Jane Lynch (1) (1960–)

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 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, show more 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! show less

This intimate memoir tells the story of Jane Lynch's gradual rise to fame. It's an interesting story that ought to encourage many people in their thirties who haven't advanced far down their professional path. Not everyone succeeds in their twenties. In fact, most people don't. Jane's down-to-earth story is a helpful reminder that we're all human with flaws and emotional issues, but that doesn't mean success and happiness is out of reach.

This isn't a funny book, but it is personal and show more interesting. show less

I was not a fan of Glee but I did enjoy watching it for the character of Sue Sylvester. You know, the lady who always wears a track-suit and was a bit of a tough cookie:



Anyway, I had noticed Jane Lynch in other roles - she was hilarious in The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Paul. So, when I stumbled across her autobiography, I was intrigued.

It took me no time at all to read this book. Lynch is certainly an interesting woman and I loved that she told her story very openly and with a lot of humour. I show more take it from her book that this in itself may have been something she may have found hard to do at one point as she did (maybe still does) struggle with anxiety issues and has found it difficult in the past to relate things.

As far autobiographies go, this one did not try to discuss social or political issues much but simply told Lynch's story and focused about her own journey in what came across an interesting and very honest account.

Really enjoyed it. show less

Overall message about how being mean and bullying others isn't cool, and usually the bully is the most insecure person. But, in my opinion, there was no consequences for her actions, all he says is "you're just a bully" and that was enough to make her cry and change her ways. Something about that doesn't really seem like real life. I think in normal circumstances it takes a little more than that to learn a lesson.