Loren, Susan Morrison

This is a hefty 656-page biography deep dive into the life of Lorne Michaels, the mastermind behind America's beloved comedy institution, SNL. Morrison, an editor at The New Yorker, crafts an engaging narrative. She takes us on a journey through Michaels' 80 years, from his roots in Toronto to his reign as comedy's kingmaker in New York. Instead of a typical chronological slog, she frames the chapters around the days of a workweek, kicking each one off with a behind-the-scenes look at how an SNL episode comes together. It's as if we're right there in the writers' room, watching the magic (and occasional mayhem) unfold.

Michaels' is a complex human being (not surprising). He's portrayed as this almost mythical figure… revered and puzzled over by generations of comedy talent. Morrison's extensive interviews with SNL alums offer a 360-degree view of the man behind the scenes. While it's not a season-by-season recap of SNL, this book gives us a fascinating look at how Michaels built his comedy empire from the ground up. It's as much about the journey as it is about the destination.