Nan McNamara is easy to listen to and well paced in this enthusiastic biography and critical assessment of one of the most respected actors of all time—Meryl Streep. McNamara’s assured and sensitive tone suits a work that comes off largely as an homage. The audiobook offers few new insights into well-known stories and facts, but fans and those with even a passing interest will likely enjoy the cataloguing of Streep’s awards and accomplishments. If there is a recurring theme, it is Streep’s persistence in defying the stereotype of female actors losing quality leading roles later in life. Author Erin Carlson has covered the entertainment industry for the Associated Press, HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, and FORTUNE. W.A.G. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
Queen Meryl: The Iconic Roles, Heroic Deeds, and Legendary Life of Meryl Streep
Narrated by Nan McNamara
Erin CarlsonUnabridged — 9 hours, 19 minutes
Queen Meryl: The Iconic Roles, Heroic Deeds, and Legendary Life of Meryl Streep
Narrated by Nan McNamara
Erin CarlsonUnabridged — 9 hours, 19 minutes
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Overview
Editorial Reviews
07/01/2019
Entertainment journalist Carlson follows I’ll Have What She’s Having, her 2017 examination of writer and director Nora Ephron’s romantic comedies, with this fast-paced and enjoyable homage to acting legend Meryl Streep. In a breathless, admiring tone, Carlson quickly covers Streep’s childhood and education before rushing onto her career. Streep’s roles—including Linda in The Deer Hunter, her star-making role in Kramer vs. Kramer, and as the unforgettable Miranda Priestly in the film adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada—are meticulously covered. Though Streep has had an extraordinary run, Carlson too eagerly absolves her of any responsibility for less than apt role choices (She-Devil with Roseanne Barr, for example). The focus is on Streep’s extraordinary dramatic gifts, but Carlson regularly reminds readers of the difficulties women face—especially in Hollywood—over getting equal pay, dealing with ageism, and deflecting unwanted sexual attention (Dustin Hoffman, Jack Nicholson, and Harvey Weinstein are mentioned unflatteringly) as well as of Streep’s feminist activism. Generously supplemented with gossipy sidebars and lists and with fashion magazine–like brush-and-ink drawings, Carlson’s latest will be embraced by Streep-struck fans, but cinephiles will have to wait longer for an in-depth examination of Streep’s extraordinary career. Agent: Daniel Greenberg, Levine, Greenberg, Rostan Literary Agency (Sept.)
"All hail!"—People, Best New Books of the Week
"The world doesn't deserve Meryl Streep luckily, she graces us with her talents anyway. Erin Carlson's delightful book captures the inexorable rise of a benevolent genius. Long live the queen!"—Gavin Edwards, New York Times bestsellingauthor of The Tao of Bill Murray
"Erin Carlson sheds a new light on one of the most beloved actresses of our times. As she charts Meryl's career and personal life, Carlson manages to make her seem not just regal, but deeply human. Readers will come away with a new appreciation for Queen Meryl and a desire to revisit so many of her greatest roles."—Jennifer Wright, author of It Ended Badly
"An utterly compelling ride through the rise of one of our most beloved and impactful artists. Carlson deftly dissects the evolution of a self-made icon, and the fascinating stories behind her many, many unforgettable roles. This is a book for film aficionados, Hollywood history fans, and anyone who's ever wondered how Meryl Streep came to be Meryl F*cking Streep."—Kelsey Miller, author of I'll Be There for You: TheOne About Friends
"With great research and enthusiasm, Carlson writes of Streep's trailblazing roles, activism and impact on pop culture. If you're a fan, you'll want to add this to your pile."—Huffington Post, Books to Read This Fall
"Generously supplemented with gossipy sidebars and lists and with fashion magazine-like brush-and-ink drawings, Carlson's latest will be embraced by Streep-struck fans."—Publishers Weekly
"An enthusiastic homage to a legend."—Kirkus Review
"Fans should be delighted by the juicy details of life on various sets andtales of Streep's good-humored devotion to her craft."—Booklist
"You absolutely must read [this] homage to another female force to be reckoned with."—Women.com, Books of the Month
"A vibrant celebration of one of Hollywood's most iconic figures."—Bustle.com
Nan McNamara is easy to listen to and well paced in this enthusiastic biography and critical assessment of one of the most respected actors of all time—Meryl Streep. McNamara’s assured and sensitive tone suits a work that comes off largely as an homage. The audiobook offers few new insights into well-known stories and facts, but fans and those with even a passing interest will likely enjoy the cataloguing of Streep’s awards and accomplishments. If there is a recurring theme, it is Streep’s persistence in defying the stereotype of female actors losing quality leading roles later in life. Author Erin Carlson has covered the entertainment industry for the Associated Press, HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, and FORTUNE. W.A.G. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
2019-06-30
Meryl Streep, actor, wife, mother, and feminist spokesperson, has had a sensational career.
With 21 Oscar nominations and three wins, along with multiple international acting awards, Streep can aptly be called Queen Meryl, the most celebrated actor in America. Entertainment journalist Carlson (I'll Have What She's Having: How Nora Ephron's Three Iconic Films Saved the Romantic Comedy, 2017) gleefully recounts Streep's career from her earnest performance as the Virgin Mary in a family Nativity play (she was 6) to her acclaimed roles in The Devil Wears Prada, Iron Lady, and The Post. As a student at the Yale School of Drama, Streep stood out for her ability to create complex characters, and she was often cast in Yale Repertory Theatre shows—while holding down off-campus jobs to pay her tuition. After graduating at 26, she immediately became "a Broadway starlet," Carlson discovered, thanks to the support of Joe Papp, founder of the Public Theater. Her film career took off in 1977 when she was cast in Julia, a drama starring Jane Fonda. Fonda encouraged Streep to improvise and also "imparted an object lesson in kindness" that inspired Streep's generosity to her less experienced co-stars. Drawing on a copious number of articles, reviews, profiles, and interviews as well as archival material and a previous biography of Streep, Carlson creates a mostly engaging, deeply admiring chronicle of Streep's life: her long marriage to sculptor Don Gummer, motherhood, sometimes unexpected role choices, friendships, political activism and views, and the movie synopses, production anecdotes, and reviews that document Streep's prolific acting career. Although she was highly praised for most of her work, some dissenting voices emerged in the 1980s. "Streep can come off like a piece of fine china, white, hard, perfect," one critic wrote. She never felt perfect, she admitted, but most of the time, she felt confident. "Usually I think I can play anything," she told an interviewer in 1980. "I have great faith in myself."
An enthusiastic homage to a legend.
Product Details
BN ID: | 2940170350605 |
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Publisher: | Hachette Audio |
Publication date: | 09/24/2019 |
Edition description: | Unabridged |