prettybooks

Review: The Gilmore Girls Companion by A. S. Berman (non-fiction)

Synopsis:
From 2000 to its final episode in 2007, Gilmore Girls raised the bar for television writing, redefined the dramatic comedy, and cultivated a dedicated fan base not seen since the heights of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. However, unlike Buffy, little has been published about what went on behind-the-scenes of Gilmore Girl. Until now. The Gilmore Girls Companion provides the first detailed account of the creation of this groundbreaking series, based on dozens of exclusive interviews with the actors and behind-the-camera talent who brought Stars Hollow to life. Read more…

Review:
When I first found out about The Gilmore Girls Companion, elation quickly turned to devastation when I realised that it couldn’t yet be bought in the United Kingdom. Four long months later, I received it as a birthday gift and eagerly began reading about a world I knew well and loved dearly.

Although unauthorised, The Gilmore Girls Companion should not be perceived as a money-making scheme created to exploit the Gilmore Girls’ large fanbase, but a well thought out project headed by A.S. Berman. The book is clearly written by a passionate fan and is detailed, well researched and informative. Berman must be the most knowledgeable person on the TV show on Earth, aside from the creators.

The book begins with the story of how Gilmore Girls came to be and then goes into amazing detail about every episode in every season. It features memorable moments, “Behind the Scenes”, character sketches, “Kirk of all Trades” (a humorous section about Kirk’s many vocations), quotes, phrases, interviews, photographs, cast biographies and much more - the book is nearly 500 pages long.  I quickly realised that this was not meant to be a book that you read through like a novel, but one you dip in to now and again. I am happily going through it season by season as I re-watch (for the fifth time, in case you’re wondering) my coveted Gilmore Girls boxsets. I’ve learned so many new things about the show already and I’m only half way through the book. 

If I had one complaint, it’d be that I’m not sure what all the headings of each section are meant to represent, such as “Ginchy!”, “Notes” (often quotes), and “Amen, Sister Friend” (ditto). Otherwise, it’s perfect.

Gilmore Girls was an extremely underrated, intelligent, literary teen show that should be watched by all book lovers. This companion is a must-have for all Gilmore Girls fans! There are previews of some of the pages here.

My Rating: 4/5