It's obvious that this is a book for any and all Sex and the City fans. I learned a lot more than I thought I would! The most exciting chapters for me were learning the process of developing the column/book into a show, how far mediums will bring a story, and what is the best way to tell it. It was especially interesting hearing about the sets and writing of each episode. As a writer, I benefited from hearing about the joint effort a show like SATC requires and how these talented people helped shaped my youth. ( )

Part social commentary and part reminiscent comedy, this slim volume is an excellent exploration of the development, story, and influence of one of the most successful television series to come out of HBO: Sex and the City. I’m not normally one for anything close to non-fiction these days, but I couldn’t help but be curious about this book - I can’t get enough Sex and the City, no matter how many years it’s been, so I had to pick it up. I’m sure glad that I did, because the author pairs her own story of growth alongside the series (mirroring most viewers of the show, I imagine) with a thoughtful critique which touches on the show’s best and worst moments. Obviously parts of Sex and the City are problematic, but like the best parts of the show these moments of awkwardness and cultural whitewashing can lead us to moments of revelation when we stop to think about what they say about society, about the characters, and ultimately about ourselves. Armstrong’s commentary takes nothing for granted and holds very little from the show sacred, but at the same time she walks a careful line that relies on a soft comedic touch (much like the show itself) to take apart pieces of the show and reveal new truths. It may not have the brutal sarcasm a la Miranda of Instagram’s @everyoutfitonsatc that has become a beacon of honest SaTC review, but Armstrong’s timely, equally honest, and well-researched commentary about the show makes for an excellent read. ( )