2014 Audie Award Finalist for Narration by the Author
The heartwarming memoir of beloved television actress Valerie Harper, best known for her role as Rhoda Morgenstern on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and on Rhoda.
Valerie Harper was an unknown actress when she won the groundbreaking role of Rhoda Morgenstern, Mary Tyler Moore’s lovable and self-deprecating on-screen best friend. Bold and hilarious, the native New Yorker and struggling working girl was unlucky in love and insecure about her weight—in other words, every woman’s best friend.
Harper represented a self-reliant new identity for women of the 1970s. She fought for equal rights alongside feminists Gloria Steinem and Bella Abzug; and her incredible showbiz journey, which began on Broadway with Lucille Ball and Jackie Gleason, led her to four Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.
Harper is upbeat and funny, and her inspiring life story is laced with triumphs and transformative obstacles. This beloved actress’s incredible pluck, indomitable spirit, and warm and generous heart have touched our lives and kept us entertained for decades.
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"This was an easy, nice read. I enjoyed getting to know the woman and actress better. I had no idea that she had trained to be a dancer and was on broadway before the Mary Tyler Moore Show. And just a side not, if anyone wants to cast a story of her life...Mila Kunis looks just like Valerie in her youth>"
— Denise (4 out of 5 stars)
“Valerie Harper, my beloved friend, is just as enjoyable on the printed page as she is on the screen. This is a delightful read. Enjoy.”
— Betty White" This was a nice read. I was surprised to learn that she had lung cancer and am very happy to hear that she won the battle. "
— Tamara, 2/5/2014" I loved this book. I found it refreshing to read an autobiography where the author doesn't bad mouth others. But why should I expect anything less from one of my favorite people. Valerie Harper is an amazing woman! "
— Suzanne, 2/4/2014" I only read the first third of the book, as I was only interested in what she had to say about the Mary Tyler Moore show and the spin-off show Rhoda. "
— Lorraine, 1/8/2014" So heartfelt and so nice to hear how the charm of the show was authentic. "
— Holly, 1/4/2014" Wonderfully entertaining and informative account of the life of TV's Rhoda. After reading this, I feel that I would like her very much. I recommend this highly. "
— Herb, 12/28/2013" Always a fan of Val and Rhoda, this is a quick, enjoyable read. Harper is a very positive person. "
— Brian, 12/13/2013" Inspiring memoir of Valarie Harper, aka Rhoda Morgentern. "
— Midge, 12/6/2013" This was a really good book. I always liked her as Rhoda....it was interesting to learn more about her life. Very nice lady! "
— Brian, 11/29/2013" I just love her and loved this book! "
— Sheryl, 11/27/2013" Sooo good. It was great reuniting with Rhoda again. You could hear her signature voice coming from the pages. Valerie Harper... wife, mother, cancer survivor and friend to all. God bless her! "
— Tari, 11/17/2013" I love Valerie Harper. She is such a good actress. I loved her in the role of Rhoda! I missed her when she was taken off her show, "Valerie!" She seems so kind- not wanting to say an unkind word about anyone. I do wish there was more about the shows, "Mary T. Moore" and "Rhoda!" "
— Brenda, 11/1/2013" Fun facts about MTM show were my favorite parts. A light easy read was between 3 and 4 stars. She is a tough cookie with good family. God bless Valerie. "
— Carol, 9/25/2013" Super light on content but a fast read. Don't recommend it unless you're interested in her. "
— Pcox, 7/8/2013" The book read more like a resume than a memoir. Scanned great sections of it. Would not recommend it if you really want to have a personal glimpse at Valerie Harper. "
— Rebecca, 6/7/2013" Valerie Harper is the nicest person in show business. This book reads more like a thank-you speech spanning her entire career. Fun to see MTM and Rhoda from her perspective and learn more about her. Not the next great American memoir, but a good read for uber fans. "
— Jess, 6/3/2013" If you liked the character of Rhoda, you will most likely enjoy this book. "
— Hanson, 5/1/2013" excellent, what a woman, I loved her shows, loved her personality, I think I'll rent Mary Tyler Moore and Rhoda DVD's. I remember that fist show so well with her on the balcony, people will always remember Rhoda! "
— Judy, 4/8/2013" I actually listened to this in an unabridged audiobook version...a real treat hearing her read her own story. She's so much more than Rhoda...a great stage actress, and her memoir really digs into the nuts and bolts of being an actor with a long and vibrant work history. "
— Darren, 3/1/2013" Beautiful memoir by Valerie Harper written before her devastating diagnosis. "
— Cathy, 2/15/2013" A very nice read. Fans of Valerie Harper will love this. I enjoyed it a lot. "
— Gina, 1/23/2013" Valerie Harper is a hero of mine! "
— Susan, 1/10/2013Valerie Harper (1939–2019) was an actress best known for her role as Rhoda Morgenstern on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and on Rhoda. The winner of four Emmys, as well as a Golden Globe for her starring role in Rhoda, she has been celebrated by fans and peers alike for her work in television.