Liz Konkel

Hollywood Book Reviews

Helene Meisner Oelerich opens up about her life and experiences with all the blessings and craziness that consist of several memories which have made her who she is. She reflects on her childhood, thinking back to how her parents and her brother impacted her life, shaping her as a child that was always watching her family’s actions. She delves into her relationships through various fun and wild stories which are funny, embarrassing, and even jaw-dropping. She looks back at her friendship with Laura, her relationship with Johnny Carson, her marriages, her amazing son, and her dreams.
The memoir has a reflective and conversational tone as Oelerich weaves through various memories from her life which she shares as she bears her soul for all to read. Her voice is genuine and sincere which allows you to form a real connection with her and to have fun with her memories right along with her. She reflects on her childhood and through these reflections, she looks back on several poignant moments that have stood out. She successfully captures the innocence and wonder of childhood through her observations she gathered watching her parents which are lovely moments that range from watching her mom put on make-up to her dad shaving. The relationship she has with each of them is depicted through the gentle details and soft tone.
Her brother is a significant relationship throughout as she describes him as her hero with sweet moments that show him as the ornery older brother while also showing him as her constant protector. Oelerich shares the pain she had losing him which is told through honest reflection. She mentions various types of significant relationships she had throughout her life which range from her familial to her pets to friendships to her romantic life. Among the various animals in her life that left an impact are the childhood dog that she told her hopes and dreams to and her cat MoMo that left such a place in her heart that she got a tattoo. Her romantic relationships are delightful and give insight to some amazing moments such as a jaw-dropping affair with Johnny Carson, a tryst with a younger man, and a lovely relationship with her husband Phil.
As she opens up about her life, she also hits upon a subtle commentary about what she’s faced which ranges from various moments that involve mention of local gangs in Brooklyn, sexual harassment in the acting industry, and prejudices. Oelerich often reflects on being a young girl that felt like she couldn’t do something because she didn’t have the same freedom that boys have. She reveals the various dreams she’s had in her life as she shares about the various forays she had into acting while also opening up about the sexual harassment she endured from sleazy guys that expected sexual favors in return for the job. She also delves into her true friendships in her life, specifically with Laura who was her friend on her first day of Junior High School and the adventures they had in growing up. Each of these moments she shares ranges from she was a child to adulthood with the various people that have affected her deeply woven throughout with each moment that touched her life and each one shaping the Memories of a Jewish Girl from Brooklyn.