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kats05's review against another edition
4.0
As I was categorising this book for my virtual GoodReads shelves, I was momentarily tempted to add "True Crime" as one of the categories. Surely, the physical and emotional abuse that Alan Cumming suffered at the hands of his father is criminal and should have seen his father to prison.
I'm not clear at which point Alan turned from cowering, anxious, self-doubting, angst-ridden teenager into the confident, humorous, outgoing person we know him as today, but he clearly has a remarkable resilience to have turned his adverse life around and have the strength to see the positive side of things, not only forgiving but even thanking his father at the end of telling this horrific story.
Such an inspiring person and talented individual.
Thank you, Jana, for pointing me in the direction of this book and enabling me to enjoy the audio version, read by Cumming himself.
I'm not clear at which point Alan turned from cowering, anxious, self-doubting, angst-ridden teenager into the confident, humorous, outgoing person we know him as today, but he clearly has a remarkable resilience to have turned his adverse life around and have the strength to see the positive side of things, not only forgiving but even thanking his father at the end of telling this horrific story.
Such an inspiring person and talented individual.
Thank you, Jana, for pointing me in the direction of this book and enabling me to enjoy the audio version, read by Cumming himself.
hmicheles's review against another edition
4.0
I try to live my life by the following quote- "Everyone you meet is fighting an inner battle you know nothing about so be kind. Always." And such is the case with this memoir, although now Alan's struggles are a bit more out there. This is a well written book and is the story of a survivor who bears scars of his childhood but has made a conscience effort to start and continue with healing.
frankenprunk's review against another edition
5.0
I picked this up on a whim from Audible. I know Alan Cumming, but don't really know his work. Frankly, I was looking forward only to listening to his Scottish brogue, but got WAY more than I expected.
As he states in the acknowledgements, this is not a book about how famous he is. This is a memoir on the darker side and touches strongly on mental illness, really. His father was a abusive tyrant and he never knew his paternal grandfather, but both men strongly influence who he becomes as a person.
I *did* love his voice, but I was taken by his writing even more. I really feel his love for his brother, his mother (Mary Darling - what a beautiful name), his husband, but above all LIFE. Great book. I'm sure it's a great read as well, but you're doing yourself a disservice if you don't listen to the author read it to you.
As he states in the acknowledgements, this is not a book about how famous he is. This is a memoir on the darker side and touches strongly on mental illness, really. His father was a abusive tyrant and he never knew his paternal grandfather, but both men strongly influence who he becomes as a person.
I *did* love his voice, but I was taken by his writing even more. I really feel his love for his brother, his mother (Mary Darling - what a beautiful name), his husband, but above all LIFE. Great book. I'm sure it's a great read as well, but you're doing yourself a disservice if you don't listen to the author read it to you.
meoleksa's review against another edition
5.0
I could listen to Alan read the phone book, so I knew this would be a good one to try audiobooks again. Alan’s storytelling and narration of very painful life experiences was so well done that I couldn’t stop listening. A story of trauma and healing told with humor and tenderness that shed a new light on a celebrity I admire.
stupefaction's review against another edition
4.0
A quick, enjoyable read + a wild & surprising story = good book!
christinamapes's review against another edition
4.0
I love Alan Cumming and had no idea he had such a miserable past. This book isn't a classic celebrity memoir about rising to fame and life in show business. It's about his childhood and the physical and mental abuse he endured from his father well into adulthood. At the time he wrote this, he was filming the show Who Do You Think You Are? which really made him look at the issues from his past. It was heartbreaking and made me love him even more. I just want to give him a big hug!
islandali75's review against another edition
4.0
An amazing deep dive into his personal life. I was astounded by his courage and even more blown away how open he was about the way he grew up and the abuses he endured. Sharing in how he reached out for help, so others wouldn't be afraid to ask for help. Very kind and genuine. Such a gut-wrenching upbringing yet it shaped him into the brilliant man he became. I have so much more respect for Alan than I ever had before.
Alan's bluntness and kindness shine through and his self discovery make you feel like you are right there with him.
Alan's bluntness and kindness shine through and his self discovery make you feel like you are right there with him.
sarahmallette's review against another edition
4.0
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book! Alan Cumming is truly a great story teller and what a story he tells! This book has heart and substance and I highly recommend reading it. It will be a treat for any genealogy lovers out there too.
jayhawkgenie's review against another edition
5.0
Brilliant writing! Alan takes the reader on a ride of a family mystery as its secrets are revealed. At the same time, he shares stories of the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father. It was a “Darling” book well worth a listen in the audio format.