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I Carried a Watermelon: Dirty Dancing and Me
I Carried a Watermelon is a love story to Dirty Dancing, a warm, witty and accessible look at how Katy Brand’s life-long obsession with the film has influenced her own attitudes to sex, love, romance, rights and responsibilities.
It explores the legacy of the film, from pushing women’s stories to the forefront of commercial cinema, to its ‘Gold Standard’ depiction of abortion according to leading pro-choice campaigners, and its fresh and powerful take on the classic ‘coming of age’ story told from a naïve but idealistic 17-year-old girl’s point of view.
Part memoir based on a personal obsession, part homage to a monster hit and a work of genius, Katy will explore her own memories and experiences, and talk to other fans of the film, to examine its legacy as a piece of film-making with a social agenda that many miss on first viewing. One of the most celebrated and viewed films ever made is about to have the time of its life.
It explores the legacy of the film, from pushing women’s stories to the forefront of commercial cinema, to its ‘Gold Standard’ depiction of abortion according to leading pro-choice campaigners, and its fresh and powerful take on the classic ‘coming of age’ story told from a naïve but idealistic 17-year-old girl’s point of view.
Part memoir based on a personal obsession, part homage to a monster hit and a work of genius, Katy will explore her own memories and experiences, and talk to other fans of the film, to examine its legacy as a piece of film-making with a social agenda that many miss on first viewing. One of the most celebrated and viewed films ever made is about to have the time of its life.
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First published October 10, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 1, 2019
I loved I Carried A Watermelon. I am most definitely not the target audience; I’m a bloke in his mid-60s and I have never seen Dirty Dancing (I had no idea what the title meant). I only tried it, with some trepidation, because I really like Katy Brand and her work – and I still loved it.
Katy Brand has had a lifelong (well, since she was about 12) obsession with Dirty Dancing. This is a long love-letter to the film, which she uses to make extremely intelligent, thoughtful and humane points about all sorts of things. These include the effects of dancing; father-daughter relationships; sexism; what is good, consensual sex; class (she’s brilliant on this) and a lot more. There is also a lot of autobiographical stuff, which I found very interesting, too.
The thing is, Brand is such a good writer with such an infectious enthusiasm for what she is writing about, that it’s immensely entertaining throughout. I even thoroughly enjoyed parts I would expect to be excluded from, like her superb analysis of the adaptations and remakes in which she absolutely nails what is so often wrong with modern, “bigger and better” versions of classics, or her description of a fan weekend at “Kellerman’s,” the setting of the film. I was right there with her, feeling every nuance of excitement and friendship, even though I’d never seen any of what she was talking about. The book is a pleasure from beginning to end.
This is a hugely entertaining book about so much more than a classic movie. If I enjoyed it, I think anyone would and can recommend it very warmly.
(My thanks to HQ publishers for an ARC via Netgalley.)
Katy Brand has had a lifelong (well, since she was about 12) obsession with Dirty Dancing. This is a long love-letter to the film, which she uses to make extremely intelligent, thoughtful and humane points about all sorts of things. These include the effects of dancing; father-daughter relationships; sexism; what is good, consensual sex; class (she’s brilliant on this) and a lot more. There is also a lot of autobiographical stuff, which I found very interesting, too.
The thing is, Brand is such a good writer with such an infectious enthusiasm for what she is writing about, that it’s immensely entertaining throughout. I even thoroughly enjoyed parts I would expect to be excluded from, like her superb analysis of the adaptations and remakes in which she absolutely nails what is so often wrong with modern, “bigger and better” versions of classics, or her description of a fan weekend at “Kellerman’s,” the setting of the film. I was right there with her, feeling every nuance of excitement and friendship, even though I’d never seen any of what she was talking about. The book is a pleasure from beginning to end.
This is a hugely entertaining book about so much more than a classic movie. If I enjoyed it, I think anyone would and can recommend it very warmly.
(My thanks to HQ publishers for an ARC via Netgalley.)
December 15, 2019
I was thrilled to get a copy of I Carried a Watermelon as I’ve been a fan of Dirty Dancing ever since I first saw it when I was 11 – my cousin who’s 2 years older than me brought her video round to my house and I was mesmerised by what I saw. It turns out that Katy Brand is a similar age to me and was the same age when she first saw the film so I could really identify with her thoughts and feelings about the film so needless to say I adored this book!
Katy Brand takes us through her first experience of watching the film and how obsessed she quickly became with it. I could totally identify with her wanting to watch it over and over again but not being able to because she’d not recorded it. Also the pain of finally getting my own copy on video and it eventually getting chewed! She also explores the themes in the film and how it stands up to the test of time. There are some stories from behind the scenes, some of which I hadn’t known. Katy also visits the resort which was Kellermans and I loved these parts of the book, it felt like I was along on the trip and experiencing it all for myself!
I loved the way Katy Brand discusses how we see the women in Dirty Dancing and how our opinion of them changes as we grow older and I totally concur with what she says. The way as pre-teens we all wanted to be Baby and to have a holiday romance with Johnny but we didn’t really understand what happened with Penny or why it was such a big deal. Then you get a little older and you learn the fears of job insecurity and you understand what abortion is and suddenly it’s Penny you focus on as you watch; and now as 40 year olds we understand the older women such as Vivian and Baby’s mother a bit more.
I have a complicated relationship with Dirty Dancing, which I won’t go into here, but for years it was my favourite film, my go-to film when I needed cheering up. However, for a long time I lost all the happiness that the film used to bring me. In recent years I’ve slowly been getting that love back and this book has been the icing on the cake for that. I now want to grab some popcorn and get lost in Baby’s story all over again!
I Carried a Watermelon is a fabulous book for anyone who loves the film Dirty Dancing. I highly recommend it!
This review was originally posted on my blog https://rathertoofondofbooks.com
Katy Brand takes us through her first experience of watching the film and how obsessed she quickly became with it. I could totally identify with her wanting to watch it over and over again but not being able to because she’d not recorded it. Also the pain of finally getting my own copy on video and it eventually getting chewed! She also explores the themes in the film and how it stands up to the test of time. There are some stories from behind the scenes, some of which I hadn’t known. Katy also visits the resort which was Kellermans and I loved these parts of the book, it felt like I was along on the trip and experiencing it all for myself!
I loved the way Katy Brand discusses how we see the women in Dirty Dancing and how our opinion of them changes as we grow older and I totally concur with what she says. The way as pre-teens we all wanted to be Baby and to have a holiday romance with Johnny but we didn’t really understand what happened with Penny or why it was such a big deal. Then you get a little older and you learn the fears of job insecurity and you understand what abortion is and suddenly it’s Penny you focus on as you watch; and now as 40 year olds we understand the older women such as Vivian and Baby’s mother a bit more.
I have a complicated relationship with Dirty Dancing, which I won’t go into here, but for years it was my favourite film, my go-to film when I needed cheering up. However, for a long time I lost all the happiness that the film used to bring me. In recent years I’ve slowly been getting that love back and this book has been the icing on the cake for that. I now want to grab some popcorn and get lost in Baby’s story all over again!
I Carried a Watermelon is a fabulous book for anyone who loves the film Dirty Dancing. I highly recommend it!
This review was originally posted on my blog https://rathertoofondofbooks.com
November 20, 2019
I know all the words to the main songs and I've (drunkenly) attempted THAT lift at least twice yet I've only ever watched the film once and that was roughly around the time it came out. So I found this a really interesting, fun insight into why I should probably get around to having a second viewing.
Not knowing the film and it's background there was so much to learn for me and all of it fascinating and the chapter on the actual Catskills holiday destination made me want to actually go and join in the fun regardless of my lack of super-fan-ness. I enjoyed the memoir part and the writing is simple and humorous. I enjoyed it as a beginners guide to watching the film but I think it would make a great read for any enthusiast
Not knowing the film and it's background there was so much to learn for me and all of it fascinating and the chapter on the actual Catskills holiday destination made me want to actually go and join in the fun regardless of my lack of super-fan-ness. I enjoyed the memoir part and the writing is simple and humorous. I enjoyed it as a beginners guide to watching the film but I think it would make a great read for any enthusiast
October 29, 2019
Funny, insightful, and inspiring. A fun examination of a classic that more than stands up to the scrutiny. Brand's writing is honest, fun and engaging and speaks to the Baby in all of us.
June 28, 2021
5 stars || "I couldn't believe I had lived before Dirty Dancing. I couldn't believe anything had mattered."
Firstly, I want to begin by saying that I listened to the audiobook and I think everyone else should too! Hearing the fondness and excitement in Katy Brand's voice as she talks about her favourite film is heartwarming and makes the book even more enjoyable.
This book was a beautiful ode to Dirty Dancing. The way Katy talks so passionately about the film was infectious, and I found myself appreciating the film even more because of it. Whilst I wouldn't say it is an out-and-out memoir, there are many anecdotal stories from Katy's life interspersed in the chapters which serve as examples of just how formative this film was in her life.
When she discusses the influence of Dirty Dancing on her own life, Katy goes beyond triviality. She explores the film's class relations, its embrace of female sexuality, and its approach to abortion, and how this impacted her own personal politics and morals (even when she was an Evangelical Christian - you need to read this book!).
I genuinely cannot sing the praises of this book enough. I must admit, I have had the Dirty Dancing soundtrack on repeat since I began it!
Firstly, I want to begin by saying that I listened to the audiobook and I think everyone else should too! Hearing the fondness and excitement in Katy Brand's voice as she talks about her favourite film is heartwarming and makes the book even more enjoyable.
This book was a beautiful ode to Dirty Dancing. The way Katy talks so passionately about the film was infectious, and I found myself appreciating the film even more because of it. Whilst I wouldn't say it is an out-and-out memoir, there are many anecdotal stories from Katy's life interspersed in the chapters which serve as examples of just how formative this film was in her life.
When she discusses the influence of Dirty Dancing on her own life, Katy goes beyond triviality. She explores the film's class relations, its embrace of female sexuality, and its approach to abortion, and how this impacted her own personal politics and morals (even when she was an Evangelical Christian - you need to read this book!).
I genuinely cannot sing the praises of this book enough. I must admit, I have had the Dirty Dancing soundtrack on repeat since I began it!
February 16, 2022
i bawled my eyes out. someone out there gets it .
May 23, 2020
This book was a sheer delight!! Katy Brand is hilarious and delivers the narration perfectly. As a die-hard Dirty Dancing fan since the age of nine (and who has watched the movie at least three dozen times since then), this book brought me back to my love for the movie and let's be honest, Patrick Swayze.
I related SO much to the author's experience and love for the movie and many of its characters. Just how progressive this movie was, both for the time it was supposed to take place in and the time it was filmed in, cannot be minimized. The storyline, the way the characters were written and portrayed, and the actors chosen for each part all come together for an amazing story that has stuck with me (and many, MANY others) for decades. Even some movies now, made when we are supposed to be much more evolved regarding social issues, could learn a thing or two from Dirty Dancing.
The author's insights, introspection, and hilarious delivery are a breath of fresh air that this movie and story so deserve. She does a deep dive into the movie and talks about things that many of us have either forgot about. didn't notice, or hadn't realized WHY we related to so much. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this audiobook and will be listening to it again and again, although maybe not as many times as I will rewatch the movie, because let's face it, I would have 30 years of watching the move to catch up with. ;-)
Thank you Katy Brand, this was an absolute delight!!!!
I related SO much to the author's experience and love for the movie and many of its characters. Just how progressive this movie was, both for the time it was supposed to take place in and the time it was filmed in, cannot be minimized. The storyline, the way the characters were written and portrayed, and the actors chosen for each part all come together for an amazing story that has stuck with me (and many, MANY others) for decades. Even some movies now, made when we are supposed to be much more evolved regarding social issues, could learn a thing or two from Dirty Dancing.
The author's insights, introspection, and hilarious delivery are a breath of fresh air that this movie and story so deserve. She does a deep dive into the movie and talks about things that many of us have either forgot about. didn't notice, or hadn't realized WHY we related to so much. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this audiobook and will be listening to it again and again, although maybe not as many times as I will rewatch the movie, because let's face it, I would have 30 years of watching the move to catch up with. ;-)
Thank you Katy Brand, this was an absolute delight!!!!
December 14, 2022
If you’re a fan of Dirty Dancing, you’ll be a fan of this book. I enjoyed reflecting a little deeper about what the film means to me :)
November 11, 2020
Reflections and lessons learned:
What a great analysis of one of my favourite films of all time... Prejudice, snobbery, self discovery of a young girl, and what it takes to be an honest person - all packed into 90 mins, soundtracked by energy grooving and thoughtful/ emotional songs.
For me this film first came along at such a key moment in my life... and I had to watch it on Christmas Day with my Mom, Dad and Nan in a chair sinking embarrassment of watching sexy scenes and live developing a crush in youth... so many memorable, and much used in my own life, quotes - I have been the misunderstood Johnny, naive and put upon Baby, messed up Penny, smug and condescending Robbie and Neil, wise and principled Jake, ditzy and confused Lisa, sitting back but stepping up Marjorie, and even late night/early morning sneaking Vivienne... This book is a long love letter to the film and what great random facts! Katy, thankyou for saving us all from the terrible Sherzinger version - RDD over FDD version any day #imwearingtheiconicfilmtshirtasiwritethis
What a great analysis of one of my favourite films of all time... Prejudice, snobbery, self discovery of a young girl, and what it takes to be an honest person - all packed into 90 mins, soundtracked by energy grooving and thoughtful/ emotional songs.
For me this film first came along at such a key moment in my life... and I had to watch it on Christmas Day with my Mom, Dad and Nan in a chair sinking embarrassment of watching sexy scenes and live developing a crush in youth... so many memorable, and much used in my own life, quotes - I have been the misunderstood Johnny, naive and put upon Baby, messed up Penny, smug and condescending Robbie and Neil, wise and principled Jake, ditzy and confused Lisa, sitting back but stepping up Marjorie, and even late night/early morning sneaking Vivienne... This book is a long love letter to the film and what great random facts! Katy, thankyou for saving us all from the terrible Sherzinger version - RDD over FDD version any day #imwearingtheiconicfilmtshirtasiwritethis
April 11, 2020
I hadn’t watched Dirty Dancing all the way through before I received this book as a gift. I watched it one night before I started reading the book (for context) and enjoyed it but by the end of the book I had caught the enthusiasm and appreciation. Would highly recommend to anyone who can relate to being obsessed with a film and enjoys exploring the profound effect of this on a person.
March 14, 2024
A blend of super endearing fangirl drivel and intellectualizing one of my favorite 80s cult classics-- this is a perfect beach read for Spring Break in Florida! Thinking about Dirty Dancing as a “feminist manifesto” makes me feel the hours and hours my sister and I spent practicing the lift in backyard pool were totally justified. Dirty Dancing is a coming of age story with all the right lessons-- women of all ages should take notes!
April 14, 2020
Lovely mix of memoir and movie critique. I adore the movie Dirty Dancing, so that's the reason I picked the book up, but Katy Brand's sense of voice was strong and engaging enough that I'll be looking for her work in the future.
November 1, 2020
Anything to do with Dirty Dancing and I have to pick it up. It certainly did not disappoint from trying not to laugh out loud on the train while reading to nodding along with agreement at shared experiences I loved it. With each chapter being named after a song from the soundtrack I hummed accordingly as I read. A true love letter to a genuine classic film which will make fans old and new instantly want to rewatch the film...once they have finished this book.
October 14, 2019
Fans of the movie will adore this book. It is humorous and insightful in the way it examines the movie and it’s impact and meaning - both on a personal level for the author and for the wider society. It made me go straight to watch the film again this morning and gave me a new outlook on it. I have seen it several times before and enjoyed watching it again with all the information from the book. The writing style was engaging and easy to read and added an extra layer to the film.
November 7, 2019
Reading this was really fun. Like Brand, when I first watched Dirty Dancing, I didn't understand that Penny was pregnant and the subtle feminist message behind her abortion. Brand integrates her feelings for Dirty Dancing with her own story through funny stories and heartfelt sincerity.
October 17, 2019
I adore Dirty Dancing and I’m so, so pleased to see it given such love and credit. If you somehow haven’t seen the movie yet, go and watch it. It might just change your life.
April 30, 2022
As a huge fellow Dirty Dancing fan, this book was such a great read. I am one year older than the author and grew up Watching this movie daily to the point of obsession just like her, actually we could of been great friends I would imagine.
I continued watching it throughout my twenties and thirties, so much so that my 15yr old could probably recite it backwards too haha.
I was also lucky enough to get to a live show in Brisbane about 8 years ago that even though I went to it thinking I probably wouldn’t like it, it turned out I really loved it, no doubt the atmosphere of everyone singing along etc. my daughter was 7 at the time and loved every second.
Like her I have googled every little thing I could find out about this movie and about Patrick (❣️❣️❣️) I too found the Mountain Lake lodge about ten years ago though I’ve not been lucky enough to get there, I do remember there was a show filmed there a while back but I didn’t think much of it if I’m honest.
She mentioned Patrick Swayze’s autobiography in her book and I swear everyone needs to read it, also if you do the audio it’s actually Patrick that reads it, I’m not kidding but the first time I listened to it I broke down in tears. There is also a second book he started with his wife Lisa and she finished it when he passed, it’s pretty heart breaking and a must read if you are a fan.
See, I’m obsessed haha.
Back to this book, brilliantly written with a lot of humour in there, this girl definitely knows how to dig up information and even though I knew most of it, it was nice to see it altogether and I also loved all the things she learned while staying at the mountain as I’d never heard that stuff before.
Great read that I read in one day, any Dirty Dancing fan will love this ❤️
I continued watching it throughout my twenties and thirties, so much so that my 15yr old could probably recite it backwards too haha.
I was also lucky enough to get to a live show in Brisbane about 8 years ago that even though I went to it thinking I probably wouldn’t like it, it turned out I really loved it, no doubt the atmosphere of everyone singing along etc. my daughter was 7 at the time and loved every second.
Like her I have googled every little thing I could find out about this movie and about Patrick (❣️❣️❣️) I too found the Mountain Lake lodge about ten years ago though I’ve not been lucky enough to get there, I do remember there was a show filmed there a while back but I didn’t think much of it if I’m honest.
She mentioned Patrick Swayze’s autobiography in her book and I swear everyone needs to read it, also if you do the audio it’s actually Patrick that reads it, I’m not kidding but the first time I listened to it I broke down in tears. There is also a second book he started with his wife Lisa and she finished it when he passed, it’s pretty heart breaking and a must read if you are a fan.
See, I’m obsessed haha.
Back to this book, brilliantly written with a lot of humour in there, this girl definitely knows how to dig up information and even though I knew most of it, it was nice to see it altogether and I also loved all the things she learned while staying at the mountain as I’d never heard that stuff before.
Great read that I read in one day, any Dirty Dancing fan will love this ❤️
February 26, 2024
I found a number of the author’s takeaways to be striking:
- Baby doesn’t try to change for Johnny.
- there were no games between Baby and Johnny.
- “the central issue of the film is not whether she has slept with him too fast to retain his respect, or whether he fancies someone else more, or whether she’s cool enough for him. It’s whether or not she can solve the mystery of a series of purse thefts … And whether she can respect herself, even when she loses the respect of her father.”
- “The moment where, in the harsh early morning light, grim faced, Vivian, free of make up, exits Robbie’s cabin and, as she put her tights in her evening bag, looks up to see Baby and Johnny, the image of wholesome sexuality, kissing each other goodbye after a night of love and tenderness, has got to be one of the bleakest images in romantic cinema.”
(And my own note here: I’ve always felt this movie is the reason why so many in my generation can’t stand the word “lover”; Vivian made it feel dirty.)
- “Her motivation is purely to help another woman in need. . . It is an act of female solidarity.”
- Nobody questions Penny’s choice to have an abortion, there’s no ethical discussion. There’s only support and logistics. Even Baby’s dad doesn’t judge Penny. “Real people have to have abortions, even as they’re dancing.”
- “Dirty Dancing showed me as a young girl … that should the problem arise in my life, I could count on other women to help me, just as Baby helps Penny, and that good men will back me up and support me through it.”
I personally see this movie as formative in showing me that abortion is healthcare and not having access to safe abortions leads to scary consequences.
- Baby doesn’t try to change for Johnny.
- there were no games between Baby and Johnny.
- “the central issue of the film is not whether she has slept with him too fast to retain his respect, or whether he fancies someone else more, or whether she’s cool enough for him. It’s whether or not she can solve the mystery of a series of purse thefts … And whether she can respect herself, even when she loses the respect of her father.”
- “The moment where, in the harsh early morning light, grim faced, Vivian, free of make up, exits Robbie’s cabin and, as she put her tights in her evening bag, looks up to see Baby and Johnny, the image of wholesome sexuality, kissing each other goodbye after a night of love and tenderness, has got to be one of the bleakest images in romantic cinema.”
(And my own note here: I’ve always felt this movie is the reason why so many in my generation can’t stand the word “lover”; Vivian made it feel dirty.)
- “Her motivation is purely to help another woman in need. . . It is an act of female solidarity.”
- Nobody questions Penny’s choice to have an abortion, there’s no ethical discussion. There’s only support and logistics. Even Baby’s dad doesn’t judge Penny. “Real people have to have abortions, even as they’re dancing.”
- “Dirty Dancing showed me as a young girl … that should the problem arise in my life, I could count on other women to help me, just as Baby helps Penny, and that good men will back me up and support me through it.”
I personally see this movie as formative in showing me that abortion is healthcare and not having access to safe abortions leads to scary consequences.
July 2, 2020
It was the coronavirus isolation of 2020 and everyone was stuck inside and it didn’t occur to me to mind….okay that’s a lie. I was bored (but safe and lucky). So I decided to read I Carried a Watermelon. The reason was two-fold: 1) I like Katy Brand, I think she is funny and 2) I love Dirty Dancing. I don’t just love Dirty Dancing, I LOVE Dirty Dancing. It is a love that a few people have. An obsessive love, a love in which no one can speak badly about Dirty Dancingbecause I will fall out with them. I got the sense (cleverly through the title of the book and the picture on the cover of Katy Brand brandishing a watermelon) that Katy Brand liked it too.
I Carried a Watermelon is a fantastic memoir – it is funny, light hearted, silly in places but overall it connects with the reader through this shared love of the classic 80s film Dirty Dancing. Brand walks you through her childhood when we relied of video cassettes with the threat of them being worn out or in Brand’s case hidden by her father, the depression – when the remake was made (I wasn’t as brave as Brand – I saw it in snippets, I couldn’t watch the whole thing). But through it all she has this really positive attitude and pro-women-gung-ho-ness about her.
I loved it. I genuinely couldn’t put it down and I am so very jealous that she got to go to the real life Kellerman’s resort.
One thing is for sure, I will not be putting Katy Brand’s I Carried a Watermelon in the corner – that was a bit tenuous but you know what I mean.
I Carried a Watermelon by Katy Brand is available now.
I Carried a Watermelon is a fantastic memoir – it is funny, light hearted, silly in places but overall it connects with the reader through this shared love of the classic 80s film Dirty Dancing. Brand walks you through her childhood when we relied of video cassettes with the threat of them being worn out or in Brand’s case hidden by her father, the depression – when the remake was made (I wasn’t as brave as Brand – I saw it in snippets, I couldn’t watch the whole thing). But through it all she has this really positive attitude and pro-women-gung-ho-ness about her.
I loved it. I genuinely couldn’t put it down and I am so very jealous that she got to go to the real life Kellerman’s resort.
One thing is for sure, I will not be putting Katy Brand’s I Carried a Watermelon in the corner – that was a bit tenuous but you know what I mean.
I Carried a Watermelon by Katy Brand is available now.
September 27, 2023
𝕀 ℂ𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕕 𝕒 𝕎𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕖𝕝𝕠𝕟 🍉
By Katy Brand
Aw, I really enjoyed this book.
Katy hits the age of 40 and celebrates by watching Dirty Dancing for the millionth time.
This brought back nostalgia of her younger years when she watched the film for the first time and over and over from the age of 11.
Katy explains how the film influenced her choices in life and the way she looked at things whilst growing up!
Dirty Dancing is a coming of age story with a strong heroine with lots of passionate dancing and sex. There are so many strong threads running through the tale such as a woman's choice in abortion, the higher and lower classes and the limited opportunities they have to work/survive with a strong sense of community and looking out for one another.
I remember watching this film with my mum when I was 16, and she fast forwarded the dirty bits!🤣 I have watched it all the way through since then, and I can totally relate to what Katy says about the film 🎥
It's such an iconic movie and one that all young girls should watch.
That famous scene 'I carried a Watermelon 🍉!' And 'The Lift' will never be forgotten!
There are some strong female messages at the end of the book that make you feel empowered to be a woman.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!🤓
By Katy Brand
Aw, I really enjoyed this book.
Katy hits the age of 40 and celebrates by watching Dirty Dancing for the millionth time.
This brought back nostalgia of her younger years when she watched the film for the first time and over and over from the age of 11.
Katy explains how the film influenced her choices in life and the way she looked at things whilst growing up!
Dirty Dancing is a coming of age story with a strong heroine with lots of passionate dancing and sex. There are so many strong threads running through the tale such as a woman's choice in abortion, the higher and lower classes and the limited opportunities they have to work/survive with a strong sense of community and looking out for one another.
I remember watching this film with my mum when I was 16, and she fast forwarded the dirty bits!🤣 I have watched it all the way through since then, and I can totally relate to what Katy says about the film 🎥
It's such an iconic movie and one that all young girls should watch.
That famous scene 'I carried a Watermelon 🍉!' And 'The Lift' will never be forgotten!
There are some strong female messages at the end of the book that make you feel empowered to be a woman.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!🤓
April 13, 2024
I loved this book. As a super Dirty Dancing fan who has been to both filming locations and have tons of DD souvenirs from both places, this was the book for me. I loved her humor and how she visited Mountain Lake. Her experience of her messed up DD tape was like mine when I accidentally taped North and South over mine. It was good to meet a crazed fan like myself.
Niki Taylor
author of I've Had the Time of My Life and I Owe it All to Me, a story of how Dirty Dancing became my comfort movie as I went through life-changing medical problems. Now available in ebook on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Ive-Had-Time-L...
Niki Taylor
author of I've Had the Time of My Life and I Owe it All to Me, a story of how Dirty Dancing became my comfort movie as I went through life-changing medical problems. Now available in ebook on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Ive-Had-Time-L...
January 6, 2021
I picked this book up on a whim if I'm honest, I don't really know all that much about Katy Brand but I adore Dirty Dancing and the title just spoke to me. I wanted to love this book so much and I am so glad that it pulled through for me. I watched Dirty Dancing for the first time at a similar age to Katy and just like her can remember watching it for the first time so vividly. Dirty Dancing has been such a huge and influential part of my life it was lovely reading of someone (a little further on in their life) who has had similar experiences to myself and that love for Dirty Dancing being just as big in someone else. I loved learning little tid bits about the film and filming that I hadn't known before and overall the book has made me want to go back and rewatch Dirty Dancing straight away. If you haven't you should definitely watch Dirty Dancing and then read this book.
October 9, 2021
I knew what book Katy was writing because I saw it on twitter. I like her and I like the movie Dirty Dancing, so of course this book was on my To Be Read List. But I've also heard Katy talking about the movie on radio and it gave me some idea of what she has to say. I've never analysed the movie to such depth, hearing her talking about it so passionately has opened my eyes quite a lot. But this book is so much more. It is about the movie, about what it means (a lot), but it is also a little bit of a memoir. It is really clever, because the story of Katy's life is told around the story of the movie. It is a nice read, a lovely book, and it makes me like Katy more and also, for some reason, I have a need to watch Dirty Dancing again... Besides, I am very glad to see that I wasn't the only child who loved being home alone in order to stage the greatest imaginary shows in the living room...
February 28, 2022
I would call myself a fan of Dirty Dancing, (though apparently not to the level of knowing that the real Kellerman's had Dirty Dancing themed weekends!?!) so of course, the title caught my eye. When I read the book's description, I thought, "who could write a whole book on their love on this movie?" Answer: Katy Brand. I wasn't sure what I would get out of this book, but I can say with certainty how insightful and passionate it is. This book breaks down into minute, but worthwhile detail why we fall in love with this movie. I absolutely learned some new and interesting information about the film and what happened behind the scenes. This book is not for everyone, but if you are like me and consider yourself a fan of Dirty Dancing, you will appreciate the thought and research that went into I Carried a Watermelon.
September 11, 2022
If you even vaguely like the movie then I really urge you to pick up a copy of this book because it will transport back to all those feelings you had when you first saw it and remind you of all the many reasons why it is such a great movie.
There is bits of movie trivia that you learn about the actors but also about the making of the movie and how it was widely expected to go straight to VHS release but one weekend in the movie theatres changed that.
I love how Katy draw on her own life experiences and how the movie had not only had an impact on her when she first saw it but how through the years it had stayed with her in various ways.
Everything about this book made me happy and made me smile and now I am going to spend a happy evening rewatching this movie yet again.
There is bits of movie trivia that you learn about the actors but also about the making of the movie and how it was widely expected to go straight to VHS release but one weekend in the movie theatres changed that.
I love how Katy draw on her own life experiences and how the movie had not only had an impact on her when she first saw it but how through the years it had stayed with her in various ways.
Everything about this book made me happy and made me smile and now I am going to spend a happy evening rewatching this movie yet again.
June 21, 2022
This book was bought for me as a birthday present as I'm such a big fan of Dirty Dancing, i learnt a lot of tit bits from this book. The summer the film came out my friends and I watched it over and over again, we were about 12/13. Unlike Katy I loved the musical and cried at the end the performances were amazing, it was when it first came out so I think I need to go back and see it again 😃 I would have liked to see Katy's photos of when she went to 'Kellermans' and if she needs someone to go back with - im free 😜 I watched the film again just a few days ago and was surprised how fast it moves on, its over so quickly.
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January 5, 2023This fun book looks at how Dirty Dancing influenced the life and love of Katy's life a passion that will carry on throughout her adult life. This book made me laugh and question everything I thought the movie was about. It covers topics I never thought about watching the movie ( maybe naive me in Australia when I was younger compared to being American and brought up in that era) it is fabulously written and presented - laughter provoking thought-provoking and a trip down memory lane for those of us who wish we met our Johhny's in life! Touches on the issues that affect women and where women were must read even if just for the fun of it.
September 26, 2020
As someone who was introduced to Dirty Dancing as a preteen by my mum and has loved the movie ever since, this book is A+.
Although a decade or two apart, I shared a surprising number of first time viewing confusion/misunderstandings w Katy; ex. The pregnancy and following abortion - I knew it was bad, but didn’t really understand it, which was kinda neat, I don’t know how to properly word my feelings.
Also this book was (unsurprisingly) very funny, & I now know enough about the remake to know that I’ll never ever ever watch it ever.
Although a decade or two apart, I shared a surprising number of first time viewing confusion/misunderstandings w Katy; ex. The pregnancy and following abortion - I knew it was bad, but didn’t really understand it, which was kinda neat, I don’t know how to properly word my feelings.
Also this book was (unsurprisingly) very funny, & I now know enough about the remake to know that I’ll never ever ever watch it ever.
November 5, 2020
If you consider yourself a fan of Dirty Dancing, pick this up. I listened to the audiobook while I was in the process of packing up my flat to move. I stopped midway to eat and have a cheeky rewatch of the film. I've lost track of how many times I've watched it now. I think I first watched it when it was on Channel 5 when I was about 15 and fell in love instantly. It still manages to hold up 30-odd years on.
Brand weaves a fantastic analysis of the film with a memoir of how it's affected her life. It's just an absolute joy to listen to.
Brand weaves a fantastic analysis of the film with a memoir of how it's affected her life. It's just an absolute joy to listen to.
May 30, 2022
A very quick and very delightful read about one women’s obsession with Dirty Dancing. It’s a movie I’ve loved since I first saw it and watch it regularly. While I may not exactly be the audience for the book – – seems to be catering to women more than men – – I related enough to enjoy it. The author is British so there are references to things and use of words that i was not familiar with it making it a slightly more challenging but also fun and educational. I look forward to watching the movie again in its entirety again soon to fully appreciate all of the observations and stories.
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