This is the book Streisand-loving Linda Richman should have written--if only she were a real person and not a character on
Saturday Night Live's "Coffee Talk" skit. Since Waldman, the real author, seems to share Linda's almost-religious devotion to all things Barbra, we can assume it was a labor of love for her to compile this collection of lists, quotes, and commentary on Streisand's albums, movies, men, and more. If you like mushrooms, you'll like mushroom soup, and if you like Streisand, you'll like this book. There's not a lot more you can say about it, except to note that Waldman approaches her job with remarkable attention to detail (witness the lists of songs cut from Streisand albums and movies) and with a sense of humor (see the column-long list of quotes about "The Nose"). Barbra fanatics turn up in all walks of life, so it's reasonable to assume that a few may wander into the public library. When they do, you'll want to have this book on the shelves.
Ilene Cooper
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.