Shirley, I Jest!

In this delightfully amusing memoir, Williams, best known for her role as Shirley in the 1970s sitcom Laverne and Shirley, takes readers on a lightning-quick tour of her life and career. She walks readers through her childhood: she was born in 1947 in Van Nuys, Calif., then moved to Dallas where she was raised by her mother, who was a waitress at a high-end restaurant, and her alcoholic father. When she was a teen, her family moved back to California, and at age 21 she begins waitressing at Whiskey-a-Go-Go and then at an IHOP.
Soon she meets director Garry Marshall, who directed Happy Days and, later, Laverne and Shirley. Williams recounts her various acting experiences, such working on American Graffiti with George Lucas, but also discusses the lean times before her big break when she nearly quite acting. She provides endearing stories featuring such celebrities as Johnny Carson, Cary Grant, and Bob Dylan, her music idol. Williams presents herself as genuine, witty, and down to earth, and her personality comes across on every page.

Versatile actress and comedienne Williams had a challenging childhood: strained finances, a hard-working mother, and a father who struggled with alcohol. Her love of acting began early, and while studying and pursuing her career she waitressed at Hollywood’s Whisky a Go Go and worked in a bank—each job provides humorous vignettes. Her recollections of auditions and eccentric episodes with film roles and guest TV appearances are equally entertaining. The iconic television series Laverne & ­Shirley, in which Williams starred with Penny Marshall, is a highlight, with stories ranging from the antics of the superb ensemble cast to the physical comedy to the rise of Boo Boo Kitty. Although Williams was famous and worked with such top names as director George ­Lucas and actors Ron Howard and Harrison Ford, she emerges here as a trusted friend sharing a funny tale or an embarrassing moment. Those seeking a behind-the-scenes tell-all will not find it. Instead, readers will enjoy an honest memoir penned with comic flair. Fans of Williams will certainly enjoy this book. Numerous photographs and an engaging foreword by Ed Begley Jr., enhance the text. For large circulating libraries and entertainment collections.

If you’re a fan of Cindy Williams, one half of the comedic duo, Laverne & Shirley, you will have to wait one month to pick up a copy of Shirley, I Jest! A Storied Life by Cindy with Dave Smitherman, relating her life from her blue collar roots to unexpected stardom. . . . This is a . . . quintessential American story of success and she earned it. . . . What makes her book so delightful is that she never took herself or her fame that seriously, demonstrating throughout her wonderful sense of humor while sharing amusing anecdotes about some of the most famous actors in Hollywood.

Even if you don't know who Laverne and Shirley are, Shirley, I Jest! will . . . capture your interest throughout this read.

Cindy Williams: talented in everything she does. Writing her first book is NO exception . . . get ready to enjoy.

Cindy's book brings back a lot of great personal memories, but it also entertained the hell out of me. The lady can write!

A great read—I couldn’t put it down. Not a word of it is true. Cindy who?

Cindy Williams has the comedic timing of Lucille Ball and the physical prowess of Dick Van Dyke. She's one of our best!

You thought she could act, well, wait and see how well she writes. Great book by a great friend.

What can I say about my best friend? She is hysterically funny, loves dogs, and over-tips. Get ready to go on the wonderful roller coaster ride that is Cindy Williams's life.

In this delightfully amusing memoir, Williams, best known for her role as Shirley in the 1970s sitcom Laverne and Shirley, take readers on a lightning-quick tour of her life and career. She walks readers through her childhood. . . .Williams recounts her various acting experiences, such working on American Graffiti with George Lucas, but also discusses the lean times before her big break when she nearly quick acting. She provides endearing stories featuring such celebrities as Johnny Carson, Cary Grant, and Bob Dylan, her music idol. Williams presents herself as genuine, witty, and down to earth, and her personality comes across on every page.