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Official Review: Meryl Streep: On the Couch

Posted: 23 Mar 2020, 13:16
by Salma_asa
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Meryl Streep: On the Couch" by Alma H. Bond, Ph.D..]
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2 out of 4 stars
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Meryl Streep: On The Couch is the biography of Meryl Streep, written by Alma H. Bond who is a psychoanalyst. The author did extensive research on Streep, analyzed her life, and wrote the biography from her perspective. The book starts with Meryl Streep visiting a renowned psychoanalyst, Darcy Dale, to get help for her upcoming movie. They discuss the actress's childhood, youth and present days in their sessions.

We get to know about the ancestry, love life, personal and political views, etc. of Streep as these topics are brought up throughout the book. She had a very interesting and successful life from an early age. She had to struggle a lot to become one of the greatest actresses of her time. Her sensible and supportive parents were the reason she could go this far. Obviously, her talent and hard-work don't need to be mentioned.

I have seen only a few of Meryl Streep's movies. I like her acting, but I like her personality even more after reading this book. Even if you are not a Streep fan, you will admit that she does have an excellent character. She seems a very wise, kind-hearted, optimist, and hard-working person. Her positivity and views about life really inspire one to look at things from another point.

I didn’t like the psychoanalyst character in the book, Darcy Dale. She seemed a bit narcissist to me. She didn’t seem to be a great analyst, and I didn’t see why her character was so remarkable. Perhaps, a little more description about her would have clarified it. There are a very few characters in the book, Bond could have paid attention to Darcy Dale more.

I will rate this book two out of four. At first, I wanted to rate it three stars because Meryl Streep's remarkable personality and life had already impressed me. Then I noticed a lot of typos and plot holes. The timelines weren't maintained either, which irritated me the most. For example, In Streep's session of 23 January 2017, they discuss Timothy piazza's incident, which took place on 4 February 2017. Did they use time machine or what? There are a few more mistakes like this one, and I find these totally unacceptable.

I will recommend this book to everyone who is a Meryl Streep fan, and who is not. But there is a warning for potential readers; the book starts with a detailed description of Streep's ancestors, which is very boring and exhaustive to read. If you get through it, the book is really enjoyable.

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Meryl Streep: On the Couch
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Re: Official Review: Meryl Streep: On the Couch

Posted: 25 Mar 2020, 00:58
by MsH2k
I’ve seen one or two “On the Couch” books around and wondered what they were like. Thanks to your review, I no longer have to wonder. I love Meryl Streep, but I’m not sure I’d like this approach to her biography.
Thank you for a great review!

Re: Official Review: Meryl Streep: On the Couch

Posted: 25 Mar 2020, 03:14
by Ivana Tomaš
I'm not a big fan of biographies. But I believe that some people might like this. Thank you for a really good review!

Re: Official Review: Meryl Streep: On the Couch

Posted: 25 Mar 2020, 05:20
by Cynthia_Oluchi
I have not really seen any of her movies, but this review speaks things that interest me about her. I'll check for her flicks.

Re: Official Review: Meryl Streep: On the Couch

Posted: 25 Mar 2020, 05:54
by Ogoskino
Typographical errors can sometimes make a book very frustrating to read. I think I will pass this one. Thanks for the honest review.

Re: Official Review: Meryl Streep: On the Couch

Posted: 25 Mar 2020, 09:27
by Maria Esposito
I have always been fascinated by Meryl Streep, her confidence and her skills. It's a shame that Darcy's character did not enhance her in any way. Thank you for this informative and well-written review.

Re: Official Review: Meryl Streep: On the Couch

Posted: 25 Mar 2020, 10:45
by Salma_asa
MsH2k wrote: 25 Mar 2020, 00:58 I’ve seen one or two “On the Couch” books around and wondered what they were like. Thanks to your review, I no longer have to wonder. I love Meryl Streep, but I’m not sure I’d like this approach to her biography.
Thank you for a great review!
Thanks for your kind words!

Re: Official Review: Meryl Streep: On the Couch

Posted: 25 Mar 2020, 10:46
by Salma_asa
ivana7 wrote: 25 Mar 2020, 03:14 I'm not a big fan of biographies. But I believe that some people might like this. Thank you for a really good review!
Thanks for your kind words!

Re: Official Review: Meryl Streep: On the Couch

Posted: 25 Mar 2020, 10:48
by Salma_asa
Cynthia_Oluchi wrote: 25 Mar 2020, 05:20 I have not really seen any of her movies, but this review speaks things that interest me about her. I'll check for her flicks.
Thanks for your kind words!

Re: Official Review: Meryl Streep: On the Couch

Posted: 25 Mar 2020, 10:49
by Salma_asa
espo wrote: 25 Mar 2020, 09:27 I have always been fascinated by Meryl Streep, her confidence and her skills. It's a shame that Darcy's character did not enhance her in any way. Thank you for this informative and well-written review.
Thanks for your kind words!

Re: Official Review: Meryl Streep: On the Couch

Posted: 25 Mar 2020, 10:49
by Salma_asa
Ogoskino wrote: 25 Mar 2020, 05:54 Typographical errors can sometimes make a book very frustrating to read. I think I will pass this one. Thanks for the honest review.
Thanks for your kind words!

Re: Official Review: Meryl Streep: On the Couch

Posted: 25 Mar 2020, 12:56
by praise+anyi
Well I haven't seen any of her movies too, but she sure sounds like an outstanding personality. Supportive parents are a driving force for any one to achieve his dream. Awesome review!

Re: Official Review: Meryl Streep: On the Couch

Posted: 25 Mar 2020, 13:46
by Salma_asa
praise+anyi wrote: 25 Mar 2020, 12:56 Well I haven't seen any of her movies too, but she sure sounds like an outstanding personality. Supportive parents are a driving force for any one to achieve his dream. Awesome review!
Thanks for your kind words!

Re: Official Review: Meryl Streep: On the Couch

Posted: 25 Mar 2020, 15:20
by Elmaestro
I am no match for biographies but from your review I can deduce that the book is quite a read!

Re: Official Review: Meryl Streep: On the Couch

Posted: 25 Mar 2020, 17:09
by Salma_asa
Elmaestro wrote: 25 Mar 2020, 15:20 I am no match for biographies but from your review I can deduce that the book is quite a read!
Thanks for your kind words!