Drew Barrymore would like us to learn more about her which seems like a very good idea. After all, this versatile actress, though only 40, has been around a long time starting at age six when she starred in the 1982 movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial directed by Steven Spielberg to the soon-to-be released Miss You Already. In between there’s a long list including The Wedding Singer with Adam Sandler, Grey Gardens which earned her Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards and, of course, two Charlie’s Angels films.Now in Wildflower(Dutton 2015; $28), Barrymore shares her life in a series of personal essays which include reflections of growing up as a child star from a long line of famous actors and actresses, sky diving with best friend—and fellow Charlie’s Angel—Cameron Diaz, exploring religion in India and forming three companies—Flower Productions, Flower Eyewear and Barrymore Wines.
Oh and then there’s the need to balance work and parenthood.
“I just got right on the idea of, where do I need to be the most?” says Barrymore who is taking a short break from movies to focus on her family. “Fifty-fifty would be ideal but life doesn’t work like that–life is messy. It was just really challenging and I felt overwhelmed. I made a lot of decisions and I definitely changed my work life to suit parenthood.”
Barrymore also talks about her struggles with postpartum depression after the birth of her second child, 18-month-old Frankie. The depression, which lasted six months, came as a surprise since she felt “great” after Olive, now three, was born.
“I have wanted to write a book for many years but I didn’t want to do anything heavy,” says Barrymore who says she’s not known for being boring and wanted to make sure her book wasn’t either.
She also puts her own perspective on things. Someone once told Barrymore that her life seemed so sad.
“I was like, it’s not to me, but I could see how you would think that.” She recalls saying. “That’s the heavy perspective. Are you kidding me? My life is amazing.”
Ifyougo:
What: Drew Barrymore discussion and book signing
When: Friday, October 30, the doors open at 11 am and the event begins at 11:30 am.
Where: The Standard Club in Chicago, 320 S Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL
Cost: $60 includes a plated luncheon and a copy of Wildflower
FYI: Tickets available through Anderson’s Bookshop. 630-355-2665; andersonsbookshop.com
Also, Barrymore will be doing a book signing at 7 pm that evening at the Yellow Box Auditorium at Community Christian Church, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville, IL
Cost: $36 includes admission and one book. Tickets must be purchased through Anderson Bookstore.
