Born With Teeth by Kate Mulgrew
Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Assistant
Genre: Autobiography
Suggested Age: Adult
What is the book about? Actress Kate Mulgrew came from a large Irish Catholic family in Iowa and was, quite literally, “born with teeth.” In this memoir, the title is a metaphor for tenacity and determination. Mulgrew details how she took the reins of her life early on and created the career she wanted for herself. Along the way, we learn about family dynamics, love affairs, career highlights, and a secret daughter given up for adoption in the late 1970’s.
My Review: Listening to the audiobook version narrated by the author was surprisingly engaging. From the jarring way she cruelly blames herself for her baby sister’s death to behind-the-scenes glimpses of her acting career, I was sucked into the story of her life right away. I am a Star Trek fan and am most familiar with Kate Mulgrew’s character from the Star Trek: Voyager series. Her writing style and verbal delivery were enjoyable and not nearly as stiff and formal as Captain Kathryn Janeway. Filled with joys and sorrows, this book moved me to both laugh and cry.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Captivating, Charismatic, Unanticipated
Give This a Try if You Like…A Fine Romance, I Said Yes to Everything, How to Forget: A Daughter’s Memoir
Rating: 5/5