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A review by ashbydodd
Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live by Susan Morrison
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
If you've ever been curious about the rise of Lorne Michaels or are a die-hard Saturday Night Live fan, Susan Morrison's Lorne should be at the top of your reading list. This biography dives deep—not just into Lorne's iconic run as the creator and producer of SNL—but also into his career before the show that turned him into a household name.
Yes, the book is dense. It's packed with anecdotes, behind-the-scenes revelations, and fascinating tidbits about not just Lorne but the entire SNL machine. Morrison doesn't limit herself to the stars we see on screen; she shines a light on the show's unsung heroes—writers, musicians, producers, and the many moving parts that have kept the SNL engine running for decades.
The biggest takeaway? A new appreciation for Lorne Michaels as a fully realized human being, not just the enigmatic producer with a penchant for dry humor. Through Morrison's lens, Lorne becomes someone you can admire for his creativity, discipline, and resilience—and someone you can sympathize with for his struggles and quirks.
Despite the hefty amount of content, Morrison's writing keeps things moving. For SNL fans or those fascinated by the inner workings of a TV institution, Lorne is a must-read. And for those who aren't as familiar with the show, this book might just convince you why Lorne Michaels is one of the most influential figures in comedy and television.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Yes, the book is dense. It's packed with anecdotes, behind-the-scenes revelations, and fascinating tidbits about not just Lorne but the entire SNL machine. Morrison doesn't limit herself to the stars we see on screen; she shines a light on the show's unsung heroes—writers, musicians, producers, and the many moving parts that have kept the SNL engine running for decades.
The biggest takeaway? A new appreciation for Lorne Michaels as a fully realized human being, not just the enigmatic producer with a penchant for dry humor. Through Morrison's lens, Lorne becomes someone you can admire for his creativity, discipline, and resilience—and someone you can sympathize with for his struggles and quirks.
Despite the hefty amount of content, Morrison's writing keeps things moving. For SNL fans or those fascinated by the inner workings of a TV institution, Lorne is a must-read. And for those who aren't as familiar with the show, this book might just convince you why Lorne Michaels is one of the most influential figures in comedy and television.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.