By B&TF

Like many fans, I ordered my book the first day, expecting to receive it within a week or so. Nothing happened for almost a month. I was worried when I heard that fans, who ordered much later already received their copies. I got in touch with ColorCentric, who told me, that my order was amongst the first 800 orders that were “frozen” due to a software glitch. Good things come to those who wait and now I am a proud owner of the “L Word Book – A Photographic Journal by Jennifer Beals”.

And let me tell you, the book was well worth the wait! It’s truly an exquisite, fun, nostalgic, entertaining and memorable journey for anyone who loves the show. This review is my personal opinion and I encourage all of you to buy the book, to have this treasure in your possession and to form your own opinion about it.

First of all, I want to comment on my first impression after getting the “L Book”. It was everything I expected and more. It consists of such a unique juxtaposition of photography and prose that makes it a very intimate and authentic experience. The book is an invitation to all of us to join the circle of friends and family that “The L Word” had become.

With this book we were trusted with a lot of insight information that we wouldn’t have known otherwise. We were allowed to see how the friendships were formed and how the cast members grew as actors and persons. The book confirms that “The L Word” was really a unique experience for everyone, including the viewers. By publishing this book, Jennifer invited us to go along with this incredible six year-long journey.

I love many of the photographs in the book, most of which I had never seen before. If I have to choose, there are three to mention in particular: One is a picture of Jennifer Beals on a couch with her dogs. I like the description that accompanies this photo because it is exactly what Jennifer told me in our last interview.

When I asked her how she separates herself from her work at the end of the day, Jennifer replied, “Well, it depends on how rigorous it’s been, you know. I remember there were times during second season I would go home and have a bowl of oatmeal and a glass of red wine, and I don’t really drink, hardly ever, but I’d have a bowl of oatmeal and a glass of red wine and watch Buffy or something.”

The retro glasses she wears in this photo might look somewhat outdated but for some reason Jennifer can pull that look off. Maybe she’s the only one who can… The photo evokes a feeling of comfort and coziness that we so often lack in our everyday lives. Introducing her dogs to us is another personal touch that makes this photo so unique.

The second photograph is the image of a very pregnant Laurel Holloman in Jennifer’s trailer. This photo is a mixture of such beauty and vulnerability. It is also accompanied by Jennifer’s memory of Laurel going into labor at the end of second season. She talks about her emotions, when she found out that everything went well and both Laurel and baby Lola were fine. I especially enjoyed Jennifer’s words at the end, “A luminous door had opened for her. And in some way, by her going first, I felt she had paved the way for me. I would be forever grateful.”

The last photograph that made an impression on me is the image of Laurel Holloman and Kate Moennig laughing when they were on a break during filming the dance marathon in episode 607. I was there as an extra when they filmed parts of the marathon and I know that the day before, when they filmed the actual dances, it was a 15-hour shooting day. Seeing the cast members sitting together on their breaks, laughing, talking and enjoying each others’ company during a long day of shooting shows that they really were very genuine friends. The whole group had such an amazing chemistry that is so rare to be found on a set of any TV show.

In the conversation accompanying this photo Kate said that they did have the best time together because they all “just loved each other, even during the bad times … you just can’t fake that chemistry. It’s not every job where you feel like work is an extension of play-time; where you can spend your days laughing in between takes. We all had our quirks but they meshed together perfectly.”

These are just three photos that caught my immediate attention but the whole book is simply a gem filled with images and stories that any “The L Word” fan would find amusing, nostalgic and a perfect ending to the show.

As I said before, I’m very grateful to Jennifer for this book that made me laugh, cry, remember and re-live those wonderful six years, but most of all I’m grateful that Jennifer made us all a part of her “The L Word” experience and shared so many wonderful things.

To order Jennifer Beals’ L Word book go to http://www.lwordbook.com/order-books. As of now, you can order an original book or one with a dedication page in front. Soon, the personalized book will be available, where fans can add their own photos at the end of the book. In addition, some original prints that ended up in the book will be available for purchase. All the proceeds are going to various charities so this deal works for everyone involved. Please, support Jennifer, support her charities and support the community by buying the book.