A year after the Netflix revival of "Gilmore Girls", I decided to pick up Lauren Graham's memoir outlining her life, particularly her experiences regarding filming "Gilmore Girls" and its revival. It seemed the right time of year to do so, as the rainy weather is calling my inner bookworm to stay indoors and read. Not to mention: there's something about autumn that reminds me of the show, overall.
I should mention, I have seen the show and revival, but only once. In the middle of reading the book, the nostalgia in Graham's written voice, detailing all her experiences, made me nostalgic and longing for the show again. On hindsight, that was probably the intention, and I should reflect on that more, but instead, I'm mid-season 3 in the two-week long binge I've participated in so far.
As a fan, the book does suffice as a nice "Welcome home", while still providing new insights and information that we wouldn't have known about the behind-the-scenes life of the residents of Stars Hollow. For example, despite their character's amazing synergy, Graham and her on-screen daughter, portrayed by Alexis Bledel, did not have a chance to partake in a chemistry read before being cast for their roles.
In addition to the new information revealed about what life was like filming the series, Graham uses her memoir to explore various other parts of her life. Namely, her love life, and previous long-term frustration of lack-there-of. She also addresses the challenges that she had to experience as a woman in the entertainment industry, and her takeaways on how to combat sexism from within. She talks about this and more through short essays disguised as chapters.
The last thing worth mentioning that she talks about is her reaction to the (in)famous final four words of the Gilmore Girls revival. Graham admitted she was as shocked as the fans were, but considers them to be a cliffhanger...not an ending. Fingers crossed.
Graham, her co-stars, and the show, in general, is distinct for its fast-talking pace. That's what the book's title is referencing - yet, despite expecting the humorous and quippy monologues she delivers in the book, it still feels too short. Looking back on her filming schedule over the past year or so, it's obvious she was rushed while writing. Just like the show, and it's revival, this book will, too, leave you wanting more. In short, if you're looking funny and cute, yet insightful quick read, this is the book to pick up this fall.
