Tim Gunn- Gunn's Golden Rules- A Book Review

A few years ago when reviewing Tim Gunn's Guide to Quality, Taste & Style I said "The crisp suit is there, but the real man is missing". It almost feels like someone listened, because Gunn's Golden Rules ($14.39 on Amazon) definitely fills up many of the gaps and allows us a more intimate look at one of the most interesting and deserving TV personalities of the last decade.

It's a little irritating that once again the publisher is trying to package Tim Gunn's message as a guide or a book of rules, and that the book has a co-author (this time Ada Calhoun).  I'm somewhat of a groupie and would have preferred to get Mr. Gunn's story unfiltered and in a pure autobiography format. Don't be misleaded by the "Rules" thing- this is a very personal book of stories and anecdotes about the author's life, family and career. Tim Gunn shares with us his philosophy, spirituality, encounters with luminaries such as André Leon Talley and views on human sexuality. He's a big advocate of etiquette and kindness but doesn't confuse manners with owning fish forks (he doesn't). He talks about his own gaffs (regifting!) with the same humor he uses when telling a hilarious story about Diane von Furstenberg and a hotdog.

It's interesting to note how even when telling gossipy stories, Mr. Gunn doesn't crosses the lines into malice territory. That includes the now infamous Anna Wintour anecdote (she was carried by her her bodyguards down five flights of stairs and tried to get Tim Gunn to retract the story until other witnesses came forth), or when criticizing the people who make the wardrobe choices for Suri Cruise. There are some fun Project Runway behind-the-scenes stories (he disliked Kenley just as much as we all did), but it's far less about the dirt and more about the lessons one can learn from it.

The best parts, though, are the more personal tales from Tim's childhood, painful adolescence and career as a teacher. It's fascinating to read about the evolution of the shy and stuttering boy from Washington DC into a worldly fashion authority. The book, like its author, is inspiring in a feel-good way. It's a little flawed (a couple of typos and maybe not enough Project Runway stories) but very human.  Fans of Tim Gunn will find it quite satisfying, at least until he takes the next step and releases a real memoir.

Photo of Tim Gunn signing his own bobbleheads by Gothamist LLC, 2006.

Tim Gunn- Gunn's Golden Rules- A Book Review

A few years ago when reviewing Tim Gunn's Guide to Quality, Taste & Style I said "The crisp suit is there, but the real man is missing". It almost feels like someone listened, because Gunn's Golden Rules ($14.39 on Amazon) definitely fills up many of the gaps and allows us a more intimate look at one of the most interesting and deserving TV personalities of the last decade.

It's a little irritating that once again the publisher is trying to package Tim Gunn's message as a guide or a book of rules, and that the book has a co-author (this time Ada Calhoun).  I'm somewhat of a groupie and would have preferred to get Mr. Gunn's story unfiltered and in a pure autobiography format. Don't be misleaded by the "Rules" thing- this is a very personal book of stories and anecdotes about the author's life, family and career. Tim Gunn shares with us his philosophy, spirituality, encounters with luminaries such as André Leon Talley and views on human sexuality. He's a big advocate of etiquette and kindness but doesn't confuse manners with owning fish forks (he doesn't). He talks about his own gaffs (regifting!) with the same humor he uses when telling a hilarious story about Diane von Furstenberg and a hotdog.

It's interesting to note how even when telling gossipy stories, Mr. Gunn doesn't crosses the lines into malice territory. That includes the now infamous Anna Wintour anecdote (she was carried by her her bodyguards down five flights of stairs and tried to get Tim Gunn to retract the story until other witnesses came forth), or when criticizing the people who make the wardrobe choices for Suri Cruise. There are some fun Project Runway behind-the-scenes stories (he disliked Kenley just as much as we all did), but it's far less about the dirt and more about the lessons one can learn from it.

The best parts, though, are the more personal tales from Tim's childhood, painful adolescence and career as a teacher. It's fascinating to read about the evolution of the shy and stuttering boy from Washington DC into a worldly fashion authority. The book, like its author, is inspiring in a feel-good way. It's a little flawed (a couple of typos and maybe not enough Project Runway stories) but very human.  Fans of Tim Gunn will find it quite satisfying, at least until he takes the next step and releases a real memoir.

Photo of Tim Gunn signing his own bobbleheads by Gothamist LLC, 2006.

Tim Gunn- Gunn's Golden Rules- A Book Review

A few years ago when reviewing Tim Gunn's Guide to Quality, Taste & Style I said "The crisp suit is there, but the real man is missing". It almost feels like someone listened, because Gunn's Golden Rules ($14.39 on Amazon) definitely fills up many of the gaps and allows us a more intimate look at one of the most interesting and deserving TV personalities of the last decade.

It's a little irritating that once again the publisher is trying to package Tim Gunn's message as a guide or a book of rules, and that the book has a co-author (this time Ada Calhoun).  I'm somewhat of a groupie and would have preferred to get Mr. Gunn's story unfiltered and in a pure autobiography format. Don't be misleaded by the "Rules" thing- this is a very personal book of stories and anecdotes about the author's life, family and career. Tim Gunn shares with us his philosophy, spirituality, encounters with luminaries such as André Leon Talley and views on human sexuality. He's a big advocate of etiquette and kindness but doesn't confuse manners with owning fish forks (he doesn't). He talks about his own gaffs (regifting!) with the same humor he uses when telling a hilarious story about Diane von Furstenberg and a hotdog.

It's interesting to note how even when telling gossipy stories, Mr. Gunn doesn't crosses the lines into malice territory. That includes the now infamous Anna Wintour anecdote (she was carried by her her bodyguards down five flights of stairs and tried to get Tim Gunn to retract the story until other witnesses came forth), or when criticizing the people who make the wardrobe choices for Suri Cruise. There are some fun Project Runway behind-the-scenes stories (he disliked Kenley just as much as we all did), but it's far less about the dirt and more about the lessons one can learn from it.

The best parts, though, are the more personal tales from Tim's childhood, painful adolescence and career as a teacher. It's fascinating to read about the evolution of the shy and stuttering boy from Washington DC into a worldly fashion authority. The book, like its author, is inspiring in a feel-good way. It's a little flawed (a couple of typos and maybe not enough Project Runway stories) but very human.  Fans of Tim Gunn will find it quite satisfying, at least until he takes the next step and releases a real memoir.

Photo of Tim Gunn signing his own bobbleheads by Gothamist LLC, 2006.

Mad Men: The Illustrated World by Dyna Moe- Book Review

I don't know about you, but I'm already in serious Mad Men withdrawal. I want to know what happens next and just see more. More Don, more Joan, more of Pete Campbell's giraffes. The last TV series that grabbed me like this was Buffy The Vampire Slayer; I own almost every official and unofficial guide and tie-in book as well as collections of essays on cultural and philosophical issues raised in the show. Seriously.

Mad Men has been generating its own crop of related books. As far as I know, Mad Men: The Illustrated World  by Dyna Moe is the first officially licensed tie-in to the show. Dyna Moe is the artist responsible for the Mad Men Yourself cartoons that everyone and their mother used as their Facebook profile picture last year. The book is based on  illustrations she created for the first three seasons (you can view them on her Flickr account) with some added content.

The thing to remember about Mad Men: The Illustrated World is that for better and for worse, this is the cartoon version. It doesn't take itself  seriously and neither should the reader, no matter how hard are the Mad Men withdrawal pains you're experiencing. The book has chapters dedicated to office culture, fashion and beauty, food & drink (including some recipes that would have been hilarious if we didn't know that people really used to eat this stuff) and the occasional historical and biographical anecdote. There are also a couple of contributions from people who actually work on the show, especially notable is actor Rich Sommer's account of mastering the bow tie.

The book is at its best when it offers real content about people, events and trends. I wish there was a lot more of that and less tongue-in-cheek stuff like the part about office equipment and etiquette. Out of the beauty & fashion section, the bouffant how-to is quite funny while the makeup guide was obviously written by someone who is not into makeup or vintage aesthetics. The Joan paper dolls are beautiful, though, and make me want to take them to my seamstress and plead with her to make me each one of the outfits.

Bottom Line: Superficial but fun. No worse than the Mad Men Barbie dolls.

Mad Men: The Illustrated World by Dyna Moe ($15 retail, $10.20 on Amazon) is available from most booksellers. A review copy was sent to me by the publisher.

Illustrations: Dyna Moe

Mad Men: The Illustrated World by Dyna Moe- Book Review

I don't know about you, but I'm already in serious Mad Men withdrawal. I want to know what happens next and just see more. More Don, more Joan, more of Pete Campbell's giraffes. The last TV series that grabbed me like this was Buffy The Vampire Slayer; I own almost every official and unofficial guide and tie-in book as well as collections of essays on cultural and philosophical issues raised in the show. Seriously.

Mad Men has been generating its own crop of related books. As far as I know, Mad Men: The Illustrated World  by Dyna Moe is the first officially licensed tie-in to the show. Dyna Moe is the artist responsible for the Mad Men Yourself cartoons that everyone and their mother used as their Facebook profile picture last year. The book is based on  illustrations she created for the first three seasons (you can view them on her Flickr account) with some added content.

The thing to remember about Mad Men: The Illustrated World is that for better and for worse, this is the cartoon version. It doesn't take itself  seriously and neither should the reader, no matter how hard are the Mad Men withdrawal pains you're experiencing. The book has chapters dedicated to office culture, fashion and beauty, food & drink (including some recipes that would have been hilarious if we didn't know that people really used to eat this stuff) and the occasional historical and biographical anecdote. There are also a couple of contributions from people who actually work on the show, especially notable is actor Rich Sommer's account of mastering the bow tie.

The book is at its best when it offers real content about people, events and trends. I wish there was a lot more of that and less tongue-in-cheek stuff like the part about office equipment and etiquette. Out of the beauty & fashion section, the bouffant how-to is quite funny while the makeup guide was obviously written by someone who is not into makeup or vintage aesthetics. The Joan paper dolls are beautiful, though, and make me want to take them to my seamstress and plead with her to make me each one of the outfits.

Bottom Line: Superficial but fun. No worse than the Mad Men Barbie dolls.

Mad Men: The Illustrated World by Dyna Moe ($15 retail, $10.20 on Amazon) is available from most booksellers. A review copy was sent to me by the publisher.

Illustrations: Dyna Moe

Mad Men: The Illustrated World by Dyna Moe- Book Review

I don't know about you, but I'm already in serious Mad Men withdrawal. I want to know what happens next and just see more. More Don, more Joan, more of Pete Campbell's giraffes. The last TV series that grabbed me like this was Buffy The Vampire Slayer; I own almost every official and unofficial guide and tie-in book as well as collections of essays on cultural and philosophical issues raised in the show. Seriously.

Mad Men has been generating its own crop of related books. As far as I know, Mad Men: The Illustrated World  by Dyna Moe is the first officially licensed tie-in to the show. Dyna Moe is the artist responsible for the Mad Men Yourself cartoons that everyone and their mother used as their Facebook profile picture last year. The book is based on  illustrations she created for the first three seasons (you can view them on her Flickr account) with some added content.

The thing to remember about Mad Men: The Illustrated World is that for better and for worse, this is the cartoon version. It doesn't take itself  seriously and neither should the reader, no matter how hard are the Mad Men withdrawal pains you're experiencing. The book has chapters dedicated to office culture, fashion and beauty, food & drink (including some recipes that would have been hilarious if we didn't know that people really used to eat this stuff) and the occasional historical and biographical anecdote. There are also a couple of contributions from people who actually work on the show, especially notable is actor Rich Sommer's account of mastering the bow tie.

The book is at its best when it offers real content about people, events and trends. I wish there was a lot more of that and less tongue-in-cheek stuff like the part about office equipment and etiquette. Out of the beauty & fashion section, the bouffant how-to is quite funny while the makeup guide was obviously written by someone who is not into makeup or vintage aesthetics. The Joan paper dolls are beautiful, though, and make me want to take them to my seamstress and plead with her to make me each one of the outfits.

Bottom Line: Superficial but fun. No worse than the Mad Men Barbie dolls.

Mad Men: The Illustrated World by Dyna Moe ($15 retail, $10.20 on Amazon) is available from most booksellers. A review copy was sent to me by the publisher.

Illustrations: Dyna Moe

Alison Arngrim- Confessions Of A Prairie Bitch- A Book Review

It takes quite a bit of talent to play a real villain. It takes even more than that if one is casted into the role at age eleven. And it requires a very remarkable person to play one of the most hated characters on TV from age 11 to 19. Alison Arngrim is that special person.

Alison Arngrim's biography (and life) isn't all about Little House On The Prairie, but Nellie Oleson is most definitely there as the character who shaped Ms. Arngrim, helped her cope with an ultra-dysfunctional family and personal tragedies. Nellie has saved Alison's sanity and probably also her life, and gave her an outlet to anger that otherwise would have probably led her to self destruction (just look at her friend and colleague Melissa Gilbert).

The book, despite some painful memories and a very complicated childhood, is written with a lot of humor and grace. It's fun, at times hilarious and allows the reader to hate  Melissa Sue Anderson (Mary Ingalls on the show), something apparently many of us needed.

Bottom Line: worth your time.



Alison Arngrim- Confessions Of A Prairie Bitch ($25.99 hardcover) is available on amazon.com and just about any half decent bookseller for far less than official retail price.

Alison Arngrim- Confessions Of A Prairie Bitch- A Book Review

It takes quite a bit of talent to play a real villain. It takes even more than that if one is casted into the role at age eleven. And it requires a very remarkable person to play one of the most hated characters on TV from age 11 to 19. Alison Arngrim is that special person.

Alison Arngrim's biography (and life) isn't all about Little House On The Prairie, but Nellie Oleson is most definitely there as the character who shaped Ms. Arngrim, helped her cope with an ultra-dysfunctional family and personal tragedies. Nellie has saved Alison's sanity and probably also her life, and gave her an outlet to anger that otherwise would have probably led her to self destruction (just look at her friend and colleague Melissa Gilbert).

The book, despite some painful memories and a very complicated childhood, is written with a lot of humor and grace. It's fun, at times hilarious and allows the reader to hate  Melissa Sue Anderson (Mary Ingalls on the show), something apparently many of us needed.

Bottom Line: worth your time.



Alison Arngrim- Confessions Of A Prairie Bitch ($25.99 hardcover) is available on amazon.com and just about any half decent bookseller for far less than official retail price.

Alison Arngrim- Confessions Of A Prairie Bitch- A Book Review

It takes quite a bit of talent to play a real villain. It takes even more than that if one is casted into the role at age eleven. And it requires a very remarkable person to play one of the most hated characters on TV from age 11 to 19. Alison Arngrim is that special person.

Alison Arngrim's biography (and life) isn't all about Little House On The Prairie, but Nellie Oleson is most definitely there as the character who shaped Ms. Arngrim, helped her cope with an ultra-dysfunctional family and personal tragedies. Nellie has saved Alison's sanity and probably also her life, and gave her an outlet to anger that otherwise would have probably led her to self destruction (just look at her friend and colleague Melissa Gilbert).

The book, despite some painful memories and a very complicated childhood, is written with a lot of humor and grace. It's fun, at times hilarious and allows the reader to hate  Melissa Sue Anderson (Mary Ingalls on the show), something apparently many of us needed.

Bottom Line: worth your time.



Alison Arngrim- Confessions Of A Prairie Bitch ($25.99 hardcover) is available on amazon.com and just about any half decent bookseller for far less than official retail price.

Queen Elizabeth II: A Photographic Portrait by Philip Ziegler- Book Review

Queen Elizabeth II: A Photographic Portrait just came out in the UK and I pre-ordered it, because that's what obsessed people royal watchers do. These are official, semi-official portraits and a handful of more casual pictures, including some taken by Prince Andrew. The photographs (by great names such as Sir Cecil Beaton, Marcus Adams and also Canadian pop star Bryan Adams) follow Queen Elizabeth from infancy up until last year. They are interesting not just for the magnificent jewels and clothes or the historic moments, but also for the way they work as a collection to reveal the flesh-and-blood side of someone we often see as a cartoon version (or the Spitting Image puppet) of herself.

The text part of the book, written by Philip Ziegler, is a pretty decent abridged biography of the Queen, suitable even for those who have limited interest in the subject (i.e. my husband). The text is super sympathetic to its subject to the point of trying to release Queen Elizabeth from any responsibility to the more questionable decisions from her past, such as pushing Princess Margaret to end her relationship with Peter Townsend. Still, it's interesting, well-written and serves as a good accompaniment to the truly wonderful photos.

Queen Elizabeth II: A Photographic Portrait by Philip Ziegler (£24.50 on amazon.co.uk) can be ordered online directly from the UK. even with shipping and exchange fees it's significantly cheaper than any other option.

Photo of (then) Princess Elizabeth and baby Prince Charles:  Britanica.com

Queen Elizabeth II: A Photographic Portrait by Philip Ziegler- Book Review

Queen Elizabeth II: A Photographic Portrait just came out in the UK and I pre-ordered it, because that's what obsessed people royal watchers do. These are official, semi-official portraits and a handful of more casual pictures, including some taken by Prince Andrew. The photographs (by great names such as Sir Cecil Beaton, Marcus Adams and also Canadian pop star Bryan Adams) follow Queen Elizabeth from infancy up until last year. They are interesting not just for the magnificent jewels and clothes or the historic moments, but also for the way they work as a collection to reveal the flesh-and-blood side of someone we often see as a cartoon version (or the Spitting Image puppet) of herself.

The text part of the book, written by Philip Ziegler, is a pretty decent abridged biography of the Queen, suitable even for those who have limited interest in the subject (i.e. my husband). The text is super sympathetic to its subject to the point of trying to release Queen Elizabeth from any responsibility to the more questionable decisions from her past, such as pushing Princess Margaret to end her relationship with Peter Townsend. Still, it's interesting, well-written and serves as a good accompaniment to the truly wonderful photos.

Queen Elizabeth II: A Photographic Portrait by Philip Ziegler (£24.50 on amazon.co.uk) can be ordered online directly from the UK. even with shipping and exchange fees it's significantly cheaper than any other option.

Photo of (then) Princess Elizabeth and baby Prince Charles:  Britanica.com

Queen Elizabeth II: A Photographic Portrait by Philip Ziegler- Book Review

Queen Elizabeth II: A Photographic Portrait just came out in the UK and I pre-ordered it, because that's what obsessed people royal watchers do. These are official, semi-official portraits and a handful of more casual pictures, including some taken by Prince Andrew. The photographs (by great names such as Sir Cecil Beaton, Marcus Adams and also Canadian pop star Bryan Adams) follow Queen Elizabeth from infancy up until last year. They are interesting not just for the magnificent jewels and clothes or the historic moments, but also for the way they work as a collection to reveal the flesh-and-blood side of someone we often see as a cartoon version (or the Spitting Image puppet) of herself.

The text part of the book, written by Philip Ziegler, is a pretty decent abridged biography of the Queen, suitable even for those who have limited interest in the subject (i.e. my husband). The text is super sympathetic to its subject to the point of trying to release Queen Elizabeth from any responsibility to the more questionable decisions from her past, such as pushing Princess Margaret to end her relationship with Peter Townsend. Still, it's interesting, well-written and serves as a good accompaniment to the truly wonderful photos.

Queen Elizabeth II: A Photographic Portrait by Philip Ziegler (£24.50 on amazon.co.uk) can be ordered online directly from the UK. even with shipping and exchange fees it's significantly cheaper than any other option.

Photo of (then) Princess Elizabeth and baby Prince Charles:  Britanica.com

Style Eyes by Taylor Chang-Babaian- Book Review

Style Eyes is the second book by makeup artist Taylor Chang-Babaian. Her first book, Asian Faces, focused on various makeup style and needs of Asian women. Now she's approaching women of all ethnicities but focusing on what might the most challenging part of makeup application: eyes.

The book covers everything from shaping your eye brows to applying false lashes. There are step-by-step instructions for every look and technique, explanations, definitions, tips and tricks. Ms. Chang-Babaian demystifies loose pigments, mineral products and tells you that when buying cream eye shadows you'd want a store with a good return policy. I especially loved the detailed how-tos for different eye shapes and lids. Those should give even the most inexperienced users a good idea how to create a polished look that really fits their features.

I wish there was a lot more discussion of color.  There's a casual mention that one can wear just about any color if done right, but not enough examples. It would have been great to see makeup looks focused on certain colors adapted to different faces, skin tones and occasions. Despite this flaw, Style Eyes offers enough useful information and inspiration even for those of us who are quite proficient with our liners and brushes. The photographs by Albert Sanchez are great- the models look human and you get a good idea of Taylor Chang Babaian's aesthetics. I plan to keep the book near my makeup dressers, so I can quickly refer to it when trying something new.

Bottom Line: Nice to have for just about anyone.

Style Eyes by Taylor Chang-Babaian ($17.95, paperback) will be out August 3rd. I received a review copy from the publisher.

Photo of Ms. Chang-Babaian's work by Albert Sanchez from cloutieragency.com

Style Eyes by Taylor Chang-Babaian- Book Review

Style Eyes is the second book by makeup artist Taylor Chang-Babaian. Her first book, Asian Faces, focused on various makeup style and needs of Asian women. Now she's approaching women of all ethnicities but focusing on what might the most challenging part of makeup application: eyes.

The book covers everything from shaping your eye brows to applying false lashes. There are step-by-step instructions for every look and technique, explanations, definitions, tips and tricks. Ms. Chang-Babaian demystifies loose pigments, mineral products and tells you that when buying cream eye shadows you'd want a store with a good return policy. I especially loved the detailed how-tos for different eye shapes and lids. Those should give even the most inexperienced users a good idea how to create a polished look that really fits their features.

I wish there was a lot more discussion of color.  There's a casual mention that one can wear just about any color if done right, but not enough examples. It would have been great to see makeup looks focused on certain colors adapted to different faces, skin tones and occasions. Despite this flaw, Style Eyes offers enough useful information and inspiration even for those of us who are quite proficient with our liners and brushes. The photographs by Albert Sanchez are great- the models look human and you get a good idea of Taylor Chang Babaian's aesthetics. I plan to keep the book near my makeup dressers, so I can quickly refer to it when trying something new.

Bottom Line: Nice to have for just about anyone.

Style Eyes by Taylor Chang-Babaian ($17.95, paperback) will be out August 3rd. I received a review copy from the publisher.

Photo of Ms. Chang-Babaian's work by Albert Sanchez from cloutieragency.com

Style Eyes by Taylor Chang-Babaian- Book Review

Style Eyes is the second book by makeup artist Taylor Chang-Babaian. Her first book, Asian Faces, focused on various makeup style and needs of Asian women. Now she's approaching women of all ethnicities but focusing on what might the most challenging part of makeup application: eyes.

The book covers everything from shaping your eye brows to applying false lashes. There are step-by-step instructions for every look and technique, explanations, definitions, tips and tricks. Ms. Chang-Babaian demystifies loose pigments, mineral products and tells you that when buying cream eye shadows you'd want a store with a good return policy. I especially loved the detailed how-tos for different eye shapes and lids. Those should give even the most inexperienced users a good idea how to create a polished look that really fits their features.

I wish there was a lot more discussion of color.  There's a casual mention that one can wear just about any color if done right, but not enough examples. It would have been great to see makeup looks focused on certain colors adapted to different faces, skin tones and occasions. Despite this flaw, Style Eyes offers enough useful information and inspiration even for those of us who are quite proficient with our liners and brushes. The photographs by Albert Sanchez are great- the models look human and you get a good idea of Taylor Chang Babaian's aesthetics. I plan to keep the book near my makeup dressers, so I can quickly refer to it when trying something new.

Bottom Line: Nice to have for just about anyone.

Style Eyes by Taylor Chang-Babaian ($17.95, paperback) will be out August 3rd. I received a review copy from the publisher.

Photo of Ms. Chang-Babaian's work by Albert Sanchez from cloutieragency.com

Prairie Tales by Melissa Gilbert- Book Review

I looked at some of the readers reviews of Prairie Tales on Amazon and it seems like people's issue with this book is how it shatters the image they had of their childhood's hero(es). They didn't want to know all the details about Half Pint's sex life, infidelities and the days of booze and coke during the 80s (and later). I don't know where these people have been all these years, but apparently not reading the tabloids or even People magazine. After all, Melissa Gilbert was engaged and had a very long relationship with Rob Lowe. It should have pointed them in a certain direction.

I'm a sucker for Hollywood memoirs. Not necessarily of the uber-juicy kind, actually, just plain good stories of the olden days when stars were stars and Lindsay Lohan was nothing but a spark in Dina's eye. Melissa Gilbert comes from a heavily connected show biz family. Everyone and their agents knew her father and her grandfather was an A-list comedy writer who has worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Groucho Marx, and he took Melissa to meet them all. Her own four decade career in show biz adds another dimension and layer of Hollywood encounters. If you grew up in the 70s and 80s you probably want to hear the stories from behind the scenes of the Little House as much as all the dirt about the Brat Pack, and the book delivers both. Sort of.

It's the Brat Pack part that is somewhat lacking. Don't get me wrong- there are some great stories from those days, and the best scene Ms. Gilbert describes takes place at a club with an assorted group of celebs around the table and ends with this line by Michael Jackson:

"You all can come to my house. I have a llama".

Indeed.
But at times it seems like while the book was edited by a lawyer (and not by a much-needed grammar oriented person) who made sure Gilbert wouldn't get in trouble with people like Tom Cruise, who makes a few appearances in the story but you never learn a single thing about him. Demi Moore is also there, but her character is as hollow as they come and you will not read even a single line about what Melissa thinks of her. But there's no such reserve when it comes to Shannen Doherty. It's a good story, too, although not very surprising.

The one place Gilbert comes across as harsh is when the story reaches her gig as president of the SAG. Politics of any kind give me a headache, and discussing the question of Valerie Harper's role and level of independence in that institution was not the most interesting thing ever. I do understand its importance, though, and there's a cute story about the night she got to hang out with Bill Clinton.

Melissa Gilbert talk (mostly) openly about her family, loves, addictions and plastic surgery. She comes across as very human, flawed and self-aware.It's an interesting journey and a good read for anyone who's "known" her for all these years.

Prairie Tales by Melissa Gilbert ($17.16 on Amazon) is available from most booksellers. I bought it at my local B&N store.

Prairie Tales by Melissa Gilbert- Book Review

I looked at some of the readers reviews of Prairie Tales on Amazon and it seems like people's issue with this book is how it shatters the image they had of their childhood's hero(es). They didn't want to know all the details about Half Pint's sex life, infidelities and the days of booze and coke during the 80s (and later). I don't know where these people have been all these years, but apparently not reading the tabloids or even People magazine. After all, Melissa Gilbert was engaged and had a very long relationship with Rob Lowe. It should have pointed them in a certain direction.

I'm a sucker for Hollywood memoirs. Not necessarily of the uber-juicy kind, actually, just plain good stories of the olden days when stars were stars and Lindsay Lohan was nothing but a spark in Dina's eye. Melissa Gilbert comes from a heavily connected show biz family. Everyone and their agents knew her father and her grandfather was an A-list comedy writer who has worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Groucho Marx, and he took Melissa to meet them all. Her own four decade career in show biz adds another dimension and layer of Hollywood encounters. If you grew up in the 70s and 80s you probably want to hear the stories from behind the scenes of the Little House as much as all the dirt about the Brat Pack, and the book delivers both. Sort of.

It's the Brat Pack part that is somewhat lacking. Don't get me wrong- there are some great stories from those days, and the best scene Ms. Gilbert describes takes place at a club with an assorted group of celebs around the table and ends with this line by Michael Jackson:

"You all can come to my house. I have a llama".

Indeed.
But at times it seems like while the book was edited by a lawyer (and not by a much-needed grammar oriented person) who made sure Gilbert wouldn't get in trouble with people like Tom Cruise, who makes a few appearances in the story but you never learn a single thing about him. Demi Moore is also there, but her character is as hollow as they come and you will not read even a single line about what Melissa thinks of her. But there's no such reserve when it comes to Shannen Doherty. It's a good story, too, although not very surprising.

The one place Gilbert comes across as harsh is when the story reaches her gig as president of the SAG. Politics of any kind give me a headache, and discussing the question of Valerie Harper's role and level of independence in that institution was not the most interesting thing ever. I do understand its importance, though, and there's a cute story about the night she got to hang out with Bill Clinton.

Melissa Gilbert talk (mostly) openly about her family, loves, addictions and plastic surgery. She comes across as very human, flawed and self-aware.It's an interesting journey and a good read for anyone who's "known" her for all these years.

Prairie Tales by Melissa Gilbert ($17.16 on Amazon) is available from most booksellers. I bought it at my local B&N store.

Prairie Tales by Melissa Gilbert- Book Review

I looked at some of the readers reviews of Prairie Tales on Amazon and it seems like people's issue with this book is how it shatters the image they had of their childhood's hero(es). They didn't want to know all the details about Half Pint's sex life, infidelities and the days of booze and coke during the 80s (and later). I don't know where these people have been all these years, but apparently not reading the tabloids or even People magazine. After all, Melissa Gilbert was engaged and had a very long relationship with Rob Lowe. It should have pointed them in a certain direction.

I'm a sucker for Hollywood memoirs. Not necessarily of the uber-juicy kind, actually, just plain good stories of the olden days when stars were stars and Lindsay Lohan was nothing but a spark in Dina's eye. Melissa Gilbert comes from a heavily connected show biz family. Everyone and their agents knew her father and her grandfather was an A-list comedy writer who has worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Groucho Marx, and he took Melissa to meet them all. Her own four decade career in show biz adds another dimension and layer of Hollywood encounters. If you grew up in the 70s and 80s you probably want to hear the stories from behind the scenes of the Little House as much as all the dirt about the Brat Pack, and the book delivers both. Sort of.

It's the Brat Pack part that is somewhat lacking. Don't get me wrong- there are some great stories from those days, and the best scene Ms. Gilbert describes takes place at a club with an assorted group of celebs around the table and ends with this line by Michael Jackson:

"You all can come to my house. I have a llama".

Indeed.
But at times it seems like while the book was edited by a lawyer (and not by a much-needed grammar oriented person) who made sure Gilbert wouldn't get in trouble with people like Tom Cruise, who makes a few appearances in the story but you never learn a single thing about him. Demi Moore is also there, but her character is as hollow as they come and you will not read even a single line about what Melissa thinks of her. But there's no such reserve when it comes to Shannen Doherty. It's a good story, too, although not very surprising.

The one place Gilbert comes across as harsh is when the story reaches her gig as president of the SAG. Politics of any kind give me a headache, and discussing the question of Valerie Harper's role and level of independence in that institution was not the most interesting thing ever. I do understand its importance, though, and there's a cute story about the night she got to hang out with Bill Clinton.

Melissa Gilbert talk (mostly) openly about her family, loves, addictions and plastic surgery. She comes across as very human, flawed and self-aware.It's an interesting journey and a good read for anyone who's "known" her for all these years.

Prairie Tales by Melissa Gilbert ($17.16 on Amazon) is available from most booksellers. I bought it at my local B&N store.

J.D. Salinger 1919-2010

If a girl looks swell when she meets you, who gives a damn if she's late? Nobody.

~J.D. Salinger, Catcher in the Rye

J.D. Salinger 1919-2010

If a girl looks swell when she meets you, who gives a damn if she's late? Nobody.

~J.D. Salinger, Catcher in the Rye