2024 the best autobiographies review

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(as of Nov 16, 2024 21:43:14 UTC - Details)

The raw, candid, unvarnished memoir of an American icon. The greatest movie star of the past 75 years covers everything: his traumatic childhood, his career, his drinking, his thoughts on Marlon Brando, James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, John Huston, his greatest roles, acting, his intimate life with Joanne Woodward, his innermost fears and passions and joys. With thoughts/comments throughout from Joanne Woodward, George Roy Hill, Tom Cruise, Elia Kazan and many others.

In 1986, Paul Newman and his closest friend, screenwriter Stewart Stern, began an extraordinary project. Stuart was to compile an oral history, to have Newman’s family and friends and those who worked closely with him, talk about the actor’s life. And then Newman would work with Stewart and give his side of the story. The only stipulation was that anyone who spoke on the record had to be completely honest. That same stipulation applied to Newman himself. The project lasted five years.

The result is an extraordinary memoir, culled from thousands of pages of transcripts. The book is insightful, revealing, surprising. Newman’s voice is powerful, sometimes funny, sometimes painful, always meeting that high standard of searing honesty. The additional voices—from childhood friends and Navy buddies, from family members and film and theater collaborators such as Tom Cruise, George Roy Hill, Martin Ritt, and John Huston—that run throughout add richness and color and context to the story Newman is telling.

Newman’s often traumatic childhood is brilliantly detailed. He talks about his teenage insecurities, his early failures with women, his rise to stardom, his early rivals (Marlon Brando and James Dean), his first marriage, his drinking, his philanthropy, the death of his son Scott, his strong desire for his daughters to know and understand the truth about their father. Perhaps the most moving material in the book centers around his relationship with Joanne Woodward—their love for each other, his dependence on her, the way she shaped him intellectually, emotionally and sexually.

The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man is revelatory and introspective, personal and analytical, loving and tender in some places, always complex and profound.

*Includes a downloadable PDF of all the photographs from the printed book

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Reviewer: Norman Hubler
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: well written
Review: clear and concise

Reviewer: BB
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: A fun read, and enlightening
Review: Newman wavered about producing a memoir, so it's terrific that his family picked up the pieces of his musings and recordings and adroitly inserted the words and opinions of his contemporaries. There are few significant revelations here, but the salad dressing magnate comes across as the flawed, self-deprecating human he was who became a brilliant actor and a very good race car driver -- although there are limited anecdotes about his career as a driver. Simply as enjoyable as most of his movies, even if some of the films had more grit.

Reviewer: CG Buckeye
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Newman's Own Story
Review: I'm a lifelong fan of the late Paul Newman, and also an avid reader of autobiographies. I was shocked to find this title and realize most of it is in his own words along with input from many friends, coworkers and family members!Some time before he passed away, the author recorded many interviews with Mr. Newman and others, but the project of transcribing and assembling the material was postponed and nearly forgotten until years later. I Am SO glad it was not forgotten completely!His words, along with the input of those who knew him (some knew him well, some only thought so) makes for an enlightening story. There are moments that made me smile, laugh out loud, tear up or shake my head over what he was able to accomplish .Paul Newman was an intensely private man and more than once I felt like an eavesdropper, but I'm so happy that his family chose to complete this project. He was a product of his generation and values. He struggled with personal and professional conflicts but ultimately touched millions of lives through his work, civic activities and charitable commitments. And by opening up about so many things I'm sure he accomplished what he intended, filling in the blanks and making himself more accessible to his loved ones.Highly recommended!

Reviewer: John F
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Good Life Story
Review: If you like non fiction, this is a good read

Reviewer: Beth Blucker
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title: It's ok
Review: Nothing new here

Reviewer: Paul Fraher
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: A Life of Providence
Review: The book all comes together for me when Paul is writing about his summer camp for kids with cancer. He admits the camp changed him into a person of providence. I never knew what that word really meant until I saw him use it three times on one page. I have a feeling he had to look the word up himself so he could find a word that described what he was feeling “providing the care of God” or “providing God like care and protection” … it’s a beautiful word especially when being used to describe his “Hole in the wall gang” camp.He goes on to write that he feels since opening that camp his “insulation” is starting to break down as with the memoir project… He felt that as a successful actor so much of he success was based on his “appearance” and that he never really felt fully deserving of the spoils he received. Now, with the work he’s been doing with that camp he no longer feels that way… No doubt Paul out hustled 99.9% of the good looking actors in the world to have the career he had. He’ll never give himself credit for that … If I could, what I’d love to tell him face to face is … “God bless you man, for all you’ve given and all your hard work to become a successful actor, to have made the money you’ve made, to have positioned yourself the way you have BUT if you want to discredit your success because of your “appearance” get out of your own head you ego maniac … you’re good looking but you’re not that good looking!” …. I mean that to be humbling but it’s the truth. There’s a million handsome men from his generation and the fact of the matter is he decided to do something big with it. He could have been an Insurance Salesman and been very successful as a handsome sweet talking man of the community, not unlike my grandfather. A noble way to provide for your family but in the end he decided to go big and in the end he not only supported the lives of his family he changed the lives of millions with his movies and charitable causes. That sounds like an overstatement but directly or indirectly either by reading about him, seeing his films or again, getting directly involved in his causes he’s changed the lives of millions.And that’s pretty amazing. That’s a life of providence.

Reviewer: Anne Marie
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Loved the book!

Reviewer: Ruby
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: If you're a fan of the great Paul Newman, you have to read this book. It is written with heartfelt, true emotion, by the man himself. He explains all his trials, frustrations and difficulties of becoming and being an actor and of course his deep love for Joanne. (I’ll be reading her biography next). I learnt another side of Mr Newman I didn't know. It's a short auto biography and after finishing it, I was hungry for more. However, I felt privileged that I was invited into Paul Newman's personal life from his childhood and beyond and got to understand him a lot more.

Reviewer: Brendan Ryan
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Paul Newman - The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man: A Memoir is an exceptional literary work that immerses readers in the captivating world of one of the most iconic actors of our time. This memoir pays homage to the extraordinary life and legacy of Paul Newman, taking us on an intimate journey through his remarkable career, profound passions, and the unwavering humanity that made him a true legend.From the very first page, it becomes evident that this memoir is a labor of love, meticulously crafted to honor Paul Newman's life in all its complexity and brilliance. The author's dedication shines through in their thorough research, rich storytelling, and profound insights into the man behind the legend. It is a testament to Paul Newman's character that he lived an extraordinary life while remaining grounded and true to his values.The memoir paints a vivid picture of Newman's rise to stardom, delving into the nuances of his early struggles, his unyielding perseverance, and the serendipitous moments that shaped his career. The author masterfully weaves together personal anecdotes, interviews, and behind-the-scenes accounts, offering readers a front-row seat to Newman's journey as he navigated the highs and lows of Hollywood with grace and integrity.What sets this memoir apart is its unwavering commitment to portraying Paul Newman as not only a gifted actor but also a philanthropist, activist, and family man. It delves into his philanthropic endeavors, most notably the Newman's Own Foundation, which has had an immeasurable impact on countless lives. The memoir showcases his unwavering dedication to making a difference, demonstrating that his extraordinary achievements extended far beyond the silver screen.Moreover, the book offers glimpses into the man behind the public persona, revealing a vulnerable and introspective side to Newman that few had the privilege to witness. His relationships, including his enduring marriage to Joanne Woodward, are tenderly portrayed, illuminating the depth of his character and the love that fueled his extraordinary life.The prose is eloquent and evocative, capturing the essence of Paul Newman's spirit with remarkable clarity. The author's passion for their subject shines through every word, creating an immersive reading experience that transports readers into Newman's world. Whether you are a fan of his films, admirer of his philanthropy, or simply intrigued by the life of a true icon, this memoir will leave an indelible mark on your heart.Paul Newman - The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man: A Memoir is an unparalleled tribute to a legendary figure, written with profound admiration and meticulous attention to detail. It celebrates the indomitable spirit of a man who lived life to the fullest, leaving an enduring legacy that transcends his artistic contributions. This memoir is an essential read for anyone seeking inspiration, insight, and a deeper understanding of the extraordinary life and profound impact of Paul Newman.In its pages, readers will discover a remarkable tapestry of talent, compassion, and unwavering dedication, reminding us all that even the most extraordinary individuals can be grounded, humble, and truly ordinary at heart.

Reviewer: Hy A
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Amazon Sg occasionally have good sale for their book like this Paul Newman but somehow I can tell from this and a few other book that I bought from Amazon Sg the pages are getting a bit yellowish most like from old stocks to clear unlike from Amazon US and Japan so far with some discount too but quality are much better. Oh well.

Reviewer: vivnoname
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: I enjoyed reading this. Despite some of the negative reviews I’ve read, he comes across as a thoughtful, giving man. His affair with Woodward apart, he appeared to be an honest man striving to find himself. I’m looking forward to watching some of his movies again.