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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Having just read Tina Fey's Bossypants, I was struck by how unfunny this book was, but of course cancer is about the unfunniest thing there is, in Gilda's own words. The narrative was also a bit disjointed and rambling. But this book is an honest chronicle of the ups and downs, the swings between courage and self-pity, the drudgery of being ever a patient, the miracle of finding community, and the struggle to live a meaningful, joyful life in the face of uncertainty. And perhaps the book's shortcomings are a strength in that they underscore how a life-threatening diagnosis leaves you altered (she'd introduce herself by saying, "Hi, I used to be Gilda Radner").
This is an amazing book. Gilda's spirit shines through on every page, and she's not afraid to be raw and real.
It made me sad to read it, as we all know she didn't survive long after she wrote it. :(
It made me sad to read it, as we all know she didn't survive long after she wrote it. :(
I read this about 20 years ago, so perhaps it's not as great of literature as I thought it was. Anyway, I think of this book often. It helped me through a difficult time in my life, shortly after my mother passed away of cancer. While there's not a whole lot to laugh at about cancer, Gilda can take a heavy subject and make light of it.
I picked this up at the library book sale yesterday, settled down to read it last night, and am donating it back today. Within 5 pages, I found the author needy and completely dependent on other people for her happiness--and since that is one of my least favorite characteristics in a person, I'm reading no farther. Since Gene Wilder originally broke up with her for smothering him with her neediness, I don't think it was just an impression on my part.
Not a book for me.
Not a book for me.
I listened to this book. Gilda read the entire book. This is an inspirational book by a kick ass woman. Unfortunately, Gilda and her husband, Gene Wilder, did not get their happily ever after but he loved her until the end. And she adored him. There were chuckles, laughs, and lots of tears while listening to her talk about her misdiagnosis of cancer. It made me realize that even with all the money and celebrity and great doctors, mistakes can be made and people are affected. I enjoyed this book immensely. It made me feel blessed for my life. It also made me sad that a funny, energetic, positive role model for women and cancer survivors everywhere lost her voice. Rest In Peace Gilda. You are missed.
I read this a long time ago and loved it then, it's certainly not easy for a person undergoing treatment as we all know Gilda's story ends early, but there is a real honesty in how she fights, laughs, and copes and then just sort of whispers away. The book is almost unfinished which seems apt.
When I started watching Saturday Night Live, Gilda had already passed away a few years back and I didn't know anything about her throughout most of my life (although I remember SNL sometimes had clips of her doing skits).
I'm not sure how I got to know of this book but as soon as I found it, I knew I had to read it. I wanted to know more about Gilda. I also decided to read this book because I know she was friends with Carrie Fisher, who happens to be one of my favorite actresses.
I listened to the audiobook and I'm glad I did because Gilda herself narrates it and she did fantastic (all while battling her cancer)! I loved hearing her voice and her story. I definitely recommend this one to all SNL fans and even if you've never seen an episode but enjoy reading about funny people, this book's for you.
Read it! It's a short one, I listened to it in one sitting.
I'm not sure how I got to know of this book but as soon as I found it, I knew I had to read it. I wanted to know more about Gilda. I also decided to read this book because I know she was friends with Carrie Fisher, who happens to be one of my favorite actresses.
I listened to the audiobook and I'm glad I did because Gilda herself narrates it and she did fantastic (all while battling her cancer)! I loved hearing her voice and her story. I definitely recommend this one to all SNL fans and even if you've never seen an episode but enjoy reading about funny people, this book's for you.
Read it! It's a short one, I listened to it in one sitting.
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
This book got really raw about the emotions that come with a cancer diagnosis, which I appreciate. Gilda tried to stay positive but sometimes when shit sucks we humans act in less than ideal ways and I'm glad she shared that part of her story. An incredible talent gone way too soon.
emotional
informative
inspiring