If you like name-dropping, this book is for you! If you like “insider “ stories about writing for TV, this book is for you! I will admit that the title grabbed me since I am a diehard Gilmore Girls fan! I also loved those saucy ladies from Miami - The Golden Girls! But, this is also the life story of Stan Zimmerman and how he got into show business. Not only are the girls Golden and Gilmore, but also Roseanne and Hot from Cleveland, but also the story between Stan and his biggest fan: his mother.. it was a very good read!

Though I didn’t know of Stan Zimmerman by name, I wasn’t surprised to find there was a common denominator among the shows I’ve loved over the decades. I was drawn in by The Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls, but delighted to find how much his writing has contributed to a long line of terrific shows.

As for tone, reading The Girls felt like we were chatting over lunch- conversational and fun! I enjoyed that Stan Zimmerman included the sad realities associated with the need to hide his sexuality during his early career in the 80’s- even while working at a progressive show like The Golden Girls. I appreciated the deeper understanding of him as a human, as well as his successful career. His amazing relationship with his mother filled up my heart. I particularly liked that while he wrote honestly about his feelings for certain stars while he worked with them (Betty White, Roseanne, etc), he also spent time on the evolution of those opinions with hindsight. I think a straight dishy retelling would sell well, yet risk the author’s likability. The tone here was perfect.

Overall, a fun read for me. I appreciate NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing granting access to a digital ARC.

I was unfamiliar with Stan Zimmerman’s work, but as a lover of Gilmore Girls I was excited to pick up this book.

This was a really easy and punchy read, with a conversational and fast paced narrative. There was name dropping galore, and while I wasn’t familiar with many of the people mentioned, I didn’t feel it overly detracted from the story (and I enjoyed looking them up). Of those I did know, I liked picking up the little insights to their characters provided by Stan. I was disappointed with the level of detail about his time on Gilmore Girls, but understanding its role in his career this did make sense.

I also found it interesting to read about the experiences of Hollywood through the eyes of a young, gay, Jewish writer. While the story was most often light, Stan reflected on early discrimination and changing attitudes towards sexuality, gender and race throughout his career. His values in these areas were reflectively woven throughout the many stories.

Thank you Indigo River Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.

I liked how quick and easy this was to read, the writing and writing style was really good and the author is obviously a very talented writer. I loved hearing the bits and pieces about the shows especially Gilmore Girls as it’s my favourite but I unfortunately felt the book was lacking on a lot of BTS which is what I felt that the blurb was promising. It was not as packed with all the fun tidbits that I was hoping for. Still an enjoyable read for someone maybe wanting to know more about how becoming a writer in Hollywood works!

DNF @ 15%

Honestly, I found this really quite boring. Every page is filled with name drop after name drop, usually in a long chain, but unless you know the world of Hollywood well, they don’t mean anything.
Read up to 15% the flicked forward to read the bit about Gilmore Girls.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for my (first ever!) arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book made me grin, laugh, and occasionally roll my eyes. It also made me cry. Like Kahlil Gibran in his "The Prophet" (can you tell what I've been rereading in spare moments), Zimmerman sings the praises of his mother and her role in his life throughout the book. She'd supported his dreams and helped him become his best self. Then she got dementia. Like Zimmerman, I, too, dealt with losing my mother to this awful disease that takes their presence from you while the body still remains. He describes it as watching the light dim in her eyes. That struck a bell, as did his admission that he felt both sadness and relief at her passing. She was no longer lost in the darkness of forgotten memories but he admits his best, most important role in life had been being a "son" and he was devastated. I needed a tissue.

As for the rest of the book, it was a delight to read about his youthful passion for not just acting but writing plays that he put on in his basement. I flashed back to Randy Rainbow's book where he talked about basically getting his start in his own bedroom, doing it all, and grinned. I hope the two of them have met. Zimmerman was talented enough to be invited to a prestigious summer theater program before he'd even reached the required age but ultimately found him way primarily as a writer.

While it was interesting to hear about his experiences as a quite young, gay man writing for The Golden Girls series, it was equally interesting to be given a, so to speak, behind the scenes look at how much goes into not just the creation of such series but the difficulty of getting even the best ideas on the air or stage. And, yes, tons of names are dropped that you'll recognize, from the cast of Golden Girls through his experiences in theater. Unlike many writers, I'll note he largely worked with a collaboration for most of his career, Jim Berg. Together, they are credited with some of the more memorable scenes on film, including the infamous lesbian kiss on the Roseanne Barr show. The behind the scenes look at that show alone is fascinating.

Through it all, Zimmerman's almost conversational, often self-deprecating wit and words flow. It's an easy read and you're almost sure to encounter personalities you'll recognize. Zimmerman would have won me over with his love and respect for his mother and her role in his life, not to mention his acknowledgement of the role so many women had played, I'd like to think he's someone I'd have found intriguing even without that aspect. I mean, the man even danced behind Rudolph Nureyev in the glorious days of his youth. Andy Warhol even found him worthy of taking photos of at a party. Of course, he didn't recognize Warhol and told him to stop.

Fortunately, he kept a journal most of his life, so such experiences are bolstered in the telling by his thoughts from the moment. Careful, wannabe show/play writers may even pick up a few hints as they read. Bottom line, a great, fun read. Thanks #NetGalley and #IndigoRiverPublishing for inviting me to meet Stan Zimmerman. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting him and vicariously living through a few of his experiences and my heart definitely goes out to him for his mother. Made me want to hug him and tell him "Everything will be okay".

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It's an inspiring journey that sheds light on Stan's unwavering courage in persistently pursuing his passion for writing and seeking opportunities in the challenging landscape of the entertainment industry. Working in any sector of entertainment is undeniably tough, and Stan vividly captures the highs and lows of his experiences. From facing discouraging rejections to reveling in the exhilaration of acceptance, he lays bare the multifaceted reality of his career.

The narrative not only resonates with fans of popular shows like Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls but also holds universal appeal. I firmly believe that this book is a must-read for everyone. It goes beyond the glitz and glamour, offering a poignant portrayal of the arduous journey of living one's dream, navigating through the complexities of grief, and putting in the relentless effort required to succeed in a fiercely competitive industry.

Stan's storytelling prowess is evident as he weaves together a tapestry of anecdotes that are both relatable and illuminating. His honesty and vulnerability make the narrative all the more compelling, providing readers with a genuine and unfiltered glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of a life dedicated to creative pursuits.

Whether you're an aspiring artist, a devoted fan of the entertainment world, or simply someone seeking a captivating story about resilience and determination, this book has something valuable to offer. It's a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and thrive, even in the face of daunting obstacles. So, dive into this literary gem and embark on a journey that will leave you inspired, entertained, and enriched with the wisdom gained from Stan's remarkable experiences.

Stan Zimmerman, The Girls From Golden To Gilmore, Indigo River Publishing, February 2024.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

Stan Zimmerman’s book is all wonderful fun, or so it seems on the surface. However, the fun while genuine enough, also provides an excellent wrapping for some of the serious issues he raises. Both features of Zimmerman’s writing and exploration of his and others’ lives in the theatre world in New York and television and film world in Hollywood bring so much to what could have been just ‘my story as a writer after I failed as an actor’. Although I would have preferred more analysis of the sexism and homophobia exhibited in the world he writes about, there are enough clues to provide a realistic account of the positive and negative features that make up the reality behind what an audience sees. Gossip columns provide some of this material admittedly, but Zimmerman’s account is a firsthand experience, and this gives the material extra poignancy as well as interest. Of particular note is Zimmerman’s appreciation of the strong women in his life and his stories of his mother’s unending support for him and his work. The book ends with a tribute to her.

As well as the accounts of the series, films and plays he worked on, there is an immense amount of material about Zimmerman’s school days, his teachers, his early attempts to become and actor and eventual realisation that writing scripts was his forte. Through this self-exposure Zimmerman’s occasional arrogance, habitual humility, and sense of worth vying with discrimination is valuable material. Here, there are clues to the writer that he was to become, with his strong ability to write material for women.

The well-known women for whom he writes are the four Golden Girls, Rosanne Barr and the Gilmore girls. However, the book is littered with numerous other women who were important recipients of Zimmerman’s writing, contributed to his success, or were friends or supporters. Amongst the positive stories are also those that mystify – why the homophobia? Why the unpleasantness and rejection? Why the unnecessary control over successful writers? Both aspects of Zimmerman’s experience are dealt with. It is a highlight of the text that Zimmerman refers to the latter with no bitterness or even lengthy denunciation of the discriminatory attitude of some powerful brokers in Hollywood.

Zimmerman continues his discourse after his title would suggest. He returns to New York and the theatre, writing about a real positive in his life. At the same time, he is open about the other experiences that impact his life as a loving son, a would-be actor, script writer in Hollywood and writer, director and producer in the theatre. Moving beyond the topics covered by title adds to the enjoyment of the book, without leaving behind the serious issues that are an integral part of Zimmerman’s life, and recognition that these are part of the world that brings audiences such a wealth of enjoyment through film, television and theatre.

Stan Zimmerman’s memoir ‘The Girls’ is a charmingly written look into the behind the scenes of some of our favorite tv shows and the women who star in them. Zimmerman has a fun way or writing, one that really pulls you in. It’s easy to see why he has been so successful. A very enjoyable read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely, colourful behind the scenes look at the world of television - with no sugar coating of his experiences. However, it’s evident that Stan is grateful for all of his encounters and never falls into the ‘airing of dirty laundry’ trap.

If you’re a fan of the Girls, or are curious about the television industry, I recommend Stan’s book!

This was an intriguing and detailed account of Stan Zimmerman’s journey as a writer, show runner and director for tv, movies and theater on both coasts. He shares the ups and downs of working on tv shows such as The Golden Girls, Rosanne and The Gilmore Girls and his first love, theater. Interesting to get an inside viewpoint of his experiences. He also shared his journey as a gay man in the 80s when he had to stay in the closet to today when he could embrace and be himself.

I received a copy of "The Girls" by Stan Zimmerman from NetGalley.
This was a good book to read. Stan Zimmerman spent decades of his life as a writer on many television shows. He came from Michigan and studied for a short while in New York. He was given the advice of moving to California to have a career as a writer for tv shows. He kept a journal over the years that he kept. He wrote of the experiences he had on each show. He wrote for many famous tv shows. He worked the set of The Golden Girls, Roseanne, Gilmore Girls. {thus describing the title of his book "the Girls}
He writes about the challenges working on TV shows. Some good others not so good. It is a tough business to work in needing to have a thick skin, to deal with constant rejection and criticism.
He does speak briefly about some of the actors on the shows where he worked. Cautious not to bad mouth. He has also been in plays and directed plays. He also writes of being a gay man working in the industry as well. A pretty good read. I was hoping he would talk a bit more about the actors and actresses he has worked with. He does mention that on some shows the writers were forbidden to speak to the actors. I enjoyed reading his book about being a writer for a famous tv show.

Stan Zimmerman had aspirations to be an actor, but instead he became a rather successful screenwriter in Hollywood. I appreciated learning the "inside Hollywood" take. He worked on two shows I particularly enjoyed: The Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls. He lingers far longer on The Golden Girls, which makes sense because he spent more time there early in his career, and that show (and particularly Estelle Getty) had such an impact on him.

My main quibble with this book is it drops at least five names per page in rapid-fire succession. If you're like me, you'll know who some of the people and places are (Brad Pitt, Lily Tomlin), but there a lot that you may have no idea who they are. Many of the names have no context because they are contained in a list of who Stan met at a party. Not all of the name drops are of famous people (most are, though). Sometimes it's places. Like Revolver Bar in Weho. I had to Google that Revolver Bar is a gay bar in West Hollywood. Oh, Weho. Got it now.

The author ends the book with a wonderful tribute to his mother, and there are some pictures of his mother and him in the photo section. But she's not even in the rest of the book! He uses so much of the space for famous people and famous places, but I would have appreciated to hear more about HIM, including his mother and her impact on him and if he and his writing partner Jim are still together. And what about any of his relationships? It feels like so much of him was foregone in order to have all the name drops.

However, if you go back to the title of the book, this book did talk about "The Girls" and some hot gossip to boot.

A quick, entertaining read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was such a pleasure to read. It felt like I was sitting down next to the author and having a gabfest. It was so interesting to hear his personal stories and to see inside his head.

P.S. I LOVED meeting him at the Gilmore Girls Fan Fest too! He is even better in person. A real treat.

Did I root for this guy? Did I look him up to find what he looked like and all the episodes that he wrote, I remember watching them? This would be a great read if you have watched any shows or just to see how writers work in and out of places.

“Hi, it’s me…Stan” – if you know this quote, you’re cool. Let’s be friends.

Stan Zimmerman, writer, producer, director, and playwright walks you through his journey to making it in Hollywood. When I saw reference to both The Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls I needed to know more! Two of my favorite television shows to ever exist.

Stan’s raw and behind the scenes look at the industry was a delight to read. He writes about each of his experiences with such an open heart. There is no sugar coating the highs and lows – the good, bad or ugly, yet he is completely respectful to each celebrity he referenced and the experiences he has been given. I loved the way he used each job as a teachable moment and one to be grateful for regardless of how it all panned out.

“I believe one of the reasons we’re so polarized in America is because we push people away instead of keeping them around to have some difficult and messy discussions.” - one of my favorite quotes. I love Stan’s clear and levelheaded view.

He also references the magic that was Betty White and her ability to make us all laugh. “And when we did, we weren’t red states or blue states. We were just Betty White states.”

Have I ever had the desire to be in “the biz” -100% NO. Not in any capacity. Have the ins and outs of Hollywood intrigued me – 100% YES. This book did an excellent job at transporting you behind the scenes and I highly recommend you pick it up.

this book is funny & smart, I loved reading a first hand account of shows that I grew up watching. heartbreaking and also heartwarming. the photos at the end are an extra cherry on top.