits, most revolving around his family. The format? A series of annual Christmas letters to his friends back East.

I realize not everyone is a fan of those traditional holiday newsletters. Nevertheless, Seaton's unique accounts of each year from 1955 - 1987 will make you chuckle in spite of yourself. The man should have been a comedian. In fact, his friend from "Laugh-In," Arte Johnson, calls the book, "Verrrrry interesting -- and also a barrel of laughs if you have one around."     

For example, Seaton admits he couldn't carry on much of a conversation with Jimmy Stewart. "While he and I rested on a bench," writes Seaton, "I told him how much I enjoyed his westerns and the Hitchcock thrillers. I asked if he really enjoyed making them. He said, 'Yup.' Long pause. Did he want to pet a penguin? 'Nope.'"

Among Seaton's candid confessions is this gem from 1973: "Oh yes. I helped the boss put on a political benefit at our restaurant with Les Brown's band, Rosemary Clooney, and Larry Storch. Raised $30,000 and acquired the attention of the grand jury for some minor fund-raising violations. If we don't get put in the slammer, I will probably travel to Florida for the formal opening of Sea World number 3, which is located next to Disney World. That's all folks!"

Adopting a positive attitude about life's ups and downs, Seaton's warm sense of humor shines through every letter he writes. He ends each one with quotes worth remembering -- such as W.C. Field's advice to "start every day with a smile and get it over with."      

Seaton and his wife Lovae recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. "It only seems like 49," he says.  

Seaton's amusing book (published by Green Flash) is available through Barnes & Noble and other bookstores. Telephone orders can be placed at 1-800-247-6553. For more information, click here.