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A Very Special 90210 Book: 100 Essential Episodes from TV's Hottest Zip Code
The 90210 superfan’s companion to the lives and loves of West Beverly’s in-crowd
From the creators of the hit podcast Again With This comes a hilarious and substantive 90210 book that is perfect for celebrating the 30th anniversary of the show’s first episode. Join Tara Ariano and Sarah D. Bunting as they journey through the top 100 episodes of the series, covering everything from episode rankings to season overviews, character spotlights, and listicles. You’ll rediscover what you’ve forgotten and perhaps learn what you never knew. A Very Special 90210 Book is the perfect keepsake for every former teen fan (we know you’re out there) who wants to relive the good ol’ days at West Beverly.
From the creators of the hit podcast Again With This comes a hilarious and substantive 90210 book that is perfect for celebrating the 30th anniversary of the show’s first episode. Join Tara Ariano and Sarah D. Bunting as they journey through the top 100 episodes of the series, covering everything from episode rankings to season overviews, character spotlights, and listicles. You’ll rediscover what you’ve forgotten and perhaps learn what you never knew. A Very Special 90210 Book is the perfect keepsake for every former teen fan (we know you’re out there) who wants to relive the good ol’ days at West Beverly.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2020
29 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 13, 2024
It took me so long to finish this book because I was reading along with my -looks away, mumbles- fourth watch-through of 90210. If you're a fan of this show (even if you love to hate-watch it) and especially if you listen to Ariano and Bunting's podcast Again With This, this guide is a must. It's the definitive recap Bible full of sidebars, lists, and beautiful illustrations.
September 23, 2020
I'm curious if this will appeal to readers who aren't fans of the gloriously entertaining "Again With This" podcast. If you love the podcast, you'll love the book. If you loved reading the old "Television Without Pity" website, you'll love the book. After years of listening to the podcast, I feel as though Sarah and Tara (and Dave!) are old friends, so it's impossible for me to review this book impartially. The audience knows who they are, but I sincerely hope some newbies discover it as well.
September 18, 2021
As someone who only watched some of 90210 when it was on Pop, I wasn't sure if I should read this book, but luckily, I had seen enough of the episodes featured (Side note: what were the 7 additional episodes in the other edition?) to enjoy the book. I liked the little featurettes in each season like 'What was Andrea's expose about?' or 'Ranking all of the owners of the Peach Pit'. Daily reminder that Tiffani Thiessen and Valerie Malone both deserve better. Looking forward to listening to the podcast one day.
December 23, 2020
I am huge Beverly Hills, 90210 fan. This show first aired when I was in high school, then college, and then part of my early adult life. I loved every minute of this show even when it reached ridiculous heights in storytelling. I was just passionate about this show and saw almost every episode right up until the series finale. I also own every season on DVD, several magazines dedicated to the show, and other little things. When I got word that this book was out in the world, I knew I was going to read it and add it to my 90201 collection, and, boy, am I super glad I did!
This little tome is hilarious. I enjoyed every page! The two authors picked 93 episodes (not 100) to recap and tear apart. I've been re-watching the entire series, so I was very familiar again with the episodes and this just increased my enjoyment. Even though I love the series, I can truly appreciate the mocking of the characters, the ripping apart of the stories in terms of continuity and errors, and the disdain for certain story lines the show attempted to tackle but failed miserably at. I often found myself laughing out loud as the authors trashed Brandon (nonstop), Noah, and several others. I will be honest that I never really questioned or thought about some of the things I saw in the series that these two authors dissect such as the show's poor handling of sexual assault, mental illness, and drug abuse and recovery. This book made me think and I will definitely be looking at some of the episodes differently.
If I have a criticism of this book is that the later seasons get short shrift in terms of recaps. Most of the book is devoted to the first six seasons. It should have been balanced out a bit more. I also wish the authors had tackled all of the episodes. It would have taken a bit longer to read, but it probably would have been just as hilarious as the 93 recaps the authors wrote about. This is a really fun read, and I'm sure I will be referencing it continuously as I continue my re-watching of the series. (I really hope these two authors do a similar book for Melrose Place!)
This little tome is hilarious. I enjoyed every page! The two authors picked 93 episodes (not 100) to recap and tear apart. I've been re-watching the entire series, so I was very familiar again with the episodes and this just increased my enjoyment. Even though I love the series, I can truly appreciate the mocking of the characters, the ripping apart of the stories in terms of continuity and errors, and the disdain for certain story lines the show attempted to tackle but failed miserably at. I often found myself laughing out loud as the authors trashed Brandon (nonstop), Noah, and several others. I will be honest that I never really questioned or thought about some of the things I saw in the series that these two authors dissect such as the show's poor handling of sexual assault, mental illness, and drug abuse and recovery. This book made me think and I will definitely be looking at some of the episodes differently.
If I have a criticism of this book is that the later seasons get short shrift in terms of recaps. Most of the book is devoted to the first six seasons. It should have been balanced out a bit more. I also wish the authors had tackled all of the episodes. It would have taken a bit longer to read, but it probably would have been just as hilarious as the 93 recaps the authors wrote about. This is a really fun read, and I'm sure I will be referencing it continuously as I continue my re-watching of the series. (I really hope these two authors do a similar book for Melrose Place!)
June 15, 2024
The hold that this show had on me in the 90s! But by the time the gang went to University I’d lost interest. And judging by that the authors say, so had anyone in the writers room. Nevertheless the show goes on several years into their working lives after getting degrees, which is staggering.
This is a cheery book with a vendetta against Brandon Walsh and lots of biting observations. But the source material, the show, is so abysmal in its later season that the whole thing becomes a slog.
This is a cheery book with a vendetta against Brandon Walsh and lots of biting observations. But the source material, the show, is so abysmal in its later season that the whole thing becomes a slog.
April 6, 2021
To give you a peek at how I feel about 90210: as a teenager in the mid 90's, I once told my new employer that I couldn't work on Wednesday nights because that's when I watched 90210 (yep, this is wild to the adult version of me, oh my god). So the level of joy this book gave me is immeasurable. I listened to the audiobook version and Tara & Sarah's delivery was absolute perfection. A Very Special 90210 Book captures my love for this show along with how many parts of it now make me cringe -- like, did I realize as a teen how insufferable Brandon is?! And how offensive some of those storylines are?
I listened to this slowly, over the course of a few months, while living through a pandemic. It was one of the things that brought me joy when everything felt really hard & stressful. It pulled me back to a familiar place. And it really, really made me laugh.
I listened to this slowly, over the course of a few months, while living through a pandemic. It was one of the things that brought me joy when everything felt really hard & stressful. It pulled me back to a familiar place. And it really, really made me laugh.
March 24, 2021
I choose me.
They’re a bunch of avocado heads.
Donna Martin graudate.
If any of those phrases resonate with you , then give this book a go. It is a look back at some of the most memorable episodes of BH 90210. It is a sort of companion guide to the podcast, Again With This, which I highly recommend. I loved this show through high school and this book bought back so many memories. And a realisation that the last third (maybe half?!) of the show’s run was pretty crap. But, my goodness, season 2-4 were crackers.
Read it and enjoy the nostalgia.
They’re a bunch of avocado heads.
Donna Martin graudate.
If any of those phrases resonate with you , then give this book a go. It is a look back at some of the most memorable episodes of BH 90210. It is a sort of companion guide to the podcast, Again With This, which I highly recommend. I loved this show through high school and this book bought back so many memories. And a realisation that the last third (maybe half?!) of the show’s run was pretty crap. But, my goodness, season 2-4 were crackers.
Read it and enjoy the nostalgia.
September 20, 2020
I mean, if you love the Again With This: Beverly Hills 90210 podcast, this book is an easy win for you. I listened to every damn episode of the podcast, because I love BH90210 and I apparently also love people who love the show dunking on it in hilarious ways.
This book is that podcast, in episode recap form. Super enjoyable.
This book is that podcast, in episode recap form. Super enjoyable.
September 14, 2022
As a huge fan of the website TWoP and a huge fan of 90210, this book seemed perfect to me.
And it was!
Recommend this one for fans of the show, fans of snarky recaps, or just fans of pop culture.
READ THIS ONE.
And it was!
Recommend this one for fans of the show, fans of snarky recaps, or just fans of pop culture.
READ THIS ONE.
January 28, 2023
This was a fun book. I enjoyed the episode recaps, character guides, and random extras. If there's any weakness for this book, it's that the last 4 seasons have too many clunkers and are too nutty to recap if you haven't seen the episode fully yourself. Although it's basically a book spin off of a podcast, you don't need to keep up with the podcast to enjoy the book. I like that the book wasn't all snark and had some honest and insightful observations.
April 15, 2024
This book made me laugh out loud several times. The authors pull no punches when making fun of this show and I loved every minute of it...even if I didn't always agree with their take. I will forever shamelessly love this show so no matter how much they made fun of it, it will never make me change my mind but it was such a fun read. Highly recommend it for anyone who grew up watching and loving (and also maybe hating a little) this show.
April 1, 2024
This was an interesting and entertaining book to read, but not anything like I expected. It was more like the authors were doing a rewatch of the episodes and discussing what they liked and disliked about each of the episodes they wrote about in the book, except instead of doing it via a podcast, they did it in written form.
November 13, 2020
For years, I have adored the intelligence and humor of 90210 recap/critique podcast, Again With This, and to have 93 of the episodes distilled into print is a dream. I’m not sure how much new readers will get, but I bought a couple copies for friends who loved 90210, so hope to report back soon...
September 28, 2020
Preordered, obviously. Loved it, just as obviously.
September 28, 2020
A logical and fun extension of the Again with This podcast. I listened to the audio as read by the authors and very much enjoyed myself.
October 1, 2020
This is a perfect choice for listeners of the Again with This podcast— I could almost hear Tara and Sarah’s voices as I read.
October 26, 2020
Step 1: Watch all episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210
Step 2: Listen to the episode recaps on Again With This
Step 3: Read this book!
Step 2: Listen to the episode recaps on Again With This
Step 3: Read this book!
October 29, 2020
Fun book! If you enjoy the Again With This Podcast, you'll like this book.
January 7, 2021
So much fun! Tara and Sarah deliver funny, snarky recaps of the most famous episodes. If you love their podcast, you will love this book.
February 5, 2022
A fun nostalgic romp. If you are a fan of the podcast then you will hear the hosts voices coming through loud and clear. If you are not then there is still a ton here to enjoy.
July 7, 2022
Gift from Brian Bedford; *incredible*.
December 21, 2023
The podcast is chef's kiss, so how could I not love this recap book by its hosts? 90210 snark all the livelong day...priceless. Tara and Sara are my parasocial relationship.
September 15, 2024
4.5
I have NO idea what compelled me to listen to 11+ hours of 90210 summary/analysis after not having watched the show for literal decades, but all I know is I THOROUGHLY enjoyed myself.
I have NO idea what compelled me to listen to 11+ hours of 90210 summary/analysis after not having watched the show for literal decades, but all I know is I THOROUGHLY enjoyed myself.
April 3, 2023
Very fun and entertaining for anyone familiar with Beverly Hills 90210. This is a great companion book for fans of Ariano and Bunting's podcast, "Again with This" or their former websites: Mighty Big TV/Television without Pity and Previously.TV #TeamBrenda
October 7, 2020
Just what I needed during an incredibly stressful time.
December 3, 2020
I love Tara and Sarah and enjoyed revisiting their thoughts on the essentials.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews