The Friday Afternoon Club | 
pick12 Jun-20 Jul 25
Not sure what about this memoir I enjoyed - I do not remember the writer‘s acting career (although have apparently seen quite a few of his films), have never read any books written by any of his famous relatives but obviously aware of Joan Didion, and cannot really recalling Dominique in Poltergeist. Nevertheless, the name-dropping was compelling and the courtroom story of attending the trial of his sister‘s killer affecting.
pickCarrie Fisher was his BFF and sometimes roommate. Joan Didion was his aunt. He is an actor, directed one of my favorite comfort movies (Practical Magic) and his family is incredibly tragic. Mostly swirling around his sister's murder in 1982 Dunne's book tells the complex story of growing up in a Hollywood family. It is a bit crude but also funny & heartfelt. I didn't recognize his name when the book came out but his stories here are memorable
#WeeklyForecast
I have started the tagged. So far it is great, recommend for people who find Hollywood and Joan Didion fascinating. Lots of famous cameos but the root of the story is the Dunne family of 5.
Well of Loneliness is chunky I need to get cracking on
I grabbed The Pairing on audio for my daily walks
Thunder Song needs to go back to the library next weekend
Henry Hamlet's Heart looks like a quick read and is my #doublespin
pickLast one tonight. Another #auldlangspine - I listened to this one, and Griffin Dunne did an excellent job narrating this memoir of his extraordinary family. He begins with his mother‘s grandparents (I think) and touches on his father‘s difficult early life to set the stage for the family dynamics that infuse his life story, mostly his early years. Hilarious and wrenching. The climactic event is the 1983 trial of his sister Dominique‘s killer.
pickLoved it!
What a life. Privileged, exciting, tragic.
I wish I could find a who's who for this photograph. There are a few faces I'm not sure about. Google didn't help at all.
Listening to The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memior narrated by the author Griffin Dunne and enjoying it. So many talented people in the family which includes Griffins aunt Joan Didion. Griffin is a wonderful storyteller.
pickMy only knowledge of Griffin Dunne, prior to reading this family memoir, was his role in the 1987 movie Who‘s That Girl, starring Madonna. I enjoyed reading The Friday Afternoon Club. Other people‘s lives have always fascinated me, so I appreciate it when people are willing to share some of the most private moments of their lives.
Full review at abookandadog.com/blog/the-friday-afternoon-club
pickI was close in age to Dominique Dunne, intrigued by her as an actress, and heartbroken by her devastating death. Because of that both her father and brother (one of two people I was aware had the first name Griffin when I named my son 34 years ago) remained on my radar. I thought this memoir was fascinating and had no idea Griffin‘s life was so intriguing.
pickPossibly a favorite of the year ♥️ I‘ve always loved Griffin Dunne (I even liked Who‘s That Girl 😂), and love him even more after listening to this. Highly recommend on audio!
pickamazing read!Griffin was one of 3 kids born to Dominick Dunne & “Lenny” Griffin Dunne , w/family problems , mom‘s illness & Dominick drummed out of the producing business , Griffin had a feral Hollywood existence. He was lucky ,intuitive,& made something of himself despite all that. There is often humor & great tragedy as his sister Dominique, is strangled by a boyfriend. Griffin is great storyteller, his great friendship w/Carrie Fisher, no idea!
