This is a short summary of "The One Life to Live 40th Anniversary Trivia Book", which came out in 2008. The factual book by Gerry Waggett was authorized by ABC.
This summary breaks down the seven major chapters. Prior to that the author explains his history with the program. He started watching it when he tuned in early for General Hospital, though he assumes he saw bits before he watched Dark Shadows years earlier. His favorite stories chronologically were: Ivan Kipling's obsession with Karen, Asa Buchanan romances Sam Vernon, Jenny's Baby Switch, The Return of Niki Smith, Homophobia in Llanview, Marty's Gang Rape, Viki's Ultimate Battle with DID, "Babes Behind Bars", Todd and Blair and The Killing Club Mystery. I think my list would be very different though granted I only started watching in the later part of the 80s, so that would be understandable. While I thought the homophobia story and the gang rape were important stories, I was more disturbed then entertained by the rape material. With the homophobia plot, I just felt it screwed with Clint and made me hate Marty. First impressions discussed the different openings and as someone into that I appreciated that information.
Chapter One - 40 Years to Life
This was the milestone and news item chapter. The first part shared year by year highlights from things that happened on and off screen. The second part had a summary of Viki's DID story over the years.
Chapter Two - Casting Call
This chapter shares a lot about casting obviously. Everything from how people auditioned, recasts, dual roles, multiple roles played by the same actor at different times, celebrity guests, parts that never happened, actors who auditioned, but took other jobs, and famous alumni. It also mentions people who were on both One Life to Live and Desperate Housewives. They also include a mini-section on Todd and Blair's weddings though obviously this section became inaccurate as some of Todd and Blair's ceremonies were between Blair and Victor.
Chapter Three - Tales from Backstage
This chapter includes stories about people's first day on set, dealing with remembering lines, accidents while taping, getting into character, practical jokes, hair, costumes, and remote shooting. Then there is a section called Big Love - Asa Style. This isn't about behind the scenes, but a four-page summary on his relationships. The chapter ends with unexpected pregnancy stories.
Chapter Four - Getting Personal
This chapter includes facts about the actors though not actor bios. Factoids about education, sports and other hobbies are listed, actors who changed their names, family members, real life romances, and actors who didn't get along are mentioned. The chapter ends with a section on men who were torn between two women namely Nora and Lindsay.
Chapter Five - The Plot Thickens
This chapter is about things having to do with what we see on camera. How characters were named, SORAS, show crossovers, stories that were rewritten during production, and stories that actors didn't like or couldn't reconcile. The chapter ends with "in on the joke" or what is sometimes defined as meta. Material that was written in for the amusement of the viewers who knew the real life reference, but didn't detract from the show.
Chapter Six - All for the Fans
This chapter is about fans from the point of view of actors. Memorable though not exactly positive encounters are mentioned, along with fan mail, famous fans, famous fans who appeared on OLTL and fans who became cast members. Then there are sections on John McBain's cases (10 are featured) and Cristian and Antonio Vega.
Chapter Seven - And the Emmy Goes to
This chapter has a chronological list of Emmy nominations and wins. This isn't just a list, but also has factoids, so it isn't dry. After that is a 40 question trivia quiz with an answer key.
This black and white paperback book is a good addition to the older One Life to Live hardcover, as it bridges the gap of the history after the mid-90s. At about 250 pages, including bibliography this is a quick read for those who want a refresher course or are suffering from "I miss OLTL" feelings.
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