1 book I finished a couple weeks ago is none other than Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin. Because I like to think of Kathy as my girl, I felt strongly about getting to Border's and buying it to show my support. I still wasn't sure what to expect after the first chapter or two, but really saw the story start to build as I read on. As she publicizes her book, the chapters that she is asked to talk about most is the one about her plastic surgery and the one about her brother Kenny. But just so you know, there is more to her book than that. I'm so tired of hearing about plastic surgery especially in Hollywood. However, I was glad to read and hear about Kathy's brother Kenny, but what I found more interesting than all of Kenny's problems was how Kathy related to him and how she credits him as very influential to her character formation.
What I was really looked forward to learning was how Kathy started her career in stand-up comedy. What I learned while reading was that her path is perhaps slightly different than any I've heard. For instance, she was definately not shy as a kid and from an very early age was a source of gossip. Also, as she became more and more interested in acting, she was constantly drawn to roles where she could play the funny side-kick instead of the lead role. She had no problem playing the Rhoda to someone's Mary Tyler Moore. Even still, she had a hard time finding success in acting when she moved to L.A later on. Even when she finally discovered (with the help of others) that she had a talent for stand-up she did not find it any easier to gain the attention and success she desired. She talks a lot of the sexism that is perhaps inherent in show business and so prevelant that it requires working twice as hard to overcome. Even if you don't like one thing about Kathy, you've gotta respect her work ethic and diligence. Lucky for me, I also appreciate her sense of humor, her personality, and her passion for activism - girl's got it going on! :)
And speaking of comedy, there is of course plenty of it through the book. It reads just as if Kathy is speaking to you through its pages which, for me, lends a sort of authenticity to it. Also, she shares her hilarious viewpoint on why and how she's gotten into trouble with various people over the years. Also, she continues the Oprah theme that she starts in the title by continually addressing Ms. O throughout. "You can stop reading here Oprah" or "Are you stilling paying attention Oprah?" So funny! I wonder what Oprah will say if she ever gets around to reading it?! The hilarity doesn't end there; Kathy actually devotes an entire chapter to thanking Paris Hilton helping to gain recognition for having a great 'bikini bod'. Don't let it fool you though, it was in some way a funny way of recognizing that perhaps the only thing Paris is good for is getting people talking, for better or for worse.
If you like Kathy G, the book is worth looking at. While there are a few serious moments, it is overall very light and easy to read.
You can pick up your own copy, by clicking here: http://www.amazon.com/Official-Book-Club-Selection-According/dp/0345518519/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253723110&sr=8-1
