It's Always Something [Paperback]

Gilda Radner (Author)

Book Description

Release date: May 30, 2000

"I had wanted to wrap this book up in a neat little package. I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned the hard way that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end."

The world fondly remembers the many faces of Gilda Radner: the adamant but misinformed Emily Litella; the hyperkinetic Girl Scout Judy Miller; the irrepressibly nerdy Lisa Loopner; the gross-out queen of local network news, Rosanne Rosannadanna. A supremely funny performer, Gilda lost a long and painful struggle in May 1989 to "the most unfunny thing in the world"--cancer. But the face she showed the world during this dark time was one of great courage and hope. It's Always Something is the story of her struggle told in Gilda's own remarkable words--a personal chronicle of strength and indomitable spirit and love undiminished by the cruel ravages of disease.

This is Gilda, with whom we laughed on Saturday Night Live: warm, big-hearted, outrageous, and real. This is Gilda's last gift to us: the magnificent final performance of an incomparable entertainer whose life, though tragically brief, enriched our own lives beyond measure.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Completed before Radner's death last month, this is her personal account of her struggle with ovarian cancer and her inspiring attempt to keep an upbeat attitude during her illnes. Her discussion of a Santa Monica patient support group called the Wellness Community is the best part of the book and may be of interest to cancer patients and their families. However, readers expecting the show business history that the promotional material to this book promises will be disappointed; Radner's work with Saturday Night Live, her creation of such memorable characters like Emily Litella and Roseanne Roseannadanna, and her film work with husband Gene Wilder get scant attention here. Radner certainly deserves a biography that would record those achievements. Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club alternates.
- Judy Quinn, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Death Be Not Proud: The Book Remains A Victorious Volume." -- --Detroit Free Press

"Extraordinarily Candid...A Testament To Her Courage And Comedic Spirit." -- --Chicago Tribune

"Touching and Witty." -- --USA Today

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks; Reprint edition (May 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 038081322X
• ISBN-13: 978-0380813223
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #505,267 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #81 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Arts & Literature > Television Performers

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny,moving and wonderful April 25, 2000

By Lee Kanne

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Until I read this book, I thought Gilda Radner was a remarkable performer. After reading it, I realized she was much, much more. She was an extraordinary woman, too.

This book is not just written in a flowing, captivating way, it is also quite funny, despite its subject. While reading, you go through a journey with Radner, who takes you along with her for the good and the bad times. You cheer for her when she finally gets the man she loves, and you cry when you both lose the battle with cancer.

This book stayed with me for a long, long time after I read it. I want you all to have the same experience.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars You will Cry and Laugh reading Gilda's beutifull Book July 22, 2000

By Bob Waskiewicz

Format:Paperback

I've always been a fan of Gilda Radner.She was the greatest new comedian to come from the 70's.Just to look at her face doing skits on S.N.L. had me laughing out loud.I was so happy when it seemed Gilda was winning the battle over cancer.When she appeared on Gary Shandling's show,and made jokes about it.She looked fantastic.They even had a special lunch for Gilda,thinking she was cancer free,but she knew it was back again.Gilda still didn't give up. There's a part in the book when Gilda was walking down the street,and a car splashes muddy water on her.She starts yealing something about being "Cancer Women." Its the funniest part of the book.Gilda also write's about her childhood,and the S.N.L days,and her life with Gene Wilder.This book is very helpfull for anyone who has Cancer,and what to do if cancer runs in you family like it did in Gilda's.If only she knew,everything would have been different,but Gilda and her family have saved so many lives through Gilda's place. This is a beutifull book,and its not sad.Gilda's last gift to the World.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Life As Gilda Saw It. March 21, 2002

By N. Aaron Burt

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I have read "It's Always Something" by Gilda Radner probably a dozen or so times. Last night, I finished it once again. The message that Gilda gives to us is that you can never give up and no matter how bad things may seem in your own life, it can always be worse. Gilda Radner was a class act. She left behind memories that will someday make my children laugh. Gilda died as she lived; with respect, humor and dignity. Whenever I feel that life cannot get any worse, I pick up her book and it inspires me to go back out there and do whatever I can do to just get through the day. She is right when she says that some poems don't rhyme and some stories do not have a clear beginning, middle or end. Life was too short for Gilda. Her incredible life is her legacy. She made me laugh and I miss her. I finished the book once again, and I feel very sad today.