I just returned from five blissful days in Palm Springs, California. Some people prepare for a trip by mapping out an itinerary, some purchase new outfits, I channel all my excitement into selecting the perfect books. During my daily routine, finding time to read is a luxury. On vacation, I have all the time in world and it brings me great joy to spend that unstructured time reading.
A few weeks before our trip, I was on Instagram when I saw writer, author and podcast hostess Doree Shafrir post that she had received an advance copy of Sex and the City and Us by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong. I hadn't heard of the book, but as a die hard fan of the show, I immediately hopped over to Amazon to learn more (and place my pre-order). The book arrived two weeks before we were set to take off.
Though I was ecstatic about discovering the book, I was also a bit nervous. Sex and the City is my favorite TV show of all time and I still reference it on a daily basis. I couldn't help but wonder, could a book about my beloved show ever live up to the show itself?
The short answer is: yes.
I knew Jennifer Keishin Armstrong and I were kindred spirits on the fifth page of the book's introduction when she wrote, "Sex and the City became my oracle." A few sentences later she continues, "Sex and the City showed me that not only was I still young, I was also under no obligation to get married at all."
Armstrong chronicles every single moment of the Sex and the City journey like a dedicated anthropologist. Starting with Candace Bushnells's original column for the New York Observer, the quest to find the right network to air the pilot, casting those four critical roles, the cultural phenomenon that gained momentum, and ultimately, the two movies that would hit the big screen.
In each chapter I would learn things that totally blew my mind. I kept putting in my bookmark, slamming the pages closed and turning to the other girls around the pool to ask, "Did you know . . .?!?"
A few shocking facts I uncovered:
- Sarah Jessica Parker was incredibly skeptical about committing to a TV production schedule. She liked the shorter term engagements of movies or Broadway shows. She flip flopped so many times that they cast a back up in case she bailed at the last minute. Guess who it was? Lisa Edelstein! You may know her from House or her current role on Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce.
- Big is based on a real person, Candace Bushnell's on-again, off-again boyfriend, Vogue publisher Ron Galotti.
- When Kristin Davis auditioned for the role of Charlotte York, they weren't thinking about Charlotte as a permanent cast member, she was just going to have a recurring guest role. Can you imagine the foursome without Charlotte?!
- The actor who plays Stanford Blatch, Willie Garson, is straight in real life.
- Though Miranda and Steve had one of the most treasured relationships on the show (especially with fans), David Eigenberg, who played Steve, shared that Cynthia Nixon was all business. While they enjoyed working together, their relationship never extended beyond the hours on the set. I was a bit bummed to hear they aren't close in real life.
I could go on and on about all of the great nuggets revealed in these pages!
One very cool thing I learned was that the book and the movie, He's Just Not That into You, were both inspired by character Jack Berger's line in that famous episode where he tries to help Miranda decode a guy's behavior. Two of the show's writers, Liz Tucillo and Greg Behrendt, noticed how the audience reacted to this epiphany and thought they could spin that concept into something much bigger. They co-authored the book and it sold 400,000 copies in the first six weeks. It was a New York Times bestseller and they were invited onto the Oprah Winfrey Show. All because of one line of script dialogue!
Another fun fact: He's Just Not That into You was published thanks to Jen Bergstrom, a young editor recently promoted at Simon & Schuster, who was running a new imprint called Simon Spotlight. Jen's story is the inspiration for the TV Land show Younger, which is produced by Darren Star, who also produced Sex and the City. Coincidence? Nope! Both shows also share the same incredible costume designer, Patricia Field.
While this book is mostly an absolute treat for fans, Armstrong does address some of the tough stuff - the rumored feud between Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall, the disaster that was the second movie and a lot the ways the show was imperfect (like a complete lack of racial or ethnic diversity in the cast).
That being said, if you loved (and continue to love) Sex and the City, you have to read this book. It felt like being right there in the writer's room, at the wardrobe fittings, on set and ducking from the paparazzi. I was sad when I reached the last page.
Comments
noman khatri
Sat, 09/14/2019 - 02:37
Regular visits listed here are the easiest method to appreciate your energy, which is why why I am going to the website everyday, searching for new, interesting info. Many, thank you! Lahore Inter Part 1 Result 2019
noman khatri
Mon, 09/16/2019 - 05:22
I most likely appreciating each and every bit of it. It is an incredible site and decent impart. I need to much obliged. Great employment! You all do an incredible blog, and have some extraordinary substance. Keep doing awesome. 11th class result 2019
Travis P. Schlueter
Mon, 09/30/2019 - 15:39
I have your article, its really amazing article to read
Happy Halloween Images 2019 Free
Happy Halloween Pictures 2019
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 01:24
Acknowledges for penmanship such a worthy column, I stumbled beside your blog besides predict a handful advise. I want your tone of manuscript... Erotische massage
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 01:41
I am interested in such topics so I will address page where it is cool described. Warmtepompen
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 01:47
I am interested in such topics so I will address page where it is cool described. Chape
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 01:49
Beaver says I also have such interest, you can read my profile here: Warmtepomp
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 01:53
You should mainly superior together with well-performing material, which means that see it: Chapewerken
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 01:55
Listed here you'll learn it is important, them offers the link in an helpful webpage: Zonnepanelen
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 01:57
For this web site, you will see our account, remember to go through this info. Zonnepanelen installateur
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 01:59
So lot to occur over your amazing blog. Your blog procures me a fantastic transaction of enjoyable.. Salubrious lot beside the scene. Airco
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 02:04
So it is interesting and very good written and see what they think about other people. Installateur zonnepanelen
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 02:06
I like to recommend exclusively fine plus efficient information and facts, hence notice it: Airconditioning
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 02:08
I use basically superior fabrics : you will discover these products by: Zonnepanelen kopen
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 02:14
I am always searching online for storys that can accommodate me. There is obviously a multiple to understand about this. I feel you made few salubrious points in Attributes moreover. Detain busy, awesome career! Airco installatie
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 02:17
This is very useful, although it will be important to help simply click that web page link: Zonnepanelen
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 02:19
On my website you'll see similar texts, write what you think. Erotische massage
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 02:21
Cool you inscribe, the info is really salubrious further fascinating, I'll give you a connect to my scene. Zwembaden
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 02:23
This is very significant, and yet necessary towards just click this unique backlink: Exclusief zwembad
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 02:25
Initial You got a awesome blog .I determination be involved in plus uniform minutes. i view you got truly very functional matters , i determination be always checking your blog blesss. Zwembad plaatsen
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 02:27
I would recommend my profile is important to me, I invite you to discuss this topic. Monoblok zwembad
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 02:29
Why do only so much written on this subject? Here you see more. Polypropyleen zwembad
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 02:31
This is helpful, nonetheless it can be crucial so that you can check out the following website: Zwembad aanleggen
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 02:33
I read this article. I think You put a great deal of exertion to make this article. I like your work. Polyester zwembad
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 02:35
I am always searching online for storys that can accommodate me. There is obviously a multiple to understand about this. I feel you made few salubrious points in Attributes moreover. Detain busy, awesome career! Webdesign
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 02:37
I might suggest solely beneficial in addition to trusted facts, and so find it: Webdesign
noman khatri
Sat, 10/19/2019 - 02:40
For many people this is important, so check out my profile: Webdesign
William Johnson
Thu, 10/31/2019 - 14:41
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog post. Its a great pleasure reading your post. I'd really like to help appreciate it with the efforts you get with writing this post. Thanks for sharing. https://reelarea.com/
haseeb khatri
Sat, 01/18/2020 - 15:11
I have a similar interest this is my page read everything carefully and let me know what you think. graphics design service
Harry jack
Thu, 01/30/2020 - 06:57
Listed here you'll learn it is important, them offers the link in an helpful webpage: earn bitcoin by playing games
Harry jack
Thu, 01/30/2020 - 09:31
In this case you will begin it is important, it again produces a web site a strong significant internet site: Automatic Gates Jaipur
Harry jack
Sat, 02/01/2020 - 11:44
On that website page, you'll see your description, why not read through this. 바카라사이트
Harry jack
Thu, 02/06/2020 - 15:00
In this particular article, you will see a summary, satisfy browse this post. poker idn
Harry jack
Sun, 04/12/2020 - 12:23
Your texts on this subject are correct, see how I wrote this site is really very good. best HEADPHONE STANDS this year
jhone123321 nordking
Mon, 04/13/2020 - 15:21
Your work is very good and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts. Thank you for sharing great information to us. best condom in malaysia
ayan khatri
Tue, 08/04/2020 - 03:02
Pretty good post. I have just stumbled upon your blog and enjoyed reading your blog posts very much. I am looking for new posts to get more precious info. Big thanks for the useful info. digitizing service
bon bon
Wed, 08/12/2020 - 03:49
Great news, I will recommend it to my friends for them to check. Thanks for sharing! If you have more time, please visit: shell shockers
Harry jack
Mon, 09/07/2020 - 11:03
I might suggest solely beneficial in addition to trusted facts, and so find it: Dungeons Vault Genetics Seeds
Harry jack
Wed, 10/07/2020 - 07:36
I wrote about a similar issue, I give you the link to my site. cannabis seeds
Harry jack
Sat, 10/24/2020 - 08:55
I invite you to the page where you can read with interesting information on similar topics. lowes coupon
Harry jack
Mon, 11/02/2020 - 02:47
You ought to basically fantastic not to mention solid advice, which means notice: graphic design service
Harry jack
Wed, 12/09/2020 - 10:07
It's superior, however , check out material at the street address. ca weed dispensary
Harry jack
Wed, 12/09/2020 - 16:11
I read this article. I think You put a lot of effort to create this article. I appreciate your work. car stickers
Harry jack
Sat, 12/12/2020 - 15:26
It is rather very good, nevertheless glance at the data with this handle. voyance gratuite telephone
haider ali
Wed, 12/30/2020 - 05:08
이 게시물을 읽는 것이 정말 즐거웠습니다. 좋은 작업을 계속하고 언제 더 많은 기사를 게시 할 수 있는지 또는 주제에 대한 자세한 내용을 어디에서 읽을 수 있는지 알려주십시오. 먹튀검증
Harry jack
Thu, 12/31/2020 - 03:09
On this page you can read my interests, write something special. graphic design service
Harry jack
Sat, 01/09/2021 - 04:08
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Harry jack
Sun, 01/17/2021 - 13:34
This is very useful, although it will be important to help simply click that web page link: voyance en ligne
Harry jack
Thu, 02/04/2021 - 04:21
I also wrote an article on a similar subject will find it at write what you think. marijuana seeds
Mota Baba
Sat, 04/03/2021 - 03:32
Such sites are important because they provide a large dose of useful information ... https://youdontneedwp.com/custompatches12/my-new-post-d1db482c-3900-4ebb-aa5b-47da6a2b9b43