Quit Being an Idiot: Life Lessons from The Golden Girls

by Robb Pearlman

The wit and wisdom of The Golden Girls comes alive in this collection of short essays that examines many of the issues discussed on the hit TV show and how Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia handled them--written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Robb Pearlman.

Over the years, Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia have remained roommates, confidants, and best friends no matter what life (or the stray ex) throws their way. Having handled life’s messy situations with style and humor, the Girls have a lanai’s worth of golden wisdom ready to share with you.

Funny, irreverent, and timeless, the life lessons the Golden Girls bring from the television into your life are guaranteed to put a smile on your face, some warmth into your heart, and maybe even some St. Olaf into your thinking.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Pop Culture, Adult, Media Tie In

128 pages, Hardcover

Published September 26, 2023

Reviews

[Jessica Wilhoite · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so funny - I love the Golden Girls and any story about them!

[Cassie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect for fans of the show. It takes all the different life lessons from across the different seasons and sums them up with spotlights on certain episodes and brief references to others. Reading this made me want to rewatch the show. Again. For the gajillionth time.

[Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really needed something a little different and saw that this book was available via Hoopla. While not an especial fan of the show, I've read some similar books by the author and was curious what the author had to say. The title probably wouldn't fly today but it made me smile and it felt like something that would be said on the show.

The book is pretty much what it says on the cover. There are brief snippets plus little stories that expand about why you should take the risk or take care of yourself or not worrying what other people think, etc. They derive from direct quotes of the show so it feels pretty applicable and it feels like these might be stories the ladies would be sharing around a cheesecake in the kitchen. :)

That's pretty much it. Ultimately this is a cash grab type of book that looks to profit off the show's name and legacy. Will you find any sort of deep or meaningful self-help line? Probably not. Will you find something that might be a little reassuring and might make you smile, especially if you enjoy the show? Probably. As I'm not that big of a fan I'm not sure how memorable or fun these lines would be someone who loves the show, but I'll bet a more familiar watcher will smile.

As mentioned, borrowed via Hoopla and that would say that was the best for me, although I wouldn't have minded a bargain buy for the right time. If you're a fan or know someone who is, this might be a fun gift to add to their collection. If you're just a casual reader who might like a pick me up then this could be a fun read but again, this is really using a popular culture work to repackage familiar self-help/inspirational memes/stories/instructions/etc. so don't expect much/any insights on the show or anything new.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quit Being An Idiot : Life Lessons from The Golden Girls taught us a number of life lessons. The episodes were funny and entertaining but teachable. The show dealt with many issues such as being gay, addiction, infidelity, aging, friendships, bigotry, etc.

There were life lessons taught that included forgiveness, self importance, importance of friends, aging, honesty, finding/accepting love after loss, importance of sleep, acceptance, the important things in life , patience, choices/decisions , true gifts in life, loving yourself, treating others with respect, keeping busy, opportunities at all ages, independence, respecting and loving yourself, freeing yourself from anger, treating your elderly parents as adults not children, dealing with loss and disappointment, reaching out, importance of natural occurring memories, acceptance of family, boundaries, telling others you love them, positive optimistic attitude, parenting, acknowledging mistakes, interests of others, compromise, making a difference, getting over hardship/breakup, encouraging others, keeping your life interesting, chosen families and biological families, no age limit for happiness, etc.

I have always loved watching The Golden Girls. It’s my favorite show. To this day I watch it consistently. It has brought me laughs. The casting and characters are perfect. When I look back on the episodes, I realize all the lessons and subjects that were brought up and makes me appreciate the show more

[Netsen7Bookdragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting this book to be mainly aspiring quotes and not so much what lay behind them.

Although it was at times interesting to read the back stories behind each quote, I also find it at times dragging.

I think this book is more for the diehard Gold Girls fans, than just an average viewer like myself.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quips and reminiscences from the show are paired with self-help advice and life lessons. I was surprised at how many scenes from the show I remembered seeing as I have mostly caught this beloved show sporadically on reruns. Fun!

[Kassi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, sweet walk back through the show and lessons learned. Makes me want to rewatch the series again. 😉

[Heather Dreier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with Golden Girl goodness.

[STish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

this show is my #1 comfort and i appreciate that it's something i'm able to learn lessons from and take advice from as im growing up myself <3 love love love

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun little book! It uses scenes from the show and gleans life lessons from them. Some are a tad odd but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Great coffee table book.

[Kristy Kaulfus · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn’t what I expected at all. The advice was repetitive, the same few pics were used over and over, and it was really corny. Disappointing to say the least.

[Sara Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the excerpts from the TV show and the life lessons to be learned.

[Shannon Judisky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the Golden Girls and the advice given in this book was good.

[Stacia Ledger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so dang cute! If you're of fan of the Golden girls, you'll enjoy this book. There are some morally questionable things in it (same as in the show lol) but it also adds to its wit and humor, and it's okay to not like every 'lesson' from the book. If you're a fan of the classic sitcom and are looking something light to read before going to bed, that brings a smile to your face, this is a great find.