TRUE STORIES FROM AN UNRELIABLE EYEWITNESS

A quirky book of personal essays by a successful Hollywood professional.

Many recognize Lahti as the acclaimed actress who has received Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe awards for her outstanding performances in countless moving female roles. In her first book, the author launches into the literary world with the same dynamism that has enlivened her acting roles. “Many of these stories are told through the lens of my ever-evolving feminism,” she writes, “the lens through which I see just about everything….I’ve been a clumsy feminist, finding solid footing only to be knocked down again. And I keep finding new veils to be lifted.” With brazen honesty, Lahti recounts the many surprising, heartbreaking, and identity-building events that have punctuated her life. From her earliest childhood memories to her 1960s rebel heart to the launch of her career to more intimate admissions about her acting and mothering techniques, the author crafts an enjoyable book that only requires from readers a willingness to believe, participate, laugh, and grow along with her. Though she identifies herself as a clumsy feminist multiple times, there’s nothing clumsy about her feminism. She is adaptable to the changing sociopolitical climates and never shies away from being challenged by the younger women close to her. “These millennials have taught me that their ‘pro-sex feminism’ is the undeniable next step in empowerment,” she writes. “If men choose to regard them as ‘objects,’ tough shit, that is their problem.” Given the level of Lahti’s success, it is refreshing to read a book of essays that oozes modesty, humor, and complete levelheadedness. The author’s compelling and thought-provoking stories effectively reflect her wisdom as well as her desire to share that wisdom and to keep learning throughout her life. As she writes, “I see this collection as the highs and lows of a feminist who is very much still a work in progress.”

A book that hopefully marks the beginning of a fruitful writing career.