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| Sally Field |
Just by happenstance, I recently read the memoirs of two well-respected actresses -- Sally Field's
In Pieces, published last year, and the late Valerie Harper's
I, Rhoda, which came out in 2013. Both actresses enjoyed early success in TV comedy before going on to more varied work, and both have had their share of tough times. But the bottom line, from my reading chair, is that Ms. Harper's book left me respecting and liking her even more than I already did. My reaction to Ms. Field's story was quite different.
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| Valerie Harper |
In Pieces is the account of an actress who bitterly resented many of the roles she was given, and takes herself very, very seriously. I am struggling to remember
anyone for whom she expressed warmth or gratitude in a 400-page book. That an actress serious about her craft might find
The Flying Nun somewhat frustrating is perfectly understandable. But her disdain for a show like
Brothers and Sisters (and, by implication, the viewers who liked it) just reflects poorly on her.
I, Rhoda reads like a friendly, candid chat with a woman who appreciates the opportunities she was given and made the most of them. It is nicely balanced between the professional and personal, and satisfying on both counts. She's no Pollyanna; her account of her lawsuit against Lorimar over the
Valerie series is incisive and reveals a smart, tenacious, principled professional.
I think Valerie Harper took time to consider how to make her book something fans would enjoy. Too often, Sally Field's memoir reads like the notes from her therapy sessions -- for which she would now like to send readers the bill.
