Millions of people fell in love with Diane Keaton when they watched the iconic film “Annie Hall”. I was one of them. Of course, there was much more to Woody Allen’s award-winning film than just Diane, but she really did steal the show. She also acted in The Godfather films, as well as many more films. This book is sort of her memoir, at least in part it is. We do learn about her life and what she is like, told in her own (writing) voice. [continued]

But the author has taken an unusual approach, in that it isn’t just her story and but also her mother’s story. She juxtaposes her own story with the story of her mother; the relationship with her, as well as her mother’s descent into Alzheimers. Along the way, we gain insight into both characters. If you wanted a straight-up autobiography or a tell-all tale, this is not it. But it is a very interesting read. The writing style seems sort of like a scrapbook and very, well, Annie Hall-like. And that’s a good thing.

Of course, we do learn about Diane and her family growing up and grown up, as well as a little bit about the men in her life (Woody Allen, Warren Beatty, Al Pacino, Jack Nicholson, etc) and her children, adopted much later in life. Naturally we learn about her acting (and directing) career as well, though not in the depth you would expect or want. Oh, and her battle with bulimia. That is standard memoir stuff, told through Diane’s eyes. But there is a lot of the book devoted to her mother and that becomes nearly as interesting.

I recommend this book if you are a fan of hers. But be ready for a different kind of memoir. Then enjoy it.