book review: Jane Fonda

Finished reading Jane Fonda's bio. If there is one thing you can say about the woman, she sure has had an interesting life. Jane is also deeply immersed in self-help speak and a healthy dose of new age-y pseudo-spirituality. This intense navel gazing and psyco-babble detracts somewhat from an interesting read. I know that one thing that made Jane controversial is her trip to Hanoi during the Vietnam War. I personally don't agree with what she did, but at least reading the book you get a great sense of why she would do it. One thing I will say for her is that she has the courage of her convictions- she's not doing it for show, so one can admire her dedication once she latches on to a cause.

She is not easy on her Dad, Henry Fonda, who comes off as a pretty cold father. I kind of thought the "On Golden Pond" chapter would describe a softening of their relationship, but I guess that was all on screen. One of my all time favorite actress Katherine Hepburn comes off also as somewhat unsympathetic.

This book contains way more information about Ted Turner than any person really wants to know...

Bottom line, if you can stand the new age-y writing style, this is pretty interesting dish from a pretty interesting lady--take it to the beach.