I really didn't care much for the movie, Saturday Night Fever. I thought it was hokey to say the least, but if there is something redeeming that came out of it, it is this book. Well done.

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Fever: The Complete History of Saturday Night Fever by Margo Donohue is a loving history of the 1970s surprise hit movie, Ms. Donohue is an accomplished writer for the lifestyle and entertainment genres, as well as producing several podcasts.

A few years ago, my wife, daughter and I sat to watch Saturday Night Fever, one of my wife’s favorites. I realized that I never saw the whole movie (I was about eight when it came out and Superman was all the rage for me). The big revelation to me was that there are at least three versions of the movie – R, PG and a TV version. So, it’s quite possible that many of us have never seen the R rated version, the one that’s considered to be the classic. The story, grime, darkness, ugliness, but also relevant themes then and now told me all I need to know about why it’s as beloved as it is.

Fever by Margo Donohue traces the making of the movie from Nik Cohn’s New York magazine article which the movie is based on, to taking John Travolta from a “Sweathog” to a movie stardom, the reception and, of course, legacy. Along the way she dispels myths, such as who taught Travolta to dance, and others.

Robert Stigwood, the producer, gets much of the credit for the movie. Originally it was conceived as a vehicle to showcase Stigwood’s clients, the Bee Gees and he brought along screenwriter Norman Wexler, director John Badham, and that kid from the sitcom Welcome Back Kotter, which just had the elusive “it”.

The book covers a lot of areas, the iconic dancing at Brooklyn’s 2001 Odyssey disco, the disco floor, excellent choreography, best-selling soundtrack and the effect it had, and still has, on pop culture. It is divided into sections which really don’t flow into one another, but on the positive side if you don’t find a particular section interesting you can simply skip it to the next one without missing a beat.

The work, I thought, was well researched and is an enjoyable and informative read whether you like disco. If you’re a movie and trivia fan like me, or enjoy reading about movies, you’ll enjoy this book no matter what.

Margo Donohue’s Fever is an interesting deep dive into the behind-the-scenes world of a iconic era, chronicling the intricate details of directors, locations, and choreography that shaped the disco frenzy. The book’s comprehensive exploration brought back a flood of fond memories, vividly recreating the energy and excitement of the time. I was fascinated by the backstage stories—details I’d never imagined—offering a fresh perspective on a beloved period.Donahue’s thoroughness is both a strength and a slight drawback. The wealth of information is impressive, but at times, the minutiae became overwhelming, leading me to skim through overly detailed sections. Still, the book’s engaging facts and compelling narratives kept me hooked, that balanced out the occasional tediousness. For anyone nostalgic for this era or curious about its inner workings, Fever is a highly enjoyable read that delivers a rich, if occasionally exhaustive, experience. Four stars.

I received a DRC from Kensington Publishing through NetGalley. This review is my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.

Spray on the hairspray, put on your boogie shoes, strut to Stayin Alive and do the hustle! If you experienced the disco era, watched Saturday Night Fever a zillion times & own the soundtrack - this book is for you! It was an informative, well researched and phenomenal journey behind the scenes of the greatest dancing movie ever made. I could not put this book down. Thanks for the ARC!!!!

Sometimes, the right book comes along at the right time and your anemoia is sated. For this reason, I was thrilled when Fever by Margo Donohue was offered as an ARC by Kensington Publishing and NetGalley.

Although I wasn't born when Saturday Night Fever was released, I have a genuine love for disco. Saturday Night Fever is a unique time capsule of a movie, so firmly entrenched in the gritty Brooklyn vibes of the 1970s, which makes it a fascinating film to watch. It's an ugly movie and Donohue is apt in her criticism. I had no idea they had a PG version, as I only ever knew the R-rated version, which seethes with hatred.

Donohue carefully lays out the foundation for all the elements that made the movie swing – not least, of course, because of the soundtrack (the Bee Gees' ire at becoming the poster boys for disco was particularly enjoyable) – as well as how they chose the locations, the writer with its searing indictment of disco rites and rituals and why it had such an impact at the cinema. Having just read Last Night at the Disco (excellent), I enjoyed the trivia and read it chapter by chapter, particularly enjoying the infamous Disco sucks death of the disco genre. Perhaps the biggest surprise: Staying Alive made money!
I'm giving it 3 stars but that's not to say I don't think you, fellow reader, shouldn't read this. Donohue did a terrific job in this book and, I think, if there are future editions, she should consider a coffee book of pictures to accompany the text. It's well worth a disco tome front and centre in anybody's home.
Btw, if you're interested, Margo, my favourite song from SNF is 'If I Can't Have You' - pure disco. And yes, I would like to see the stage show, today, tomorrow, whenever, wherever.

A good book about Saturday Night Fever and what was 50 years ago. A book about the movie and the world around.
SNF is not a happy or light movie: there's abuse, violence, death, and the hope of a better life just on the other side of the bridge.
We danced but maybe something more was on our mind (and I was a fan of Television/Talking Heads/Patti Smith who were on the other side)
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I was 10yo when Saturday Night Fever was in theaters. My mom went and saw it and the purchased the soundtrack, which my 10yo self loved! It was and still is full of hits. I’ve since seen Saturday Night Fever in the R and PG version and still enjoy watching. It’s a gritty look into the disco era and its followers. Fever, by Margo Donohoe takes a look behind the scenes of the script writing, choreography and cast of the movie. With lots on interviews, she touches on how the movie impacted the actors and what it took to get through the filming. I really enjoyed this book and it added to my interest in Saturday Night Fever and it’s cast

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

(ARC Review)

At some point in my childhood, the PG-rated version of Saturday Night Fever must have played on one of the two TV channels that we got in our rural home in northern Pennsylvania. It was probably at the end of the disco era, but I was too young to know that. All I knew was that the music was amazing, the clothing was incredible, and I wanted to dance just like they did in that movie.

Fast-forward to my adulthood, and it remains one of my favorite films, although now for many other reasons, having actually seen the original R-rated version.

I wanted to love this book as much as I love that movie. Certainly there were aspects of the book that I hungrily read through, wanting a glimpse of what it was like to film such an incredible story. Unfortunately, there were just as many, if not more, sections that simply could not pique my interest. I think that, in my mind, I envisioned this book having the same feel while I read it as I got when watching the limited series “The Offer” about the making of the movie The Godfather.

True fans of the film, those who have a much deeper and vested interest than I, will probably love this book and hold it up as another piece of the puzzle as to why the movie still remains so embedded in people’s brains and hearts today. I will more likely recognize it as a book that I skimmed through so that I could move onto a book that I would more readily enjoy reading.

Kensington Publishing provided an early galley for review.

I first saw the movie (the R-rated version) in February of 1978, right around my thirteenth birthday. I was already a big fan of disco music; this film sealed disco forever into my DNA. And I am proud of that. Of course, I knew some of the history behind it all but was willing to see if Donohue could surprise me with some nuggets of lore I did not know. Turns out, there were a ton of juicy details that I gleaned from the book.

I was impressed just looking at the names of those she interviewed for the book. While there might be some notable absentees here, I was certainly interested to see what those who might not have gotten to speak much on the record before have to say as we approach the film's 50th anniversary. I found so many of their insights entertaining and informative.

This oral history, along with a recent rewatch of the film a few years back, reminded me of all the heavy topics (racism, sexism, rape) that the movie covers. It is more than just a spotlight on dance culture. I believe that is why it resonated with me even as an early teen; back then we were not sheltered from mature topics - we were exposed to them so that we could learn from them.

Fans of the film should definitely check this one out.

What fun this book was -- a real trip down memory lane for someone who was a teenager when this movie came out! I didn't realize that the movie continues to enjoy a following among subsequent generations and I was interested in reading so many tidbits about the making of the movie of which I was unaware. This was a perfect start to my summer reading, and I will be recommending it to those who remember the movie from the 70s and those who have since discovered it, as well as those who simply enjoy reading about the movie business.

I absolutely loved this book! I remember when I was 14, I was trying to figure out how I could go see the movie. My parents would not take me so I tried to look older when I went to the box office, but alas, that did not work. So I finally saw Saturday Night Fever as an adult but before that, when I was still in High School, I bought the album. I absolutely loved Disco and still to this day, love the music from this film. Margo Donohue does a thorough job of researching the making of the film and all the trials and tribulations. I learned more about Robert Stigwood which was interesting, and at the time, nobody wanted John Travolta because they did not think he was "sexy" enough. Of course, many of us had crushes on him (I even had his poster as Vinnie Barbarino on my wall). I also learned that Denny Terio (from Dance Fever fame) stole credit from Lester Wilson and I am glad that the truth is finally out there. At the end of the book, we get updates on what key people are doing now. A must read for movie buffs and lovers of Disco.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.

I read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

This is a new author to me and the book title read sold it to me
I thoroughly enjoyed this read
So much information here - fabulous

Highly recommend

Maybe I expected something different from this book. It was an ok read. It actually dragged in some area for me. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my review of this book. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on my thoughts which went inot this review.