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heiroffire1989's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Took me a bit longer than expected because some parts of the book were a bit of a struggle to get through, to be honest. Would've loved it if he'b been a bit more collaborating about himself sometimes and I think it was a bit chaotic from time to time as well, given the way the time lines constantly go back and forth because he randomly reminiscences. Sometimes hard to keep track of. On the other hand, it is completely 'him', he writes himself, so there's something good about that though, instead of there being a co-writer, changing his way of story telling.
He dives into his family (background) at the beginning, which I loved a lot. Then there's a lot of random reminiscing on his parts, mostly talking about other people. And from the middle of the book towards the end it becomes a bit more personal again, him talking a bit more about his cancer (treatments) before he ends the book. There were definitely moments I was really emotional for a bit, moments in which he definitely found a way to 'touch' me on some level, through his way of story-telling.
Love all the coloured pictures that you can find in 2 places throughout the book, but there's also a really nice addition of black and white pictures, scattered throughout almost every chapter, that was a really nice addition as well I think.
Overall, Sam's a truly inspiring and interesting person I think. Has been through and has done a lot in his life (so far) and I admire him for it. He seems like such a nice guy in general, and a person I would very much like to meet - won't ever happen but ah well haha. Writing wise it was sometimes a bit difficult to keep attached, because of the random reminiscing chapters, but there's so much interesting stories coming by, that I'm definitely happy for having read this memoir. I do think it's a good one to pick up if it interests you!
Took me a bit longer than expected because some parts of the book were a bit of a struggle to get through, to be honest. Would've loved it if he'b been a bit more collaborating about himself sometimes and I think it was a bit chaotic from time to time as well, given the way the time lines constantly go back and forth because he randomly reminiscences. Sometimes hard to keep track of. On the other hand, it is completely 'him', he writes himself, so there's something good about that though, instead of there being a co-writer, changing his way of story telling.
He dives into his family (background) at the beginning, which I loved a lot. Then there's a lot of random reminiscing on his parts, mostly talking about other people. And from the middle of the book towards the end it becomes a bit more personal again, him talking a bit more about his cancer (treatments) before he ends the book. There were definitely moments I was really emotional for a bit, moments in which he definitely found a way to 'touch' me on some level, through his way of story-telling.
Love all the coloured pictures that you can find in 2 places throughout the book, but there's also a really nice addition of black and white pictures, scattered throughout almost every chapter, that was a really nice addition as well I think.
Overall, Sam's a truly inspiring and interesting person I think. Has been through and has done a lot in his life (so far) and I admire him for it. He seems like such a nice guy in general, and a person I would very much like to meet - won't ever happen but ah well haha. Writing wise it was sometimes a bit difficult to keep attached, because of the random reminiscing chapters, but there's so much interesting stories coming by, that I'm definitely happy for having read this memoir. I do think it's a good one to pick up if it interests you!
alley_cat29's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
die6die's review against another edition
5.0
I had been burned by celebrity memoir plenty of times before, so it was some trepidation that I put the audio version of Sam Neill's biography on hold. It is a delight. Sam Neill is full of witty anecdotes, stories of actors, hilarious asides, and genuine charm. I would gladly listen to this book again and wholeheartedly recommend it to just about anyone who is interested in learning more about him.
twocollins's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
kcfromaustcrime's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
Watched Sam Neill's appearance on the ABC's version of "The Assembly" at the same time that I read this most unexpected, delightful, memorable memoir from a man who does tongue in cheek really well, but can never quite hide the humanity, kindness and thoughtfulness of the true self. An unusual sort of timeline in that it does take you down some of the expected pathways of memoir - childhood, growing up in various countries, the move to New Zealand, his family life, his acting career, his love of wine and so on. Interwoven with that, is unsurprisingly, the cancer diagnosis he now deals with. It's funny, it's touching, poignant, and then it's funny again. It's meandering and gentle, it's self-deprecating and without ego. It's as real, and as lovely as he seems to be himself. That appearance of his on "The Assembly" was outstanding in a field of incredibly memorable interviewees. The book was a gift.
taralynn1107's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
I loved listening to him tell his story but, as a Jurassic Park lover, I wish there was more about those particular parts (especially the first one).