Customer Reviews

Meryl Streep: The Reluctant Superstar

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The book seems to be a strung together set of anecdotes and information gathered from articles etc already in the public domain with Maychick filling in the blanks with her own conclusions. It does not come across as a biography that had the support or co-operation of the subject herself. Nevertheless it does convey almost a claustrophobic existence for an actress coming to terms with the fame and loss of privacy that her talent had generated and I finished the book feeling very sad for this lady. Twenty plus years on its wonderful to see this woman so much more at ease with her status of superstar. The book reminds us that the early days were not easy ones for Meryl Streep personally or professionally despite her prodigious talent, something that is often glossed over these days.

I'm not sure if "reluctant" is the right summary of Streep's attitude towards being a "superstar". It's something else. But Diana Maychick puts together a pleasantly understandable picture of what makes this great actress: Meryl Streep.

We hear so many "superstars" proclaimed, but from Streep's story it's clear: it is not the parties (though she goes to her share). It is not the beauty (goodness, her blond hair comes from a bottle!). It isn't the single-mindedness: Streep spends a lot of energy on her family life. It isn't necessarily intelligence (Streep seems intelligent enough, but her Vassar speech, quoted in the book, is nothing striking.) Rather, being a star is, first, professionalism, skill, and hard work. But beyond that, someone who elicits -- something so rare in modern life, and in modern box-office hits -- who elicits awe when she appears on screen.

Maychick, retelling Streep's life, teaches us the true and frightening magic of acting: just as sleep brings hypnosis unnoticed into our lives, so does acting make schizophrenia acceptable, even admired. And when done right, makes us freeze, and catch our breath.

This book gives understanding of the Meryl Streep many don't know. How she started on the stage, tranforming into a hugh talent on the screen and with all that she has managed to be a great mom and wife which is so important to her. She always remembers where she came from. She may be a shinning star but inside she is a real person like the rest of us. I respect her for the choices she has made in her life. This book is a must read...it may be 20 years old but worth the time to read. I really enjoyed it.

This book achieves its aim but does little more than that. It is now a bit out of date but it is still worth a look if you are a fan of Meryl's.

I read this book and this account is not a review. The author appears to invent certain details. One example of many is the claim that during filming of the FLW, the cast and crew stayed at the Doll-House Inn, Lyme Regis which does not exist (I lived in Lyme Regis). If you're looking for facts, to gain new information or to enhance understanding, this book will not provide; A pretty, escapist experience however.