Combine a favorite author shepherding fifteen different perspectives on my favorite television program GILMORE GIRLS and you have a wonderful treasure of a book. With LIFE'S SHORT, TALK FAST, Ann Hood has created a true source of Gilmore Girl joy for a late-to-the-party fan converted by a daughter obsessed with the show. The incredible experience of reading this well-crafted anthology is seeing how my own personal outcomes of living in the Gilmore universe has deepened relationships and sparked a huge "WOW!" or "HUNH!" over seasons of episodes, some of which I can recite by heart. I loved learning how the characters offered fresh views into loved ones and different takes on the ordinary, humdrum, and messy business of being a human in the world. Loved, loved, loved it -- have already given it as a gift to a super fan and will be doing so throughout the holiday season. I received a copy of this book and these thoughts are my own, unbiased opinions.

Many thanks to NetGalley and WW Norton & Company for gifting me a digital ARC of this collection of essays revolving around Gilmore Girls, edited by Ann Hood. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

This is a collection of essays by a diverse group of authors all revolving around this iconic TV show. I have to admit that when the show first aired in 2000, I had two boys - one just off to college and the other in high school, and my family's TV viewing revolved around Star Trek in all its many forms. Yet, I still jumped at the opportunity to read this book because first, Ann Hood! But I found myself so involved in these essays which range from humorous to heartbreaking and everything in between. Plus the viewpoints were from die-hard fans to those who had never seen it. The stories show just how uniting and relatable TV can be. Highly recommended if you are a fan, but the stories are wonderful even if you aren't!

When I stumbled across Ann Hood’s newest anthology Life’s Short, Talk Fast—a collection of essays from 15 writers on Gilmore Girls and why we can’t stop watching—I knew I had to dive in. Having loved her previous works like Knitting Yarns: Writers on Knitting (which felt like a warm hug) and The Knitting Circle (which broke my heart and knit me back together), this book was a no-brainer.

For any Gilmore Girls fan, this anthology will feel like you're sitting with a friend, chatting over coffee at Luke’s Diner, debating Team Dean, Team Jess, or Team Logan, and belting out the theme song. Each writer reflects on how the show touched them, how they related to a character, or how they finally got Emily Gilmore (who else appreciates her more with age? 🙋‍♀️).

It’s made me think back on my own Gilmore Girls journey—from recording episodes on VHS (yep, really aging myself here) to binging the DVDs, and finally streaming it while my babies napped or I worked on mini charms. This show has been such a constant in my life, and every time I rewatch it, I find myself seeing things differently.

Whether you want to savor an essay or two here and there, or devour it in one sitting, Life’s Short, Talk Fast is a must-read for fans. Trust me, you’ll love it! 💙

3.75

First and foremost, if, unlike some of the authors in this book, you haven’t watched all seven seasons of Gilmore girls plus the 2016 limited reboot, you probably shouldn’t read this yet. The book, not the review.

I was excited to read this as a Gilmore Girls fan from the beginning. Apparently, though, I wasn’t paying attention. I didn’t notice how many coats Lorelei owned and how that was her near ruining. I didn’t understand the parallels of Lane’s duplicity with traditional Asian and Arab teens from America to Australia, nor that everyone saw themselves in Lorelei and their mother in Emily, but saw Rori as a spoiled homewrecker.

Some of these were amusing, some disturbing, and some a little too big for their britches. It’s a pretty short read and I have to admit: I should have known I’m not a book of essays or or short stories kind of gal. There’s a reason I turn towards series with several books in them already, so, like many a Gilmore girls fan fan, I can binge/immerse myself in a different world.

It was funny how some were funny and a little ridiculous, but others were citing serious Gilmore Girls research studies that were even more serious. Surprising most of all was that some of them hadn’t even finished watching all that the series offered. I have to wonder how these authors and their stories were collected since several mentioned very recent events, some took place across the world, and, as I said, some weren’t even fans and hadn’t seen all of the episodes. On some level, those makes sense, but still.

If you’re a fan starved for more Gilmore Girls, you’ll probably want to read this, especially if you want a lot of different viewpoints. Just be warned that some of your long-held Gilmore beliefs may be turned on their head. At the very least, you may feel inadequate if you just enjoyed watching it, all the while not knowing that it was a life-changing experience for so many.

Thank you to Ann Hood, NetGalley, and W. W. Norton and Company for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book for my unbiased review.

Calling all Gilmore Girls fans - this is a super comforting collection of stories. I hadn't heard of any of these authors before picking up this book but each story was unique and a vulnerable telling of how the show impacted the author's life.

Although this was just a 3-star read for me, the stories brought the characters back to life for me and I felt seen in many of the stories. No story particularly moved me and I don't think this is a book I would come back to but I would recommend it to any Girlmore Girl lover as it is fun to read other people's experiences with the show.

Thank you to NetGalley and W. W. Norton & Company for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

If you’re a Gilmore Girls fan, you’ll enjoy this. Each of these essays touches on a personal relationship with Gilmore Girls. How Gilmore Girls affected each of these people in different ways. Good and bad. But so interesting how each of these essayists felt about the show.

This is one of those books you can pick up and put down without losing track. Made me want to crawl back into Star’s Hollow and reminisce.

As a longtime fan of The Gilmore Girls I was very excited to hear about this new essay collection, especially as the fall season approached. I was a little surprised, but not disappointed. Not every essay is fangirling over the show, but they are all poignant, reflective, and bring a different perspective to the viewing of the show. I love that there were so many varying writers, in age, gender, ethnicity. I would highly recommend this to any Gilmore fan.

3.75⭐️

First and foremost, thank you to W. W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this title. My review, as always, reflects my true thoughts.

Being a fan of Gilmore Girls, I was excited to have the opportunity to receive a digital ARC filled with essays with the show as the main subject. Fifteen separate writers contribute to this compilation of thoughts and ideas on Lorelei, Rory, Stars Hollow, and more.

Being a late bloomer to the Gilmore Girls phenomena, I often feel like an imposter and I found comfort in knowing that I was not the only one who showed up late to the game. Most of the writers who contributed to this work weren’t “there from the beginning”. I personally loved receiving the thoughts and ideas from others on how they relate to the show and what it meant for them. It had me hankering to write an essay of my own on the topic matter.

However, a couple of the essays I felt barely formed a connection with the show and felt more like a venting of sorts. Not necessarily bad essays or poor writing; just simply out of place.

Overall though, I enjoyed my time with this title. I found myself adding a few of these writers other works to my TBR as I found their writing delightful. It also gave me the itch to rewatch the show, again, from the top. For fans of Gilmore Girls seeking a connection with other fans, I would highly recommend this quick read. Likewise, it would make a great holiday gift for Gilmore Girls diehards.

When I heard Annie B. Jones talking about this one on From the Front Porch, I went immediately to Netgalley to see if I could get a copy, and lo and behold, my wish was granted. I am not someone who turns on Gilmore Girls the second the leaves start to change to re-watch my favorite autumnal episodes, but in this year's particularly stressful season, I gave in to the social pressures and have been happily making my way through the first season. There's something so incredibly comforting about the snappy yet kind dialogue and reliably weird townsfolk. It's a balm to the weary soul.

Which is also the general consensus of these 15 writers in this essay collection. There's nothing monumental happening in this book, but it was perfect bedtime reading for me, soothing me in the same way the show can. Most of these authors are people I haven't heard of, but each offers a slightly different angle of looking at or interacting with the show, from the importance of Lane Kim's character, to being a husband/stepfather to a very bonded mother/daughter duo, to the Team Dean/Team Jess/Team Logan of it all. Any avid fan would likely smile their way through this short book, which is basically all we can ask for in these fraught days. So when next week's pub day rolls around (11/12) and we heaven forbid still don't know the election results, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this one to ease the stress. I doubt you'll regret it.

Gilmore Girls is my favorite show. I’ve watched every episode multiple times. I can quote it. So when I heard about this book of course I had to read it! I could see the scenes the author was describing. I loved seeing the show through so many different perspectives and thinking about the different ways it touched different people. Makes me want to watch it all again!

Fifteen writers explore what Gilmore Girls means to them in this celebratory collections of essays. The classic contemporary television show bonded real-life mothers and daughters since 2000, when the premiere introduced us to Lorelai, Rory and the town of Stars Hollow. Almost 25 years later and Gilmore Girls is one of the most streamed TV shows ever.

Each of the writers share their personal relationship to Gilmore Girls through a short essay. The writers are diverse (married, single, divorced, old, young, middle-aged, black, Asian, white, male and female) making their experiences quite different. Almost all compare their own lives to Lorelai and Rory's life choices, love matches and family dynamics. The short essays lovingly center around a theme of what makes a home in that fast-talking, warm-hearted, quick-witted way.

What a lovely collection of essays to read. I nodded my head in agreement. Smiled at the many episode references. Teared up at the shared details of lovely mother-daughter bonds. The show revealed so much about ourselves, our mothers and our daughters. Ann Hood's anthology revealed why it matters. Life's Short, Talk Fast has sparked an interest to rewatch all 153 episodes of Gilmore Girls with my Mom.

Bookhearts, I recommend Life's Short, Talk Fast for the fellow bookish girlies like Rory and the Lorelai fans. At just under 200 pages, this new book would be a great companion while you watch Gilmore Girls. While I didn't recognize any of the writers, I appreciated their stories enough to keep an eye out for their work.

Happy Early Pub Day, Ann Hood! Life's Short, Talk Fast will be available Tuesday, November 12.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Life’s Short, Talk Fast is a fun collection of essays exploring fifteen writers’ experience with watching Gilmore Girls. But don’t be fooled; much like the show itself, there is a lot of depth, emotion, and insight to be found here.

These essays are more than just love letters to a favorite television show. Take Nina de Gramont’s discussion of classism through the lens of private school education and Lorelei Gilmore’s coats. (Seriously, now all I can see when I watch the show are the coats.) Or Erin Almond’s description of her own Connecticut upbringing- vastly different from the Stars Hollow ideal that Rory Gilmore had.

Some of the essays are better than others, as so often happens in collections like these. But what I enjoyed about several of them was how often Gilmore Girls brought people together. Parents and children, families and friends, often in difficult times. I’ve experienced that myself and it was interesting to see how, and why, others have had the same thing happen.

Because of the hit-or-miss nature of the essays, I’m rating this collection 3 ½ stars. But I do recommend it to fans of the show. There is definitely something for everyone here.

"Life's Short, Talk Fast" edited by Ann Hood is a delightful anthology that explores the cultural impact of the beloved TV show "Gilmore Girls". The book features fifteen writers —including bestselling authors, BIPOC writers, and LGBTQ writers—each sharing their personal reflections on why the show is such a part of their lives and memories.

The essays delve into various themes such as growing up with a single mother, the fantasy of small-town America, and the comfort the show provided during the pandemic. The writers also examine their own connections to the characters and how "Gilmore Girls" has influenced their lives and relationships. I enjoyed many of the essays with Freya North's being most memorable. I appreciate how Ann Hood (who is one of my favorite authors) selected such talented and enjoyable writers. Each of their unique talents and voices shined through their essays.

This anthology is a heartfelt celebration of a contemporary TV classic, offering a mix of humor, nostalgia, and insight. It's perfect for fans of the show who want to understand its enduring appeal and for those who are curious about its impact on different people.

Hope you get the opportunity to enjoy this one this Fall.

Life's Short, Talk Fast offers an engaging and thoughtful exploration of Gilmore Girls through a diverse range of voices. Featuring bestselling, BIPOC, and LGBTQ writers, this collection dives deep into the beloved show's themes: the complexities of single motherhood, the allure of small-town life, and personal reflections on the show's characters. Essays touch on how Gilmore Girls shaped fans’ experiences, particularly during the pandemic, and delve into topics like non-white perspectives and queer parenting. For fans of the show, this anthology is a nostalgic and thought-provoking read that broadens the conversation beyond Stars Hollow.

Extremely mediocre. I was expecting -- hoping? -- more of an analysis of the cultural impact Gilmore Girls has had, rather than a series of memoir-ish essays. Even then, these essays were largely surface-level, with a few notable exceptions.

Life's Short, Talk Fast is a collection of essays written by authors, about the impact that the series The Gilmore Girls had upon their lives. I was expecting the essays to be gushing tributes to the quaintness of the town Stars Hollow, and the humor and wit of its characters, particularly Lorelei and Rory, But it presents a more even-handed critique as well as an appreciation for the series. The authors speak about their lives looking nothing like those of the characters in the idyllic Stars Hollow community. And yet feeling soothed by seeing some similar issues arising for Lorelei and Rory. Gilmore Girls paints a very straight, white, middle to upper class picture of small town Connecticut that doesn't match real life for most viewers. I was surprised to read that many viewers were highly critical of the character Rory, for the choices she makes as she grows up, especially flip-flopping between boyfriends (including being a part of marital infidelity), leaving college, and not being strong enough to advocate for herself when the world of journalism world gets rough.Others loved Rory for her bookishness, her vulnerability and her ability to self-reflect, over time. There is an over-riding theme of enjoying Gilmore Girls for its clever banter, its underlying value of goodness, and the quirky but love-worthy characters. I enjoyed this quick and easy read and enjoyed dipping back into those fun, cozy feelings I had while watching the series. Highly recommended entertainment for anyone who loved (or hated) Gilmore Girls!

I am a Gilmore Girl OG, so I was excited about this book. It wasn't my favorite. However, I also don't love short stories, so the setup just wasn't my personal favorite. I will be keeping it for the future, though!

What do you have on your bookshelf that is related to pop culture?
Have you watched Gilmore Girls?
How many times have you watched Gilmore Girls?
Did you know there’s an unofficial Gilmore Girls Rewatch Season?
What is the appeal of Gilmore Girls? What is the appeal for you?
What part of Gilmore Girls is the most appealing to you?

Evidently, fall is Gilmore Girls rewatch season! If you’ve watched the Gilmore Girls (GG) TV series or binged it on Netflix, you might find this collection of essays interesting. If you’ve never watched GG, you might find this less interesting.

This essay collection shares fifteen different Gilmore Girls viewing experiences from various perspectives. What is your viewing experience with GG? Do you rewatch the series every fall? This is a thing! Do you occasionally watch an episode? Or have you never watched GG?

My favorite Essay is written by Freya North. Honestly, hers is what I expected from the entire collection. She shares what it was like to watch Gilmore Girls with her son and what he loved about it. Two of the essays I didn’t enjoy at all and didn’t seem to fit with the spirit of the collection. The other essays were OK…some more interesting than others. Because Ann Hood (editor) enlisted top-notch writers, the quality of writing is good throughout. The content varies in its enjoyability and connection to the source material.

A few of the most prevalent reasons which the essays mention include:

* Mother/Daughter Relationships: The heart of the series is multi-generational mother/daughter relationships (grandmother, mother, daughter) which highlight issues such as parenting styles, values, communication, trust, loyalty, belonging, reconciliation, forgiveness, understanding, generational differences, etc. Some of the writers shared positive reflections and others reflected on unhealthy relationships. For me, I loved the relationship dynamics. Truly entertaining and poignant.
* Identification With One Certain Character: Regular viewers often identify most closely with Emily (image-conscious, up-tight grandmother); Lorelai (single, free-spirited mother); or Rory (nerdy, book lover, teenage daughter). Do you have a favorite character?
* Witty Banter: A defining characteristic of the show is its witty banter. The actors comment on how long the scripts were compared with other shows. Not only is the banter witty, it also contains many references to pop culture and literature. This delights nerdy fans.
* Small, Caring, Supportive Community: Stars Hollow could be a set for a Hallmark Movie and is one of the most appealing aspects of the show. I love how the small town comes together to support a single mom and is invested in Rory’s day-to-day life, well-being, and achievements.
* Cast of Quirky Characters: The memorable supporting characters shine throughout the series! Who is your favorite supporting character?
* Books, Books, Books: You will often see Rory reading, talking about reading, or carrying books.
* Slow-burn Romance: Luke and Loralai…..will they finally get together?
* Team Dean, Team Jess, Team Logan: Fans have their boyfriend! I’m Team Jess (they share the book love), although the popular pick is likely Team Logan. Which are you?
* Coffee and Junk Food: IYKYK …. lots of coffee, pancakes, donuts, pizza, frozen food, and junk food consumed! Don’t forget about Sookie’s creations!
* Unpopular Reboot: Some writers mention the problematic and unpopular reboot, A Year in the Life. I did not enjoy it because it veered away from the series in some ways (namely Rory’s life choices).

All of the above is addressed in the reflective essays. Usually, the author of the essay identifies one element of the show to focus on and makes a connection with his/her personal life.

A couple of the essays are written by men who watch the series in an attempt to understand the appeal for their wives, girlfriends, and/or daughters.

Book Nerds Unite! Rory is a book nerd extraordinaire! Do you know that there is a Rory Gilmore Reading List?! (every book mentioned in the series)


What Would Your Essay Reflect? If your essay were included in this collection, what would you write about? What aspect of the series is the most appealing or meaningful to you? I think I would write about the complicated and multi-layered mother/daughter/grandmother relationships.

I’m recommending Life’s Short, Talk Fast for die-hard fans of the Gilmore Girls series. With any essay collection, some will be memorable, and some will be forgettable (two in my opinion). Overall, it’s an enjoyable collection. The writing is good, but the content varies depending on your reading tastes. As I’ve mentioned the Freya North essay was my favorite.

Thanks #NetGAlley @wwnorton for a complimentary e ARC of #LifesShortTalkFast upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Life's Short, Talk Fast is an unauthorized collection of essays that explores the enduring charm and resonance Gilmore Girls has had on the essayists (and fans in general) over the years. When I saw this pop up on NetGalley, I simply could not resist. I routinely rewatch Gilmore Girls, so I knew this was for me.

While there is some analysis of the show’s depiction of class, culture, and its characters, this collection as a whole is more focused on the ways in which the show either does or does not mirror the lived experiences and relationships of the featured authors (and viewers in general), and how the show brings meaning to our lives in these ways.

There’s a lot of variety in topics and tone, so there’s something for everyone (even the show haters). While I don’t think there was a bad essay in the bunch, I think my favorites were “Daughter is a Permanent State” by Yassmin Abdel-Magied and “In Defense of Rory Gilmore” by Annabelle Mei (I have been ranting about that subject for years…). In general, I loved the essays that focused on the mother-daughter relationships at the core of the show, but there are many topics explored here.

I would recommend Life's Short, Talk Fast for any Gilmore fan. It’s a quick read that you can finish in a couple of sittings. You’ll get plenty of the nostalgia and insider references you crave, but you’ll also get to reflect on what it is about the show that captures your imagination and heart and what it is about the show that resonates with you so much. It even inspired me to watch a couple of episodes of the show with my mom after I first picked it up.

*Thank you to NetGalley and W.W. Norton & Company for the complimentary eARC for the purpose of an honest review!*

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this deeply personal collection of essays. It is a beautiful thing how so many people are able to relate to the show Gilmore Girls in so many different ways. This book was just okay for me, but it would make a cute holiday gift paired with a coffee mug.