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4.33 AVERAGE
4.33 AVERAGE
As a GG super fan, I absolutely loved this book. That said, it was a deceptively long read and would probably only be enjoyable to someone who already knows and appreciates the series and characters. Even as a huge fan, I thought there were more pages than necessary dedicated to topics that were only barely relevant to the show itself.
My favorite part of the book - hands down - was the middle 50-ish percent where several dozen of the show’s landmark episodes are dissected with interesting commentary from writers and the episodes’ guest stars. I learned a few things that blew me away (ie: Quentin Tarantino played one of the Elvis impersonators in “Sophia’s Wedding” and used the royalties to make ‘Reservoir Dogs’). I also thought that the dynamic between the actresses their attitudes towards various storylines was interesting (if you’ve ever wondered if Bea Arthur resented the cruel jokes about her appearance, the answer is YES). It was also surprising to hear the lengths they had to go to to get Estelle Getty’s parts right, due to both stage fright and the early stages of dementia.
Bottom line: a great read, but I would expect someone without a deep interest in the show and these actresses to lose interest quickly.
My favorite part of the book - hands down - was the middle 50-ish percent where several dozen of the show’s landmark episodes are dissected with interesting commentary from writers and the episodes’ guest stars. I learned a few things that blew me away (ie: Quentin Tarantino played one of the Elvis impersonators in “Sophia’s Wedding” and used the royalties to make ‘Reservoir Dogs’). I also thought that the dynamic between the actresses their attitudes towards various storylines was interesting (if you’ve ever wondered if Bea Arthur resented the cruel jokes about her appearance, the answer is YES). It was also surprising to hear the lengths they had to go to to get Estelle Getty’s parts right, due to both stage fright and the early stages of dementia.
Bottom line: a great read, but I would expect someone without a deep interest in the show and these actresses to lose interest quickly.
I love The Golden Girls. When I heard about this book, I knew I had to check it out. Ultimately, I have mixed feelings. I loved the section where episodes were highlighted(though there were a lot of them), and I also loved seeing the crew's perspectives behind the episodes, particularly those of the actors. Still, parts really dragged on for me. In particular, I found all the background on guest actors really annoying. I also was annoyed where the author brought in his own political beliefs near the end. I'm glad I read this, but at the same time, I have to admit that it was a hard book to stick with.
Fans of the TV show will have a fun time reminiscing and learning more about the popular sitcom in this behind the scenes book. It talks about how the idea for the show was conceived, and the casting process.
Then it moves through a synopsis of many episodes, with quotes from those who worked on each one discussed, including the main actresses, guest stars, and staff. I was honestly surprised by how I could recall each episode mentioned.
It includes photos of the cast and sets used. One fun aspect was a couple of pages of sketches of the "girls"' wardrobe.
I gave it a rating of 3 because it was good fun but VERY detailed and I ended up skimming quite a bit, other than the introductory information and the episode synopses.
Then it moves through a synopsis of many episodes, with quotes from those who worked on each one discussed, including the main actresses, guest stars, and staff. I was honestly surprised by how I could recall each episode mentioned.
It includes photos of the cast and sets used. One fun aspect was a couple of pages of sketches of the "girls"' wardrobe.
I gave it a rating of 3 because it was good fun but VERY detailed and I ended up skimming quite a bit, other than the introductory information and the episode synopses.
A good look at the conception and behind the scenes of Golden Girls. I read the Kindle version but wish I had gotten the physical version for the pictures.
Preface: Back in 2020, I briefly switched to Hulu for live TV, because they were the only streaming service that included the Marquee Network, which is the channel owned by the Chicago Cubs that broadcasts all their games. Then they dropped Marquee, and I switched back to YouTube TV, which has a cleaner user interface and much better DVR. But by the time that happened, I was already a couple of seasons into a re-watch of The Golden Girls, one of the sitcoms my mom and I watched together back in the 1980s, so I kept the basic Hulu service to finish it up.
The series was as good as I remembered, although all of the references to current events of the era would probably go over the ahead of anyone less decrepit than I am. Anyway, when I finally got the end of the seventh and final season, I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye. A friend who is a huge fan of the Golden Girls recommended this book to me, and I picked up the ebook.
Actual review content: With the series so fresh in my mind, I very much enjoyed the book. The first part details the development of the show, shooting the pilot and analyzes what made the show such a touchstone for so many people. Most of this was new information to me, and very interesting to someone who loves behind-the-scenes logistics.
The hefty middle section provides summaries of individual episodes, combined with photos and reminiscences from cast and crew members and guest stars. It's not every episode, but it's a lot of them. I think this part would have been much less enjoyable if I hadn't just refreshed my memory with the rewatch, but since I had I liked reading what was happening offstage and what people involved with the show thought about each episode.
The last section delves into the actual production details, especially the set design. I was relieved to read that the layout doesn't really make sense if you think too hard about it, because I could never figure out how all the pieces fit together. Especially the kitchen, which was a last-minute addition and doesn't fit with the rest of the set, and yet turned out to be maybe the most important set, given all the discussion over cheesecake that occurred there.
There's also a section that details the ways that the show has inspired more modern television sitcoms, and includes short blurbs from all sorts of entertainment folks about what the show means to them and which Golden Girl they think best embodies their own persona. This was pretty meh, especially because I haven't heard of the majority of the people being quoted.
Given my recent re-acquantance with the show, I'm glad I was able to read this. I don't think I'd recommend to anyone who either wasn't a big fan of the show or who hasn't watched it in the last decade or so. It isn't earth-shattering, but it's a nice read for what it is.
The series was as good as I remembered, although all of the references to current events of the era would probably go over the ahead of anyone less decrepit than I am. Anyway, when I finally got the end of the seventh and final season, I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye. A friend who is a huge fan of the Golden Girls recommended this book to me, and I picked up the ebook.
Actual review content: With the series so fresh in my mind, I very much enjoyed the book. The first part details the development of the show, shooting the pilot and analyzes what made the show such a touchstone for so many people. Most of this was new information to me, and very interesting to someone who loves behind-the-scenes logistics.
The hefty middle section provides summaries of individual episodes, combined with photos and reminiscences from cast and crew members and guest stars. It's not every episode, but it's a lot of them. I think this part would have been much less enjoyable if I hadn't just refreshed my memory with the rewatch, but since I had I liked reading what was happening offstage and what people involved with the show thought about each episode.
The last section delves into the actual production details, especially the set design. I was relieved to read that the layout doesn't really make sense if you think too hard about it, because I could never figure out how all the pieces fit together. Especially the kitchen, which was a last-minute addition and doesn't fit with the rest of the set, and yet turned out to be maybe the most important set, given all the discussion over cheesecake that occurred there.
There's also a section that details the ways that the show has inspired more modern television sitcoms, and includes short blurbs from all sorts of entertainment folks about what the show means to them and which Golden Girl they think best embodies their own persona. This was pretty meh, especially because I haven't heard of the majority of the people being quoted.
Given my recent re-acquantance with the show, I'm glad I was able to read this. I don't think I'd recommend to anyone who either wasn't a big fan of the show or who hasn't watched it in the last decade or so. It isn't earth-shattering, but it's a nice read for what it is.
I loved loved loved this book! With interviews with most of the cast and anecdotes for most of the episodes, this book is a must for any Golden Girls fan. I could have done without the weird little survey results from actors telling me what GG they are, but other than that, 10s across the board.
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
Didn’t really go anywhere after the first 70 pages. Plus I felt that the 200+ pages just discussing the episodes was unneeded
informative
reflective
medium-paced