Scan barcode
Reviews
Generation Friends: An Inside Look at the Show That Defined a Television Era by Saul Austerlitz
benlundns's review against another edition
5.0
What can I say, I liked this book. I'm the guy that has Friends on in the background while I'm cleaning up, or has it on while I eat my breakfast. It's fun, it's familiar, and I know what I'm going to get. The same goes for this book, I knew what I was getting into when I picked it up. I wasn't looking for the "rumours" or the "gossip" of the show. That has been throughly covered by the tabloids. I wanted to know why Friends is the way it is. I can't think of any other show that had 10 consistently funny seasons, and a group of people that felt so much like, well, friends. And has so much pop culture cache, say "how you doin?" in a room and not get a laugh from someone, or go online for a gif of every friends scene ever. "Could there BE any more .gifs?" It really opened my eyes to how Friends came to be, and what it was like to be a part of that phenomenon, not so much as the actors, but of those that made the show exist each week, the production assistants, the writers, all the people we don't see, but who are vital to the show appearing on our tv each week, and forever in reruns. A fitting recap to 10 years of hilarity and emotions that is still resonating with people today.
midnightwritelight's review against another edition
4.0
This was an interesting read. It had a lot of moments that made me feel like I was right there as they filmed the tv show, watching the events unfold. There were some references I wished had been kept in the glossed over version from the show, as they are easier to skip over. However, as a super fan of Friends, it was an enjoyable read.
rajankowski's review against another edition
3.0
There were a lot of interesting facts about the making of the show, but the book ended up being too long because of too much social commentary about its present day problems.
nakelitaina's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this origin story of one of my favorite shows. I also found the backstory of writing and producing a tv show fascinating. The author does get a few minor plot points wrong and misattributes a few quotes but overall it was a fun read.
honeywhiskey's review against another edition
2.0
This read like an undergraduate thesis for a student trying to get out of doing research.
hilarymaloy's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 ⭐️
I have mixed feelings on this book. I really enjoyed the nostalgia and the behind the scenes bits.
I felt like the author put highly unnecessary political beliefs in the book. I don’t want to know his opinion—I want to know about the show.
Also, if you’ve seen the show many times, you may find the scene rehashings excessive.
I still enjoyed this book despite these things. It was a fun read.
I have mixed feelings on this book. I really enjoyed the nostalgia and the behind the scenes bits.
I felt like the author put highly unnecessary political beliefs in the book. I don’t want to know his opinion—I want to know about the show.
Also, if you’ve seen the show many times, you may find the scene rehashings excessive.
I still enjoyed this book despite these things. It was a fun read.
bookapotamus's review against another edition
5.0
My first thought when I saw this book was coming out? ‘Oh. My. Gawd.’ And then, “How You Doin’?” Could I BE any more excited? Nope. I don’t think I could. It’s a 'Moo' point. This book, Would Be Perfection. This book, will be my Lobster. We will go together like a Chick and a Duck because it’s not that common, it doesn’t happen to every guy and it IS a big deal!!
You’re going to want to be ‘On a Break’ and summon all your UNAGI when you dive into this one because you will gobble it up like teenage Monica and 5 types of Thanksgiving potatoes and still get the meat sweats. The fun facts and tidbits packed into this fun book will Steal Your Wind - and you’ll want to read it more times than Ross has been married!
Layers upon layers of things I never knew! This book truly goes Commando and lets it all hang out. Layers as juicy as an English Trifle. Things that ‘They Don’t Know, That we Know, They Know we Know', but also insider scoop worthy of a Royal, like Princess Consuela Bananahammock.
You’re going to laugh until Mr. Heckles bangs on your ceiling with a broom to quiet down. You’re going to run like Phoebe, arms flailing - don’t PIVOT! - to get this one. It is no Smelly Cat. Place it on your Apothecary Table so your own friends can enjoy it. Cause on a scale on 1 to 7… this book is a 7,7,7,7……SEVEN!
Huge thanks to Dutton Books for gifting me with this book. It’s 'kick you in the crotch, spit on your neck fantastic’! And it’s out today!!
Who’s your favorite friend?! Mine’s Joey! Because like, Joey - Kate doesn’t share food!
You’re going to want to be ‘On a Break’ and summon all your UNAGI when you dive into this one because you will gobble it up like teenage Monica and 5 types of Thanksgiving potatoes and still get the meat sweats. The fun facts and tidbits packed into this fun book will Steal Your Wind - and you’ll want to read it more times than Ross has been married!
Layers upon layers of things I never knew! This book truly goes Commando and lets it all hang out. Layers as juicy as an English Trifle. Things that ‘They Don’t Know, That we Know, They Know we Know', but also insider scoop worthy of a Royal, like Princess Consuela Bananahammock.
You’re going to laugh until Mr. Heckles bangs on your ceiling with a broom to quiet down. You’re going to run like Phoebe, arms flailing - don’t PIVOT! - to get this one. It is no Smelly Cat. Place it on your Apothecary Table so your own friends can enjoy it. Cause on a scale on 1 to 7… this book is a 7,7,7,7……SEVEN!
Huge thanks to Dutton Books for gifting me with this book. It’s 'kick you in the crotch, spit on your neck fantastic’! And it’s out today!!
Who’s your favorite friend?! Mine’s Joey! Because like, Joey - Kate doesn’t share food!