I absolutely adored, learning more about this wonderful Dame. Not only did we get a sneak peek into t. V. Rolls movies and plays. We got a really good sneak peek into her private life. This is a must read for nonfiction readers in those that love biographies and autobiographies.

This was a delightful read! I loved how personable it was with its conversational style. Judi Dench’s wit and humor shine through as she shares numerous anecdotes, many of which had me laughing out loud. I especially enjoyed learning about her childhood and family, as well as her long and distinguished career. Her fun, optimistic personality comes through so clearly. Even though she’s received so much acclaim for her extraordinary performances, she never seems to take herself too seriously. Reading this made me love her even more than I already do.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I was honored to be able to read this advance copy of Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? The format is Q&A with Brendan O’Hea asking questions and leading Dame Judi Dench through her life. It took a bit to get used to the format for a book (wondering/hoping there might be a audiobook). The content was engaging and entertaining. Dame Judi is appealing and comes across as quite open on her journey. And I love her candor! If not already planned, would love to have pictures included. A very enjoyable read!

After enjoying the conversation between Judi Dench and fellow actor Brenda O'Hea in their last collaboration, Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent (2024), I was thrilled to learn about their newest extended conversation, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?

This time around, the focus is less on Dame Judi's experience as a Shakespearean actor and more on the many aspects of this 91-year-old's life, family, friends, and career. Chapters cover such diverse areas as animals (her pets--currently a talking parrot--and animals working on her sets), the challenges of playing real people and of performing in musicals when, she confesses, she can't sing, superstitions and dressing room rituals, faith, travel, aging, gardens and trees, and the rules of comedy. I love the idea that Judi plants a special tree on her property in memory of each dear friend she has lost, many of whose names you will recognize. And I thoroughly enjoyed her behind-the-scenes anecdotes and her musings on a wide variety of topics.

Judi's career has encompassed TV, movies (including an Oscar-winning performance and eight Bond films playing M), voiceovers, and--her favorite--theater. Although of short stature, Dame Judi is a towering figure in the acting world. At the same time, she comes across as unpretentious, irreverent, and somewhat of a prankster. And I share her pet peeves--intrusive cell phones and bad grammar. She is an original. Just don't call her a "national treasure"!

My thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

A Charming Masterclass That Stays Mostly on the Stage
Dame Judi Dench and Brendan O'Hea deliver an incredibly charming, witty, and intimate look behind the scenes of a legendary career. Written as a vibrant, heart-to-heart conversation, the book is packed with hilarious backstage anecdotes and comforting reflections on Dench's lifelong battle with self-doubt. Her impish energy and humility shine through every page, making it a true delight for theater and film enthusiasts.However, the book focuses heavily on the technical and professional aspects of her performances.

While the acting insights are brilliant, I felt there was less about the woman herself and more about her acting career; I ultimately wanted a little more insight into her private, personal life. Despite that minor drawback, it remains an inspiring, masterfully written celebration of an extraordinary life. Highly recommended for fans of the arts!

What an absolute delight to spend this time with Judi Dench! I’m sad the book is over. It’s framed as a conversation between her and the actor who she worked with on her last book, Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent, which I also loved. I listened to that one so I could hear the voice of the reader (who sounded very much like Dame Judi) inside my head. Judi is funny, irreverent, mischievous but also empathetic, totally unpretentious, never self-pitying not even about her macular degeneration. I was thrilled to discover she’s an environmentalist. So much insight into theater, backstage life and life in general. I now want to have my own private Judi Dench retrospective. The good news is, there’s plenty to keep me going.