Scan barcode
lberestecki's review against another edition
3.0
I now know more than I ever needed to know about Joss Whedon, but I love everything he's done so I really enjoyed reading about the history and production of his shows and movies. The author did a pretty good job of not completely fawning over Whedon, but the book did often present him as a bit of feminist icon, which is often how he's presented in the media. Clearly he's a feminist and he's created some amazing female characters, but he also fridged Penny and killed off Tara (and he's a guy), so the degree to which people praise him for feminism has always struck me as a bit much. But overall I enjoyed the book, and I think it's a good read for fans of his work, especially of his shows. And I always love to see Dollhouse getting some love because I think it's very underrated.
Also there was so much Nathan Fillion in this book and he's the best.
Also there was so much Nathan Fillion in this book and he's the best.
cindai23's review against another edition
4.0
I simply am not good at reading non fiction. I love Joss Whedon, and the author gives everything you'd want in a bio on him. However, the fault lies with my minds inability to focus when not engaged in an adventure or fantasy of sorts. Maybe it's because I know how the story ends, or that most of the stories told are ones I already knew as a fan. No matter how long it took me, it's a well done biography of a wonderful artist, whom I adore.
wellington299's review against another edition
4.0
Mainly I loved this book for allowing me to revisit the Buffy/Angel universe which was my golden age of television.
burnedoutbookdragon's review against another edition
4.0
Rarelt, do I ever read biographies, but this was a great read on a fascinating individual. Joss Whedon is not without his faults but emphasis on his creative side was fun to read
tamarayork's review against another edition
5.0
Even though I love Joss Whedon, I didn't expect to love this book. I mean, it's a biography...usually that means dry and boring, even when the topic is someone fascinating. Or maybe that is just my personal experiences with biographies. But this, I loved. Buffy is my all-time favorite show. It was my everything in my late teens and early 20's. I recorded every episode on VHS. I also loved Angel, Firefly, and even Dollhouse. So, while I am fairly well-versed in the Whedonverse, I found the behind the scenes peeks extremely interesting. I love Joss's sense of humor and the way he uses language. This is one of those books that I was constantly regaling my husband with "Hey, listen to this..." snippets. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Whedon's work, is interested in writing or film making, or likes reading about people who are passionate about their work.
nicoletort's review against another edition
3.0
Not a ton of new info here for hardcore Whedon fans, but a well-written, thorough biography with great discussions from the man himself and those who have worked with him.
captainjaq's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a Joss Whedon fan. Not sure you'd pick this book up if you weren't. Even more so, I'm not sure this book would convince you to be if you weren't already. And I think that's the biggest problem with Amy Pascale's book - she's also a fan, a big one, and this book comes across like a fan's take on examine the catalog of her hero.
Which, to be fair, she does quite well.
There's little in the way of really in depth digging here. Yes, she has access and makes full use of her ability to get an interview but for the most part, what she's saying never gets too far below the surface. We certainly get in-depth, blow by blow looks at all of Whedon's productions. We know the main players and get their stories, and while all that is interesting, it doesn't seem very fulfilling.
The first chapter or two, which chronicle Whedon's childhood and formative years are instructive, but are over much too quickly. We certainly get call backs throughout the rest of the book, reminding us the reason Joss is the way he is has to do with the influence of his mother - but it would have been far more instructive to actually see that influence played out during his younger days.
With the chronology of his work, we do get, from time to time, some negatives about Whedon, but these are glossed over, forgiven as one forgives a friend who's had a momentary indiscretion, a bad day. And they are quickly shored up with stories of what an amazing, caring, great guy he really is. As a fan, I want to believe that. The quotes from friends and colleagues seem to attest to that, but at the same time, everything just rings slightly off center.
There are a couple of moments where data isn't exactly correct or where information is shoehorned in at the last minute because it's important and didn't make it in when the topic was originally discussed (most often when it comes to referencing Whedon's early life). Again, it would have been nice if we had been able to get these scenes or this information ahead of time but it doesn't distract too much.
Ultimately, the biography is serviceable. Pascale feels like a part-time journalist who doesn't quite have the chops to write something of this length and depth so what we end up with is a hymn that preaches to the converted and, ideally, whets the appetite of those not already in the fold to at least seek out the work of the man. If that happens, then those people will come back to this biography and appreciate it that much more. But if you just pick it up because he's the guy behind The Avengers, you might be disappointed.
Which, to be fair, she does quite well.
There's little in the way of really in depth digging here. Yes, she has access and makes full use of her ability to get an interview but for the most part, what she's saying never gets too far below the surface. We certainly get in-depth, blow by blow looks at all of Whedon's productions. We know the main players and get their stories, and while all that is interesting, it doesn't seem very fulfilling.
The first chapter or two, which chronicle Whedon's childhood and formative years are instructive, but are over much too quickly. We certainly get call backs throughout the rest of the book, reminding us the reason Joss is the way he is has to do with the influence of his mother - but it would have been far more instructive to actually see that influence played out during his younger days.
With the chronology of his work, we do get, from time to time, some negatives about Whedon, but these are glossed over, forgiven as one forgives a friend who's had a momentary indiscretion, a bad day. And they are quickly shored up with stories of what an amazing, caring, great guy he really is. As a fan, I want to believe that. The quotes from friends and colleagues seem to attest to that, but at the same time, everything just rings slightly off center.
There are a couple of moments where data isn't exactly correct or where information is shoehorned in at the last minute because it's important and didn't make it in when the topic was originally discussed (most often when it comes to referencing Whedon's early life). Again, it would have been nice if we had been able to get these scenes or this information ahead of time but it doesn't distract too much.
Ultimately, the biography is serviceable. Pascale feels like a part-time journalist who doesn't quite have the chops to write something of this length and depth so what we end up with is a hymn that preaches to the converted and, ideally, whets the appetite of those not already in the fold to at least seek out the work of the man. If that happens, then those people will come back to this biography and appreciate it that much more. But if you just pick it up because he's the guy behind The Avengers, you might be disappointed.
jenniferbbookdragon's review against another edition
5.0
For all the Whedon fans, from Buffy, Angel, Firefly and Dollhouse, and much more. Why does Joss use British slang? How does he deal with fans? Why is he directing movies?
This will answer all your questions and more. Very well researched. Shiny!
This will answer all your questions and more. Very well researched. Shiny!
ajenndae's review against another edition
5.0
How can you not give a book about Joss Whedon 5 stars? I loved the book, probably because of the subject matter, but it was also well written. For anyone that is a fan of Joss I highly recommend it. It just reaffirms your beliefs that he is a genius.