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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
There is definitely a lot of cancer talk in this book... which is what it's about! There are some sprinklings of early days and time at SNL, but mostly it's about Gilda's life right before and going through her fight against cancer. It's not really hilarious, per say, but she includes nice moments and gives insight into her feisty personality. It is very easy to read, even with all the medical stuff. It is inspirational and sad at the same time. I liked it.
What a story, it is very sad and I really feel for her. Amazing to hear her narrate her own story. I really enjoyed learning about how she dealt with her cancer and the wellness groups she went to sound very beneficial. The only part I found where I couldn't connect with was when towards the end of the book she went on that special diet that she thought might help her. She easily and simply just bought a brand new different kind of stove and hired a private chef to cook for her. It is really wonderful that she had those resources to use, it just made me wonder what people that are not famous or have much money are supposed to do?
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
I think this is a perfect book. I didn’t know Gilda as a performer, and I didn’t need to to quickly fall in love with her charm and spunk. She’s a beautiful writer and human being with a forever-cemented hug in the form of a book for anyone who’s ever been impacted by cancer.
It started as a quick read for me, and then I slowed down near the end. Not because anything was bad, but because I knew how the story ended, and I wasn’t ready for that. I couldn’t read the final chapters while feeling rushed, or in a waiting room, or too tired right before bed. Her words, and her final words, commanded such full attention and honorary silence up through the final page.
I loved this book. I love Gilda Radner’s style and message. I gave it a hug right back when I was done, and it’ll be on my shelf for years to come, and for anyone else who’d like to read it.
It started as a quick read for me, and then I slowed down near the end. Not because anything was bad, but because I knew how the story ended, and I wasn’t ready for that. I couldn’t read the final chapters while feeling rushed, or in a waiting room, or too tired right before bed. Her words, and her final words, commanded such full attention and honorary silence up through the final page.
I loved this book. I love Gilda Radner’s style and message. I gave it a hug right back when I was done, and it’ll be on my shelf for years to come, and for anyone else who’d like to read it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Eating disorder, Infertility, Miscarriage, Terminal illness, Death of parent
This has been sitting on my bookshelf for nearly two decades. I have always admired the talent of Gilda Radner, but had been putting off reading this book for a number of reasons. Once I started, I read nearly non-stop. Honest, sad, sweet, funny, moving.
This was a re-read; I first read this not long after it came out. I was 15 or 16 then and perfectly healthy; now I am 40 and have been bedridden since 2007 because of myalgic encephalomyelitis. So I suppose the question was whether this would feel as inspiring as it did back then? And the answer, truly, is no. Nothing has changed about Radner's narrative; it's just that I've been served a whopping helping of medical hopelessness and uncertainty, and I know that territory too well for it to feel inspiring. (In fact, people telling me I am inspiring is one of my least favorite things to be told. I have ranted about this on my blog before.) Did I feel a feeling of kinship, though? Yes. She is relentlessly honest about the combination of seemingly indomitable attitude and total emotional defeat that comes along with an extended health crisis.
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
emotional
medium-paced
I read this book because I had heard it was mostly a narrative of her fight against cancer. In that sense I was not disappointed, but the writing is awful.
Heartfelt, honest and written truly in her voice.
Gilda's cancer took place more than 30 years ago. It's amazing how medicine (Eastern and Western) has changed, with regard to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Her story is as relevant today as ever.
Gilda's cancer took place more than 30 years ago. It's amazing how medicine (Eastern and Western) has changed, with regard to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Her story is as relevant today as ever.
"There are no guarantees. There are no promises, but there is you, and strength inside to fight for recovery. And always there is hope."