I'll Have What She's Having

How Nora Ephron's Three Iconic Films Saved the Romantic Comedy

By: Erin Carlson

Narrated by: Pippa Armstrong

A backstage look at the making of Nora Ephron's revered trilogy--When Harry Met Sally, You've Got Mail, and Sleepless in Seattle--which brought romantic comedies back to the fore, and an intimate portrait of the beloved writer/director who inspired a generation of Hollywood women, from Mindy Kaling to Lena Dunham.

In I'll Have What She's Having entertainment journalist Erin Carlson tells the story of the real Nora Ephron and how she reinvented the romcom through her trio of instant classics. With a cast of famous faces including Rob Reiner, Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, and Billy Crystal, Carlson takes readers on a rollicking, revelatory trip to Ephron's New York City, where reality took a backseat to romance and Ephron--who always knew what she wanted and how she wanted it--ruled the set with an attention to detail that made her actors feel safe but sometimes exasperated crew members.

Along the way, Carlson examines how Ephron explored in the cinema answers to the questions that plagued her own romantic life and how she regained faith in love after one broken engagement and two failed marriages. Carlson also explores countless other questions Ephron's fans have wondered about: What sparked Reiner to snap out of his bachelor blues during the making of When Harry Met Sally? Why was Ryan, a gifted comedian trapped in the body of a fairytale princess, not the first choice for the role? After she and Hanks each separatel balked at playing Mail's Kathleen Kelly and Sleepless' Sam Baldwin, what changed their minds? And perhaps most importantly: What was Dave Chappelle doing . . . in a turtleneck? An intimate portrait of a one of America's most iconic filmmakers and a look behind the scenes of her crowning achievements, I'll Have What She's Having is a vivid account of the days and nights when Ephron, along with assorted cynical collaborators, learned to show her heart on the screen.

Critic reviews

"[Erin Carlson] offers a breezy, detailed rehearsal of three successful romantic comedies from the 1980s and '90s.... A large bag of buttery popcorn that goes down oh so pleasantly."—Kirkus Reviews

"Deeply reported and deeply felt, Carlson's account of Nora Ephron's unlikely rise to romantic comedy queen deftly exposes the messy, human reality lurking beneath those sparkling paeans to true love. Magically nostalgic, cynical, and smart all at once."—JenniferKeishin Armstrong, author of Seinfeldia and Mary and Lou andRhoda and Ted

"In her love letter to the rom-coms of Nora Ephron, Erin Carlson brings us on a nostalgic, insightful, and joyous ride through the legendary writer/director's most iconic works. Full of the whimsy, heartbreak, attention to detail, and romantic optimism that defined Ephron's films, I'll Have What She's Having is a must-read for anyone who is a fan of the filmmaker's genre-defining classics."—Danny Strong, co-creator and executive producer of Empire

"Erin Carlson would make Nora Ephron proud with this deeply reported valentine to her work. Written with warmth, humor, and surprises, Carlson provides plenty of dishy insider scoop on the making of the renowned writer's beloved films. This book is the perfect companion to your favorite movie. A delicious read that will have you laughing out loud."—Jo Piazza, New York Times bestselling co-author of TheKnockoff

"When the subject is Nora Ephron, culinary metaphors prove irresistible: Erin Carlson has cooked up a dish full of delicious insight into an icon who was both warm and snobbish,full of juicy tidbits about a feminist who preferred to hang out with the guys,a trenchant trailblazer with an old-fashioned belief in love.I'll Have What She's Having offers a satisfying portrait of a lady who wasn't always 'nice' but who nevertheless created timeless moments to fill our hearts and give us hope—Faith Salie,author of Approval Junkie and contributor to CBS Sunday Morning

"Erin Carlson has served up a lively, inside look at the making of Nora Ephron's three famous rom-coms and how she broke into the male-dominated directing club. Anyone who loves Nora and her films will relish this book."—Lynn Povich, authorof The Good Girls Revolt

"Read this book in an adorable bookshop and, who knows, maybe you'll meet-cute with a handsome stranger reading the same book. Of course, if he's reading a book about Nora Ephron rom-coms, he may be gay. Ugh, that is sooo your luck, Carol! Also, it's raining now and you're wearing suede."—Meredith Scardino,writer for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, The Colbert Report, thisbook blurb

"Perky and approachable . . . those who miss funny romantic comedies will enjoy this detailed behind-the-scenes look at three of the best."—Library Journal

Enjoyed it

Funny as everything about Nora Ephron is! I laughed all the way through until she died in the end!

Narrator didn't do her homework

Narrator mispronounced numerous famous people's names, such as Warren "Beety" etc. It's insulting to a listener. Annoying!

Quote frustrating narration unquote

I enjoyed the insider information and insights on Nora's life and work. The audio version was immensely frustrating. The narrator's voice was good, but she said "quote unquote" a million times. Maybe not a million, but I'd venture to say thousands. Every time there was a quotation in the book we got a "quote blah blah blah unquote." Even when the entrance into it was "then hanks said quote blah blah blah unquote." That part was frustrating. So. Very. Frustrating.

A great BTS look at some of my favorite ROMCOMS and iconic Nora!

Loved every page. Fun, hilarious, surprising, interesting - a great story if you like behind the scenes of writers, actors NYC & Hollywood. Nora seemed like a one of kind, talented treasure before I read this. And I still think she was those things and more. A funny, complex, brilliant person with good taste- who had her share of ups and downs. Those characteristics accompany the people & stories of her iconic films. If you love her ROMCOMS you’ll probably love this book & enjoy learning more about them (and her). I also got to discover more about the actors involved than I expected to learn. If listening- please note that there is some language in the book that may not be suitable for young children.

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