I love Kristen Johnston and I loved this book. And hearing her narrate her story on the audio version was magic!

She's hilarious, even while describing the worst moments of her life. She was an addict, and hit rock bottom really hard. This book is that story along with the start of her recovery from addiction. ( )

SUBTITLE: The Endless Follies and Tiny Triumphs of a Giant Disaster

Johnston skyrocketed to fame with her role on the popular 3rd Rock From the Sun sitcom as “Sally” the alien who lost the best and had to come to earth as a woman. What few people knew, however, was that she was an alcoholic and a drug addict (painkillers). While her career ambition and focus had always been live theater, this detour to fame and tabloid scrutiny exacerbated her feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The result was a major medical disaster that nearly killed her.

I applaud her honesty and her bravery in laying it all out there, but I’m not a great fan of her delivery. Really, does she need to constantly use such foul language? This was really not my cup of tea. It was a fast read, but I’m not sure I’d recommend it to anyone.

Full disclosure: I knew her father quite well. He was my state representative, and I worked on his campaigns back in the day. He had a wonderful photo of his children that always put a smile on my face. This is back in the ‘80s and I remember how proud he was of Kristen when she got the part of Smitty in her high school production of How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. I joined a group of campaign staffers to watch her perform in that show. I could not help but think of Rod as I read her memoir. ( )

I had no idea what to expect, but it wasn't this honest, insightful & well written book on Kristen Johnson's addiction and recovery....

It had little to do with her fame & stardom and there was only the slightest mention of 3rd Rock....

I did not find her descriptive narrative loathsome, boring, or pitiful... There was no "poor me", although she did describe the "poor me" attitude she held while recuperating in a London Hospital w/ ruptured ulcers/stomach, & intestines....

As I stated, I liked the writing: clear and intelligent, not emotional

Yea for Kristen Johnson ♥ ( )

Guts: The Endless Follies and Tiny Triumphs of a Giant Disaster by Kristen Johnston

A riveting memoir by Kristen Johnston on how she over came addiction . Told with quick-wit, humor and raw honesty, I was pulled in from the first page. At times I could relate to what she was saying, (as) part of what happened to her, has happened to me. I was always a fan of Ms. Johnston, and like her even more after (Reading) her soul baring, courageous story. A highly recommend to all. ( )

Kristen is the star (Ally on Third Rock from the Sun with John Lithgow). This is a great book, easy read, and surprisingly original considering how many of these recovery books I've read (and how many are out there!) I could identify with so much of what she writes. Great book! ( )