The Q Guide to The Golden Girls

by Jim Colucci

Stuff you didn't even know you wanted to know ... about Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, Sophia, and the beloved sitcom.

It's the classic TV sitcom—now finding a new generation of fans in reruns on Lifetime. Go behind the scenes with Q Guides to find out just what it is about Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia that so attracts both gay and young hetero fans.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor

200 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Christiane · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a big Golden Girls fan, I'm always eager to read more about my favorite women. I'm delighted to say that I learned so much about the show that I didn't know; for example, Elaine Stritch was actually in talks to be Dorothy but had a horrible reading (and the writers wanted Bea Arthur, not her) so she didn't get the job. Filled with interviews and facts, this is one book that a Golden Girls fan must read. Good job, Jim Colucci!

[Annburnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot of background and interesting facts about the Golden Girls. It was and enjoyable read and now I have to go and watch all the shows.

[Dan C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from Jeff when we were all over at his house a few weekends ago for a Golden Girls marathon that inexplicably also included a complete viewing of the movie Supergirl. As you might expect, this is an incredibly easy and enjoyable read, especially for fans of the TV show. And really, if you're not a fan of the TV show 1) what are you doing reading this book and 2) why the hell are you NOT a fan?

My friend Mary famously says that during high school, while everyone else was out on Saturday night getting laid, she was at home watching The Golden Girls. The same thought applies to a lot of my high school career as well, but we both seem to have turned out okay. Let's face it, The Golden Girls is comedy, well, gold. I think I've seen every episode multiple times and yet, we still go back for more. Not many shows hold up that well, although I think Roseanne does a pretty good job for at least the first 75% of the show's run. The Q Guide to The Golden Girls is written from the point of view of The Golden Girls' legion of gay male fans. It tells the story of how the show got started, including the original ideas ("Miami Nice") and the casting of all the lead parts. It devotes a whole chapter as to why so many gay guys gravitate toward that show and another to highlighting episodes that addressed LGBT issues (Lesbian? Lesbian? Lesbian!). It also tells a hilarious story about how at certain New York gay bars during the show's original run, the thump of dance music would stop at 9PM and all eyes would be on The Golden Girls. I love it.

This is a featherweight of a book (not a bad thing) and I skimmed toward the end, but I would recommend it to anyone who really likes the show. It'll take you two and a half minutes to read.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun little book to read. It brought light to a show that for so many years entertained so many people of different age groups. It was interesting to know what kind of impact this show had on people for its time but also how they were really ahead of their time in terms of the issues they challenged. When you watch the show it is interesting to see how Estelle really took on her character and had so much confidence in what she did but if you read the book, you find that she was so nervous acting with three big heavy weights from other famous TV shows but you can't tell that from how she talks or acts. Great stuff. Very much a coffee table book to read for fun. I still watch and enjoy the show for its everlasting comedy dynamic. So many shows have gone on to use the same template that the Golden Girls created.

[Mark A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am such a fan of this show and these talented women. Being an actor myself I can appreciate the background stories of this show and I want to thank my friend Randy for sending me this book. I love you!

[Zac Sigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a book about Bea, Betty, Rue, and Estelle. You can't go wrong with a book about Bea, Betty, Rue, and Estelle. This one is written excellently. I love the insights from actors who played the gay roles on the show (Coco, Jean, Clayton, The Caterer).

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for diehard fans like myself. Some of the information is well-known already but there was also much to be discovered here. Loved it!

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, Well Written An Insightful Look At One Of My Favorite Golden Girls.

[Nate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't know this was a book for gays