My Thoughts
The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore is a memoir about the life and career of Stan Zimmerman – a gifted writer, producer, director, and playwright. Amusingly and entertainingly, Zimmerman narrates his work on famous shows such as The Golden Girls, Roseanne, and Gilmore Girls while also allowing readers a look into his personal life.
A significant strength of this memoir is Zimmerman’s ease in describing his upbringing in a small-town suburb of Detroit. His portraits of the powerful and clever women who shaped his existence, including his mother, grandmother, and sister, are touching and motivating. It can be seen that their prompting and guidance greatly influenced Zimmerman’s creative attitude.
Zimmerman’s story of going from an awkward Jewish boy who aspired to be a great actor to a celebrated writer and director is as accurate and uplifting as can be. Determination and passion for his craft are evident on every page, and readers will cheer for his triumph.
The unpredictable nature of the memoir is its candidness and wit. He spills the beans on relationships with some of the most renowned women in entertainment, such as Roseanne Barr, Lily Tomlin, Sandra Bernhard, Lauren Graham, and Alexis Bledel. These stories are fascinating insider accounts of show business and a peek into who these creative women were.
Together with diary notes, Zimmerman’s narration becomes more personal and touching. By doing so, readers get an insight into his mind, feelings, and hurdles he had throughout his life. It is such moments that make The Girls an endearing and identifiable read.
Although becoming a wildly successful actor may not have been Zimmerman’s cup of tea, his ability to succeed as a writer, producer, director, and playwright shows that he was a very talented and determined person. The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore is a book that inspires and entertains.
Overall, The Girls: Golden to Gilmore is a four-star memoir that provides a unique insight into the world of entertainment and dedication. He is captivating in his storytelling, his jokes are contagious, and his journey is both familiar and tremendous. If you are an avid lover of The Golden Girls, Roseanne, or Gilmore Girls or appreciate good writing, this book is a must-read.
I want to thank Indigo River Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
