Edith Ann: My Life, So Far

by Jane Wagner, Lily Tomlin

First seen perched in her big yellow rocker as Lily Tomlin's six-something alter ego on Laugh-In, and now starring in a series of animated specials on ABC, Edith Ann has always been everyone's favorite sandbox philosopher. In My Life, So Far, written and illustrated by Jane Wagner, this kid on the cutting edge of childhood continues to make us laugh and think and then rethink what we've just been laughing at. Filled with time-released smart pills for the soul and state-of-the-heart insights into childhood as a lifestyle, this is the book that asks the question: "What was the question?"

Genres: Humor, Fiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1994

About the author

Jane Wagner is an American writer, director and producer. Wagner is best known as Lily Tomlin's comedy writer, collaborator and life partner.

She is the author of The Search For Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, The Incredible Shrinking Woman and other Tomlin vehicles.

Reviews

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is deceiving. It started out as light reading; funny, sweet and quippy, something akin to reading Will Rogers or James Thurber. But, a deeper story starts to build in the most subtle of ways and, before you know it, you're caught up in the psyche of Edith Ann and the world she understands fully and not at all.

I knew from the beginning that I would enjoy this book, but I was surprised to find how truly moved I was by the end. The last 11 pages of this book were some of the most real, poignant writing on love and loss that I've ever read.

[Jami Dutcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me this book was just OK. It wasn't what I expected at all. I thought it would be like the Edith Ann character that Lily Tomlin performed so brilliantly but it wasn't. It was the musings of a child but the subjects were too adult for a child. It was written as more of a teenage character instead of the 5 1/2 yr old character of Lily Tomlin.

[Geri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first saw Lily Tomlin as Edith Ann on Laugh-In.
I thought she was wonderful and laughed a lot.
Lily's a good comedian/actor and an all-around good person.

Though I couldn't always hear Lily/Edith Ann as I was reading, I thought the book was pretty good.

[Gary Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny as only Jane Wagner can write! Met Lilly Tomlin and Jane Wagner at the book signing in Washington, DC. Ms. Tomlin signed the book: To Gary, Edith Ann (using big magic marker held in her fist); Ms. Wagner signed the book: To Gary Love, Jane Wagner.

[Victoria & David Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

When this was written, Edith Ann was 5 1/2, Jane Wagner was 59, and Lily Tomlin was 55.

Edith is nothing if not precocious. And that is her charm.
However in this book she comes across as, at a minimum, at least an older preteen.
That was unexpected, unprepared for, and almost totally spoiled the effect.

Jane and Lily are no doubt in touch with their inner child and that inner child is no doubt precocious.
And that is their brilliance.
Just not in this book.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have ever seen Lily Tomlin play Edith Ann on TV, grab this fun book.

[Aly_gi · Rating 5 out of 5]

and if no one gets me, I know edith ann and jane wagner do

[Melanie Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

something i read as a kid. just love it. nostalgic and charming <3

[Dottie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life through the eyes of Lily Tomlin's character is quite entertaining -- loved the character and throughly enjoyed the book.

[Sherry (sethurner) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Remember Laugh In, and Lily Tomlin's straight-talking toddler, Edith Ann? This is a collection of short reflections on life, the universe, and everything according to Edith Ann. Fast and fun.

[Frank Taranto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing and insightful. Well done.

[Mary Matzen jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read.

[Libby Talley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any time I need a pick me up, I read this book. It's as simple as that.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being named Anne Edith, I always had a soft spot for Edith Anne! Lily Tomlin is one of the funniest, very real, women in the planet. This book is a delight!

[Michele A.]

Liked the book very much.

[Gary Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lilly Tomlin played "Edith Ann" on Laugh-In and loved her comments on life: "Unless you are at a picnic, life is no picnic," or "Among kids my age, childhood is the leading cause of stress."
I met Jane Wagner and Lilly Tomlin at a book signing for "Edith Ann" which I cherish. This was not long after Ms. Tomlin won the Tony Award for the one woman show: "Signs of Intelligent Life In the Universe" that Ms. Wagner wrote. I recommend reading "Signs of Intelligent..." as it's remarkable and showcases the brilliant writing of Jane Wagner.