Shirley, I Jest!

June 22, 2015
In this delightfully amusing memoir, Williams, best known for her role as Shirley in the 1970s sitcom Laverne and Shirley, takes readers on a lightning-quick tour of her life and career. She walks readers through her childhood: she was born in 1947 in Van Nuys, Calif., then moved to Dallas where she was raised by her mother, who was a waitress at a high-end restaurant, and her alcoholic father. When she was a teen, her family moved back to California, and at age 21 she begins waitressing at Whiskey-a-Go-Go and then at an IHOP. Soon she meets director Garry Marshall, who directed Happy Days and, later, Laverne and Shirley. Williams recounts her various acting experiences, such working on American Graffiti with George Lucas, but also discusses the lean times before her big break when she nearly quite acting. She provides endearing stories featuring such celebrities as Johnny Carson, Cary Grant, and Bob Dylan, her music idol. Williams presents herself as genuine, witty, and down to earth, and her personality comes across on every page. Unfortunately, this brief and breezy book stops shortly after the end of the sitcom.

May 15, 2015

Versatile actress and comedienne Williams (American Graffiti; The Conversation) had a challenging childhood: strained finances, a hard-working mother, and a father who struggled with alcohol. Her love of acting began early, and while studying and pursuing her career she waitressed at Hollywood's Whisky a Go Go and worked in a bank--each job provides humorous vignettes. Her recollections of auditions and eccentric episodes with film roles and guest TV appearances are equally entertaining. The iconic television series Laverne & Shirley, in which Williams starred with Penny Marshall, is a highlight, with stories ranging from the antics of the superb ensemble cast to the physical comedy to the rise of Boo Boo Kitty. Although Williams was famous and worked with such top names as director George Lucas and actors Ron Howard and Harrison Ford, she emerges here as a trusted friend sharing a funny tale or an embarrassing moment. Those seeking a behind-the-scenes tell-all will not find it. Instead, readers will enjoy an honest memoir penned with comic flair. VERDICT Fans of Williams will certainly enjoy this book. Numerous photographs and an engaging foreword by Ed Begley Jr., enhance the text. For large circulating libraries and entertainment collections.--Carol J. Binkowski, Bloomfield, NJ

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