If You Ask Me

April 15, 2011

The beloved actress shares some of her recent experiences.

White's (Here We Go Again: My Life in Television, 1995, etc.) autobiographical work reads much like an enjoyable, if one-sided, afternoon chat with a charming personality. She engagingly addresses an ever-present second person and intuits the questions her audience would ask. White doesn't dwell for long on a given topic, instead relating brief, easily digestible tales. Subsequently, the narrative sometimes lacks cohesion, even structured as it is according to different aspects of her life—e.g., Hollywood Stories, Stagecraft, Love and Friendship and Animal Kingdom, etc. Yet this only further adds to the book's conversational flow. There is nothing overly profound or moving in these pages, nor do the laughs come fast and furious, but readers will enjoy White's gentle tone and cheery stories. She avoids acrid personal attacks or overwrought self-criticisms, and she clearly writes because she enjoys it, a fact she admits on more than one occasion. The book is certainly not an essential read for either historical or humorous purposes, and it's often riddled with clichés, but White's fans and those looking for a bit of light fare will enjoy this latest batch of stories.

A quick, pleasant read from an author whose writing voice is surprisingly reminiscent of her speaking voice.

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

December 1, 2010

More Hollywood anecdotes, plus insights on issues like love, sex, television, and celebrity. White is hot, and not just in Cleveland; last May she became the oldest person ever to host Saturday Night Live after a huge Facebook campaign.

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.