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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
Autobiography of the comedian made famous on Saturday Night Live.
Continuing my thread of sad books written by brilliant women. It's hard to tell if I choose these books when I feel grousy, or become so from the books I choose to read. The positive note on which she tried to end hung bitter in my mind, knowing how it worked out for her.
She wouldn't like me to say poor Gilda, but I can't help myself.
Continuing my thread of sad books written by brilliant women. It's hard to tell if I choose these books when I feel grousy, or become so from the books I choose to read. The positive note on which she tried to end hung bitter in my mind, knowing how it worked out for her.
She wouldn't like me to say poor Gilda, but I can't help myself.
I feel guilty not giving this a 4 or 5 star review because I love Gilda so much. I thought she was hysterical. It wasn't one of the best written biographies, but I couldn't put the book down either. It was interesting to read about her struggle with cancer and her never-ending relapses. She was one amazingly strong person. I know that's what people usually say to describe other people, but you should read this bio so you know what I mean. She lived through one stroke of bad luck after another. I don't even know where she got her strength from. Kudos to her husband Gene for sticking by her side. What a shame how she finally ended up dying. Life can be so cruel sometimes.
I read the 20th "newly revised" anniversary edition with a forward by Alan Zweibel, and I wonder why they didn't give the reader an update on her death later on. Fortunately I had already found out on the internet some months back, but they should definitely add that in future revisions.
We still love you Gilda!!
I read the 20th "newly revised" anniversary edition with a forward by Alan Zweibel, and I wonder why they didn't give the reader an update on her death later on. Fortunately I had already found out on the internet some months back, but they should definitely add that in future revisions.
We still love you Gilda!!
I picked this up thinking it was more of a celebrity autobiography, which I love. I wanted to learn more about Gilda Radner and her life. This is mostly a book about her cancer diagnosis and treatment, but through it I think I got a sense of why everyone loved her so much. This book is sad. Sad. Sad. Sad. But also super funny in parts. I think it's really meant more to be read by people who are also dealing with cancer--which thankfully I am not--but I still enjoyed reading it. Just if you're going into it thinking you're going to learn a lot about SNL, you're not.
Now I also kind of want to learn more about Gene Wilder.
Now I also kind of want to learn more about Gene Wilder.
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Chronic illness, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Terminal illness, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Pregnancy
Heartbreaking, uplifting, strong and inspiring book by one of Comedy’s greats, Gilda Radner. Radner revealed more of herself than on television or in movies. The way she faced Ovarian Cancer was courageous. She left this world way too soon. Thank you Gilda Radner for your humor, kindness and courage.
What could have been a really depressing book about struggling with cancer turns out to be touching and humorous, mostly because Gilda Radner fights to find the humor in the situation. It is sad to know that she didn't make it much longer after this book was published, but it is nice to know that Gene Wilder was there to help her through all of it.
“The more I protested about this ambiguity, the more Joanna pointed out to me that it was both a terrible and wonderful part of life: terrible because you can't count on anything for sure—like certain good health and no possibility of cancer; wonderful because no human being knows when another is going to die—no doctor can absolutely predict the outcome of a disease. The only thing that is certain is change. Joanna calls all of this 'delicious ambiguity.' 'Couldn't there be comfort and freedom in no one knowing the outcome of anything and all things being possible?' she asked. Was I convinced? Not completely. I still wanted to believe in magic thinking. But I was intrigued.”
•••
While this memoir focuses primarily on Radner’s journey with cancer, she weaves in memories of childhood, her marriage to Gene Wilder, time on SNL, and more. The book and audiobook were published posthumously after her death and ends in a space of ambiguity, intentionally done Radner says in her memoir because such is life. It’s a fast listen and full of heart- check this out!
•••
While this memoir focuses primarily on Radner’s journey with cancer, she weaves in memories of childhood, her marriage to Gene Wilder, time on SNL, and more. The book and audiobook were published posthumously after her death and ends in a space of ambiguity, intentionally done Radner says in her memoir because such is life. It’s a fast listen and full of heart- check this out!
dark
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Infertility, Miscarriage, Medical content, Medical trauma
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
You don't even have to know who Gilda Radner is to enjoy this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
Minor: Eating disorder