About the book, from the publisher:
An irresistible mixture of memoir, biography, cultural analysis, hero worship and sequin-studded self help that will speak to anyone who's ever nursed an obsession.Read an excerpt from My Judy Garland Life, and learn more about the book and author at Susie Boyt's website.
Judy Garland has been an important figure in Susie Boyt's life since she was three years old, comforting, inspiring, and at times disturbing her. In this unique book Boyt travels deep into the underworld of hero-worship, examining our understanding of rescue, consolation, love, grief, and fame through the prism of Judy. Her journey takes in a duetting breakfast with Mickey Rooney, a munchkin luncheon, a late-night spree at the Minnesota Judy Garland Museum, and a breathless, semi-sacred encounter with Liza Minnelli.
Layering key episodes from Garland's life with defining moments from her own, Boyt demands with insight and humor, what it means, exactly, to adore someone you don't know. Does hero worship have to be a pursuit that's low in status or can it be performed with pride and style? Are there similarities that lie at the heart of all fans? Chronicling her obsession, Boyt illuminates her own life and perfectly distills why Judy Garland is such a legend.
Susie Boyt's novels include The Normal Man, The Characters of Love, The Last Hope of Girls, and Only Human.
The Page 99 Test: My Judy Garland Life.
--Marshal Zeringue
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