Review: Too Much Is Not Enough by Andrew Rannells

 

I first became aware of Andrew Rannells from his role of Elijah on Girls. I also noticed him in one of the episodes in the last season of How I Met Your Mother. Then I heard that he played Elder Price in the Broadway production of The Book of Mormon, and I thought it just seems like the perfect role for him, I would have loved to see him in it. As I'm writing this, I realise that I haven't actually been exposed to that much of his work, and it's so funny how quickly we form an opinion of actors. Whether that's falling in love with them, or disliking them for no discernible reason, these feelings become so strong from what can often be very limited exposure to them. But I digress.

I really like Andrew Rannells and I was really excited to read his book. Apart from the fact that it was an entertainment memoir by someone I admire, I knew it was also a tale about being young and finding yourself in New York, and as these have turned out to be two of my favourite categories of book, I knew this would be right up my alley. Before I read the book, I also came across a piece he wrote for The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/01/style/modern-love-andrew-rannells-tallest-man.html), which actually happens to be a story from the book, so if you're unsure if this book is for you, then give that a read and it will give you a bit of an idea of what you're in for.

Andrew and Lena Dunham in Girls

So, I guess in the simplest of terms, this book can be summed up as 'Small town boy dreams of stardom and heads to the big city to make his dreams come true'. But I don't think that would at all do this story justice. I've read a lot of memoirs. Some are funny, glossing over the struggles. Some are dark and heartbreaking. Some are shallow, and make you feel empty because nothing has come to you so easily as the author's success. This is different.

Andrew's book was good, really good. It's well-written, it goes into depth without feeling like it has crammed too much unnecessary detail in, and it actually made me feel good reading it. To be honest I put off reading it for awhile because I thought it would make me feel a bit sad. Just due to the FOMO that often occurs when you read about a time and place that you never got to experience. (I have this great longing to have lived in New York and had great adventures while fighting my way to success. No matter how ridiculous, you can see why I might have been a bit bummed out by my jealousy when reading such a story). I actually put this book down and felt great. It doesn't show off, it's not like 'Oh I suddenly became famous because I was so talented and booked the first job I went for, haha what a ride'. (Don't you hate that? The worst.) Instead, it speaks of a truly talented person who still had to work hard for what he got, and had many moments of self doubt and worry.

Hello, my name is Elder Price!

At first I was surprised that the book ended when it did. Rather than bring the story into the present, past the success of Girls and The Book of Mormon, Andrew decided to end when he felt he got his big break, with a role in the stage show of Hairspray. Initially I was disappointed, but then I realised that I don't need the rest of the story (though it would be interesting to read), I got the best part already. The important part of the story is the struggle, the hard work, the self doubt, the pushing through all of that to will yourself not to give up. It's also the people that support you along the way, and I loved the way Andrew spoke about his friends and family, like they were truly a part of his story and experience, it wasn't all about him.

Andrew as the evil Darren in How I Met Your Mother

So, I highly recommend Too Much Is Not Enough. It is definitely up there as one of the best entertainment memoirs that I have read. It has the rise to fame story, but it's humble, and not showy. It has family, friends, love, finding yourself and living life in New York City, so if that's what you're into get on it.
If you want to see what Andrew Rannells is up to now, then check out Big Mouth, where he voices Matthew (who is an amazing character, and what a great show! I need to write something about it, it's surprisingly great). He is also in A Simple Favor, which I haven't seen but looks really good. It's on my list!