Quick Take

In this side-splitting memoir, the former Saturday Night Live star recounts the hilarious adventures and unexpected joy of dating and becoming a mother when she least expected it-at the age of forty-four. Anyone who saw an episode of Saturday Night Live between 1999 and 2006 knows Rachel Dratch. She was hilarious! So what happened to her? After a misbegotten part as Jenna on the pilot of 30 Rock , Dratch was only getting offered roles as "Lesbians. Secretaries. Sometimes secretaries who are lesbians." Her career at a low point, Dratch suddenly had time for yoga, dog- sitting, learning Spanish-and dating. After all, what did a forty- something single woman living in New York have to lose? Resigned to childlessness but still hoping for romance, Dratch was out for drinks with a friend when she met John. Handsome and funny, after only six months of dating long-distance, he became the inadvertent father of her wholly unplanned, undreamed-of child, and moved to New York to be a dad. With riotous humor, Dratch recounts breaking the news to her bewildered parents, the awe of her single friends, and the awkwardness of a baby-care class where the instructor kept tossing out the f-word. Filled with great behind-the-scenes anecdotes from Dratch's time on SNL, Girl Walks into a Bar... is a refreshing version of the "happily ever after" story that proves female comics-like bestsellers Tina Fey and Chelsea Handler-are truly having their moment.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Girl Walks into a Bar . . .: Comedy Calamities, Dating Disasters, and a Midlife Miracle

Introduction

"Girl Walks into a Bar . . .: Comedy Calamities, Dating Disasters, and a Midlife Miracle" is a hilarious memoir written by Rachel Dratch, a former Saturday Night Live star. In this book, Dratch recounts her unexpected journey of becoming a mother at the age of forty-four, while navigating the ups and downs of dating and Hollywood. With her signature wit and humor, Dratch takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through her life, sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes from her time on SNL and shedding light on the realities of show business.

About Rachel Dratch

Rachel Dratch is an American actress, comedian, producer, and writer. Born and raised in Lexington, Massachusetts, she graduated from Dartmouth College in 1988 and moved to Chicago, Illinois, to study improvisational theatre at The Second City and ImprovOlympic. Her breakthrough came on the NBC television show Saturday Night Live (SNL), where she was a cast member from 1999 to 2006. In addition to her work on SNL, she has appeared as a guest star in television shows such as The King of Queens and 30 Rock, as well as films such as Click and I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.

Analysis of Views

Humor and Relatability: Many readers found Dratch's humor and likability to be the standout aspects of the book. They appreciated her down-to-earth personality and her ability to find humor in everyday situations, making the book enjoyable and relatable.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Fans of SNL were particularly interested in the behind-the-scenes anecdotes shared by Dratch. Her stories about her time on the show provided a unique perspective on the behind-the-scenes aspects of SNL, adding to the overall enjoyment of the book.
Refreshing Take on Happily Ever After: Readers appreciated Dratch's refreshing take on the traditional "happily ever after" story. While many books in this genre focus on romantic relationships, Dratch's story delves into the realities of motherhood and the unexpected joys that come with it. This fresh perspective resonated with readers who appreciated Dratch's honesty and authenticity.
Engaging Storytelling: Dratch's storytelling skills were praised by many readers. Her ability to weave together humorous anecdotes and personal experiences made the book engaging and kept readers hooked from start to finish.
Relatability to Real Life: Readers found that Dratch's experiences resonated with their own lives, particularly in regards to dating and relationships. The book provided a relatable portrayal of the challenges and awkward moments that come with navigating the dating scene as a single woman in your late thirties or early forties.

Reasons for Recommendation

Humorous Writing: Dratch's ability to inject humor into even the most mundane situations makes the book enjoyable to read. Her witty writing style keeps readers engaged and entertained throughout the book.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights: For fans of SNL, this book offers a unique perspective on the show's behind-the-scenes antics. Dratch's stories provide a glimpse into the world of late-night television and the challenges faced by comedians in the industry.
Refreshing Take on Happily Ever After: Dratch's story challenges traditional notions of happily ever after by exploring the joys of motherhood at a later stage in life. This refreshing take on the genre appeals to readers seeking a different perspective on love and family.
Engaging Storytelling: Dratch's engaging storytelling skills make the book difficult to put down. Her ability to weave together humorous anecdotes and personal experiences creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers invested in her journey.
Relatability to Real Life: Readers appreciate the relatability of Dratch's experiences, particularly in regards to dating and relationships. The book provides a relatable portrayal of the challenges and awkward moments that come with navigating these aspects of life, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Limited Focus on SNL: Some readers felt that the book focused too much on Dratch's personal life rather than delving deeper into her experiences on SNL. They felt that there was not enough content about her time on the show or her career in general.
Lack of Depth: A few readers felt that the book lacked depth in certain areas, particularly in regards to Dratch's personal growth and development over time. They felt that some sections were superficial and lacked meaningful insight into her journey.
Cringe-Inducing Moments: A few readers found certain moments in the book cringe-inducing or uncomfortable to read, particularly those related to dating and relationships. They felt that some anecdotes were overly personal or lacked tactfulness in their portrayal of these topics.
Potential for Offense: Some readers felt that certain jokes or anecdotes in the book could be potentially offensive or insensitive to certain groups of people. They cautioned that readers should approach the book with sensitivity and be aware of potential triggers or offensive content.

Conclusion

"Girl Walks into a Bar . . .: Comedy Calamities, Dating Disasters, and a Midlife Miracle" is a hilarious memoir that offers a refreshing take on traditional romantic comedies. Rachel Dratch's wit and humor shine through her storytelling, making the book engaging and relatable for readers of all backgrounds. While some readers felt that the book lacked depth or was cringe-inducing in certain areas, overall it received positive reviews for its humor, behind-the-scenes insights, and relatability to real life experiences. Whether you're a fan of SNL or simply looking for a lighthearted read filled with laughter and relatable moments, "Girl Walks into a Bar . . ." is definitely worth considering.