True Stories from an Unreliable Eyewitness

January 29, 2018
Actress and director Lahti (Swing Shift; Law & Order, etc.) presents an intimate, conversational collection of essays describing her childhood in an affluent Michigan suburb, her development as an actress, and her experiences as a mother of three married for 34 years. One of six children born to a surgeon father and housewife mother, Lahti describes herself as outgoing, bossy, and a bit of a drama queen. Determined to succeed as an actress, she moved to Manhattan after college and doggedly pursued her dream, starting out miming in Central Park, shooting commercials, and eventually landing a series of enviable film and TV roles despite her early encounters with naysayers who insisted she would never make it without compromising her values (that is, sleeping with directors). A self-described feminist, Lahti fights back against chauvinists and limiting beliefs, and does not hesitate to use the F word when crossed. Lahti writes with ease and authenticity about motherhood, coparenting, and acting, humorously describing the perils of sex scenes (she imagines gazing into the eyes of a beloved pet instead of an undesirable co-star). Her essays cover a range of topics—from such somber subjects as her strained relationship with her father and her sister’s suicide to the joys and challenges of raising kids. Lahti’s timely chronicle of aging wisely, gracefully, and with self-respect will resonate with many readers.

February 1, 2018
A quirky book of personal essays by a successful Hollywood professional.Many recognize Lahti as the acclaimed actress who has received Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe awards for her outstanding performances in countless moving female roles. In her first book, the author launches into the literary world with the same dynamism that has enlivened her acting roles. "Many of these stories are told through the lens of my ever-evolving feminism," she writes, "the lens through which I see just about everything....I've been a clumsy feminist, finding solid footing only to be knocked down again. And I keep finding new veils to be lifted." With brazen honesty, Lahti recounts the many surprising, heartbreaking, and identity-building events that have punctuated her life. From her earliest childhood memories to her 1960s rebel heart to the launch of her career to more intimate admissions about her acting and mothering techniques, the author crafts an enjoyable book that only requires from readers a willingness to believe, participate, laugh, and grow along with her. Though she identifies herself as a clumsy feminist multiple times, there's nothing clumsy about her feminism. She is adaptable to the changing sociopolitical climates and never shies away from being challenged by the younger women close to her. "These millennials have taught me that their 'pro-sex feminism' is the undeniable next step in empowerment," she writes. "If men choose to regard them as 'objects, ' tough shit, that is their problem." Given the level of Lahti's success, it is refreshing to read a book of essays that oozes modesty, humor, and complete levelheadedness. The author's compelling and thought-provoking stories effectively reflect her wisdom as well as her desire to share that wisdom and to keep learning throughout her life. As she writes, "I see this collection as the highs and lows of a feminist who is very much still a work in progress."A book that hopefully marks the beginning of a fruitful writing career.

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February 15, 2018
Readers may know Lahti as the actress who was in the bathroom when she was awarded the 1998 Golden Globe for best actress in a drama (Chicago Hope). Her collection of essays touches on this and other highlights of her career as an actress and feminist. Calling them her emotional memories, Lahti's stories span from grade school to Hollywood to parenthood to middle age. As she recalls her childhood, she remembers first her mother's perfect smile. Later, she sees the cost her mother paid for catering to her father's whims. Hitting college in the late 1960s, Lahti joined both the antiwar and feminist movements. She faced her share of casting-couch propositions as she looked for work, and she found success in both movies and television despite parenthood and aging. Her style is irreverent, bawdy, and laugh-out-loud funny, but she doesn't shirk from painful subjects, including family mental illness. Lahti is one of those rare celebrities who not only has a fascinating life but who can also tell a relatable story with humility and humor.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

December 1, 2017

In a series of essays like "Mama Mia" and "Running on Empty," Academy, Emmy, and Golden Globe Award-winning actress and director Lahti unfolds her life story, moving from a fractious-family childhood to early career experiences to a middle-aged woman's struggles in Hollywood today. With a 75,000-copy first printing.

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