Gwyneth Paltrow: Grace and the Girl Next Door

Lori A. Dunn is an ESL teacher and an event coordinator, with a
background in linguistics and education in Okanagan, B.C.

One would think that the story of a nice girl next door who has neither
enemies nor a trail of dirty secrets wouldn’t be a very interesting
read, but author Glenn Tkach has translated his clear admiration for
actress Gwyneth Paltrow into a brightly written up-to-date unauthorized
biography that includes a filmography.

The daughter of film director/executive producer Bruce Paltrow and Tony
award-winning actress Blythe Danner, Gwyneth was born in Los Angeles on
September 28, 1972. Her drama training began at age 11. In 1991, she
made her film debut in the movie Shout. Parts in several movies
followed, but it was her performance as Viola in Shakespeare in Love
(1998) that won her an Academy Award and moved her into the ranks of
superstardom. With no direct access to the artist, Tkach thoroughly
researched the public record to compile a lively story that reflects the
respect inherent in his subtitle. Unlike many of her peers, Paltrow
needs no manufactured scandals to augment her considerable talent. So
while Tkach digs deep, it is never deep enough to embarrass his subject
or himself with awkward speculation. Quotations and sidebar “Fan
Facts” add visual interest to the lively prose, which is interspersed
with enough black-and-white media and promotional photos to satisfy most
fans.