Showing posts with label Parenthood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parenthood. Show all posts

Sunday, April 15, 2018

In Conclusion, Don't Worry About it (Lauren Graham)

Even if you're a fan of Lauren Graham's work in Parenthood or the incomparable Gilmore Girls, you might not realize that she is also an accomplished author. In fact, both of her books so far (Someday, Someday, Maybe and Talking as Fast as I Can) have been reviewed here. Her latest, In Conclusion, Don't Worry About it, is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it read, but it still has the heart Graham infuses into any work she does.

Unbenownst to her, Graham's father volunteered her to give the graduation speech at a school in her hometown. In Conclusion, Don't Worry About it is the speech itself, pumped up a little to get it in book form. She reminds graduates (and readers) that the lead of a play is just as important as the tiniest bit player, and tells them not to worry if they don't achieve all they want right away.

I found this book lacking in cohesion, and the short chapters were all over the place. However, if you picture Lorelai Gilmore giving this speech, that makes perfect sense (in a good way).

MY RATING - 3

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Talking as Fast as I Can (Lauren Graham)

It's really funny -- a friend of mine has always told me that I needed to watch this terrific show called Gilmore Girls.  So one day over Christmas break, I began a Netflix binge, finishing the show completely (including the revival) last week.  I loved Lauren Graham's portrayal of Lorelai Gilmore so much that I recently read and reviewed her fiction novel (Someday, Someday Maybe) and began watching another show she was in, Parenthood (perfection!).  Her latest collection of essays, Talking as Fast as I Can, is a book that all of Graham's fans can enjoy, no matter what you know and love her from.

I got one thing straightaway from this book: Lauren Graham IS Lorelai Gilmore.  Whether she's talking about her experiences on Gilmore Girls or Parenthood, or all her many jobs before she became a bona fide TV star, reading her essays is as comforting as a hot cup of coffee from Luke's.  Graham's warmth comes through loud and clear, and her honesty is really refreshing in this day and age.

You can devour Talking as Fast as I Can in a single afternoon or savor each essay so the book lasts longer.  Either way, I bet you're going to love it.

MY RATING - 4