Customer Reviews

Sex and the City: Kiss and Tell, Updated Edition

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As a huge SATC fan, I couldn't wait to get into this book. However, the more I read, the more I felt cheated. I'm not sure Amy Sohn has even watched the episodes more than once, and if you are going to write a guide to a popular show, you should be at least as familiar with the characters as its fans. What I find most annoying is the inaccurate and glib writing of the book. The women characters are summarized using broad, vague descriptions of their personalities (Samantha as wild and sexy, Miranda as stern and cynical, etc.)that you would find in a basic overview of the series--not in a supposedly in-depth book. All of the characters' personalities had depth, even from season one. Carrie is described in glowing words as "the best friend every girl wants and the girlfriend of every guy's dreams." Well, only if the guy wants a cheater (because, remember, she cheated on Aidan) and although Carrie would be fun to hang out with, I would rather have Miranda as a close friend. Carrie is often self-involved and oblivious to her friends' needs, whereas Miranda often listens to Carrie babble on and on about her problems even if she is she short on sleep, has a mother dying in the hospital, or is nauseous from morning-sickness. Big is romanticized as worldly, sophisticated, and driven. Which he was. But he was also emotionally distant, selfish, and a jerk. I'm really annoyed by the misrepresentations of the characters and some of the events in the series. Here are two things Sohn wrote that are especially galling (and outright wrong): 1. In the Big character description, Sohn writes that "...time and time again, Big was there for her when she needed him most--when she felt lonely, was strapped for money, or when everybody else let her down." I'd like some examples of that. Where was he in 5th season when Carrie said: "I'm lonely. The loneliness is palpable."? He loaned her money only once: 4th season, when she needed to buy her apt--and she ripped up the check anyway. Big was very important to Carrie, and to the show, but Sohn misrepresents him. 2. In the ludicrous, over-generalized wrap-up summaries to season 6, part 2, Sohn writes: "...when her (Steve's mom) alcoholism became apparent, Miranda took on the responsibility of his family, as well." What? Steve's mom, Mary, (a character overlooked in the book, and no mention of the wonderful actress who played her either)(Magda--both the character and actress--also ignored)had a stroke and it was severe enough that she couldn't live alone. There were hints that Mary liked her beer, but never was alcoholism suggested. If Sohn had checked her facts (HBO's SATC web site is still up)she wouldn't have written something so wrong. There are other examples like this, but these are the two that infuriated me the most. Many things are left out of this "updated" version. Sohn mentions how great season 3 was and how it attracted lots of guest stars. She mentions: Vince Vaughn, but neglects Carrie Fisher, who appeared in an episode with him. She mentions Sarah Michelle Gellar, but not Matthew McConaughey--again, they appeared in the same episode. And what about Hugh Hefner and the women's visit to the Playboy Mansion? The "Map" was something I specifically looked forward to, and it was a joke. She mentions that you can use it to take a walking tour of NYC to follow in the girls' footsteps, but while general locations of places are pointed out, there are no addresses! This is especially funny when you read this: "Note that businesses and addresses are circa 2002." One, I thought this was the "updated" book and two, there are no addresses EXCEPT for the girls' apartments--which are not real places anyway! Sohn couldn't take the time to give addresses for the real places for those of us who aren't NYC dwellers? What I liked about the book (the few things I did) were the lots and lots of pictures. And the fashion section is wonderful too. The interviews with the main/recurring characters (male and female) are good, although if the women could get bios, why couldn't the men? Sohn covers all aspects of the show by including sections about the writers, production, post-production, making the sets, etc. What she should have covered more was the music. The music in this show is very good and interesting and always adds depth and feeling to the scenes. She neglects this dimension of SATC and includes only a tiny paragraph music--and doesn't even name the person who puts the music together or give his title. She calls him "Lieberstein" and includes three quotes from him. The "Ripple Effect" section is good--although limited. Probably the show started other trends that aren't mentioned (in fact, on the season 6, part 2 dvd commentary, Michael Patrick King mentions that Burberry started a new accessory based on an item that SATC asked them to create). Also, Sohn implies that the Trey-Charlotte Scots-style marriage (Trey in a kilt) influenced Guy Ritchie to wear a kilt in his marriage with Madonna. However, anyone who has listened to the 3rd season dvd commentary (and if you haven't, do so--immediately!) knows that Michael Patrick King talked about that. They were worried it would be too weird (the kilt), but right about the time the marriage episode aired, Madonna married a kilted Guy R., so they were relieved. This "guide" to SATC would have been much improved by an indepth summary of each episode, instead of a paragraph. Plus, a list of guest stars/actors, the writer(s), director, and exec. producer for each episode would have been helpful too. Do you want to know who played Friar F**k in season 4, episode 1? Look it up on the internet or pull out the dvd because Sohn doesn't tell you. Also, this show received many awards and was nominated for many more. Is that information included ANYWHERE in this book? Nope. What an oversight. The behind the scenes "tidbits" are very short and really not that interesting. If you want really good behind the scenes info, listen to the dvd commentaries. They are really, really good. Overall, this is a poor excuse for a SATC book. Sohn doesn't appear to know the material as well as she should, and she leaves out lots of good information that should have been included. Her glib descriptions of the characters (men and women) make them seem more simple and uncomplicated than they were. Although she gives lip service to the idea that the characters changed and strengthened, she doesn't seem to understand what that means. This was a very good show that discussed real subjects and portrayed women and relationships fairly accurately (at least, more so than sitcoms on the network channels). This book is too inferior for the show, sort of like Wal-Mart trying to sell Manolo Blahniks.

Initially, I was reluctant to buy this book as I'd seen the series. Being such a SATC fan, I gave in and made the purchase. It was a pleasant surprise!

* The book contains interviews with the main characters; the four actresses, their leading men as well as Stanford, Anthony and Bunny. Main members of the production team also get their say, and there are several action shots of the production process.

* There are lots of photos of outfits worn by the four ladies. This is your chance to check out the fashion details!

* There is a double page spread of the guys (and the few women) who were romantic prospects for each of the leading ladies. If you look closely you see one or two guys who may be "repeats" (came as two different characters in two widely spaced episodes). I notice one omission, though. It was the preppy blond guy who walked in on Bunny confronting Charlotte in the living room. (Bunny remarked "you are missing a pair of pants, young man.")

* There is a map of the restaurants and other places were many of the on-location episodes were filmed.

Why only four stars? There are no details about part two of season six. If Sohn had waited until the end of the entire series, this book would have been a more complete wrap-up.

I purchased the older version (pink hardback) and loved it! I was very disappointed in this updated version. The last 8 episodes of Season 6 were barely mentioned. It's like they didn't watch or care about these final shows and just slapped a couple of lines at the end of the book to finalize it.

This book is great, with lots of pictures and behind-the-scenes information. However, I was disappointed that it did not include all the episodes of season six, only those of part one. It would have been much better with all the episodes, which would have made this book a better keepsake for SATC fans. I'd recommend anyone considering to buy this book to wait for the next updated edition that includes all episodes, including the most vital last episodes and the ending.

So I'm a huge SATC fan. My roommate and I watch a different season every weekend. I was bound to buy the book.

Being the huge fan of SATC that I am I soon came to realize that the book has quite a few inaccuracies that I've found.

First off it claims to be updated to cover the Sixth Season. This isn't so. It goes through the first HALF of the Sixth Season. So it doesn't cover Season 6 Part 2 episodes. The closest that it gets is vaguely alluding to the fact that Charlotte will adopt a baby.

Secondly, in the "who they slept with" section it says that Carrie didn't sleep with a guy in the first episode who she definitely did if you watch the episode.

These were errors that I discovered within 15 minutes of receiving the book from Amazon, I'm sure there are more. All in all the book has a lot of interesting articles, interviews and information... but with some blatant flaws and errors that I hope will be corrected in the next edition.

This book could so easily have been a glossy but empty attempt to cash in the incredibly successful series, thankfully it is not!
This seems largely to be due to the fact the series emerged from sharp, witty and perfectly pitched writing so a book about the series in same ilk, is the most fittng tribute now the girls are no longer on our screens.
It features all any hard core fan could want, origins and formulations of characters, script ideas, character profiles, interviews with the main stars, a catalogue of past and present partners and a wonderful catalogue of, "who wore what and when?" (which includes Carrie's infamous shoe collection).
It is a lovely indulgent and multi-faceted read, much like a devilishly good box of chocolates! Destined to become a classic and sort after book, once the print run is over, so get yours now!

If you already have the first editon then save your money. There is very little to call updates in this book. I can't understand why the last few episodes were only breezed over. To me these should have been the best of the book, but they were all but not there. The first edition is the one to get. Much better pictures for the money and just about all the same information.

Don't even second guess yourself! If you are a true SATC fan, this is essential. Buy it! It's filled with beautiful pictures and amazing interviews from the cast and the crew. The moment I opened it, I could not close it.

If you have watched the Tele-series Sex and the City and have loved it, then this is one book you cannot help loving. It has a huuuge number of behind-the-scene stories and pictures. If you have loved the characters Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte, you would certainly love knowing them as real people and their feelings & experiences while doing what they've done so wonderfully well!

The book is like re-living the whole experience!

Everytime I open the book, I can't help going back to the episodes in my mind, looking at all the various stills from the series.

There's interesting information on the selection of the cast, the wardrobes, sets, certain contentious issues....everything you'll even want to know about Sex and the City.

The only flaw - it doesn't talk about the Second Part of Season Six and barely mentions it hurriedly.(A minor flaw I think, considering all aspects of the book)

Overall, a must-have, if you ask me.

I have to agree with the reviewer below my post, did Amy Sohn even watch Sex and the City? In addition to the "Carrie is every guys dream girlfriend" line which the below reviewer cited, I found several other statements flat out wrong. In the description of Charlotte, Sohn says that Charlotte "bluntly told Harry he wasn't as attractive as her". WHAT? How can anyone who's ever watched the show get this wrong? Charlotte got upset at Harry for watching the Mets (on mute) while Charlotte was serving dinner -- her first dinner as a Jew, which she had put tons of work into. The dialog between them is priceless, "I gave up Christ for you, and you can't give up the Mets?" Harry: "Oh it's going to be a long life if you keep that up. 'I gave up Christ for you, take out the trash' ". A second issue I found was in the description of Richard Wright. Sohn says that in Atlantic City Richard "slipped up once again." We actually never have proof of this, only the hint AFTER Samantha leaves the hotel room. And just to be picky, before she leaves, she says "I love you. But I love me more." (And not "I love myself more"). If you're going to directly quote a show, get it right. I like the pictures, and the overviews of the episodes, but comon. At least watch the show before you try to review it.