Sarah Shahi has taken a bold step into uncharted territory with her debut book, "Life is Lifey," a self-help memoir that delves into the complexities of life, love, and identity. The actress behind the hit TV series "Paradise" says the idea for the book emerged from her own journey, playing a character named Billie on "Sex/Life," who sparks a transformation in Shahi, prompting her to re-evaluate her own life.
"I was able to get the courage to make the changes that I wanted to make in my life, to really go after the version of my life that I felt like I was meant to live. And when the show came out, I became acutely aware of women all over the world that were feeling very similarly," Shahi explains.
Through her writing, Shahi aims to provide a comprehensive guide for navigating the challenges of modern life. Her book covers a wide range of topics, from relationships and personal growth to self-discovery and empowerment. Shahi's goal is not only to heal herself but also to connect with others who may be struggling with similar issues.
"I wanted something that covered the A to Zs of life because the topics that I tackle in the book, there are things that I think of all the time," Shahi says. "I think for the longest time, too, women were told to live a certain way, to abide by a certain rhetoric or a certain story, and that you weren't allowed to want anything more than what you were being offered."
Shahi draws inspiration from her idol, writer Nora Ephron, known for her insightful and humorous writing style. She seeks to deliver information in an approachable and conversational manner, aiming to create a sense of comfort and familiarity with her readers.
One of the book's central themes is the concept of courage, which Shahi has had to practice herself in order to overcome obstacles and pursue her passions. In fact, she recalls when she was told by members of her team that she didn't have a voice or a legitimate perspective on writing. Undeterred, Shahi became an "outlaw" for herself, refusing to wait until she was 65 to write a memoir.
Shahi's own experiences with taking risks and defying expectations serve as a testament to the power of embracing one's individuality. She recounts the time when she emailed creator Dan Fogelman in an attempt to get a role on "This Is Us," which ultimately led to her landing a part on another show he was working on.
Shahi's upcoming season two of "Paradise" promises to be just as exciting, with her character Dr. Gabriella Torabi straddling the line between good and bad morals. The actress praises Dan Fogelman's writing style for its ability to subvert expectations and deliver unexpected plot twists.
With her book and TV series set to release in January and February respectively, Shahi is poised to make a lasting impact on both the literary and entertainment worlds.
"I was able to get the courage to make the changes that I wanted to make in my life, to really go after the version of my life that I felt like I was meant to live. And when the show came out, I became acutely aware of women all over the world that were feeling very similarly," Shahi explains.
Through her writing, Shahi aims to provide a comprehensive guide for navigating the challenges of modern life. Her book covers a wide range of topics, from relationships and personal growth to self-discovery and empowerment. Shahi's goal is not only to heal herself but also to connect with others who may be struggling with similar issues.
"I wanted something that covered the A to Zs of life because the topics that I tackle in the book, there are things that I think of all the time," Shahi says. "I think for the longest time, too, women were told to live a certain way, to abide by a certain rhetoric or a certain story, and that you weren't allowed to want anything more than what you were being offered."
Shahi draws inspiration from her idol, writer Nora Ephron, known for her insightful and humorous writing style. She seeks to deliver information in an approachable and conversational manner, aiming to create a sense of comfort and familiarity with her readers.
One of the book's central themes is the concept of courage, which Shahi has had to practice herself in order to overcome obstacles and pursue her passions. In fact, she recalls when she was told by members of her team that she didn't have a voice or a legitimate perspective on writing. Undeterred, Shahi became an "outlaw" for herself, refusing to wait until she was 65 to write a memoir.
Shahi's own experiences with taking risks and defying expectations serve as a testament to the power of embracing one's individuality. She recounts the time when she emailed creator Dan Fogelman in an attempt to get a role on "This Is Us," which ultimately led to her landing a part on another show he was working on.
Shahi's upcoming season two of "Paradise" promises to be just as exciting, with her character Dr. Gabriella Torabi straddling the line between good and bad morals. The actress praises Dan Fogelman's writing style for its ability to subvert expectations and deliver unexpected plot twists.
With her book and TV series set to release in January and February respectively, Shahi is poised to make a lasting impact on both the literary and entertainment worlds.