Sunshine Girl: An Unexpected Life

I bought this title because I loved ER and The Good Wife and was hoping to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into two of my favorite TV shows. What I got instead was a touching and sensitive account of a young woman's struggle to finally find true happiness after so many early challenges and dead ends. I loved her deep introspection. I loved that fact that she did not blame others for her troubles. I loved her forgiving nature. And I loved her writing. It is so intimate. I feel as though she was confiding in a close friend. I look forward to reading more from her.

I enjoyed reading this book and laughed out loud at times at Julianne's antics and stories. I felt a kinship in her angst with motherhood and insecurities at times. It was like you were having a cup of coffee with her and chatting.That said, I realize time has gone on but fans of ER and Good Wife will be surprised at the lack of any stories at all. The reunion on you tube had more substance there. I don't want bad gossip but a few funny stories? A mention of a co star other than George? Good Wife had a chapter but I feel that was more about her adjustment with her son. Again, I don't want salacious gossip but a few anecdotes and nice things would have been nice. She must realize her fans of those shows would want to know some insights. James Garner did that with his bio years ago, nice balance of both personal and work without hurtful gossip. I wish she just had more about that along with her interesting life.

I’ve loved the roles she played on TV. Strong leading characters who don’t get pushed around. After listening to the author in conversation in a recent virtual event, I was even more drawn to read her book after getting a glimpse into her background. An unconventional childhood – a complicated mother, a father who was not around, a family who moved often, these were some of the forces she was up against.What is unexpected in reading Julianna’s story is how candid and straightforward she is. I haven’t read a first-hand celebrity biography in some time where the author speaks so freely about her struggles, loneliness, and lack of stability in her life, all of which led her to where she is now. Throughout her childhood and early adulthood, she remained resilient and determined, quick to point out that although she had some hardship, there was plenty of goodness too, like the love of her two sisters and soon, the theatre bug and deep friendships she formed.In her early acting days, a relationship with a fellow actor nearly drained the exuberant spirit that defined her. Never one to quit, she persevered in both her craft and evolving love life.It took a lot of soul searching for Julianna to find out what she wanted and it’s clear from her story that her hard work paid off.SUNSHINE GIRL is written in an authentic voice. Whether she is talking about various people who helped her in some way and are still an integral part of her life, the disturbing encounter with actor Steven Seagal, why she walked away from so much money at the height of her career, or her ability to confront her parents later in life, you feel like Julianna is giving you a real sense of who she is and not a fabricated story that might have been written for a role she played.

I adore Julianna Margulies but this entire book was summed up in her interview with Oprah. The book is without her voice and doesn't go into the detail of being on 2 amazing shows. Also, why did she end "Good Wife" so badly?

I read this memoir quickly. Julianna Margulies was born with stardom in her genes. Her autobiography is a candid and truthful memoir about her unconventional upbringing between countries, states and parents.She was the star on ER and The Good Wife. She’s won plenty of accolades like Emmys, Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.She had a history of boyfriends. Her parents divorced when she was young child. She was shuttled back and forth between countries and homes. Her mother had several relationships with men despite being the mother of three daughters. Her father remarried Vicky who supported the family all these years.I would have liked to know more about her career too. She doesn’t mention her ex boyfriend by name. She finally found love and happiness with Keith Lieberthal and became a mother of a son named Kieran Lindsay.

I appreciate Julianna Margulies as an actress and I saw her on the TV show “Finding your Roots”, so I picked up her memoir out of interest . It may not be the most polished literary work, though for a first book I thought it was well- written and held my attention.The writer’s honesty shines through, as she paints a picture of a very problematic childhood and adolescence, trying to lay down roots where hardly any stability existed. Her mother’s eccentricity and self- centered ness was offset by her obvious love for her children and her father’s semi absence from her life was also balanced with love and financial support.Julianna writes of her finding direction in acting, and writes of her adult relationships with self- criticism. She somehow seemed to meet the people she needed for support in a serendipitous pattern, and many of her friends stayed with her throughout the years. She found mentors to give her advice, when needed, and for the most part, listened and learnt.Those who are looking for inside gossip about her TV roles will be disappointed by this memoir, but those who are interested in hearing what it takes to succeed in a very cut-throat entertainment industry will be rewarded by reading this interesting, honest view from one who has left a fine mark on our screens.

I always admired Julianna and wondered what type of woman she is. She marches to her own beat and is powerful in a subtle way. After reading her memoir, it's beautiful to see how much insight she gained from her childhood.She is Sunshine, even if a cloud sometimes covers her rays. Classy, intelligent, funny & poignant--thanks for sharing your story!!

I couldn’t put it down… beautifully written, open, honest and candid! Julianna Margulies is an amazing woman, actress and writer!! I love her even more… if that’s possible for a huge fan like me of the ER and the Good wife! Every chapter is soaked with deep thrust ha and revelations… I love how simple joys make her so happy, looking at life with gratitude and contentment and is so down to earth…. All things people hardly expect of a glamorous and super famous actress! Beautiful! A must read!I wish the book longer, I am fascinated with her life and life philosophy! ❤️

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A fascinating read about growing up, persistence, strength, resilience and in following one's own path and not caring what others think.

I’ve always loved Julianna as an actress. I had no idea that she went through some very dire times.Well written book.I wish her and her family the very best.