The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

Synopsis: After more than a half century in show business, Kelly Bishop has stories to tell.

From her Tony Award-winning performance in the original Broadway cast of A Chorus Line, to playing Jennifer Grey’s mother in Dirty Dancing, to her iconic role as matriarch Emily Gilmore in the groundbreaking television classic Gilmore Girls, few actors have enjoyed such long-running success—and even fewer can claim the adoration that this legendary actress has cultivated over her many working years. Kelly’s instantly recognizable voice has echoed through theaters and living rooms for decades.

For the first time, Kelly opens the door into her own life. She retraces her steps from Broadway to Hollywood and everywhere in between, reflecting on her decades-long career and sharing some of her greatest memories and the lessons she learned along the way. From her early days as a dancer at Radio City Music Hall in the ’60s, to marrying young to a compulsive gambler, to her time as a burned-out Las Vegas showgirl, nothing is off-limits. She takes readers behind the scenes, from how she helped create a role in A Chorus Line, what it was like having Ed Herrmann as her TV husband and Lauren Graham as her TV daughter, and working with some of the biggest names in showbiz. The result is an enchanting celebration of a fearless and versatile performer whose talent and spirit have earned her an enduring place in the hearts and homes of millions.

Chock-full of witty insights and personal photographs, The Third Gilmore Girl is a warm, unapologetic, lively memoir from a woman who has left indelible impressions on her audiences—and who has no plans of slowing down.

So I don’t read memoirs often, but as a fan of the show I was really intrigued to read this. (Emily Gilmore has to be one of my favorite characters in the show too so that also sealed the deal)

I was absolutely blown away by just how colorful her life was. I had no idea that she was a ballet dancer and went onto Broadway. Her love for theater and the performing arts truly shines through the pages of this book. There are so many lessons and so much inspiration as well. Her outlook on life despite all the adversity she has been through and seen is so remarkable.

Her strength and resiliency was on full display from start to finish. She shares with us not just the successes in her life, but also the failures. Never once does she shy away from a narrative.

Her losses paint a beautiful mosaic that seems to say: life isn’t just good and bad, but a mix of the two. That despite rejection, or heartbreak there is truly another door opening.

She speaks kindly and respectfully about those she maybe didn’t get along with. And doesn’t hesitate to give praise to those who inspired or brought out her passion.

While some memoirs can sometimes be dry and without life, this one breathes so easily. By the time it was done I was actually sad to put it down. (Metaphorically speaking as I listened to the audiobook simply because she narrates it.)

If you’re looking for a memoir to inspire or even enlighten you, I 100% recommend this book.

Overall Rating: 9.5/10

Re-readability Rating: 9.5/10

Audiobook Narration: 10/10