deepfreezebatman's review against another edition
4.0
John Lithgow is one of my favorite actors and I loved listening to him talk about his life for 10+ hours. His childhood and young adulthood fascinated me, but I wish he had focused more on his tv and film work (although I did learn a lot about the theater). I look forward to enjoying his future work and am inspired to revisit some of my old favorites.
redroofcolleen's review against another edition
3.0
I think I should have paid closer attention to the title because, while I found his life and path to becoming an actor interesting, I did not find all of the details of theater life even remotely so. It was a bit on the excessive side for me.
judyward's review against another edition
4.0
An engrossing and well-written memoir by John Lithgow detailing his childhood--where he attended 8 secondary schools before graduation, his years at Harvard, his Fulbright scholarhip to England, his years in regional theater and on Broadway, and his relocation to the West Coast with his resulting career in film. But much of this book is a tribute to his father, Arthur Lithgow. Arthur Lithgow was an actor, director, and producer in regional theater and he served as a faculty member in numerous colleges from Ohio to Princeton. A hilarious, sentimental, and very moving look at significant episodes in an eventful life.
taylorsaurus's review against another edition
5.0
Celebrities writing their biographies can get away with name dropping and funny stories - but Lithgow does so much more than that in Drama. He is funny, honest and a wonderful writer. He paints a clear picture of his childhood, which was spent moving around as his father created Shakespeare festivals. In addition to being about John, this book is a wonderful tribute to his father Arthur, who clearly shaped and influenced his career and life.
I loved this biography. Lithgow's passion for acting is palpable, and his stories are heartwarming and hilarious.
I loved this biography. Lithgow's passion for acting is palpable, and his stories are heartwarming and hilarious.
sarajean37's review against another edition
4.0
When I told someone that I was reading John Lithgow's autobiography, their response was, "wow, that must be hilarious!" It really wasn't. It was, however, heartwarming, introspective, and instructive. I learned a lot about Lithgow, acting, and life and am better for it. I didn't laugh but I didn't miss it. Also a shout-out to Mr. Lithgow for completing 10th grade at my grandmother's alma mater, John R. Buchtel High!
freya54's review against another edition
2.0
This was not what I was expecting. It was long drawn out explanations of plays he’s done. Methods in those plays. I just didn’t care and found it very dull. Truthfully i didn’t even read the last chapter but I’m counting it as a read because i slogged through this. Sorry John Lithgow. I expected a lot more in your storytelling.
The most fascinating part was realizing he was babysat by Coretta Scott.
The most fascinating part was realizing he was babysat by Coretta Scott.
thomcat's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the author's description of story, the root of acting and entertainment. Scenes and lessons learned as a young man were done with humor and wisdom, and the ending was quite a nice summation of a life well lived and the full effects of choices made. Some of the middle bits wandered from the main, discussing specifics and names that didn't mean anything to me and didn't add anything to the story, in my opinion. Overall, a good biography.
mactammonty's review against another edition
3.0
I was not sure about reading this book. John Lithgow is not an actor I have seen often. It was chosen by my book club so I gave it a try on audio.
The great thing about book club is being introduced to books that I would never have picked for myself. Listening to John Lithgow read it was a bonus.
He does not hide from his mistakes in this book. Accepting responsibility for those things he did wrong. He does not really focus on himself as much but tells stories of how he was shaped by circumstances and other people.
This was a well put together book that I enjoyed listening to.
The great thing about book club is being introduced to books that I would never have picked for myself. Listening to John Lithgow read it was a bonus.
He does not hide from his mistakes in this book. Accepting responsibility for those things he did wrong. He does not really focus on himself as much but tells stories of how he was shaped by circumstances and other people.
This was a well put together book that I enjoyed listening to.
maryrobinson's review against another edition
4.0
I loved John Lithgow’s funny, humble (well pretty much!), loving look at his early years. Especially interesting and sometimes very powerful was his relationship with his Father, a well-known Shakespearean theater producer and director, who brought story-telling alive for all his children from their earliest years. Lithgow comes across as someone who was able to mature and forgive early issues with his parents, to learn from his mistakes, and to care about other people despite his own actor’s ego.
kahale's review against another edition
Typical biography of an actor of childhood influences and success with a little hardship thrown in.