So, here’s the thing about Michael McDonald. You either love that rich, soulful baritone that sounds like it’s being poured through a velvet filter, or you’ve spent your life wondering why he’s singing with his eyes closed. But lately, there's a different kind of buzz around him. It isn't just about a new tour or a Steely Dan reunion. It’s about a piece of paper and ink. Specifically, a Michael McDonald signed book.
People are going a little crazy trying to find authentic copies of his memoir, What a Fool Believes. It’s not just a book. For collectors, it’s basically the Holy Grail of "Yacht Rock" memorabilia.
The Story Behind the Signature
You’ve got to understand how this book even happened. Michael McDonald didn't just sit down and write this alone. He teamed up with his long-time friend Paul Reiser—yeah, the guy from Mad About You. Reiser basically bugged him for years to tell his story. During the pandemic, they finally did it over Zoom.
When the book launched in May 2024, they did something pretty cool. They released a limited number of signed copies. But here is the catch: most of these weren't signed directly on the page. They used signed bookplates.
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A bookplate is basically a high-quality sticker that the author signs in bulk, which the publisher then glues into the front of the book. Some purists hate them. They want the "real" experience of the pen hitting the actual paper of the title page. However, given that Michael is a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Paul Reiser is... well, Paul Reiser, these double-signed copies became instant collector's items.
Why a Michael McDonald Signed Book is Harder to Find Than You Think
Honestly, Michael isn't exactly a guy who spends his weekends doing mall signings. He’s private. Humble, too. In the book, he talks about his massive insecurities and his battles with drinking and drugs back in the 70s. He’s not the type to shout from the rooftops, "Hey, come buy my autograph!"
Because of that, the initial run of signed copies from big retailers like Premiere Collectibles and TalkShopLive sold out almost instantly. If you didn't snag one during the pre-order window in early 2024, you’re basically at the mercy of the secondary market now.
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Spotting the Real Deal
If you’re looking on eBay or at boutique bookshops, you’re going to see prices all over the map. I’ve seen some listed for $50 and others for nearly $200. It’s wild.
- The Double Signature: Most official signed copies of What a Fool Believes feature both Michael McDonald and Paul Reiser. If it only has one, it might be a personalized copy from a live event rather than the official "signed edition."
- The Bookplate Factor: Look for that "Autographed Copy" sticker on the dust jacket. Most of the official ones have it.
- Condition: This sounds obvious, but look at the corners. A signed book with "shelf wear" or a torn dust jacket loses about 40% of its value immediately.
Is It Actually Worth the Money?
Depends on who you ask. If you grew up listening to "Takin' It to the Streets" or "I Keep Forgettin'," then yeah, it’s a piece of history. The memoir itself is surprisingly raw. He talks about waking up in a county jail at 19 after a 48-hour bender. He talks about the "randomness" of life. It’s not a glossy, PR-heavy fluff piece.
From a financial standpoint, signed music memoirs tend to hold their value well, especially when the artist is as influential as McDonald. He’s the bridge between the precision of Steely Dan and the blue-eyed soul of the Doobie Brothers. That’s a massive fanbase.
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How to Get Your Hands on One Now
Right now, your best bet isn't Amazon. They’re long gone there. You need to check places like:
- Biblio or AbeBooks: These sites host independent sellers who often have first-edition, signed copies tucked away.
- Local Indie Bookstores: Sometimes, shops in Nashville (where Michael lives) or LA might have leftover signed stock from the initial press run.
- Official Tour Merch: If he’s out with the Doobie Brothers, check the merch table. Sometimes they’ll have signed items, though it’s usually more about vinyl than books.
Basically, if you see a Michael McDonald signed book for under $75, you should probably grab it. The price is only going to go up as the initial printing disappears.
Verified Authenticity Tips
If you're buying from a private seller, ask for a photo of the signature page next to a piece of paper with the current date. It sounds paranoid, but there are a lot of "autopen" signatures out there. Michael’s signature is usually a bit loopy and fluid—he doesn't have a stiff hand.
What to Do Next
If you're serious about adding this to your collection, start by verifying the ISBN of the "Signed Edition" (usually 9780063357563). Search for that specific number on collector sites to ensure you're getting the first-print hardcover. Once you have it, keep the dust jacket in a protective Mylar sleeve. Light is the enemy of ink; keep it out of direct sunlight so that signature doesn't fade into a memory.
Check the inventory at Premiere Collectibles first, as they occasionally restock cancelled orders, or head over to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s online museum store. They’ve been known to carry the memoir since he’s an inductee. Don't wait too long, or you'll be the one singing "What a Fool Believes" while looking at an empty shelf.