I Was Better Last Night

"Fierstein… looks back on his show-biz travails and the struggle for gay rights in this raucous debut memoir. He recaps his parts in theater, movies, and TV…as well as lurid episodes from New York’s gay demimonde of the 1970s and ’80s, and a bout with alcoholism that ended with a suicide attempt. Readers will appreciate his blunt takes on anti-gay discrimination in matters small and large…Defined by a campy yet bittersweet comic sensibility, Fierstein’s vivid writing about the pratfalls, exhilaration, and painstaking craft of a life in theater beguiles." --Publishers Weekly "In this richly detailed book, award-winning playwright and actor Fierstein tells his life story… His memoir is filled with evocative characters and scenes, and his wit and way with dialogue shine…. Written with verve and enthusiasm, Fierstein’s memoir will be a must-read for his fans and for theater lovers and anyone who appreciates pop culture." --James Collins, Library Journal "I love this book. Harvey Fierstein turns a phrase into a novel and the personal into the universal. The day for this book has come." --Gloria Steinem “Harvey’s book is a perfect reflection of him; full of heart, chutzpah, great stories, and tons of belly laughs. And wigs.” --Andy Cohen "Harvey is the king and queen of Broadway. He can take you on a journey with his words and he is hysterical." --Henry Winkler "The actor and playwright looks back on his pioneering path…this personal history movingly charts the author’s journey as a playwright and actor. Not content to revel in the success of his most famous roles on Broadway, Fierstein also gives insightful, unflinching glimpses into his artistic development and creative process. Among the strongest sections are the author’s revelations about the evolution of his beloved Torch Song Trilogy, “proof of [the LGBTQ+ community’s] struggle and a road map for how we got here.” Fierstein is a pleasant guide throughout, glossing over his role in countless firsts—“first openly gay actor to play an openly gay lead in a Broadway show” and “first openly gay actor to play an openly gay role on a sitcom”—as he shares his personal, professional, and creative highs and lows. The author is particularly strong when he writes about his feelings of abandonment during the AIDS crisis of the early 1980s. In stark yet passionate sections, he evokes the fear as well as the deep kinship that arose in his community during this time, though he is unsparing in many of his assessments…Despite Fierstein’s somberness when appropriate, he also excels at showcasing his quick wit. Interspersed with his creative and artistic journeys are hilarious stories of his encounters with celebrities…It all adds up to an encapsulation of Fierstein’s philosophy that there is “no such thing as having lived too much.” A poignant, clever, and entertaining look at an impressive, unique career." --Kirkus Reviews “I am in awe of Harvey’s theatrical history. From being among the vanguard of New York’s Experimental Theatre, through Warhol, to Broadway musicals. Who can touch that? His memoir is extraordinary, and he is in a class by himself.” --Patti LuPone “This is a beautiful memoir - full of humor and heart - I read it in 2 days - smiling laughing and wiping away tears - don’t miss this book - a great read from a wonderful man - I love Harvey Firestein.” -- Rosie O’Donnell “Harvey Fierstein is a true American original who has blazed his own trail through popular culture for half-a-century. His memoir is every bit as witty and brave and big-hearted as the man himself.”