Success, illness, and everything in between: Jamie Lynn Sigler’s affecting memoir, ‘And So It Is…’

On this episode of Fully Booked, actor and singer Jamie Lynn Sigler joins us to discuss And So It Is…: A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope (Harper/HarperCollins, May 5). Best known for her role as Meadow Soprano on HBO’s The Sopranos, Sigler tackles everything—from childhood to motherhood, stardom to scandal, illness to empowerment—in this unflinching chronicle of a remarkable life.

“Sigler’s book does recount her time on [The Sopranos],” Kirkus writes in a review, “but the real focus of her memoir is on how she maintained a career while struggling with health issues: first, an eating disorder…and then a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, which she kept secret for 14 years.…She chronicles the mental stress MS has caused her, but the book never becomes mired in self-pity: ‘This is not a survivor’s tale,’ she writes. ‘I come from far too much privilege for that.’ It is, instead, a moving memoir of an actor who refuses to give up.”

In a career spanning three decades, Sigler has performed in starring roles on TV, film, and stage. She is the co-host, with her friend, actor Christina Applegate, of the podcast MeSsy, about their friendship and shared diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. She lives in Austin, Texas.

In a heartfelt conversation, Sigler and I discuss her inspiration for writing the memoir, the importance of telling one’s truth in one’s own voice, and the healing power of sharing our stories. She talks about her experience on The Sopranos, her respect and admiration for the show’s creators and her fellow actors, especially James Gandolfini, and how being diagnosed with MS impacted her career. We touch on the writing process, the memoir’s exuberant acknowledgements section, and much more.

And, in a sponsored interview, author Jeff Gottesfeld and illustrator Matt Tavares discuss their exquisite children’s picture book, Honor Flight: Celebrating America’s Veterans(Candlewick, March 3), in which a Vietnam veteran travels to Washington, D.C., to commemorate the service and sacrifices of the U.S. Armed Forces. Kirkus: “Those reading this stirring tribute will remember it well—and agree with the closing words: ‘It was an honor’” (starred review).

At the end of our main author interview, Sigler recommends to listeners a classic novel she loves. Follow @kirkus_reviews on Instagram, DM us the title of that novel (along with your email and location), and you’ll be entered in a drawing to receive a $100 Visa gift card, courtesy of Kirkus.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

The Big Dream by Owen Thomas

Eleven Elements by Robby Joshi

Say My Name by Jerry Leverett

Fully Booked is produced by Jessica Lockhart and Megan Labrise.