"Everybody Loves Raymond: Our Family Album" is an ideal companion for the classic sitcom that ran for 9 successful years and continues to be loved through daily reruns.
Written by Ray Romano and series creator Phil Rosenthal, this book contains extensive information about the show, the cast and crew, and the individual episodes. It really is the perfect thing for fans who can't get enough of the show and want something a little more. This book includes an interview from everyone in the main cast (as well as some crew members), they talk a little bit about the Sweeten kids (who, of course, played Ray and Debra's three children on the show), and hundreds of color photos fill every page (both stills from the actual episodes and candid behind-the-scenes pictures). There are highlighted sections for some of the most popular episodes from each season, which are accompanied by photos and lighthearted comments from Romano and Rosenthal. There are even pictures and information about some of the cast and crew's real-life family members, which die-hard fans will love to see. Then, at the end, there is a complete episode guide for the first 7 1/2 seasons, which lists a brief synopsis and a "memorable moment" from each episode.
The only problem with this book is that, as I mentioned above, it only covers Seasons 1-7 and half of Season 8. I personally don't understand why they didn't at least wait until the entire Season 8 wrapped up before publishing this. Hopefully, though, they will come out with a revised edition that goes all the way through Season 9. Despite that, however, this is still a very valuable book to buy if you are an avid fan of "Raymond." It offers a lot of insight from everyone involved with the show, and it is more than just a short book with some pictures. It's very precise and informative, and you really get a feeling of what a special group of people worked together for those 9 years. It is sad that they could not continue the series for at least one more season, but they certainly went out on top and have deserved every bit of the credit they have received. "The sitcom of our times," it is indeed!
