Life's Short, Talk Fast: 15 Writers on Why We Can’t Stop Watching Gilmore Girls

by Ann Hood

The writers in this anthology represent bestselling writers, BIPOC and LBGTQ writers, and a varying age range. This diverse group speaks to the broad appeal of Gilmore Girls.

These topics include growing up with a single mother, examinations of motherhood from different ages, the fantasy of small-town America, being a single mother, the self-consciousness the show created for non-white fans, a queer look at Lorelai's parenting that reflects the writer's own parenting choices, the show's comfort and impact during the pandemic, Rory's life path and changes throughout the show and how it did or didn't disappoint fans and how the guy you root for to win Rory's heart actually reveals a lot about you.

With essays Anjanette Delgado, Ann Hood, Annabelle Mei, Cathi Hanauer, Erin Almond, Francesco Sedita, Freya North, Joanna Rakoff, Katie Moulton, Michael Ruhlman/Chris Eigeman, Nina de Gremont, Rand Richards Cooper, Sanjian Sathian, Tracey Minkin and Yassmin Abdel-Magied.

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays, Pop Culture, Memoir, Adult, Anthologies, Biography Memoir

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2024

About the author

Ann Hood is the editor of Knitting Yarns: Writers on Knitting and the bestselling author of The Book That Matters Most, The Knitting Circle, The Red Thread, Comfort, and An Italian Wife, among other works. She is the recipient of two Pushcart Prizes, a Best American Spiritual Writing Award, a Best American Food Writing Award, a Best American Travel Writing Award, and the Paul Bowles Prize for Short Fiction. She lives in Providence, Rhode Island.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Life's Short, Talk Fast, by Anne Hood, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Fifteen writers talk about their love of Gilmore Girls. I really enjoyed watching the Gilmore Girls, such a different show for the time. I have not heard of any of these authors before, but it was a quirky read, a Gilmore Girl love fest. Its an enjoyable read.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many of the essays had little to do with the show.

[Diane Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

An absolute must for Gilmore Girl fans.

[Carol (Reading Ladies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.

[Sara Keely · Rating 2 out of 5]

Been a while (never?) since I read a book of essays. They were all Uber personal, filled with a mixture of flattery, nostalgia, self-agrandivisation, significant trauma/depression and also all mind mumblingly similar. Less your own trauma, more thoughtfulness about Gillmore please. One of the authors doesn’t even like the show? WTF where did they find these people? There was very little show commentary that was interesting but lots of show critique! Yes we know it’s real life and the single mom cannot afford 56 costs! Yes we know Stars Hollow isn’t a real town in Connecticut!! This one really missed the mark….

2.5 stars

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[cass krug · Rating 4 out of 5]

was finally able to read this now that i finished my first watch of gilmore girls! haven’t watched a year in the life yet but i’ve been looking for something to fill the GG-shaped hole in my life - this book did just that and confirmed that i need to start the series from the beginning again.

although i have no previous familiarity with any of the 15 writers whose pieces are featured in this book, and i don’t think i’ve ever read an anthology like this, i thought the essays meshed and flowed very well. many of the pieces relate the writers’ own mother-daughter relationships to lorelai and rory’s, showing both the beauty and friction of bonds that are that close, or wishing for that closeness. there are a handful that veer into different themes - i particularly liked the one about how bookish the show is.

i love that the writers featured in the book come from diverse backgrounds, showing how far-reaching the show is while being able to critique its shortcomings. i thought the choice to include essays from non-fans of the show was also an interesting choice! overall, i loved how this book showcased memoir writing with the connecting thread of the show. i finished it in one day and if was such an engaging experience!

thank you to ww norton and netgalley for the digital ARC, even though i had to finish it via library book!

[madii ੈ✩ ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

gilmore girls was of my favourite shows growing up. when i first stumbled upon it, it stole my affections immediately and held my attention each time i returned to it- over and over again in countless rewatches. i simply couldn’t (& can’t) get enough of rory and lorelai gilmore and the charming, cosy town of stars hollow, with all of its cast.

but why is it that this series endures so persistently across generations? what is it that we keep coming back to, that cements it’s admirable position and glorified name in mainstream culture?

the accumulation of voices & perspectives contributing to this anthology encompassed a rich blend of emotionally-charged pieces that indulged in the nostalgia and wonder of stars hallow, as well as others that were acamdeic in tone and packed with analysis - such as studying emotional dependency, depiction of minority groups, and my favourite: the 3 generations of gilmore’s analysed through the lens of class consciousness & privilege.

“gilmore girls holds a mirror to life whilst also providing a breather from reality, and therein lies its enduring quality. there is realism and super-realism, mundanity and cartoon-ery, pathos and sadness, laughter and tears. as well as hitting the mark so perfectly by oversizing the portrayal of true feelings and the understandable reactions real people would have, gilmore girls delivers assential escaping… it’s not the real world-but true dilemmas and sincere emotions live there.”

as always with essay collections, i found some articles weaker and less convincing and engaging than others, but the insight of many of these authors will stick with me. i truly feel a heightened adoration and renewed appreciation the show.

highly recommend for any gilmore girls fan!!

my favourite essays were:

* everything softens: life and death in stars hollow
* where you lead (i will follow): gilmore girls and the soundtrack of emotional dependency
* many coats of many colours
* daughter is a permanent state
* mom, please

[Julesreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got an advanced copy. Have no idea who any of the writers are in this collection, though Ann Hood faintly rings a bell…
Essays vary in interest, which is how it usually goes, and they’re fast and easy, which is merciful of them. Most are mini-memoirs tied into an aspect of the show while appreciating Gilmore Girls (which is an ingenious, cozy, insane show). My favorite essays are the saddest essays.

[Lisa Leone-campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so I must confess when I am depressed, I do watch a few episodes of Gilmore Girls to make me feel better. Something about that show, heals me. I began watching it when it started streaming on Netflix, so I am a late bloomer. It's like a drug...one or two episodes and I've had my fix and can move on.

I have also recently met Lauren Graham who plays Lorelai Gilmore who in real life talks just as fast as her character. And of all the questions I could have asked, I blurted out "who's the father?" If you know, you know! She looked at me and I thought here it comes! And she said, "I really don't know." Dang!

So, when I saw Ann Hood, who is the editor of this book of essays, her brainchild, who also wrote an essay for the book, I ran home and pre-ordered it. What I must tell you though is the book has not been sanctioned by anyone from the show.

For those who love Gilmore Girls, this group of essays will be a delightful treat. Some humorous, but others, quite deep. So, let's get to some of the essays...

The first essay is written by Ann Hood herself. It is her confession to her and her teenage daughter, Annabelle's obsession with the show, to this day. They started watching it together at a very low point in Ann's life. So many things were going on and when she and Annabelle moved to the loft they live in now in Rhode Island, she was depressed and overwhelmed. Enter Gilmore Girls. Once discovered it was a show she and Annabelle watched together while eating dinner on boxes as they began their new life. Sort of like Lorelai and Rory! They loved the deliciousness of Lorelai and Rory's relationship! The show helped soothe their fears. To this day they still watch episodes and continue to be on opposite sides of the team Logan or team Jess controversy.

Author Nina de Gramont writes an absolutely hysterical essay on the many coats and their colors in which Lorelai wears. She made it her mission to count them. Now, that's a fan! She also ponders where they all went. Were they donated? Why did she have so many??

One of the most difficult essays to read was Anjanette Delgado's essay entitled Guilty Gilmores of a Parallel Universe. This essay compared Delgado's not so happy/troublesome relationship with her own mother throughout the years and wishing? perhaps it could have been more like the Gilmores, and how with her own daughter she tried to have a better relationship, as she did not want to base her own mother-daughter situation on her mother.

Ann Hood's husband, Michael Ruhlman (as does Ann's daughter Anabelle Mei) have essays in the books as well. Ruhlman's titled Digger and Me talks about his total lack of interest in the Gilmore Girls but because he knew this was something Ann and her daughter bonded over, he tried to use the show to get closer to Annabelle and just what it took to get there!

They essays are wonderfully different with very divergent perspectives, and some will even make you wonder about certain situations which occurred. Who would have ever though a show such as Gilmore Girls would have had such an outpouring of interest. If you are a fan, this book of essays will not disappoint!

And by the way, I have once again started the series over again from scratch, just because.

Published by W.W. Norton & Company

[Janet Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to start by saying I love Gilmore Girls! The quirky fun mother daughter duo of Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory and their strange little town of Star’s Hollow, CT hold a special place in my heart. I recently watched the first few episodes of season one again and the charm is still there. The show makes me smile.

I saw this book at the Tucson Festival of Books and a friend attended a session with the editor Ann Hood and talked about it. It seemed a perfect fit for me. I was surprised and a little dismayed at how dark some of these essays were but then I realized that my experience of the show can’t be the same as everyone else’s. I’ve enjoyed an easy life relatively speaking, with parents I get along with and enjoy spending time with, and some dramatic moments of ups and downs but in the big picture it’s been easier than a lot of people experience. While I found some of the essays dark and even disturbing, it seems that a regular theme throughout the book is that the show is a balm, comfort food in TV form. I’m happy to say it still is for me. The show holds up a mirror to life but also is absurdist and just far enough away from reality to be comforting.

According to Buzzfeed I’ve read 82 of the nearly 400 books on the Rory Gilmore reading list and have quite a few more titles on my shelves to read someday.

While rewatching the first few episodes I got to thinking about the show and these characters again.
If I could live in a fictional place it would definitely be Star’s Hollow. It is weird and wonderful and completely ridiculous but I love it. I understand Emily Gilmore so much more now as I struggle with my own son making choices I don’t understand. She is flawed but then aren’t we all? I was surprised to see how many people dislike Rory as she gets older. She’s lived a very insular life and at 16 is just getting started. She’s going to make mistakes because that’s how we grow. There is a lot of discussion about being Team Jess or Team Logan. I’m firmly Team Rory and think each of her boyfriends were normal stepping stones in her growth. She chose her own path and won’t be defined by her romantic relationships. Good for her!

I’m giving the book 3.9 ⭐️ because it made me recall how much I like the show even if I didn’t love all of the essays.

[Sarah Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, such a great read with so many different perspectives. Ranging from sweet stories of bringing families closer, to wrestling with complex mother-daughter relationships, abuse, neglect, struggles with Asian-American identity, and poverty, this short book really was packed full.

I highly recommend for any Gilmore Girls fans out there. Brought a renewed appreciation for all the comfort and complexities this show truly brings to fans all around the world.

[Jazzy Benitez · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well written but missed where I was hoping this book would be. Love gilmore girls though, brb starting my annual rewatch soon ☺️

[Lauralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was notified by email this morning that I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley, so I downloaded it immediately and spent the day reading it. I can’t tell you how much I loved this book! As a huge Gilmore Girls fan since Day 1, I loved reading everyone’s stories on how they relate to the show. Some of the stories were sad, there were a couple I found less interesting than others, but overall I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to purchase it when it comes out in November!

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

P.S. Speaking of opinions, I really love the cover Goodreads currently has compared to the cover that NetGalley shows. The gazebo, the leaves, the green…it’s perfection!

[Lizzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve read too much GG discourse so nothing here was particularly novel or interesting. A few essays had some really cool-sounding people talking about their life and vaguely tying it back to the show. The men mostly were annoying, like they deserve an award for watching a “girly” show. But a lot of this is rehashing the same gripes and loves about this show that has been expressed for the last something something number of years and blew up during the revival. Thankfully short, and overall the writing is good, but so many people expecting too much from a tv show form the early 00s. Would be more interested in seeing these issues explored with wider trends across shows rather than harping on one show repetitively.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Gilmore Girls. I love this show so much. This whole collection reminded me of the golden days of listening to the Gilmore Guys podcast while living with Sophie and watching an episode a night. Reading these essays preaching right to me, the choir, on a sunny day was nothing short of euphoric.

Most of the contributors were Gen X women with daughters of their own--and one with a teenaged son--brought even closer by the show. Some of them see their mothers in Emily, others in Lorelai. Some want to be Lorelai's kind of mother. One woman understood firsthand the downsides to a codependent relationship like Lorelai and Rory's. We also get some millenial women relating to Rory's bookishness. A lot of them only discovered the show from the Netflix revival but were hooked immediately. There were also some surprises, the slightly clueless stepfather of the Gilmore-obsessed wife and stepdaughter, and one of my favorites, the curmudgeon who hates the show for its quirky, fast-paced dialogue eventually learning to appreciate it for all the reasons we critical thinkers who don't care about the teenaged subplots do.

Because this show is so multi-faceted! It's truly got something for everyone! It's warm-sweater-ness pulls you in initially, from the autumnal shots and Carole King of the opening credits to the actual sweaters and coats worn by Lorelai and Rory (I loved that essay detailing all the amazing coats on this show.) But underneath that, there is so much heart and intellect and great music and fun references and genuine pain and family drama and truly outstanding acting on the part of Lauren Graham and Kelly Bishop. Having watched it all the way through probably 5 or 6 times, I still tear up at some of the gnarlier Emily and Lorelai fights, all the heavy silences, and sometimes just a sweet la-la filled Sam Phillips music cue.

Some essays didn't exactly make the cut for me. There were a few identity-focused ones that could have been interesting but were so tenuously tied to the actual show that I kept thinking where is this going? (My devastating immigrant trauma is like Lorelai? Here is what I think Rory would say to my Sudanese family members? Uh, ok.) And the essay trying to redeem Rory's actions in the back half of the series was almost embarrassing in how wrong it was. There were a few of my favorite elements of the show that were left out or not given the due I thought they deserved: Lane's whole journey with music and her mom seasons 1 through 4; Lorelai's parallels with Lane, and Jess for that matter; a critique of the desperate jumping of the shark that is April; Paris Geller's entire character; Wasp culture; and even some smaller stuff like certain music cues and Sookie's food. But those will show up in my own Gilmore Girls essay I'll publish someday, and strong arm Ann Hood into including in a second edition of this book.

[Susanne Latour · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ These essay are a reflection on different aspects of the Gilmore Girls that the authors of the essays loved or the feelings of togetherness this show brought them to specific people in their lives.

I have such fond memories of watching Gilmore Girls when it first aired and I would say when listing favourite shows it’s one I would definitely mention. But, I have yet to rewatch it despite a nagging feeling that I should. My main fear is that my 47 year old self won’t like it and I’ll lose that nostalgia feeling of something that got me through my 20’s. But reading Kelly Bishop’s memoir The Third Gilmore Girl last fall (not that she talks a whole lot about the Gilmore Girls in that) as well as reading these 15 essays on ‘Why We Can’t Stop Watching Gilmore Girls’ is making me think it’s time to commit to a rewatch. 🤞🏼I enjoy it just as much.

[everything is words - Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

"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.

[Clementine · Rating 3 out of 5]

very fun and very uneven, which i sort of expected given it's 15 different writers. some of the essays really worked - i loved Katie Moulton's essay about emotional dependency and Rand Richards Cooper's beautiful, heartbreaking one about the loss of his brother-in-law - and some that did not. but it was fun to connect with other people who love (or love to hate) the show.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an essay before bed each night and it was so heartwarming. I’ve watched Gilmore Girls since it first aired on TV, I purchased all the DVDs as they slowly released with my tween/teen money, and I’ve rewatched it a million times. It’s my forever favorite show. Reading essays about how the show has impacted people’s lives, relationships, and outlook on life was everything. I would have happily read another 20 essays!

[Janet L Boyd]

Love it!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

A lovely collection on how GG has touched and related to our lives in ways big and small

[Michelle Raybourn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, enjoyable read! I’m learning a love a book of essays and I particularly loved all of the different stories around Gilmore Girls. The small details that stood out to different people was a favorite thing of mine.

[Kaylee James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars hollow has been my escape whenever I have needed it. It’s sweet to know that it has been the same for so many other people. I loved reading this :)

[Rachel Pergamit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, if a bit uneven, essays on Gilmore Girls.
My favorites were the ones about:
- lorelai and her many coats
- actually getting kicked out of your not-wealthy home in Connecticut "My Connecticut"
- Rory makes rash decisions because she's human and that's her thing
- having an Emily Gilmore as a mom and the ways it's hard to see how she expresses love
- reading is sexy but only if you have Alexis Bledel's eyes

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun collection of essays. I'm an unapologetic Gilmore Girls fan - I grew up enough of a smart Good Girl to identify with Rory (and dated a lot of Deans, a few Jesses, and am now happily with another smart Good Girl :) ). Reading it felt like I was having conversations with other Gilmore Girls fans who, despite the series having some challenges, find it as completely delightful as I do!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars Hollow revisted!

Fifteen authors tell why they love Gilmore Girls and how the show positively affected their lives. Every perspective was so different and in ways I never thought of.
My daughter and I watched the show together during her teenage years and loved it.


Thanks Edelweiss and WW Norton.

[Sydney Aerin · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I was given a free ARC of this book by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for my honest review *

I am a major Gilmore Girls fan. I started watching when I was close to Rory's age, and have now reached my Lorelai years. I rewatch episodes every fall (& usually throughout the rest of the year!) - it’s my comfort show.

This book, for the most part, felt like revisiting my favorite characters as part of a book club with other lovers of the show. As there were multiple contributing authors, I naturally favored some essays more than others - and found myself enjoying most the stories I could relate to least. Erin Almond’s story of her not-so-similar similarities to Lorelai’s experiences leaving home at the 16 was one of my favorite essays. I loved Sanjena Sathian’s comparisons and contrasts between her upbringing and Lane’s, and the commentary on the term “Asian American.” I found myself highlighting multiple lines in Yassmin Abdel-Magied’s essay. I loved reading Freya North's charming account of watching with her son.

The only one I really felt I could do without Rand Richards Cooper’s - who uses the word “slutty” anymore? And calling Lorelai a “slacker”? The woman is a workaholic. Also ironic that he complains about the wordiness of “Gilmore-Speak” when the essay uses words like “refusenik” and “churlishness.” Additionally ironic that he was annoyed that the show isn’t “how people actually talk,” when the verbiage in the quotes from his wife and teenage daughter sound nothing like any genuine conversations I’ve heard between a teenager and their parents. Trying to say he’s not able to be a fan because the show is “made for women” and he isn’t the target demographic is missing the point - he states that he likes the same types of content if performed by men. If women are supposed to enjoy this type of comedy, whether done by men or women, why can’t he? And speaking of “not the target audience” - readers of this book are not the target audience for pages of examples of why Gilmore Girls is annoying. The book’s subtitle is “15 Writers on Why We Can’t Stop Watching Gilmore Girls.” This essay is written by someone who hasn’t watched, doesn’t watch, and doesn’t plan to watch the show, and it took me out of the charm of the other essays. The parts about Wes were touching (again, ironic, because Wes enjoyed the show despite not being the target audience), but I would’ve rather 1. Had more focus on Wes and less on the author’s redundant ranting. 2. Read this essay as written by the author's wife or teenage daughter, giving us the perspective of Gilmore fans & how Wes’s love of the show led them to watching & loving too.

Overall, I enjoyed this little visit to Stars Hollow. I appreciated that the writers came from varying diverse backgrounds, and that each had a different perspective on the show. A fun, recommendable read for any Gilmore fan!

[Emily Abriatis · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It’s a lifestyle, it’s a religion.”

The only thing that bothered me was that some of these writers haven’t even seen the whole series, they were asked to write an essay first and so then they had to watch at least some of it… that part was kinda weird since so many people out there watch the show religiously and furiously. Would have been fun to have an essay from the Gilmore Guys, or one of the stars. Still made me happy to read and connect with other fans!

[Lexy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilmore Girls has been my comfort show for the past two decades. It’s an imperfect show, but returning to Stars Hollow and the characters and plot lines that I know so well always feels like home when my brain is too full and my life is too busy.

This is a book of essays written by people who feel like me about the show. You won’t find criticism or deep analysis, but you’ll find diverse people from diverse places who connect with the show in a deep way. It’s a book by fans and for fans. The essays are short and interesting, and I appreciated the varied perspectives.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early review copy.