RaveBustIt\'s a familiar story, though told more in depth than we\'ve seen it before, and it puts the show into its historical context—for example, looking at the impact of 9/11 on the show\'s storylines and longevity. I\'ll Be There For You is definitely a must-read for Friends fans. But what will make the book appeal to even casual Friends watchers is Miller\'s nuanced examination of how Friends reflected—and influenced—the culture of the time. She shows a willingness to grapple with the show\'s shortcomings—and not just \'how did they afford that apartment?\' but the show\'s all-white main cast; the gay jokes; the treatment of the lesbian and trans characters; Fat Monica ... it\'s hard to believe that any thinkpiece or retrospective will be more nuanced, considered, or better-researched than I\'ll Be There For You.
Nicole Chung
RaveBustChung’s memoir is full of nuance ... Through her story, Chung shows that adoption—particularly trans-racial adoption—doesn’t fit into a trite, simple narrative. And the lyricism of her language makes that story a pleasure to read. 5/5.