Lena Dunham on Lena Dunham: Not That Kind of Girl — Review

In the past, whenever people would hate on Lena Dunham for somewhat non-specific reasons  (if you have real reasons, that’s fine, and if your reasons are in the how-dare-she-show-her-not-so-perfect-body vein, eff you), I would point out that lena Dunham is not Hannah Horvath (her character on Girls). I figured you could find Hannah completely insufferable and still like Dunham. After reading Not That Kind of Girl, I’m less sure.

This book reads like the “rejected” pile from the Girls writers’ room. Narratives that would fit right in thematically, but are maybe a bit too disjointed or murky to work as a TV show, pop up here. Instead of being self-aware, it kind of feels hyper-aware and self-conscious, like Dunham is baring all and pointing out the weird before anyone else can. It just feels disingenuous and like she’s trying too hard.

Not That Kind of Girl was s quick read and by turns interesting and baffling. If you’re a fan of her work then you might enjoy it, but I wouldn’t put it on any “must read” lists.

Bookstores in TV

The New York Times recently ran a story about the “new” trend (read: since you could stream things online) of binge-watching TV shows. It reminded me of the week or two during my senior year of college when I watched the entirety of the British TV show Black Books. I’m pretty sure it was during finals or midterms…

In any case, Black Books is about a crotchety bookstore owner and his friends. They drink wine and the customers are always interrupting and wanting things. I find it highly entertaining and it’s therefore tragic that British tv series have few episodes per season.

There aren’t that many TV shows where bookstores feature prominently, so Black Book sets itself apart, and it really is fantastic. Give it a try if you have some time and want to laugh. I think it’s time I watch it again, though I might try to space out my episodes a bit more to make it last.

I was going to write about how more shows should use bookstores as a setting, but I think maybe that’s an argument for another time. I know now you’re all dying to go watch TV…