Status
Available
Publication
Voice (2011), Edition: 1st, 304 pages
Description
Jane Lynch, best known for her award-winning role as hard-driving cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester on Glee, tells the story of how she reached success by anything but a straight path. From teen alcoholic to out lesbian, from strange coincidences and chance meetings to offbeat character roles and finally a star turn--part comic memoir and part inspirational narrative, this is a book equally for the rabid Glee fan and for anyone who needs a new perspective on life, love, and success.
User reviews
LibraryThing member britbrarian
Current television and movie darling Jane Lynch details how she got to be the successful actress she is now, starting with her youth in Chicago suburbia. While she maintains a positive voice throughout the book, she pulls no punches. Ms. Lynch is brutally honest about the feelings of inadequacy
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that led to diva-like behavior both on and off the set in some of her early work. She credits Gary Zukav's "The Seat of the Soul" and therapy with helping her come to terms with her fear, and letting her move forward in a positive way. Show Less
LibraryThing member dysmonia
Really quite boring, especially for an alleged alcoholic. I enjoy Jane Lynch. I find her smart, brilliant, talented, and funny. But "happy accidents" do seem to descibe her seminal moments, and that's not very interesting.
Also, the requisite Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosis is missing.
Also, the requisite Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosis is missing.
LibraryThing member sumariotter
I loved Jane Lynch before reading her autobiography, and I love her even more after. She does not have an unkind word to say about anyone in her past, she doesn't blame anyone for anything that has happened in her life, and she is honest about her self. She is not the most exciting writer in the
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world--although it occurs to me I should have listened to this book on disk rather than reading it, she has such a gorgeous voice. But I love her story and I think she is an amazing person. What a kick ass, strong, wise, kind, inspiring amazing woman, lesbian, comedian, and actress. Wow! Show Less
LibraryThing member jmchshannon
Jane Lynch is one of my favorite actresses in Hollywood right now. I fell in love with her during the movie Best in Show and have watched her star rocket upward ever since then. She is a bit like a female version of Ron Howard’s brother, in that she has been in almost everything, but she is
On the surface, Jane has it all. She was born into a upper middle-class family in the Chicago suburbs, had a stable and loving relationship with her parents, a close relationship with her siblings, determination, talent, and success. In Happy Accidents, however, Jane reveals how much of what seems idyllic on the surface has come after much soul-searching, doubt, anxiety, and surprising of all, alcohol.
Jane is refreshingly honest in her concerns about her sexuality and how it impacted her relationship with her family as well as relationships with other women. She does not hide the impact alcohol had on her life, and while some readers may feel that she did not really have an abuse problem, Jane provides plenty of reasons why alcohol had become a problem for her. At times, Happy Accidents does read like a who’s who of Hollywood, but it is a testament to her talent that she has been able to work with a huge list of very successful actors.
While it can always be a bit dangerous to have an author read his or her own novel, Jane Lynch proves that her story is best told by her. Her obvious emotions at parts of her journey, along with her own wry observations, add an element of entertainment to this touching and heartfelt story. Fans of Glee will be surprised at the depth and length of Jane’s resume, and fans of Jane will rejoice in their ability to learn even more about a truly talented and gracious actor.
Acknowledgements: Thank you to Beth Harper of HarperAudio for my review copy!
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always excellent at whatever role she is portraying. However, behind the sarcasm and silliness is someone who has struggled with feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness her entire life. On the surface, Jane has it all. She was born into a upper middle-class family in the Chicago suburbs, had a stable and loving relationship with her parents, a close relationship with her siblings, determination, talent, and success. In Happy Accidents, however, Jane reveals how much of what seems idyllic on the surface has come after much soul-searching, doubt, anxiety, and surprising of all, alcohol.
Jane is refreshingly honest in her concerns about her sexuality and how it impacted her relationship with her family as well as relationships with other women. She does not hide the impact alcohol had on her life, and while some readers may feel that she did not really have an abuse problem, Jane provides plenty of reasons why alcohol had become a problem for her. At times, Happy Accidents does read like a who’s who of Hollywood, but it is a testament to her talent that she has been able to work with a huge list of very successful actors.
While it can always be a bit dangerous to have an author read his or her own novel, Jane Lynch proves that her story is best told by her. Her obvious emotions at parts of her journey, along with her own wry observations, add an element of entertainment to this touching and heartfelt story. Fans of Glee will be surprised at the depth and length of Jane’s resume, and fans of Jane will rejoice in their ability to learn even more about a truly talented and gracious actor.
Acknowledgements: Thank you to Beth Harper of HarperAudio for my review copy!
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LibraryThing member ctmscori
happy accidents by Jane Lynch is a incredible memoir that discribes her life from 0 years old to today staring in her loving acting postion in glee as sue selvester. i do recommend the book to more of a older generation at leats older than 13 years. it does have some language and some inaproprite
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details in the book, but only for a couple papragraphs. the book also explaned her jouney to find love in the end she found to her beautiful wife and her cute daughter that they adopted. i love the book and how ever reads it after me will serly love the book to . ;) Show Less
LibraryThing member kisigler
I love Jane Lynch as a performer, and while this made me love her as a person too, the writing was not amazing. I think listening to the audiobook would have been better.
LibraryThing member abbylibrarian
Celebrity memoirs are my guilty pleasure reading and this one fits the bill nicely. Jane Lynch had written before and it shows. I especially liked the parts where she talked about specific projects she worked on, like the Christopher Guest movies and Glee (even though I don't really watch Glee).
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This is a nice diversion Show Less
LibraryThing member espref
I've listened to many autobiographies and memoirs and this is one of the better ones. Lynch narrates it herself (normally I don't like this) and she is honest about herself and people in her life...while also depicting her undeniable humor.
LibraryThing member LyzzyBee
(13 March 2013 – Poundland)
The last of my celebrity autobiographies picked up in Poundland (and enjoyed as a gift from M but all but one going to new homes), this was one of the better half of the deal. A good autobiography of the actress made famous to me in the Christopher Guest films (“Best
The self-knowledge and happiness she has now is shown to have been hard-won, and she makes no excuses for herself, detailing her challenging behaviours and attitudes as she moves through her life, but ultimately positive about the opportunity for change and her long-term friendships and marriage. Good reading.
The last of my celebrity autobiographies picked up in Poundland (and enjoyed as a gift from M but all but one going to new homes), this was one of the better half of the deal. A good autobiography of the actress made famous to me in the Christopher Guest films (“Best
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in Show”, etc.) and to the world as Sue Sylvester in “Glee” (duly covered), this is clearly written, fairly clearly by Jane Lynch, and with self-knowledge and humility. It takes us all the way from her childhood to her work on “Glee”, via a plethora of stage, film and TV appearances, and also concentrates on her personal development, including some self-confessed nightmare behaviour years and an issue with alcohol.The self-knowledge and happiness she has now is shown to have been hard-won, and she makes no excuses for herself, detailing her challenging behaviours and attitudes as she moves through her life, but ultimately positive about the opportunity for change and her long-term friendships and marriage. Good reading.
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LibraryThing member kqueue
A warm moving and yet funny memoir that made me like Jane Lynch even more. I highly recommend the audio version which is read by Jane herself.
LibraryThing member dysmonia
Really quite boring, especially for an alleged alcoholic. I enjoy Jane Lynch. I find her smart, brilliant, talented, and funny. But "happy accidents" do seem to descibe her seminal moments, and that's not very interesting.
Also, the requisite Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosis is missing.
Also, the requisite Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosis is missing.
LibraryThing member dysmonia
Really quite boring, especially for an alleged alcoholic. I enjoy Jane Lynch. I find her smart, brilliant, talented, and funny. But "happy accidents" do seem to descibe her seminal moments, and that's not very interesting.
Also, the requisite Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosis is missing.
Also, the requisite Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosis is missing.
LibraryThing member DanieXJ
I'm not surprised that at once this book is both uplifting and depressing. It's depressing because really the journey that Jane Lynch took to stardom was much like others who have written these memoirs, she got lucky, ran into the right people at the right times.
Of course as it's obvious from the
Still, with the title being Happy Accidents, unlike the other author memoirists at least she doesn't pretend like happenstance didn't have something to do with her success.
And the book is uplifting too. I didn't mean to write so many words on the depressing part. Although more than once she says in multiple ways that her stories (in AA or in the rest of her life) aren't as interesting as others stories, she's had a ton of life experiences. And just because it's not Lindsey Lohan or Brittney Spears life experience doesn't mean that others can't glean a lot of important lessons. Including just the fact that really no one can tell you anything that can help. you sorta have to keep going as best you can and learn the lessons that you need to learn.
Of course as it's obvious from the
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breadth of roles she's done, from Dr. Reid's Mom on Criminal Minds, a definite serious role, to Sue Sylvester on Glee, a not so serious role (by the by, bummer that there was no Criminal Minds mention in the book, that was the first place I saw her and it's still my favorite of her roles by a long shot) that yes, she prepares and is a very well versed in her craft as well. But there are a lot of people who are very great at what they do, but if they don't get that lucky break (running into the right person or declining or accepting the right job that landed in their lap) then what good is their smarts and preparedness and talent.Still, with the title being Happy Accidents, unlike the other author memoirists at least she doesn't pretend like happenstance didn't have something to do with her success.
And the book is uplifting too. I didn't mean to write so many words on the depressing part. Although more than once she says in multiple ways that her stories (in AA or in the rest of her life) aren't as interesting as others stories, she's had a ton of life experiences. And just because it's not Lindsey Lohan or Brittney Spears life experience doesn't mean that others can't glean a lot of important lessons. Including just the fact that really no one can tell you anything that can help. you sorta have to keep going as best you can and learn the lessons that you need to learn.
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LibraryThing member Citizenjoyce
This book is interesting in many ways. Jane Lynch thought she was ugly when she was young and that her sister was very cute. She shows pictures. They look exactly the same. She is an alcoholic who gave up her drink of choice, Miller Lite, on her own but then spent years in AA because she couldn't
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give up her nightly Nyquil and smoked pot once. She felt like a friendless failure even though she had as many friends as she wanted and a successful career. She was an alienating diva who made fun of others (her inner Sue Sylvester). When she finally got to the last part of the book talking about her time on Glee and her marriage the writing got better. Maybe the problem was the ghostwriter, Lisa Dickey, whom she credits with creating a "rock solid" outline for the book. Felt out of place as a child, check. Relationship problems, check. Substance abuse, check. Perhaps she felt more comfortable filling out the outline a little more when she got to the present. Show Less
LibraryThing member ChrisWeir
A memoir by Jane Lynch best known now for her role in the TV show Glee. Jane tells her of her life growing up in a suburb of Chicago and then moving to LA, NY, etc. Was a good read overall. Jane seems to have had numerous troubles with her identity and not being liked by others. She shows us how
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she started to get into acting and did improv work as well as small acting parts in the Chicago area. How she lived in LA for a while and always seemed to be friendless and afraid. How she began to get career breaks and her part on Glee. Also she tells how she met her wife and started a family of her own. Show Less
LibraryThing member sharlenehsmith
After putting this book down I thought 'this is a life filled with courage & humour, and has been written in such a smart and moving way'. By the end of the first chapter, you already have a good understanding of the life Jane has lived, and oh my, it has been far from boring.
This was recommended,
I was left wondering what happened with the relationship between her and Chris? They were soul mates but once Lara and their daughter Haden appears, we don't really hear much of him. If I can remember right, he was married with a child. Did he make an appearance at their wedding? I'm not sure. Perhaps it wasn't a long term relationship but someone that Jane needed in her down times before she really came into her own.
Did you see New Zealand got a mention! I was pleasantly surprised. Jane must know where we are. I wonder if she has been here... Ms Lynch, you should come here! (bottom of pg 294 if you must read it). Maybe this one line will get other Kiwi readers to give this book a go.
This is a definite must for all the Glee fans, those who enjoy about reading successful women, and perhaps the closet lesbians. It took years for Jane to come out to her family, and did so in a letter. Maybe you can find something in Jane Lynch's story to guide you to be open and honest about who you are.
4/5 stars from me. Something was holding me back from 5 stars. Couldn't put my finger on it. How can you really judge someone's life, especially as they have told it. scrap that thought. 5 stars from me!
This was recommended,
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probably too strong a word, to read by my husband who thought that I would enjoy this book. I'm sure all he saw was the Gleek-looking cover with Jane Lynch's character Sue Sylvester. He had me sold! I really enjoyed this book and so grateful it was filled with more than just lesbian jokes, Jane's real life story definitely shines through.I was left wondering what happened with the relationship between her and Chris? They were soul mates but once Lara and their daughter Haden appears, we don't really hear much of him. If I can remember right, he was married with a child. Did he make an appearance at their wedding? I'm not sure. Perhaps it wasn't a long term relationship but someone that Jane needed in her down times before she really came into her own.
Did you see New Zealand got a mention! I was pleasantly surprised. Jane must know where we are. I wonder if she has been here... Ms Lynch, you should come here! (bottom of pg 294 if you must read it). Maybe this one line will get other Kiwi readers to give this book a go.
This is a definite must for all the Glee fans, those who enjoy about reading successful women, and perhaps the closet lesbians. It took years for Jane to come out to her family, and did so in a letter. Maybe you can find something in Jane Lynch's story to guide you to be open and honest about who you are.
4/5 stars from me. Something was holding me back from 5 stars. Couldn't put my finger on it. How can you really judge someone's life, especially as they have told it. scrap that thought. 5 stars from me!
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LibraryThing member CareBear36
This is a very real memoir, rather than a collection of funny things that happen in Jane Lynch's life. She chronicles difficulties in her life as well as all the happy accidents that got her where she is today.
This is a very good read that goes fairly quickly and is surprisingly uplifting given
This is a very good read that goes fairly quickly and is surprisingly uplifting given
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some of the struggles Lynch faces in the beginning. An honest and frank memoir, this book ironically meshes hope and optimism alongside cynicism and humor. Show Less
LibraryThing member Salsabrarian
Narrated by Jane Lynch. Lynch describes finding her place in drama as a teenager in suburban Illinois, through her success as Sue Sylvester on "Glee." As she copes with alcoholism, coming to terms with her sexuality, and finding security in her own identity, she attains varying levels of success in
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the theater, a shopping network, voiceovers, and ultimately, roles in movies and television. She also finally finds love in her 40s with Laura, now her wife. She attributes her ascension to success to the happy accidents that often occur in life, being in the right place at the right time. It's an easy pleasure to hear Lynch read her own book; her voice is warm and friendly and even as she describes her lower moments, there's a pending reassurance that she comes out stronger for it in the end. Show Less
LibraryThing member carlahaunted
I learned three things from this adorable, amazing audiobook:
1. Christopher Guest's movies are improvised. No script, just character backstories. (!)
2. David Fincher, the director of Seven, directed the "Vogue" Madonna video.
3. Jane Lynch is as warm and sweet as I had hoped, and I want to have a
1. Christopher Guest's movies are improvised. No script, just character backstories. (!)
2. David Fincher, the director of Seven, directed the "Vogue" Madonna video.
3. Jane Lynch is as warm and sweet as I had hoped, and I want to have a
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cup of coffee with her. No, scratch that, I want to watch silly movies and talk all night with her. There, I said it. Let the restraining order commence. Show Less
LibraryThing member amcheri
I enjoyed the book and the author's narration of it.
Awards
ALA Rainbow Book List (Selection — Young Adult Nonfiction — 2012)
ALA Over the Rainbow Book List (Selection — Memoir/Biography — 2013)
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
320 p.; 6.13 inches
ISBN
1401341764 / 9781401341763
Local notes
Autobiography