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 · 2,092 ratings  · 273 reviews

Start your review of Her Again: Becoming Meryl Streep

"Thank you, also, to Meryl Streep, for living a fascinating life, and for not throwing up any significant roadblocks."

While appearing in the Acknowledgements section at the tail-end of the book, this little bit of appreciation is probably best addressed up front end. Meryl Streep, arguably the most respected American extra of her generation, participated not one whit in the production of this biography. She did, however, (and 1 imagines with a great deal of grace) let it to happen. Such are th

"Cheers, likewise, to Meryl Streep, for living a fascinating life, and for not throwing upwards any significant roadblocks."

While appearing in the Acknowledgements department at the tail-finish of the volume, this piffling bit of appreciation is probably all-time addressed upwards front. Meryl Streep, arguably the most respected American actress of her generation, participated not 1 whit in the production of this biography. She did, even so, (and one imagines with a dandy deal of grace) let it to happen. Such are the burdens of legendary fame. People are going to pick upwards their pens, say you yea or nay, and it's probably best in this Historic period of the Tabloid to resist the reflex to mount a defense. Let them tap at the door, peer through the keyhole and conversation upward the neighbors. They're going to practise information technology anyway, and it's fortunate in the long run to have information technology washed by a writer of the quotient of Michael Schulman, a correspondent and arts editor of

The New Yorker, whose own reputation will also rest on the outcome. Smart cookie...merely then you lot get the sense she always has been.

What Schulman does really well with Her Again is to set Ms. Streep's professional rise in the context of its time. He's given an extraordinary amount of attending to the culture she was immersed in and the circumstances she encountered. Whether information technology be Vassar's unisex component, the obstacles presented past the Yale School of Drama nether Robert Brustein (where she struggled alongside Sigourney Weaver, Christopher Durang and Wendy Wasserstein), or the corybantic atmosphere of Joseph Papp's New York Shakespeare Festival - serious heft is granted to personalities and influence. An artistic nature takes much of its shape from the crucible in which its alchemy is mastered, and these grinding transformational spaces receive their every due. What's missing, of class, is the artist's cogitating voice. The most this biographer can exercise is estimate at the internal travail; her stresses, her joys, her fears, the motivations behind much of her choice-making. This is a void I had to argue with, and information technology was an absence felt.

Schulman tracks Ms. Streep from high school through the filming of Kramer vs. Kramer - which is barely the start of her career in film, yet also manages to encompass the entirety of her single life. Her major relationships are dealt with in a gentle way, especially her liaison with John Cazale (the player all-time known for playing Fredo in The Godfather) which concluded then tragically. There is also a blistering behind-the-scenes business relationship of her professional experience with Dustin Hoffman, a performer she alleged recently she would adopt to never work with over again. This, every bit it turns out, is certainly understandable.

For what information technology is, it works...though yous'll hunger for the voice of its focal point on every single folio.

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This is one of the best biographies about an extra/well known person that I've ever read. It starts with her babyhood; then college years; her early interim career and moves on to describing the kickoff of her much acclaimed film career. She has three University Awards and has been nominated xix times.

Just what I most appreciated about this book, is the glimpses into her person life, her strong values and character. I was moved by the way she cared for her kickoff truthful dear, actor John Cazale, who passed a

This is one of the best biographies about an actress/well known person that I've e'er read. It starts with her babyhood; then higher years; her early acting career and moves on to describing the start of her much acclaimed flick career. She has iii Academy Awards and has been nominated 19 times.

Just what I most appreciated almost this book, is the glimpses into her person life, her strong values and character. I was moved by the mode she cared for her outset truthful love, player John Cazale, who passed abroad in his early twoscore'southward from lung cancer.

I also enjoyed reading about Meryl'south experience working on The Deer Hunter (1 of my favorite films) and Kramer vs. Kramer (another movie I love).

Of all the actresses working today, I would most like to meet Meryl Streep as she seems like a genuinely adept person every bit well every bit an incredible player. I highly recommend this volume!

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Jul 24, 2016 Louise rated information technology liked it

The early career of Meryl Streep is told in chapters named for the characters she played. The first is her given proper noun,"Mary", since this is the "role" she claimed to play equally the high school homecoming queen. It ends with "Joanna", the litigating female parent in "Kramer vs. Kramer".

The book is characterized past beingness curt on Streep and long on commentary. Almost (maybe all) of Streep's personal data presented in this book tin be found in Wikipedia, including her loftier school cheer leading flick.

The early career of Meryl Streep is told in chapters named for the characters she played. The first is her given name,"Mary", since this is the "role" she claimed to play as the high school homecoming queen. It ends with "Joanna", the litigating mother in "Kramer vs. Kramer".

The volume is characterized by being short on Streep and long on commentary. Most (maybe all) of Streep'due south personal information presented in this book tin can be establish in Wikipedia, including her high school cheer leading moving picture. A lot of space is devoted to, much more than needed, background on the people she knew, the schools she attended and plays and films.

In the commencement, y'all learn almost Bernardsville (NJ), how Vassar went coed and the negative culture of the Yale Schoolhouse of Drama. Joseph Papp, an early mentor gets five pages of introduction which that could exist reduced to 1. John Cazale is important in her life and gets about 15 pages of "non-Streep" background, (this seven% of the book - it goes back 3 generations of his family) could be reduced to 2-three pages.

There are some good descriptions of the roles she played and how she worked to change their negative bias against women (not well explained in the "Taming of the Shrew – but Streep and Schulman tried). The portrayal of the Cazale relationship is powerful nudging me to see "The Deer Hunter" (which I've previously skipped for its violence). Dustin Hoffman volition be diminished in your eyes if you read the last chapter - he seems to think he'due south a director according to this account of "Kramer vs. Kramer".

This is a light read. I assume Streep fans will know much of what is presented here.

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Disappointing

As well much detail about people other than Meryl Streep. Pages and pages about professors at colleges, and not enough about Meryl herself.

Nov 02, 2018 Henry Ozogula rated it really liked information technology

I used to stay in the same compound with a immature actor - he was a student at the university then. Our place of residence was in the heart of a Nigerian metropolis, full of life and teeming. Notwithstanding the general opinion at the time was that the histrion was a mad man! I could inappreciably blame the denizens, every bit the boyfriend was always somewhat "rehearsing" all alone, manifestly speaking to himself, hearing voices, gesticulating with frenzy! Later on, after quitting acting nosotros chanced to meet again, and he regaled
I used to stay in the same compound with a young actor - he was a educatee at the academy and then. Our place of residence was in the heart of a Nigerian metropolis, full of life and teeming. All the same the general opinion at the time was that the thespian was a mad human being! One could hardly arraign the denizens, equally the young man was e'er somewhat "rehearsing" all lonely, patently speaking to himself, hearing voices, gesticulating with frenzy! Later on, after quitting acting we chanced to meet once more, and he regaled me with lurid stories in the African interim earth. Alas, such vignettes would nigh certainly be lost to the world. How many books if any have been published on even illustrious African actors/actresses? Of course, as we can see from this work on Streep, the western world has so many books published on their ain icons, fifty-fifty when as in the example here, the protagonist has no input at all in the published work! Seems bizarre from the African perspective, merely, bravo to the author for the painstaking research washed to produce this book. I have known about Meryl Streep for a long fourth dimension, merely inappreciably know anything about her. I remember having a dvd of the Bridges of Madison County, and admiring Streep's performance there. But Clint Eastwood - always a hard, tough guy in my mind - besides did so well in the flick. Meryl was also magnificent in the film, The Devil Wears Prada - whatever this means! Anyhow, I beloved reading all types of books, and I enjoyed this one too, despite its coming across every bit somewhat bizarre - since information technology is essentially research work. Just wish we could have such books on much more African icons... not only Mandela? Sorry. ...more than

This is really more of a volume about craft than a biography of the whole person. The author never spoke to his subject, but he did extensive research of her early career, starting with her loftier school days. He arranges the textile in chapters with the names of the roles she played at the time. "Mary" opens the book, since that is her nativity proper noun - Mary Louise Streep. "Joanna" closes the book - that is the character she played in Kramer vs. Kramer.

I actually enjoyed her observations of playing Kate

This is really more than of a book well-nigh craft than a biography of the whole person. The author never spoke to his subject, but he did all-encompassing research of her early on career, starting with her loftier school days. He arranges the fabric in capacity with the names of the roles she played at the time. "Mary" opens the book, since that is her nascency name - Mary Louise Streep. "Joanna" closes the volume - that is the character she played in Kramer vs. Kramer.

I really enjoyed her observations of playing Kate in Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, and other roles for Joseph Papp - the famous New York manager who initiated the free Shakespeare in the Park serial back in the 1970's. She studied drama at Yale and saw herself as more of a stage actress than a motion picture star.

I never saw The Deer Hunter, only the descriptions of filming it are interesting. I did see Kramer vs. Kramer and it was just as harrowing to read about the filming as it was to watch it. Permit's just say that Dustin Hoffman doesn't come off as a dainty guy.

There are lots of blank spots in her personal life - and I would have liked to know more well-nigh how she came to marry her hubby six months later on burial her lover after he succumbed to lung cancer. She had been his staunch support through his illness and was so devastated at his death that her younger brother moved in with her for awhile. That she is still married to said husband xxx plus years later shows it was the right decision and not just a rebound relationship, but he is a blank confront in all of this.

I've always admired Meryl Streep for her talent, merely after reading this, I too adore her common sense, her loyalty, and her no-drama arroyo to life and work.

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I was a bit sceptical at first. I'yard a big fan of this actress. Watched as many of her films as I can get my hands on. Including watching the commencement (and best) Mamma Mia over xxx times.

I am not aware of who Michael Shulman is. Does he know Meryl Streep personally? What does he exercise as a chore? Whatever it is, practiced writer.

I will say I practice think that there was a chip as well much information about the other people in the book similar writers, directors etc she came beyond. Ok tell us about them only two pages worth

I was a scrap sceptical at outset. I'yard a big fan of this actress. Watched as many of her films as I can go my hands on. Including watching the first (and best) Mamma Mia over 30 times.

I am not aware of who Michael Shulman is. Does he know Meryl Streep personally? What does he do as a job? Whatever it is, skilful writer.

I will say I practice think that there was a fleck likewise much information about the other people in the book similar writers, directors etc she came across. Ok tell usa near them but two pages worth tin can go a bit disruptive. We could accept peradventure got a picayune bit more than of her story without them (hence 4 stars).

I did however enjoy hearing about her relationships with John Cazale and Don Gummer.

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Interesting overview of Streep's beginnings. Nicely done, in spite of no input from the bailiwick herself.

I do find information technology curious that people think that Streep is a sure-fire winner of Oscars each fourth dimension she'due south nominated. The notion of "her over again" can only REALLY apply to her beingness nominated and then frequently; of nineteen noms she's actually only won THREE Oscars. I Supporting Extra for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), Best Actress for both Sophie'south Choice (1982) and The Iron Lady (2011). For 19 nominations that is

Interesting overview of Streep's beginnings. Nicely done, in spite of no input from the subject herself.

I do find it curious that people think that Streep is a certain-fire winner of Oscars each time she'southward nominated. The notion of "her again" tin can merely REALLY apply to her being nominated and then frequently; of 19 noms she's really only won Iii Oscars. One Supporting Actress for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), Best Actress for both Sophie'southward Option (1982) and The Iron Lady (2011). For 19 nominations that is hardly a notable number of wins.

Anyone who has watched flick between the late 1970s and the present has to recognize the wonderful depictions Streep has offered. While noted for her ability to render "foreign" accents with amazing accurateness, she'south certainly played enough of characters who are American. Evidently, it'south those stellar roles and performances that stick in movie-goers minds, many of which included "accents" .

I appreciated insight to the origins of this tremendous actress. I at present accept some notion to the person besides as the performer.

If a reader is interested in the beginnings of Streep'south life and career, this is a worthwhile read. If you desire "Hollywood" gossip, look elsewhere.

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Apr 17, 2016 Cheryl rated information technology it was ok

I no nothing virtually who Meryl was growing up prior to becoming an actor. So I was very curious to read this volume. I establish Meryl to have an innocence near her. She did non know what a beauty she was growing up and the strong presence she has when on stage or camera. Mr. Schulman does do his research well nearly Meryl. I did experience like I have gotten to know her better know. When she first did the reading for a school production, it was like I was there sitting in the audition and I could hear Meryl I no zippo nearly who Meryl was growing up prior to becoming an actor. Then I was very curious to read this volume. I plant Meryl to have an innocence well-nigh her. She did not know what a beauty she was growing up and the strong presence she has when on stage or camera. Mr. Schulman does do his research well about Meryl. I did feel like I take gotten to know her better know. When she showtime did the reading for a schoolhouse production, it was like I was in that location sitting in the audience and I could hear Meryl acting out the lines. Yet, despite liking what I read, I could not commit my full attention to this volume. At that place was a lot of skimming done and I did not end reading this book. ...more

I picked this book thinking it was going to exist almost Meryl Streep's life. Quite disappointingly, this volume is all about other people,colleagues, professors, college, Robert Deniro, etc., and only ten% virtually Meryl.
I picked this book thinking it was going to exist about Meryl Streep's life. Quite disappointingly, this book is all nigh other people,colleagues, professors, college, Robert Deniro, etc., and only x% almost Meryl.
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Aug 31, 2016 Carol rated it really liked it

Beingness just her age, and having long been impressed with Meryl Streep'due south extradordinary stage and screen performances, I delved into this volume with apprehension. The writer does just what he proclaims in the title; he shows how Streep "became" the extra who could so adeptly "become" a graphic symbol. He shows us how her first office was equally the cheerleader and homecoming queen in her New Jersey loftier school, a persona she studied and cultivated and mastered in her teen years. Her years at Vassar in Pough Being just her age, and having long been impressed with Meryl Streep'due south extradordinary phase and screen performances, I delved into this book with anticipation. The author does simply what he proclaims in the title; he shows how Streep "became" the actress who could so adeptly "go" a character. He shows us how her showtime part was every bit the cheerleader and homecoming queen in her New Jersey high school, a persona she studied and cultivated and mastered in her teen years. Her years at Vassar in Poughkeepsie encompassed the opening of the traditional, liberal arts women'south college to men'due south enrollment and Streep'due south consideration of women's experiences and fulfillment. Her fourth dimension at Yale'due south Drama School forced her to adapt to the directorial styles of some eccentric taskmasters, and feel in reperatory theater facilitated her ability to quickly switch dorsum and forth between many strong character roles. Her early career allowed her some anonymnity as she honed her skills at Shakespeare in the Park and New York theater companies, and as she met and worked with the likes of Robert de Niro, Sigourney Weaver, John Lithgow, Sam Waterston, Michael Moriarty, Joseph Papp,
and others. Her relationship with a dying John Cazale (The Godfather's Fredo) taught her most love, sacrifice, and profound grief. Her marriage to Don Gummer brought loving stability and the singular joys of parenthood. From the people she met to the books she read, to the bicycle she rode around the city, we see how Streep was edifice a backlog of experience that allows her to convey the identities of characters to theater and film goers. The book ends as she has only received her outset academy honour for her performance equally Joanna in Kramer vs. Kramer. She has become Meryl Streep and launched an incredible career.
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Meryl Streep is constant in my life as a movie aficionado. She can do no incorrect it seems since I saw her poster at a vintage movie theater French Lieutenant adult female in Tanah Merah Kelantan. Information technology'south a volume to refresh everything....
Equally a fan, this volume is worth keeping. Meryl Streep is abiding in my life every bit a motion picture addict. She tin exercise no wrong information technology seems since I saw her affiche at a vintage movie house French Lieutenant woman in Tanah Merah Kelantan. It's a volume to refresh everything....
As a fan, this book is worth keeping. ...more

The author goes to slap-up lengths to hide the fact that he has never met Meryl Streep, and did not have her cooperation in writing the book. He fails.

In identify of those necessary interviews, Schulman fills the book with meaningless descriptions. Every secondary character, theatre, play, movie and organization is described in exhaustive particular. We get pages of what Streep's agent eats for dejeuner (and where), Joe Papp's life, and whole tracks of dialogue from the plays and movies in which Streep star

The author goes to bang-up lengths to hibernate the fact that he has never met Meryl Streep, and did not have her cooperation in writing the book. He fails.

In place of those necessary interviews, Schulman fills the book with meaningless descriptions. Every secondary grapheme, theatre, play, moving picture and organisation is described in exhaustive particular. We become pages of what Streep'south amanuensis eats for lunch (and where), Joe Papp's life, and whole tracks of dialogue from the plays and movies in which Streep starred. What nosotros don't get is much near Streep herself, except what some others call up of her and a few quote Schulman constitute from other interviews.

Worse all the same, Schulman's attempts to add drama country like lead zeppelins (the tag line near her lover coughing upwards blood existence a prime example). The net issue reads like a book about a great piece of work of art, in which no pictures are shown and the writer lacks the skill to capture the majesty of the artwork. Instead, he spends 250 pages describing the building (and the gift shop) of the museum that houses that artwork. Save your time and money - y'all won't learn much about Streep here.

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Despite having seen many of her varied and accomplished performances, I knew next to aught virtually Meryl Streep as she's not been the sort of person who does a lot of publicity or interviews. Michael Schulman's volume gives u.s. some background on this reclusive actress, talking about the babyhood which shaped her and how she created the actress she's become through talent, luck of association with several powerful people, and the will and intelligence to brand the choices offered to her count. It's Despite having seen many of her varied and accomplished performances, I knew next to nothing about Meryl Streep as she'due south not been the sort of person who does a lot of publicity or interviews. Michael Schulman's book gives us some background on this reclusive actress, talking nigh the babyhood which shaped her and how she created the actress she's become through talent, luck of association with several powerful people, and the will and intelligence to brand the choices offered to her count. It's a fascinating account of the education of a modern player that will interest any fan of hers or one of theater and film in general. My only criticism is that it only takes us upward to the evening of her winning her kickoff Best Extra University Award for Kramer v.s. Kramer, leaving enough of territory for another volume or another author to explore. It whets the ambition for a more in-depth study of this most interesting of actresses. - BH. ...more

Interesting book relates the beginning of Meryl Streep's career to her first Oscar win for Kramer vs. Kramer. Also includes cameos of fellow classmates such as Sue (subsequently Sigourney) Weaver, Wendy Wasserstein, and Mary Beth Hurt. Nothing monumental here, but yet interesting to hear of her progress from Vassar to Yale Drama School to Broadway actress to her TV role in the NBC mini-serial "Holocaust" where I kickoff saw her. I've admired her abilities e'er since. Interesting volume relates the beginning of Meryl Streep'southward career to her first Oscar win for Kramer vs. Kramer. As well includes cameos of swain classmates such every bit Sue (afterward Sigourney) Weaver, Wendy Wasserstein, and Mary Beth Hurt. Zero awe-inspiring here, but even so interesting to hear of her progress from Vassar to Yale Drama Schoolhouse to Broadway actress to her Television role in the NBC mini-series "Holocaust" where I first saw her. I've admired her abilities e'er since. ...more

I received a free copy from the translator that worked on the book. Interesting read.

Nice split of the chapters after the main characters that defined certain periods of Meryl's life. I likewise appreciated how each step of her life and career was put into perspective. I was able to learn of her life but also accept a mental picture of the social climate of the period, the people that worked with her, how they saw Meryl.

I received a free copy from the translator that worked on the book. Interesting read.

Dainty split of the capacity after the chief characters that divers certain periods of Meryl's life. I also appreciated how each step of her life and career was put into perspective. I was able to learn of her life simply besides have a mental picture of the social climate of the period, the people that worked with her, how they saw Meryl.

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Jul 19, 2017 Dina Herrera rated information technology it was amazing

I was fascinated to acquire near the early days of my favorite actress, the one and only Meryl Streep. The writer describes the cultural aspects surrounding her life in New York City in the 70'southward. I was delighted to read virtually how she got to play in her first moving-picture show I saw, Kramer vs. Kramer. I also learned about other actors such every bit Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro. It was a pleasure to read her biography . I was fascinated to larn nigh the early days of my favorite actress, the one and just Meryl Streep. The author describes the cultural aspects surrounding her life in New York Metropolis in the 70's. I was delighted to read well-nigh how she got to play in her first movie I saw, Kramer vs. Kramer. I as well learned about other actors such as Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro. It was a pleasure to read her biography . ...more

May 25, 2016 Joanne rated it it was ok

A tertiary of the way through this book, I found myself bored past the whole story. While I deeply admire Meryl Streep as an extra, her life really hasn't been all that cataclysmic or dramatic and the writer never fabricated her come alive for me. I'm not looking for juice near Meryl, just a more than interesting story than this volume provided. A third of the way through this book, I found myself bored past the whole story. While I deeply admire Meryl Streep equally an extra, her life really hasn't been all that cataclysmic or dramatic and the author never made her come up live for me. I'm not looking for juice about Meryl, simply a more than interesting story than this volume provided. ...more

Jul 08, 2018 Egle J rated it it was amazing

Very well written, engrossing report of early on Meryl Streep's years in acting. I had no idea about all those Broadway shows and classic plays she took a function in, but the book describes them vividly and informatively enough to become an idea virtually her immense talent and the times (1970s in the New York Metropolis mostly).

Also, I really similar Meryl Streep. That added at to the lowest degree i star extra.

Very well written, engrossing report of early Meryl Streep'due south years in acting. I had no idea near all those Broadway shows and classic plays she took a part in, merely the book describes them vividly and informatively enough to get an thought almost her immense talent and the times (1970s in the New York City by and large).

Also, I really like Meryl Streep. That added at least one star actress.

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Here is a fascinating audio volume about the life and background of Meryl Streep. I loved the storytelling and the detail in this biography. I heard the sound volume from encompass to embrace and enjoyed it. I recommend this book.

Aug 12, 2020 Irina Vasile rated it really liked it

Schulman writes and so beautifully that this book doesn't resemble a biography that much. I felt as if I was reading fiction, always connected to the characters and their feelings. Then I snapped out of it and realised this is real life, which made me appreciate the marvellous Meryl Streep even more than. Moreover, you lot can tell that the research for this book was very carefully done, ensuring the accuracy of its details. Hands-down one of the best biographical pieces I've ever read. Schulman writes so beautifully that this book doesn't resemble a biography that much. I felt as if I was reading fiction, always connected to the characters and their feelings. Then I snapped out of information technology and realised this is real life, which made me appreciate the marvellous Meryl Streep even more. Moreover, you tin can tell that the research for this book was very carefully washed, ensuring the accuracy of its details. Hands-down i of the best biographical pieces I've always read. ...more than

Dec 19, 2016 Sherril rated it information technology was ok

When I received the bookbub mailing that day last August that contained a biography about the histrion I have near admired my entire adult life, Meryl Streep, there was never a question that I would buy it for $2.99. At worst, if I did non like it, I'd lost little. At best, I would acquire something nigh the person I would cull to have lunch with, if I could choose anyone past or nowadays.

Meryl Streep is of my generation (born in 1949, just 2 ane/ii years before me) and from New Bailiwick of jersey, every bit I am. I lo

When I received the bookbub mailing that mean solar day last Baronial that contained a biography about the histrion I have most admired my unabridged adult life, Meryl Streep, there was never a question that I would buy it for $two.99. At worst, if I did not like it, I'd lost petty. At best, I would larn something about the person I would choose to take dejeuner with, if I could choose anyone past or present.

Meryl Streep is of my generation (born in 1949, simply 2 one/2 years earlier me) and from New Jersey, as I am. I loved acting from babyhood and was in my High Schoolhouse All School Product (I played Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker). Streep, in high school went the direction of cheer leader and high schoolhouse queen. That tidbit came as a stupor to me, just that she got into theater at Vassar College and later at Yale, did not. I was unaware of her earliest theater roles and movie parts, becoming aware of her in 1978 from the television receiver mini-series, Holocaust. I saw her in Kramer vs Kramer in 1979 and loved her in the role of Joanna Kramer. But, it was in 1982 when I saw her in Sophie'southward Choice that Meryl Streep became indelibly burned into my heed and memory equally the most amazing player of my lifetime. In 1980, in my get-go child's Baby Book, where information technology asked for the name of the nearly famous actor of the solar day, I wrote without hesitation, Meryl Streep.

Ok, so this is sounding more than like a fan alphabetic character than a review of Her Again, Becoming Meryl Streep by Michael Schulman and that's the thing. I would choice up well-nigh anything written about Meryl Streep because I would naturally beloved to learn about how she became what she is and this volume told a lot about her early forays into interim and how she intersected with many others who would also become well known names in Hollywood like Mary Beth Hurt, John Lithgow, Christopher Lloyd, Michael Moriarty, and others.

The writer, Michael Shulman is a respected contributor and arts editor of The New Yorker and his work has been in The New York Times, and then information technology goes without proverb that he is a good writer. He went across what any practiced biographer would do in regards to the research for writing the volume. However, whatever volume which is about a person who chooses not to meet with or in any way, communicate with the writer is going to miss something very important. Having had no access to Meryl Streep, even the best author tin not provide a expect into the inner world of his field of study and ultimately it is Streep's inner earth, how she thinks and feels almost her life and piece of work and those who have touched it, that really matters. So I rated this book with 2 1/2 stars. I enjoyed it, but wanted so much more than.

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If Hollywood is an Empire, then Meryl Streep is its unquestioned and highly decorated empress. A very institution of acting, this legendary actress has a record breaking 19 Oscar nominations, in addition to bagging the statuette 3 times. Capable of seamlessly transforming herself into any grapheme, Meryl Streep is versatility unbound. In this curt Biography, Michael Schulman prises out the development of this natural artist beginning with a break out operation as the Octogenarian Constance If Hollywood is an Empire, then Meryl Streep is its unquestioned and highly decorated empress. A very institution of acting, this legendary extra has a tape breaking 19 Oscar nominations, in addition to bagging the statuette iii times. Capable of seamlessly transforming herself into any graphic symbol, Meryl Streep is versatility unbound. In this short Biography, Michael Schulman prises out the development of this natural artist beginning with a break out performance as the Octogenarian Constance Garnett in a play. Streep'south hellish stint at the Yale School of Drama with the disciplinarian Brustein at the captain, her friendship with Albert Innuarato, Joseph Papp and Wendy Wasserstein, her ill fated and tragically short lived dearest matter with the brilliant and brooding John Cazale, all make for some enthralling read.

Schulman captures Meryl Streep's pulsating and visceral spirit beneath the interim veneer where pain translates to purpose and cast becomes a consequence. Whether as Joanna Kramer locking horns with the intimidating Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) in "Kramer v Kramer" or as Linda trying to pit her might confronting Michael "Mike" Vronsky in (Robert De Niro) in "The Deer Hunter", Meryl Streep has non only managed to concur her own against a phalanx of acting greats, but has also managed to create her own niche and pedestal in the world of Cinema. With one breathtaking operation later another, Meryl Streep has come up to be universally best-selling every bit the Queen of Perfection. Michael Schulman reinforces this fact incredibly well in his work.

"Her Again" - A deserving tribute to the genius of Meryl Streep.

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Jan 10, 2017 Elizabeth rated it really liked it

3.five, but I love the field of study so much that I'one thousand rounding up. Many of the criticisms others accept voiced are valid: there is little new here (many of the directly quotations from Streep are things I've heard her say in interviews or awards testify speeches), and the digressions/descriptions almost other people (drama school teachers, early Broadway producers, etc.), while providing some important context, practise seem to run on a scrap. Still, I appreciated the way Schulman brought the fabric together in a style three.5, just I dearest the subject and so much that I'm rounding up. Many of the criticisms others take voiced are valid: there is niggling new here (many of the direct quotations from Streep are things I've heard her say in interviews or awards show speeches), and the digressions/descriptions about other people (drama school teachers, early Broadway producers, etc.), while providing some important context, do seem to run on a bit. Still, I appreciated the mode Schulman brought the material together in a mode that gives insight into what formed Streep as a young role player and as a immature woman. After reading this book, you will (if you don't already) be intrigued well-nigh John Cazale and want to revisit his movie work and loathe Dustin Hoffman. :-)

And just to clarify, the book covers the years from loftier school, when Meryl took on her first neat "interim" task (literally making herself into the popular girl she longed to be) through her 1st Oscar win for Kramer v. Kramer, which probably marks the outset of the "Meryl Streep" persona that most of united states of america think of. Only 225 pages, so information technology'due south a pretty quick read.

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Jul xi, 2016 Amy rated it information technology was ok

Meryl Streep is an actress I greatly adore and when I heard about the memoir, I was excited to read nigh the woman behind the flick screen. I've seen her perform in Central Park Summer'south Stage and her public persona is one I respect as she'south funny, classy and above all, demonstrates that adult female can be intelligent and taken seriously.

Although there are moments that I found charming, equally a whole, I was disappointed by Schulman's take on the actress. Information technology seems he consulted anybody but Streep and t

Meryl Streep is an actress I greatly admire and when I heard about the memoir, I was excited to read about the woman behind the motion-picture show screen. I've seen her perform in Central Park Summer's Stage and her public persona is one I respect as she'southward funny, swish and above all, demonstrates that adult female can be intelligent and taken seriously.

Although there are moments that I institute charming, as a whole, I was disappointed past Schulman's take on the actress. Information technology seems he consulted everyone only Streep and the novel is a hearsay almost her work instead of a firsthand business relationship. Even in the acknowledgement, it thanked a handful of people but in regard to Meryl, he thanked her for not 'putting upwards too many roadblocks.' That being said, I have a deeper appreciation for Streep but I'm looking frontwards to reading some other book and then I can discover out more almost 'her... again.'

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Jun 29, 2017 Nancy rated it it was ok

overall the bio overall left me feeling pretty meh and bromidic. unlike the biographies for steve jobs or john adams, i didn't experience a coherent motion-picture show of the person forming in front of me. nor did i feel inspired past an incisive interpretation of a larger-than-life personality. while reading other bios, i tin pic and fully appreciate what made these people then different, but with meryl streep i can't really moving-picture show the raw talent that schulman repeatedly cites throughout the book.

nevertheless! mi

overall the bio overall left me feeling pretty meh and uninspired. different the biographies for steve jobs or john adams, i didn't feel a coherent picture show of the person forming in front of me. nor did i feel inspired by an incisive estimation of a larger-than-life personality. while reading other bios, i can picture and fully appreciate what made these people and then different, but with meryl streep i can't really picture the raw talent that schulman repeatedly cites throughout the book.

however! michael schulman crafts some dead-on metaphors to depict the interim community that do for a second give you an appreciation for how these distinctive personalities interact. the text is also buried nether enough of detail and quotes, although again they lack a sort of coherence to brand them sparkle. it feels like an eloquent wikipedia page.

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I absolutely love Meryl, but this book just wasn't what I predictable. It focused a lot on Meryl's higher years and early on days on the stage. It introduced a lot of people who were around her during those times and what they were experiencing in their own lives. I felt like I was constantly waiting to read more about Meryl's personal life and more than well-nigh her life every bit she got older. It never actually got there. Information technology is very comprehensive most her earlier years and provides a thorough expect into the the I absolutely dearest Meryl, just this volume just wasn't what I predictable. It focused a lot on Meryl's college years and early on days on the stage. It introduced a lot of people who were around her during those times and what they were experiencing in their own lives. I felt like I was constantly waiting to read more than about Meryl'southward personal life and more about her life as she got older. It never really got at that place. It is very comprehensive about her earlier years and provides a thorough look into the theatre globe at that time, in my opinion. ...more than

Apr 06, 2021 Patty rated it liked it

This surprisingly engaging book about the origins of arguably America'due south best actress sheds light on how Streep's extraordinary ability to transform herself began early in life. As a teenager Streep did not feel popular or attractive and so she studied the girls who were and began acting like them—essentially her first role. Streep never stopped observing throughout her higher years and her sometimes embattled time at Yale Repertory Theatre. The volume covers her early on transition to film and her trans This surprisingly engaging book about the origins of arguably America's best actress sheds light on how Streep'due south extraordinary ability to transform herself began early in life. As a teenager Streep did not experience popular or attractive so she studied the girls who were and began interim like them—essentially her outset part. Streep never stopped observing throughout her college years and her sometimes embattled fourth dimension at Yale Repertory Theatre. The book covers her early transition to pic and her transformative part in The Deer Hunter with the man who became her showtime deep love, John Cazale, and who she nursed through his concluding cancer. While still grieving and needing a dwelling house, a friend offered a friend'due south loft. It belonged to sculptor Don Gummer who Streep married six months after Cazale's expiry. The motion raised eyebrows in Streep's circle simply throughout the volume she continually demonstrates an unwavering confidence of how to approach roles—both personal and professional. The book closes with her outset Oscar win for Kramer vs Kramer, co-starring opposite unpleasant method actor Dustin Hoffman. The ii often clashed but Streep prevailed, not needing his sometimes cruel taunting to achieve her character's reaction—instead earthworks into the deep well of talent that she began developing every bit a teenager. ...more than

Sep 21, 2021 C.Chiliad. Twiles rated it really liked information technology

A well-researched account of the rise of Meryl Streep, but if you lot are more than interested, equally I am, in the latter role of her career (The Devil Wears Prada, It's Complicated, Mamma Mia) and then don't look hither. The volume ends with Meryl winning her Oscar for Kramer v. Kramer. It doesn't fifty-fifty become to some of her all-time piece of work (ie Sophie's Pick, Out of Africa, Silkwood). It does show the massive amount of theater work she'd done before transitioning (rather hands) into movies. This isn't the story of a woma A well-researched account of the ascension of Meryl Streep, only if you lot are more interested, as I am, in the latter office of her career (The Devil Wears Prada, Information technology's Complicated, Mamma Mia) then don't expect here. The book ends with Meryl winning her Oscar for Kramer v. Kramer. It doesn't fifty-fifty get to some of her all-time work (ie Sophie's Choice, Out of Africa, Silkwood). It does testify the massive amount of theater work she'd done before transitioning (rather hands) into movies. This isn't the story of a woman who suffered rejection after rejection for years earlier communicable a suspension. She was a star in high school, a star at Vassar, a star at Yale Drama School (despite one interim teacher who didn't like her at all and fabricated her life miserable), and a star pretty much right afterwards graduation!

Meryl has never been my favorite extra - put me in the category of those who can admit her talent while remaining somewhat untouched by her. She doesn't grab my heart the way other actresses (Kathleen Turner, Holly Hunter, Jessica Lange) do. I can't tell you why. She is very good, very precise, and too has a nice tenderness about her, but I can e'er sense her - every bit Jon Lovitz's SNL character would say - ACK-TING!

And OMG how horrible is Dustin Hoffman? I don't recall I'll exist able to always watch some other film of his knowing he not only slapped Meryl right before a big scene in Kramer v Kramer but repeatedly taunted her nigh the premature cancer death of her great love, the histrion John Cazale (The Godfather). Who does that?! Even beingness a disciple of the Method, you'd retrieve you would know that goes too far? Marlon Brando would have never washed that? Dustin, you suck.

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** iv stars **

Unlike the ii other Streep biographies I've read that mainly simply rehash all of her flick roles-- Streep: A Life in Movie by Iain Johnstone and Queen Meryl by Erin Carlson--this is an actual biography that includes interviews with people who knew, worked with, and/or dated Meryl Streep during the early years of her career. Schulman covers her early life and high school days through her fourth dimension at Vassar and the Yale School of Drama to early theater roles to her first few pic roles, an

** four stars **

Unlike the two other Streep biographies I've read that mainly just rehash all of her film roles-- Streep: A Life in Picture show past Iain Johnstone and Queen Meryl by Erin Carlson--this is an bodily biography that includes interviews with people who knew, worked with, and/or dated Meryl Streep during the early on years of her career. Schulman covers her early life and high schoolhouse days through her fourth dimension at Vassar and the Yale School of Drama to early theater roles to her start few moving-picture show roles, and ends with her first Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress in Kramer vs. Kramer. Actually good motion picture of her early life, especially her relationship with John Cazale and her whirlwind romance with eventual husband Don Gummer.

Would recommend if you lot are a fan of Streep and/or enjoy biography.

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Michael Schulman is a contributor and arts editor at the New Yorker. His work has appeared in the New York Times, the Believer, and other publications. He lives in New York City.

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