3.93 AVERAGE

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I'm only familiar with Kate Mulgrew's work on Star Trek: Voyager, but enough of her personality and force of character on the show came through to make me interested in her as an actress and in her career, so I was happy to read her memoir. It indeed delivers in showcasing her personality through her voice and in the way she has lived her life so far. And what I found extra enchanting about the book, was in how well Kate Mulgrew writes - her prose is often poetic and the way she describes some of the difficulties she has had in her life was very moving.

Her story has a way of being unapologetic about the way she has lived her life, and I found that very interesting when she talked about giving up her child for adoption. Her struggle to have a career and be a good mother was so thought-provoking, and while I feel like some of her choices might not be thought of well by others, I loved that she faced those decisions bravely, and stayed true to her passions and what she wanted out of life. It was refreshing to feel that she didn't shy away from the issue too much, and embraced and discussed her life with such openness. The memoir also gives an interesting view of the behind the scenes of working in television and film; even though Kate doesn't go into a lot of detail, especially with Voyager. The acting side of her life is not as well described as her personal life, which felt appropriate because this book was more about Kate Mulgrew's emotional journey and not her career.

The memoir ends a bit abruptly to me - I mean, Kate wraps up the book well, but ends it a few years before present day. I would have wanted to learn more about how her second marriage ended since the courtship is so well described, but it does seem like the real emotional arc of the book is Kate's experience giving up her child for adoption and that story is wrapped up perfectly. This is a memoir that can be selective as far as history, but often felt like a vivd, sometimes moving, sometimes hilarious conversation with the author, and I enjoyed that intimacy Kate Mulgrew was able to convey through her words. Definitely any fan of the actress, or of a rich, dramatic personality should read this book.

I know Kate Mulgrew as playing Red in Orange is the New Black and, vaguely, from Star Trek Voyager. I thought this book looked interesting and I've been on a kick lately of autobiographies and memoirs so I thought I'd give it a shot.

This was definitely a memoir, as it was more theatrical, dramatic and felt embellished. It read like a novel and she's lived a fascinating life so it was intriguing. I liked this book but didn't feel like it was always genuine and, oddly enough, I still feel as though I don't really know much about what Kate Mulgrew is like as a person. I know some important life decisions she's made and that she's a very dedicated actress but I don't know much about her personality.

I recommend if you are a Kate Mulgrew fan or a fan of her work.


Even more wonderful the second time around. I found myself laughing, biting my nails with suspense and crying my eyes out reading this again. Masterful. I simply adore this woman.

The most touching parts of Born With Teeth are the ones with her children and her sister. The most interesting are the occasional insights into her acting career, stage and television both. Unfortunately the bulk of the book is coffee, cigarettes, alcohol, and failed relationships with men. The relationships are described with little affection, since they are told with hindsight of every red flag and failing. The book isn't completely linear, which is frustrating at times.

If you're considering this book as a Star Trek fan, you can skip ahead to around chapter 25. Her time on Voyager isn't described in great detail but it's reasonably satisfying. If you want anything related to Orange Is The New Black, tough luck because the book ends at least a decade before that series began.

One of the most fantastic memoirs I have ever read. I had to stop and remind myself at times that this wasn't a fictional piece of work, it was someone's life. Very fast paced and masterfully written this memoir recounts Kate Mulgrew's childhood, acting, the pain of giving up a child for adoption, finding and losing love, and the eccentricities of her family. It was riveting and so well written that I couldn't put it down. Kate is a gifted actress (best known for her roles in Star Trek: Voyager, Ryan's Hope, and Orange is the New Black) and storyteller, she weaves moments of her life together to create a beautiful tapestry that will enchant readers and leave them wanting more. Kate deals with tough issues: divorce, adoption, staying true to oneself, motherhood, and death but still manages to keep it positive and hopeful. I didn't want it to end and was sorely saddened when it inevitably did.
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I am completely in awe of Kate Mulgrew. Having listened to this, I am taken by, not only her voice, but her candor. Always herself, this read oozed with confidence. It was a tad dramatic in some places but, it's her work so that's her call. Such a force to be reckoned with and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this. Everyone can appreciate her journey, no matter the circumstances. 

Actually 3.5. Being published in 2015, I wish it went a bit closer to present day.

I saw an interview with Kate Mukgrew on CBS Sunday Morning and was intrigued. Her memoir is absolutely fascinating and well told. Highly recommend