The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore

by Stan Zimmerman

The From Golden to Gilmore is the story of Stan Zimmerman, a gawky Jewish boy who dreamed of becoming a wildly successful actor, rich enough to build his own mansion in the Hollywood Hills. While the actor part didn't quite pan out, Stan found success as a writer, producer, director, and playwright, working on such shows as The Golden Girls, Roseanne, and Gilmore Girls . Growing up in a small suburb of Detroit, Michigan, Stan was surrounded by three strong, intelligent women-his mother, his grandmother, and his sister-all of whom supported his imagination and creativity. Instead of playing outside, he spent time in his basement directing and acting in plays with the neighborhood kids. At seven-and-a-half years old, he was the youngest student accepted into a prestige summer theater school program. After high school, he was awarded a work/study scholarship to NY/Circle in the Square, where he met his first serious boyfriend and became Andy Warhol's unwitting photo subject one night at Studio 54. He also met Jim Berg, a journalism student at NYU's University Without Walls, forming a writing partnership that has continues to this day. partnership to this day. Their latest project is naturally an all-star, female ensemble Christmas comedy movie for Lifetime! Throughout his life, most of Stan's friendships have been with females. He credits those friendships and the women in his family with his ability to connect with creative women who have played a part in his career success. Accompanied by journal entries, The Girls details Stan's relationships with some of entertainment's most notable women, including Roseanne Barr, Lily Tomlin, Sandra Bernhard, Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel, and, of course, all four Golden Girls. The From Golden to Gilmore is a candid, funny, and sometimes poignant testimony about how a young boy turned his dream into reality.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

238 pages, Paperback

First published February 13, 2024

Reviews

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autobiography from Stan Zimmerman, writer, producer, &/or director on many well-known TV shows such as The Golden Girls, The Gilmore Girls, & Roseanne, plus films such as The Brady Bunch reboot. Zimmerman takes us from his early beginnings as a young Jewish boy who wanted to be famous, through his writing partnership with Jim Berg, to the present day & the touching last chapter where he deals with the loss of his mother.

This seemed to be a very quick read, & I think that was down to the tone of the book. It felt as if the author was there having a friendly conversation with the reader. I must say that the TV business is brutal: the fact that so much preparation work is put into writing & producing a new show & it can all just be cancelled at a moment's notice. Tough business! It did feel quite surface level though until that last chapter. I really enjoyed reading it though & would recommend it to anyone who likes autobiographies from 'behind the scenes'. 3.5 stars (rounded up)

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Indigo River Publishing, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you net galley for the arc! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It's an inspiring journey that sheds light on Stan's unwavering courage in persistently pursuing his passion for writing and seeking opportunities in the challenging landscape of the entertainment industry. Working in any sector of entertainment is undeniably tough, and Stan vividly captures the highs and lows of his experiences. From facing discouraging rejections to reveling in the exhilaration of acceptance, he lays bare the multifaceted reality of his career.

The narrative not only resonates with fans of popular shows like Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls but also holds universal appeal. I firmly believe that this book is a must-read for everyone. It goes beyond the glitz and glamour, offering a poignant portrayal of the arduous journey of living one's dream, navigating through the complexities of grief, and putting in the relentless effort required to succeed in a fiercely competitive industry.

Stan's storytelling prowess is evident as he weaves together a tapestry of anecdotes that are both relatable and illuminating. His honesty and vulnerability make the narrative all the more compelling, providing readers with a genuine and unfiltered glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of a life dedicated to creative pursuits.

Whether you're an aspiring artist, a devoted fan of the entertainment world, or simply someone seeking a captivating story about resilience and determination, this book has something valuable to offer. It's a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and thrive, even in the face of daunting obstacles. So, dive into this literary gem and embark on a journey that will leave you inspired, entertained, and enriched with the wisdom gained from Stan's remarkable experiences.

[Landon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall not that interesting. It was over-hyped, the author wrote a couple episodes of Golden Girls and a season of Gilmore. I need a broom to clean up all the names the author dropped on the floor with every page.

[Teresa thomeplay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to find something to read that would take my head out of the current political hullabaloo. Thrilled to have picked up a copy of this book.

I am a fan of all things entertainment and I found this to be especially compelling. I always wondered what it was like for writers in Hollywood. This is one Writer’s story and it sure kept me engaged. It was fascinating, daunting, exhilarating, rewarding and disappointing. It was a rollercoaster of experiences and I enjoyed the ride. At one moment I even thought, “This guy is the Forest Gump of entertainment.” He’s adjacent to many big moments. It’s really fun. Read it. You’ll see what I mean.

Zimmerman takes a turn at the end to speak about the most influential woman in his life. No spoilers but I’m glad he included it. Touching.

This is a great read for lovers of the shows he’s talked about in the title, and shows he didn’t, lovers of Hollywood behind the scenes stories, breaking into the industry and how to persevere in any career. Oh, and that reinventing yourself is a key to thriving. Liked the inclusion of theatre into the mix.

[Mandy F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Stan’s book. It was recommended to me by a fellow Gilmore Girls fan and FanFest attendee. As a writer I loved hearing about Stan’s writing, directing and casting journey, how he took chances and proved himself over and over again. Gilmore Girls was the reason I read it but probably one of the least interesting things about Stan and his career. I so enjoyed his Golden Girls chapter and his work writing the play about suicide and his work reimagining and recasting The Diary of Anne Frank. His empowerment for women and LGBQT is inspiring and his ability to craft stories for women to honor his mother, grandmother and women friends is refreshing and remarkable. I can’t wait to meet Stan in October at the Gilmore Girls FanFest and have him sign this book and learn more about him and hear about his stories. I am definitely inspired to continue journaling and keeping a diary of reflections. Highly recommend if you enjoy memoirs and writers and stories about TV and plays.

[TaylorWay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an arc!

This book is a journey through time detailing the life of a young gay jewish man with huge aspirations, trying to make it big in one of the toughest places on earth - Hollywood. The title of this book drew me in, this person wrote for two of my favourite shows? That must be one interesting life they have led, right? I didn't realise that what I would then read would be a gripping story of the ups and downs that come with trying so hard to get your dream career, told in the most fascinating and personable way.

I really loved the timeline of this book and how it feels as though we are talking to a friend, it is masterfully broken up by pages of a journal, making us feel even closer to Zimmerman as we are being let in on something very personal. I found this so interesting as it is a world I knew nothing about, the vivid descriptions led me to explore new shows and people I hadn't heard of (I must watch the Brady Bunch immediately!).
We often see one side of Hollywood, but through this book we get to see the slightly less glamorous and maybe darker side. I liked to hear about all the behind the scenes gossip and exploits, especially with such a star studded cast! It just made a fascinating story even juicer. Another aspect that felt important to read about was how sexuality was perceived back then. How he was treated and the impact this might have had on the writing pairs careers. As queer person myself I found I really connected with the author and his struggles with having to hide his sexuality and true identity from people, this perspective on of the book just made me feel even closer to the author.

What I'm taking from this is that you should never give up, be brave and pursue your dreams no matter what and how important friendships can be throughout life. I look forward to seeing what Stan Zimmerman does next in his career.

[Shannon Caveny · Rating 4 out of 5]

AKA hot, gay Jewish guy writes for a ton of TV shows but with terrible job tenure and name drops more people than I’ve even met in real life I think. Somehow it is pretty self-aware.

Also he and his partner wrote the “Sure, Jan” moment, now a meme, which I think is his true magnum opus.

[Michelle Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

As a huge TV fan growing up for various reasons, I enjoyed a trip down memory lane of the different shows that Stan Zimmerman worked on. It is so inspiring to hear from someone that had a dream, and fought to make it a reality and never gave up.

[Mediaman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sloppy, myopic, incomplete "memoir" that's really more about the author's career than his life story. It's a vanity brag book filled with unwarranted self-praise, because he was not very successful in his career. The title is a bit misleading--he wrote only a few episodes of Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls, lasting only one season on each show. It's ironic then that despite claiming everyone loves everything he ever wrote, the only two who don't seem to like him are those in charge of Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls.

Beyond that he did little that was significant (the only show he lasted on two years, on Lifetime, I'd never heard of) and he was fired often. He obviously thinks he's a clever writer but instead comes across as not very funny and lacking some creative storytelling abilities.

The good is that there are plenty of specifics about what goes on behind the scenes of some major TV shows and some snarky stories. The chapter on writing the Brady Bunch movies is very informative. However, Zimmerman often skips important details and at times doesn't seem to even understand what a complete story means. He'd refer to something, then leave out the most important part. An outline without compelling depth isn't good storytelling. It's sitcom writing, which is why this book at times is frustrating.

The bad includes that there are many times Zimmerman seems lost in his own chapters. For example, here is a summary of chapter five (be patient!): He starts with getting a new job after being fired from Golden Girls, suddenly meets Sandra Bernhard and becomes besties while writing a pilot for her, he then meets her pal Madonna. That leads to mentioning the fabulous parties he had been to over the years where he meets Hollywood A-listers, including Penny Marshall where he sees her glass-encased sports collection and going to Carrie Fisher's house where he meets Debbie Reynolds who gives him a matchbook. Why that is significant, I don't know.

Chapter five then oddly jumps from the 1980s to a 2004 Vanity Fair post-Oscar party where he sees Oprah (doesn't meet her, just sees her) and he has a nasty moment with very straight white Ben Stiller, whose wife was talking to Zimmerman. The writer's timeline gets more confusing as he jumps all over and name drops shamelessly, including seeing Brad Pitt, Ellen DeGeneres, and giving Clive Davis advice on Whitney Houston's music video (seriously?), before out of nowhere his chapter suddenly skips ahead to 2019 to a funeral speech he delivered for a friend. He insists on including a paragraph on having once taken his late friend to her old house in Detroit. (So? No reason to include it.)

Then, still in chapter five, he shifts backwards to 2005 on Broadway followed by skipping ahead to 2019 again with Pee-Wee Herman calling him to tell him about his friend's death (notice this is the same friend he talked about giving the eulogy for four pages earlier, why didn't he mention Pee-Wee then). Next Zimmerman writes something called Long Beach Blanket Bingo in 2020, he jumps way back to mention his early-1970s autographed record from Lily Tomlin and going as a child to a National Organization of Women meeting ("now it makes so much sense to me why I feel more comfortable around women, especially lesbians"), writing his first feature film (date unstated), going to the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, publicly urinating behind a restaurant, going to Jane Fonda's house (who he loves, of course), and finally ending the ridiculous chapter by slamming Henry Winkler (yes, the famous straight white guy that everyone else loves).

That was one chapter strung together by a bunch of unrelated half stories and jumps in a timeline that made it sound like he was on a drug trip. He used the chapter to overpraise a couple dozen women (including the notoriously difficult Faye Dunaway) while putting down a couple of the best-loved white straight guys in the business. This guy has a big problem and fails to recognize that he is more of an intolerant bigot than any of the men he condemns.

The weakest aspects are the constant personal asides, taking unnecessary political slams and using stereotypes to make it look like every straight guy in the industry is against gay men while bowing down to almost every female (yes, almost--we're not talking about you, Roseanne). Funny how the only woman he seems against is one who supported Trump and there was no reason to slam either of them. His gushing about the women in his life is too much and so subjective that he can't seem to see the negativity of the other famous females he worked with.

Zimmerman also talks about how he has to "lie" in order to work as a gay man in Hollywood, which is of course absurd on two levels--it's one of the most gay-friendly places in the world, and he isn't lying by simply not telling everyone about his private bedroom life. Why do some gay men think that if they aren't parading their sexuality at every inappropriate opportunity it means they're lying about themselves?

At times I wanted to scream at the guy because his perspectives were so off. He refuses to give specifics about one Golden Girls scene because "children may be reading this book?" For his sake I hope that's a joke because why would a child be reading about a gay writer cranking out scripts meant for mature adults? And why would this author use that as an excuse to not tell a complete story?

Later he says of Golden Girls: "The show was a huge success. Loved by all ages. I can't think of another show like that." HUH? It wasn't as successful nor reached as broad a demographic as everything from I Love Lucy to Beverly Hillbillies to Happy Days to The Cosby Show. So it's concerning that he skips the much better received comedies in the history of television to focus on a very adult show that was certainly not meant for "all ages."

This thin autobiography ends up being less than 200 pages of actual written material and suffers from the author's background in sitcoms because he writes in short scenes. Unfortunately, he also includes sections from his journals where he could have just integrated the information into the narrative. The whole thing just seems too short for a legitimate memoir.

What I learned from this book is:
1. To write for a sitcom you need no professional background, talent, or training, it's all about who you know and being at the right place at the right time.
2. To write sitcoms you don't need to be funny nor able to actually write. It's a horrible committee process that results in a whole lot of crap, but you can make a career out of not being successful. Zimmerman essentially made his money writing scripts and pilots that didn't sell.
3. Illegal drugs are treated like carrots or candy in Hollywood, and this guy acts as if his usage is no big deal, never thinking that if he got off the drugs he might have a real career.
4. A Hollywood gay man is never happy, no matter how much money he makes or how accepted he is because he always sees himself as an outcast while working deep within the system. And that he almost always condemns straight white men while overpraising The Girls.

[Elizabeth O'Keefe · Rating 3 out of 5]

All I have to say, is that I wanted to read this solely because Gilmore Girls was mentioned in the title. Yeah, I know, I am 'that' person, but seriously, who wasn't addicted to Gilmore Girls? I had no clue who Stan was until reading this book, but man, am I glad he is around.

Thanks Stan for helping create some of the most beloved shows, characters, and somehow having the best cast on every single one of those shows.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for my E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent biography about an interesting profession and meeting lots of celebrities. A surprisingly touching final chapter. But not the humorous, light-hearted romp I was hoping for based on the shows referenced in the title.

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me grin, laugh, and occasionally roll my eyes. It also made me cry. Like Kahlil Gibran in his "The Prophet" (can you tell what I've been rereading in spare moments), Zimmerman sings the praises of his mother and her role in his life throughout the book. She'd supported his dreams and helped him become his best self. Then she got dementia. Like Zimmerman, I, too, dealt with losing my mother to this awful disease that takes their presence from you while the body still remains. He describes it as watching the light dim in her eyes. That struck a bell, as did his admission that he felt both sadness and relief at her passing. She was no longer lost in the darkness of forgotten memories but he admits his best, most important role in life had been being a "son" and he was devastated. I needed a tissue.

As for the rest of the book, it was a delight to read about his youthful passion for not just acting but writing plays that he put on in his basement. I flashed back to Randy Rainbow's book where he talked about basically getting his start in his own bedroom, doing it all, and grinned. I hope the two of them have met. Zimmerman was talented enough to be invited to a prestigious summer theater program before he'd even reached the required age but ultimately found him way primarily as a writer.

While it was interesting to hear about his experiences as a quite young, gay man writing for The Golden Girls series, it was equally interesting to be given a, so to speak, behind the scenes look at how much goes into not just the creation of such series but the difficulty of getting even the best ideas on the air or stage. And, yes, tons of names are dropped that you'll recognize, from the cast of Golden Girls through his experiences in theater. Unlike many writers, I'll note he largely worked with a collaboration for most of his career, Jim Berg. Together, they are credited with some of the more memorable scenes on film, including the infamous lesbian kiss on the Roseanne Barr show. The behind the scenes look at that show alone is fascinating.

Through it all, Zimmerman's almost conversational, often self-deprecating wit and words flow. It's an easy read and you're almost sure to encounter personalities you'll recognize. Zimmerman would have won me over with his love and respect for his mother and her role in his life, not to mention his acknowledgement of the role so many women had played, I'd like to think he's someone I'd have found intriguing even without that aspect. I mean, the man even danced behind Rudolph Nureyev in the glorious days of his youth. Andy Warhol even found him worthy of taking photos of at a party. Of course, he didn't recognize Warhol and told him to stop.

Fortunately, he kept a journal most of his life, so such experiences are bolstered in the telling by his thoughts from the moment. Careful, wannabe show/play writers may even pick up a few hints as they read. Bottom line, a great, fun read. Thanks #NetGalley and #IndigoRiverPublishing for inviting me to meet Stan Zimmerman. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting him and vicariously living through a few of his experiences and my heart definitely goes out to him for his mother. Made me want to hug him and tell him "Everything will be okay".

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stan Zimmerman, The Girls From Golden To Gilmore, Indigo River Publishing, February 2024.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

Stan Zimmerman’s book is all wonderful fun, or so it seems on the surface. However, the fun while genuine enough, also provides an excellent wrapping for some of the serious issues he raises. Both features of Zimmerman’s writing and exploration of his and others’ lives in the theatre world in New York and television and film world in Hollywood bring so much to what could have been just ‘my story as a writer after I failed as an actor’. Although I would have preferred more analysis of the sexism and homophobia exhibited in the world he writes about, there are enough clues to provide a realistic account of the positive and negative features that make up the reality behind what an audience sees. Gossip columns provide some of this material admittedly, but Zimmerman’s account is a firsthand experience, and this gives the material extra poignancy as well as interest. Of particular note is Zimmerman’s appreciation of the strong women in his life and his stories of his mother’s unending support for him and his work. The book ends with a tribute to her.

As well as the accounts of the series, films and plays he worked on, there is an immense amount of material about Zimmerman’s school days, his teachers, his early attempts to become and actor and eventual realisation that writing scripts was his forte. Through this self-exposure Zimmerman’s occasional arrogance, habitual humility, and sense of worth vying with discrimination is valuable material. Here, there are clues to the writer that he was to become, with his strong ability to write material for women.

The well-known women for whom he writes are the four Golden Girls, Rosanne Barr and the Gilmore girls. However, the book is littered with numerous other women who were important recipients of Zimmerman’s writing, contributed to his success, or were friends or supporters. Amongst the positive stories are also those that mystify – why the homophobia? Why the unpleasantness and rejection? Why the unnecessary control over successful writers? Both aspects of Zimmerman’s experience are dealt with. It is a highlight of the text that Zimmerman refers to the latter with no bitterness or even lengthy denunciation of the discriminatory attitude of some powerful brokers in Hollywood.

Zimmerman continues his discourse after his title would suggest. He returns to New York and the theatre, writing about a real positive in his life. At the same time, he is open about the other experiences that impact his life as a loving son, a would-be actor, script writer in Hollywood and writer, director and producer in the theatre. Moving beyond the topics covered by title adds to the enjoyment of the book, without leaving behind the serious issues that are an integral part of Zimmerman’s life, and recognition that these are part of the world that brings audiences such a wealth of enjoyment through film, television and theatre.

[Jody - Wicked Dark Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore is a memoir about the life and career of Stan Zimmerman – a gifted writer, producer, director, and playwright. Amusingly and entertainingly, Zimmerman narrates his work on famous shows such as The Golden Girls, Roseanne, and Gilmore Girls while also allowing readers a look into his personal life.

A significant strength of this memoir is Zimmerman’s ease in describing his upbringing in a small-town suburb of Detroit. His portraits of the powerful and clever women who shaped his existence, including his mother, grandmother, and sister, are touching and motivating. It can be seen that their prompting and guidance greatly influenced Zimmerman’s creative attitude.

Zimmerman’s story of going from an awkward Jewish boy who aspired to be a great actor to a celebrated writer and director is as accurate and uplifting as can be. Determination and passion for his craft are evident on every page, and readers will cheer for his triumph.

The unpredictable nature of the memoir is its candidness and wit. He spills the beans on relationships with some of the most renowned women in entertainment, such as Roseanne Barr, Lily Tomlin, Sandra Bernhard, Lauren Graham, and Alexis Bledel. These stories are fascinating insider accounts of show business and a peek into who these creative women were.

Together with diary notes, Zimmerman’s narration becomes more personal and touching. By doing so, readers get an insight into his mind, feelings, and hurdles he had throughout his life. It is such moments that make The Girls an endearing and identifiable read.

Although becoming a wildly successful actor may not have been Zimmerman’s cup of tea, his ability to succeed as a writer, producer, director, and playwright shows that he was a very talented and determined person. The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore is a book that inspires and entertains.

Overall, The Girls: Golden to Gilmore is a four-star memoir that provides a unique insight into the world of entertainment and dedication. He is captivating in his storytelling, his jokes are contagious, and his journey is both familiar and tremendous. If you are an avid lover of The Golden Girls, Roseanne, or Gilmore Girls or appreciate good writing, this book is a must-read.

I want to thank Indigo River Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

[the aesthete nerd]

The Girls | Stan Zimmerman | ⭐⭐⭐⭐

** Thanks to @netgalley for an e-copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review **

When I saw The Girls is actually a reference to the "Golden Girls" and "Gilmore Girls", this was an easy pick for me.

This is a memoir of a young boy from a small town who dreamed big and made it big.
This is also an exposé on the inner workings on the tinsel town, on behind the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry.
There's a lot of name dropping, lively anecdotes on the who's who of the industry, stories about names we are so very familiar with. But there's also darker and more discussions on prevalent homophobia, idea of creative freedom, the constant struggle and the rat race for success in the industry.

It's heartening to know that though Zimmerman's dreams of being an actor didn't come true, the Universe did have grander plans for him and he got to write and immortalise some of the most phenomenal characters of television history.

Also the concluding chapters on Zimmerman's relationship with his mother, her constant influence on his life, his account of her struggle with dementia, and his most honest observations on her eventual death make the read emotional, relatable, heartfelt and more than just another celebrity memoir centred around industry gossip.

The narrative is conversational and it's a quick read. It's clearly discernible that this is the handwork of an experienced and brilliant storyteller, and not a mish mash of random anecdotes haphazardly sewn together by an underpaid ghost-writer.

What I didn't like though is the incessant name dropping, and that the narrative bordered on cautious when it came to stories about famous names.
But I guess playing safe comes with still being an active part of the industry and I can't blame Zimmerman for that.

If you are looking for a read that's fun, entertaining, smart and inspiring all at once, look no further.
And if you have ever been a fan of Roseanne or the Golden and the Gilmore Girls, you definitely can't miss out on knowing the person who conjured up your favourite on-screen people.

[Beth Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

Stan Zimmerman had aspirations to be an actor, but instead he became a rather successful screenwriter in Hollywood. I appreciated learning the "inside Hollywood" take. He worked on two shows I particularly enjoyed: The Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls. He lingers far longer on The Golden Girls, which makes sense because he spent more time there early in his career, and that show (and particularly Estelle Getty) had such an impact on him.

My main quibble with this book is it drops at least five names per page in rapid-fire succession. If you're like me, you'll know who some of the people and places are (Brad Pitt, Lily Tomlin), but there a lot that you may have no idea who they are. Many of the names have no context because they are contained in a list of who Stan met at a party. Not all of the name drops are of famous people (most are, though). Sometimes it's places. Like Revolver Bar in Weho. I had to Google that Revolver Bar is a gay bar in West Hollywood. Oh, Weho. Got it now.

The author ends the book with a wonderful tribute to his mother, and there are some pictures of his mother and him in the photo section. But she's not even in the rest of the book! He uses so much of the space for famous people and famous places, but I would have appreciated to hear more about HIM, including his mother and her impact on him and if he and his writing partner Jim are still together. And what about any of his relationships? It feels like so much of him was foregone in order to have all the name drops.

However, if you go back to the title of the book, this book did talk about "The Girls" and some hot gossip to boot.

A quick, entertaining read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[K.A. Lillehei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining, historical … AND inspirational beyond expectations!

When I purchased this book, a historical account of the entertainment industry … film, television and theater … was anticipated. Of course. As was a thoroughly entertaining and insightful journey behind the scenes of a most fascinating world that has enticed and enchanted audiences for decades. What I did not expect was an inspirational story of perseverance and perspiration, sorrow and joy, mere survival as well as accomplishments.

It’s daunting to have one or two hits in the mercurial, fast-paced, and ever-evolving Hollywood and New York scenes, but to manage a lifetime career living one’s bliss despite all odds takes strength of character and an unbending will.

With dedication and positivity, success amid constant obstacles and setbacks can be attributed to ingenuity and intelligence, but moreover as we readers clearly learn, is the result of an upbringing of love, encouragement and support. Zimmerman had these in abundance in the form of a mother whose gifts were well received and reciprocated. And those around him were and are the beneficiaries.

The book is more than a comprehensive and inclusive and amusing account of this world. It is tribute to the power of faith and commitment. Underlying the stories is a philosophy of respect for others and their work, belief in oneself while moving forward or backward or changing directions as needed without losing sight of one’s ultimate goals. This book should also be cross-listed under life coaching and inspirational works. And as a woman, his work has primarily been to promote women. Bravo, and gratitude, to both the author and his formidable mother who made it all possible!

There are lessons here for all of us.

[Jennie Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last night I started Stan Zimmerman’s book and I couldn’t put it down. I just finished it with tears on the pages. I’d heard many of the stories in his book, but not all the details. We met in 2016 and I knew instantly he would be a part of our story for good. We have had the benefit of spending a week in the fall with him for a big chapter in our lives through the festivals we created, from Gilmore Girls Fan Fest to now, The Fan Fest Society.

It’s easy to cheer Stan on, he’s insanely talented and tenacious. He says yes to every worthy endeavor and he always reacts with honesty.

He is family, but in a book with names like Madonna and Tom Cruise, the Mellon family and The Brady Bunch (and a hundred others we have all heard throughout our lifetime) I was incredibly overwhelmed to see he mentioned us in his book. But not shocked, because that’s so Stan to highlight others.

This is a book about saying “yes, and…” to every opportunity. And it shows us all what can happen when we do. It makes me wish everyone I love would write out their story. When you’re done it would show you how far you’ve come, and be a work of art. This book wrapped up so many of the beautiful things about our friend Stan—his ability to notice everyone in the room and find the best in them, all while allowing them to bring out his talents and let them shine.

I loved it and I’m so grateful he shared his stories to date—we all know there’s more to come. You may think this review is bias, but it’s the kind of book I want to read over and over. A real story of someone chasing their dreams and the reality of life lessons and successes that follow.

Thanks for being a friend, Stan. I loved the book.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

First thing I did after finishing this book was hug my mom and tell her that I love her.

This was a very satisfying read, and I recommend it to anyone interested in working in the film/TV industry. Stan’s personal stories of triumphs and defeats detail everything I love and hate about this industry, and did so in a way that felt like a casual conversation between friends. In fact, I might’ve taken this too far with my endless commentary in Stan’s DMs. Stan- sorry for all the pestering, and thank you for your patience. You made me feel very welcomed.

I was intrigued from the premise alone, a TV writer spilling tea on all the fabulous actresses he’s worked with over the years. I’m exaggerating, of course; Stan was very respectful when it came to every big name mentioned in this book… even Roseanne. But those stories from the perspective of a gay man making it in this industry; I have so much admiration and respect. So many experiences I could only dream of having (from the perspective of a gay 20something wannabe TV writer). And so many experiences I hope that, with times progressing, I don’t ever have to endure.

The last two chapters nearly brought me to tears in what felt like a love letter to Stan’s mother- his OG Golden Girl. These chapters were beautifully written and clearly came from the heart. After experiencing what felt like a casual conversation between friends (author and reader), those last two chapters felt more intimate, and they tied all these stories together perfectly. I learned a lot from this book, about the industry and about pieces of media that I absolutely need to check out. I’m excited to see what all he does next.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lover of all things Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls, I couldn't miss reading this memoir. I'm familiar with Stan Zimmerman as he's been involved with so many of my favorite shows over the years, but I can't honestly say I've really seen or read much about writers of shows, and in particular Mr. Zimmerman. Even though writers are really the heart and soul of the television and movie screens, creating the feelings and favorite moments of so many fans, I realize they are the silent masters in the background. It was very exciting and eye opening to see how much work went into creating scripts and character development for shows that would never see the screen and those that did have their moment in time. The resilience of writers is amazing when you consider how many "no's" they hear to the number of "yes's" they get in the end. I'm glad that Stan and his partner and team continued to push forward or we wouldn't have so many of the popular shows that we turn to over and over. Shows and theater elicit the excitement of the first time experience and also bring us nostalgia and good feelings in the rewatching and rediscovering of our favorite moments and lovable characters. If you're a fan of television shows, writing as a craft, and reading about one popular person who has left his mark on our lives, I recommend this book. Written in a style that flows as if you're one of Stan's good friends, reading from his journal entries, and experiencing his thoughts and feelings as things happen, this is a quick and easy read with a glimmer of Hollywood life.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of "The Girls" by Stan Zimmerman from NetGalley.
This was a good book to read. Stan Zimmerman spent decades of his life as a writer on many television shows. He came from Michigan and studied for a short while in New York. He was given the advice of moving to California to have a career as a writer for tv shows. He kept a journal over the years that he kept. He wrote of the experiences he had on each show. He wrote for many famous tv shows. He worked the set of The Golden Girls, Roseanne, Gilmore Girls. {thus describing the title of his book "the Girls}
He writes about the challenges working on TV shows. Some good others not so good. It is a tough business to work in needing to have a thick skin, to deal with constant rejection and criticism.
He does speak briefly about some of the actors on the shows where he worked. Cautious not to bad mouth. He has also been in plays and directed plays. He also writes of being a gay man working in the industry as well. A pretty good read. I was hoping he would talk a bit more about the actors and actresses he has worked with. He does mention that on some shows the writers were forbidden to speak to the actors. I enjoyed reading his book about being a writer for a famous tv show.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I didn’t know of Stan Zimmerman by name, I wasn’t surprised to find there was a common denominator among the shows I’ve loved over the decades. I was drawn in by The Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls, but delighted to find how much his writing has contributed to a long line of terrific shows.

As for tone, reading The Girls felt like we were chatting over lunch- conversational and fun! I enjoyed that Stan Zimmerman included the sad realities associated with the need to hide his sexuality during his early career in the 80’s- even while working at a progressive show like The Golden Girls. I appreciated the deeper understanding of him as a human, as well as his successful career. His amazing relationship with his mother filled up my heart. I particularly liked that while he wrote honestly about his feelings for certain stars while he worked with them (Betty White, Roseanne, etc), he also spent time on the evolution of those opinions with hindsight. I think a straight dishy retelling would sell well, yet risk the author’s likability. The tone here was perfect.

Overall, a fun read for me. I appreciate NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing granting access to a digital ARC.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was unfamiliar with Stan Zimmerman’s work, but as a lover of Gilmore Girls I was excited to pick up this book.

This was a really easy and punchy read, with a conversational and fast paced narrative. There was name dropping galore, and while I wasn’t familiar with many of the people mentioned, I didn’t feel it overly detracted from the story (and I enjoyed looking them up). Of those I did know, I liked picking up the little insights to their characters provided by Stan. I was disappointed with the level of detail about his time on Gilmore Girls, but understanding its role in his career this did make sense.

I also found it interesting to read about the experiences of Hollywood through the eyes of a young, gay, Jewish writer. While the story was most often light, Stan reflected on early discrimination and changing attitudes towards sexuality, gender and race throughout his career. His values in these areas were reflectively woven throughout the many stories.

Thank you Indigo River Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Maegan McFall · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest reviews

Nothing prepared me for how much I would like this book. My first ever binge was Gilmore Girls, it was the first ever box set I owned and I played those DVDs until they wouldn’t play anymore. Not to mention Golden Girls and Rosanne!

I am a big fan of getting a look behind the scenes and learning how things work so this book was right up my alley. This book made me laugh, scoff, get a bit angry and cry- all of the ingredients for an amazing read. I can’t be too surprised because Stan Zimmerman IS a writer but god can he write.

I appreciated the insider look into Hollywood, though I was unaware of Zimmerman when I started this book, I didn’t realise that I’d been entertained by his writings for years! A fast paced read that kept me interested the whole time. Go and read this book!

[Catherine Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stan Zimmerman is most definitely a writing genius, in addition to being a friendly, kind, caring, and fun person.

My two favorite television shows I watch on repeat are The Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls so when I had the pleasure to meet Stan Zimmerman at a Gilmore Girls fan festival, I could not believe that he was part of my two favorite shows and favorite episodes!
I was eagerly awaiting his book and from the minute I picked it up, I became hooked and could not put it down. Every page is written in a way that you feel part of his world and reading about all his experiences through his eyes and writing is a journey I am grateful for. He is refreshingly honest and funny and his book is a must-have for everyone!

Everything he is involved in is “golden” and this book is no exception!

Thank you Stan, for letting us into your world. You are a remarkable success in all that you do, including now, writing the best memoir I have ever read!

[Krisi Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Stan Zimmerman is a very good writer and I found a lot of the stories he told fascinating. He’s very raw and open, even sharing diary entries throughout the book. Personal subjective preference gets a little bored with so much of the listing of the names and projects they are associated with throughout the book. I found it exhausting to read at times, but I also understand why they are in there and I think it doesn’t really distract from the book, it’s just not my favorite.

I am a big Gilmore Girls fan, so it was fun when I came across Dan and Amy’s name far earlier than GG was a concept. Overall it’s an entertaining read with some insight in the difficulties of making it as a successful writer.

[Bernd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books by and about sitcom writers. Stan Zimmerman´s "The Girls - From Golden to Gilmore" is a breezy read, touching on the shows we worked on as a writer and producer (often with his partner Jim Berg). Fans of "The Golden Girls", "Gilmore Girls" and "Roseanne" will get a glimpse behind the scenes. He does not throw a lot of dirt around, though, most of the people he met he shows in a positive light.
You get glimpses of people like Estelle Getty, Bea Arthur, Roseanne Arnold, Amy Sherman-Palladino among lots of other women - Stan as a gay man seems to have bonded with a lot of them. Again, not a tell-all bio but a breeze through several decades of sitcomes, movies and LA theatre.
For me, the book could have easily been a little bit longer but what´s there is a fun read.

NetGalley provided me with an arc for this.

[Alicia (aliciasbooksanctuary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stan’s raw and behind the scenes look at the industry was a delight to read. He writes about each of his experiences with such an open heart. There is no sugar coating the highs and lows – the good, bad or ugly, yet he is completely respectful to each celebrity he references and the experiences he has been given. I loved the way he used each job as a teachable moment and one to be grateful for regardless of how it all panned out.

This is a great read for any fan of “The Girls” or for those interested in the inner workings of the television world.

For a more comprehensive review, follow me on Bookstagram at aliciasbooksanctuary

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to this by my love of the Golden Girls. I loved reading the chapter about Bea, Rue, Betty and Estelle.

This book detailed what it is like to be a writer (and later director) in TV and theatre. The pressures, the politics as to why pitches don’t get picked up and the personalities both on and off the camera.
I loved how Zimmerman writes about the strong women in his life and the mutually beneficial professional relationships. The love he has for his number one fan, his Mum is wonderful.

Great book.

Thank you to Indigo River Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jayme · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this behind the scenes look into the life and career of Stan Zimmerman. His anecdotes provide an entertaining look into the world of television, film and theater. Despite the title, this book is less focused on his time with the Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls (he only wrote for each show for one season), and more on his career as a whole. The narrative was a bit slow in places, bogged down by the minutiae of getting different shows casted or off the ground, but overall this is an enjoyable read for those interested in the entertainment business. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.