Book: Because He’s Jeff Goldblum: The movies, memes, and meaning of Hollywood’s most enigmatic actor.
Author: Travis M. Andrews
My Rating: 3.5 Weird Stars
Hi there fellow bookworms! I’ve got ANOTHER nonfiction recommendation for you this week. I think this is the most nonfiction I’ve ever read in one year, and I don’t know what that says about me as a person, but I’m embracing it. I actually purchased this book for a friend, but decided I would read it before I gave it to them… Don’t judge me. I expected this to be an odd read, because Jeff Goldblum seems so odd and mysterious in general, and this book exceeded even my expectations.
When I think of Jeff Goldblum, I think of Jurassic Park. That was the first time I remember seeing him on the screen, a skeptic dressed in black running from Dinosaurs in a jeep. To this day I could only confidently summarize three movies with Jeff Goldblum in the cast (Jurassic Park, Independence Day, Thor: Ragnorok) yet, I would call him a Hollywood Icon. He’s classic. He’s timeless. He’s on those strange apartments.com commercials. So, I went into this biography with limited knowledge but high expectations. And Travis Andrews managed to capture my exact thoughts on the enigma that is “Jeff Goldblum.”
I love that Andrews embraced the weirdness and took a totally unconventional approach to the genre of biography. I love that Goldblum declined to be a part of the book, thus making it an unauthorized biography. I love that between each official chapter is an interlude with completely random information. It’s quite unpredictable for a biography. It doesn’t follow a chronological timeline, it doesn’t spend a lot of time focused on the big hits of his career. But there are sections devoted to Goldblum’s favorite sandwiches and throat lozenges. So, much like the man himself, the book is utterly enjoyable chaos.
Now, this wasn’t necessarily an “unputdownable” book for me. I actually set it down for quite a few days before picking it back up again. And I was motivated to read it quickly so I could give it as a gift. However, it wasn’t boring by any stretch of the imagination. And heading into the Christmas season, I think this would make a great gift for any Jeff Goldblum or pop culture fans in your life. At the very least, the book is a great conversation piece.
Krystle Goodman is a crazy cat lady, who loves to drink exorbitant amounts of coffee, and read a shocking amount of books. She lives in Benton with her husband Josh, her son Roman, and their two cats Roxanne and Abby. When she isn’t reading, you’ll find her cooking, painting, or watching true crime shows. Watch for Krystle’s book reviews every other Friday. Send fanmail to: [email protected]
See more of Krystle’s reviews at www.mysaline.com/krystle.