The Girls

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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!

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.

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.

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!

I so enjoyed this book! It was amazing to hear stories about the women from some of my favorite shows. Thank you Stan for passing those stories along and for all the laughs/your hard work over the years. ❤️

I really enjoyed reading this, it had great stories going through this book. Stan Zimmerman does a great job in keeping me invested and telling the stories that I wanted to here. It was a fun read and I’m glad I got to read this.

I was drawn to this by my love of the Golden Girls. I loved reading the chapter about Bea, Rue, Betty and Estelle.
This book detailed what it is like to be a writer (and later director) in TV and theatre. The pressures, the politics as to why pitches don’t get picked up and the personalities both on and off the camera.

I loved how Zimmerman writes about the strong women in his life and the mutually beneficial professional relationships. The love he has for his number one fan, his Mum is wonderful.

Great book.

Thank you to Indigo River Publishing and NetGalleyfor the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Girls | Stan Zimmerman | ⭐⭐⭐⭐

** Thanks to @netgalley for an e-copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review **

When I saw The Girls is actually a reference to the "Golden Girls" and "Gilmore Girls", this was an easy pick for me.

This is a memoir of a young boy from a small town who dreamed big and made it big.
This is also an exposé on the inner workings on the tinsel town, on behind the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry.
There's a lot of name dropping, lively anecdotes on the who's who of the industry, stories about names we are so very familiar with. But there's also darker and more discussions on prevalent homophobia, idea of creative freedom, the constant struggle and the rat race for success in the industry.

It's heartening to know that though Zimmerman's dreams of being an actor didn't come true, the Universe did have grander plans for him and he got to write and immortalise some of the most phenomenal characters of television history.

Also the concluding chapters on Zimmerman's relationship with his mother, her constant influence on his life, his account of her struggle with dementia, and his most honest observations on her eventual death make the read emotional, relatable, heartfelt and more than just another celebrity memoir centred around industry gossip.

The narrative is conversational and it's a quick read. It's clearly discernible that this is the handwork of an experienced and brilliant storyteller, and not a mish mash of random anecdotes haphazardly sewn together by an underpaid ghost-writer.

What I didn't like though is the incessant name dropping, and that the narrative bordered on cautious when it came to stories about famous names.
But I guess playing safe comes with still being an active part of the industry and I can't blame Zimmerman for that.

If you are looking for a read that's fun, entertaining, smart and inspiring all at once, look no further.
And if you have ever been a fan of Roseanne or the Golden and the Gilmore Girls, you definitely can't miss out on knowing the person who conjured up your favourite on-screen people.

Stan Zimmerman's career in Hollywood led him to cross paths with show business royalty. His behind-the-scenes insights into working on The Golden Girls, Roseanne and Gilmore Girls are worth the read alone. Couple those with the deep-cut stories from other shows, stars and plays, and the candor with which he shares both professional and personal anecdotes, and this book will keep readers glued to the page.

This book is a journey through time detailing the life of a young gay jewish man with huge aspirations, trying to make it big in one of the toughest places on earth - Hollywood. The title of this book drew me in, this person wrote for two of my favourite shows? That must be one interesting life they have led, right? I didn't realise that what I would then read would be a gripping story of the ups and downs that come with trying so hard to get your dream career, told in the most fascinating and personable way.

I really loved the timeline of this book and how it feels as though we are talking to a friend, it is masterfully broken up by pages of a journal, making us feel even closer to Zimmerman as we are being let in on something very personal. I found this so interesting as it is a world I knew nothing about, the vivid descriptions led me to explore new shows and people I hadn't heard of (I must watch the Brady Bunch immediately!).
We often see one side of Hollywood, but through this book we get to see the slightly less glamorous and maybe darker side. I liked to hear about all the behind the scenes gossip and exploits, especially with such a star studded cast! It just made a fascinating story even juicer. Another aspect that felt important to read about was how sexuality was perceived back then. How he was treated and the impact this might have had on the writing pairs careers. As queer person myself I found I really connected with the author and his struggles with having to hide his sexuality and true identity from people, this perspective on of the book just made me feel even closer to the author.

What I'm taking from this is that you should never give up, be brave and pursue your dreams no matter what and how important friendships can be throughout life. I look forward to seeing what Stan Zimmerman does next in his career.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Really fascinating look into behind the scenes in hollywood this entire book felt like having sit down conversation with author.

The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore is a memoir about the life and career of Stan Zimmerman – a gifted writer, producer, director, and playwright. Amusingly and entertainingly, Zimmerman narrates his work on famous shows such as The Golden Girls, Roseanne, and Gilmore Girls while also allowing readers a look into his personal life.

A significant strength of this memoir is Zimmerman’s ease in describing his upbringing in a small-town suburb of Detroit. His portraits of the powerful and clever women who shaped his existence, including his mother, grandmother, and sister, are touching and motivating. It can be seen that their prompting and guidance greatly influenced Zimmerman’s creative attitude.

Zimmerman’s story of going from an awkward Jewish boy who aspired to be a great actor to a celebrated writer and director is as accurate and uplifting as can be. Determination and passion for his craft are evident on every page, and readers will cheer for his triumph.

The unpredictable nature of the memoir is its candidness and wit. He spills the beans on relationships with some of the most renowned women in entertainment, such as Roseanne Barr, Lily Tomlin, Sandra Bernhard, Lauren Graham, and Alexis Bledel. These stories are fascinating insider accounts of show business and a peek into who these creative women were.

Together with diary notes, Zimmerman’s narration becomes more personal and touching. By doing so, readers get an insight into his mind, feelings, and the hurdles he had throughout his life. It is such moments that make The Girls an endearing and identifiable read.

Although becoming a wildly successful actor may not have been Zimmerman’s cup of tea, his ability to succeed as a writer, producer, director, and playwright shows that he was a very talented and determined person. The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore is a book that inspires and entertains.

Overall, The Girls: Golden to Gilmore is a four-star memoir that provides a unique insight into the world of entertainment and dedication. He is captivating in his storytelling, his jokes are contagious, and his journey is both familiar and tremendous. If you are an avid lover of The Golden Girls, Roseanne, or Gilmore Girls or appreciate good writing, this book is a must-read.

I want to thank Indigo River Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Stan Zimmerman is a very good writer and I found a lot of the stories he told fascinating. He’s very raw and open, even sharing diary entries throughout the book. Personal subjective preference gets a little bored with so much of the listing of the names and projects they are associated with throughout the book. I found it exhausting to read at times, but I also understand why they are in there and I think it doesn’t really distract from the book, it’s just not my favorite.

I am a big Gilmore Girls fan, so it was fun when I came across Dan and Amy’s name far earlier than GG was a concept. Overall it’s an entertaining read with some insight in the difficulties of making it as a successful writer.

For those who are fans of the golden girls, this would be a great autobiography. It would’ve been great for a bit more of a behind the scenes deep dive at somethings. Shocking some of the things you read and would’ve loved more of that.

Stan Zimmerman is such a funny writer (my all-time favorite episode of The Golden Girls is the first one he and his writing partner, Jim Berg, wrote: "Blanche and the Younger Man," AKA "Rose's Mother"), but this memoir didn't contain much humor. It also lacked introspection and reflection. It contains several journal entries, which lend to a feeling of "this happened, then this happened, then this happened," so we just end up reading a sequence of events rather than a story about Zimmerman's life. Some of the behind-the-scenes stuff about how networks operate and the details of writers' rooms is really interesting, but I guess I expected more out of such a strong comedy writer. This is simplistic, barebones stuff.

Also? I wanted a chapter on Silver Foxes! Why did that show never happen?!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The author of this book, a writer on many different TV shows, definitely gives a lot of dirt about the shows he worked on. I enjoyed reading about it.

I really loved getting these behind the scene scoops. The book was funny, interesting and occasionally, even put some tears in my eyes. It was such an interesting read to see how Zimmerman went from a wannabe actor to something different but also something bigger. I'd definitely suggest this book to those who like pop culture.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest reviews

Nothing prepared me for how much I would like this book. My first ever binge was Gilmore Girls, it was the first ever box set I owned and I played those DVDs until they wouldn’t play anymore. Not to mention Golden Girls and Rosanne!

I am a big fan of getting a look behind the scenes and learning how things work so this book was right up my alley. This book made me laugh, scoff, get a bit angry and cry- all of the ingredients for an amazing read. I can’t be too surprised because Stan Zimmerman IS a writer but god can he write.

I appreciated the insider look into Hollywood, though I was unaware of Zimmerman when I started this book, I didn’t realise that I’d been entertained by his writings for years! A fast paced read that kept me interested the whole time. Go and read this book!

I love books from and about sitcom writers. Stan Zimmerman´s "The Girls - From Golden to Gilmore" is a breezy read, touching on the shows we worked on as a writer and producer (often with his partner Jim Berg). Fans of "The Golden Girls", "Gilmore Girls" and "Roseanne" will get a glimpse behind the scenes. He does not throw a lot of dirt around, though, most of the people he met he shows in a positive light.
You get glimpses of people like Estelle Getty, Bea Arthur, Roseanne Arnold, Amy Sherman-Palladino among lots of other women - Stan as a gay man seems to have bonded with a lot of them. Again, not a tell-all bio but a breeze through several decades of sitcomes, movies and LA theatre.
For me, the book could have easily been a little bit longer but what´s there is a fun read.

NetGalley provided me with an arc for this.

Autobiography from Stan Zimmerman, writer, producer, &/or director on many well-known TV shows such as The Golden Girls, The Gilmore Girls, & Roseanne, plus films such as The Brady Bunch reboot. Zimmerman takes us from his early beginnings as a young Jewish boy who wanted to be famous, through his writing partnership with Jim Berg, to the present day & the touching last chapter where he deals with the loss of his mother.

This seemed to be a very quick read, & I think that was down to the tone of the book. It felt as if the author was there having a friendly conversation with the reader. I must say that the TV business is brutal: the fact that so much preparation work is put into writing & producing a new show & it can all just be cancelled at a moment's notice. Tough business! It did feel quite surface level though until that last chapter. I really enjoyed reading it though & would recommend it to anyone who likes autobiographies from 'behind the scenes'. 3.5 stars (rounded up)

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Indigo River Publishing, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

As a lover of all things Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls, I couldn't miss reading this memoir. I'm familiar with Stan Zimmerman as he's been involved with so many of my favorite shows over the years, but I can't honestly say I've really seen or read much about writers of shows, and in particular Mr. Zimmerman. Even though writers are really the heart and soul of the television and movie screens, creating the feelings and favorite moments of so many fans, I realize they are the silent masters in the background. It was very exciting and eye opening to see how much work went into creating scripts and character development for shows that would never see the screen and those that did have their moment in time. The resilience of writers is amazing when you consider how many "no's" they hear to the number of "yes's" they get in the end. I'm glad that Stan and his partner and team continued to push forward or we wouldn't have so many of the popular shows that we turn to over and over. Shows and theater elicit the excitement of the first time experience and also bring us nostalgia and good feelings in the rewatching and rediscovering of our favorite moments and lovable characters. If you're a fan of television shows, writing as a craft, and reading about one popular person who has left his mark on our lives, I recommend this book. Written in a style that flows as if you're one of Stan's good friends, reading from his journal entries, and experiencing his thoughts and feelings as things happen, this is a quick and easy read with a glimmer of Hollywood life.

Here we have an quite interesting book about Stan Zimmerman who has written a few episode of The Golden and Gilmore Girls but also other shows and a few tv movies. He has also been an consulting producer for 22 episodes of Gilmore Girls.

It was a bit interesting to read about his life both before and after he was famous but be aware that this is not a full hands on biography.

Autobiographies are not usually my bag but this was refreshing, waspish, funny and enough names dropped and behind the scenes of some of my favourite shows to keep me hooked.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Great book


Top storyline and every bit of this article was well crafted, the author has my 5 star reviews, yeah....

DNF 35%

I thought this would have been an interesting look behind the scenes of some great tv shows as well as recounting his experience of being a young gay man in that time and place when so many were closeted.

While his struggles we mentioned, it felt really glossed over and the focus was on name dropping a different celebrity every paragraph which got boring fast.

Who is the intended audience for this book? Maybe other writers? I found it boring and wondered why someone who was barely successful was even offered to write this book. In fact, the titles is very misleading. He only wrote three Golden Girls shows and 2 Gilmore Gurls. This is not impressive. Got real tired of all the name dropping as well.
However, the parts dealing with his mother were very good.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #TheGirls for advanced digital copy.

Oh god, I've had it! DNF at 43%. This has to be the most boring or at least in the top 5 most boring memoirs out there. I love the Golden Girls and thought this book would be so fun to read, but boy was I wrong. I could not stand the numerous name droppings on EVERY PAGE. And Steve Zimmerman and Jim (Berg?) actually only I believe, wrote 2 episodes of The Golden Girls during the 1st season and were not invited back, which he blames on the 2 producers, not liking that he and Jim were so young. I started skimming at 30%and at just under 50%, I could not take it any longer and DNF'd it! So disappointed!

Autobiography from Stan Zimmerman, writer, producer, &/or director on many well-known TV shows such as The Golden Girls, The Gilmore Girls, & Roseanne, plus films such as The Brady Bunch reboot. Zimmerman takes us from his early beginnings as a young Jewish boy who wanted to be famous, through his writing partnership with Jim Berg, to the present day & the touching last chapter where he deals with the loss of his mother.

This seemed to be a very quick read, & I think that was down to the tone of the book. It felt as if the author was there having a friendly conversation with the reader. I must say that the TV business is brutal: the fact that so much preparation work is put into writing & producing a new show & it can all just be cancelled at a moment's notice. Tough business! It did feel quite surface level though until that last chapter. I really enjoyed reading it though & would recommend it to anyone who likes autobiographies from 'behind the scenes'. 3.5 stars (rounded up)

I absolutely adored this book! I am a sucker for any Hollywood behind the scenes accounts so this book was right up my alley. Add in that Stan Zimmerman was recounting his experiences on some of my favorite shows and movies? Count, Me. In!

From fun tidbits like how RuPaul ended up in the Brady Bunch movies to more heartfelt stories about his upbringing and friendships as a gay man, this book has it all.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this behind the scenes look into the life and career of Stan Zimmerman. His anecdotes provide an entertaining look into the world of television, film and theater. Despite the title, this book is less focused on his time with the Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls (he only wrote for each show for one season), and more on his career as a whole. The narrative was a bit slow in places, bogged down by the minutiae of getting different shows casted or off the ground, but overall this is an enjoyable read for those interested in the entertainment business. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Overall I enjoyed this book. Stan Zimmerman shares lots of behind the scenes information about his time working in the television and entertainment industry. The toxic work environments were aplenty and Zimmerman has countless examples from the various shows he wrote for during his career. There was a lot of name dropping and some of them I didn't recognize due to my age (I'm a millennial). I was drawn to this book because I have friends who love The Golden Girls and I personally love Gilmore Girls. I was surprised to learn what a strange environment was created for the writers on Gilmore Girls since the show is so creative and has such excellent dialogue. I think this book is great for anyone who enjoys entertainment or Hollywood memoirs

Stan Zimmerman dreamed about becoming an actor but instead help bring some of the best television shows to the world. The Roseanne Show , Golden Girls and The Gilmore Girls , fans of all ages will enjoy this novel . The writing is fun and easy to read . I couldn’t to put it down .


I just reviewed The Girls by Stan Zimmerman. #TheGirls #NetGalley

An interesting read as a fan of Gilmore Girls. Many things I didn't know, and some I did, but a fun read about overcoming odds.

I'm a sucker for a behind-the-scenes story about working in TV and movies. Stan Zimmerman has the inside track on working on some of the most iconic shows of the last 30 years (we won't mention Roseanne anymore, eek). I'm a huge fan of the Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls (even if the former has aged better than the latter) so this scratched my itch.