NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The definitive biography of Lorne Michaels, the man behind America’s most beloved comedy show
“The kind of biographical monument usually consecrated to founding fathers, canonical authors and world-historical scientific geniuses.”—The New York Times (Editors’ Choice)
“Readers are treated to the Holy Grail for any journalist hoping to crack the show: a warts-and-all week in the life of SNL, where Morrison gets to see the real process of putting the thing together.”—Variety
Over the fifty years that Lorne Michaels has been at the helm of Saturday Night Live, he has become a revered and inimitable presence in the entertainment world. He’s a tastemaker, a mogul, a withholding father figure, a genius spotter of talent, a shrewd businessman, a name-dropper, a raconteur, the inspiration for Dr. Evil, the winner of more than a hundred Emmys—and, essentially, a mystery. Generations of writers and performers have spent their lives trying to figure him out, by turns demonizing and lionizing him. He’s “Obi-Wan Kenobi” (Tracy Morgan), the “great and powerful Oz” (Kate McKinnon), “some kind of very distant, strange comedy god” (Bob Odenkirk).
Lorne will introduce you to him, in full, for the first time. With unprecedented access to Michaels and the entire SNL apparatus, Susan Morrison takes readers behind the curtain for the lively, up-and-down, definitive story of how Michaels created and maintained the institution that changed comedy forever.
Drawn from hundreds of interviews—with Michaels, his friends, and SNL’s iconic stars and writers, from Will Ferrell to Tina Fey to John Mulaney to Chris Rock to Dan Aykroyd—Lorne is a deeply reported, wildly entertaining account of a man singularly obsessed with the show that would define his life and have a profound impact on American culture.
Susan Morrison is the articles editor of The New Yorker. She is the former editor in chief of the New York Observer and an original editor of SPY magazine. She lives in New York City.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We are located above The Ridgway restaurant on the 2nd floor at 1300-3rd Street South, Suite 201.
What are your hours?
Beginning October 1st, our seasonal hours are Monday through Saturday 9am - 7pm and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
Is your store stroller and ADA accessible?
Yes! Our stroller and ADA entrance is accessible at the back of the building from the sidewalk and parking lot. Take the ramp up to the main floor and the elevator to the 2nd floor to access the store. We have an ADA accessible restroom in-store.
Where can I park near your store?
There is a parking lot immediately behind our building off 14th Ave between 2nd St S and 3rd St S, a parking lot across 13th Street from the store, and street parking available in the neighborhood.
Do you host events?
We have a robust event calendar including book and author talks, signings, writing workshops, children's story time and others. Please visit our Events page to see our upcoming offerings and sign up for our newsletter to be notified of event announcements.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes! Gift cards are available for purchase in-store.
Can you help with our community event, author event, or B2B bulk order?
Yes, we support a variety of organizations around town who are hosting book talks or authors for speaking engagements and can facilitate book sales, signings, pre-order campaigns, book club suggestions and more. Please email events@booksonthird.com with your request and we will contact you.
I would like to work at your store, are you hiring?
We're thrilled you're interested in joining our book-loving team. Open positions will be posted on our website if anything becomes available.
Will you stock my book?
Congratulations on publishing your book! Please fill out the Local Author Book Submission form to tell us more about your book. We review these submissions and our book buyers will reach out within one month if they are interested in stocking your book on our shelves. Due to the high volume of submissions, we are not able to respond to every request. We regret that we are unable to respond to email, phone, or in-person inquiries. Thank you for understanding.
Our Story
Our Story
We're not just another bookstore - we're a curated literary experience. Founded in friendship, we've poured our enthusiasm for books into creating a unique haven for readers.
We believe in the power of personalized curation, hand-selecting titles that resonate with individual tastes and fostering unexpected discoveries. This commitment drives us to offer a diverse and thoughtfully chosen collection.
Beyond the books themselves, we've crafted a high-design space that invites you to linger, explore, and connect. From cozy reading nooks to striking architectural details, our shop is a feast for the senses.
Books on Third is a community hub. Expect the familiar comforts of author events and book clubs, but also prepare for creative gatherings that push the boundaries of what a bookstore can be. We're dedicated to fostering a love of reading and creating memorable experiences for every visitor.
Come explore our shelves, share your literary interests, and discover the magic of a bookstore built on friendship, curated taste, and a genuine love for the written word.
Shipping Details
Shipping Details
We offer $5 flat-rate shipping on all orders.
Orders are typically fulfilled within 3 to 5 business days. During peak periods, processing times may be longer.
Local pickup is available at our Naples storefront. Please bring your order number and a photo ID to retrieve your purchase.