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.
mountie9's review against another edition
5.0
The Good Stuff
Charming and honest
Hilarious and self deprecating
The bit about how he got out of Vietnam is very honest and you really can feel his shame about what he did - honest and powerful
Loved how he talked about his Dad and his faults but never laid blame and owns up to his own mistakes
Fascinating information about the theatre scene during the sixties and seventies
Great background information on some now famous stars
Never gossipy, tacky or lurid, although some real life actors are very thinly disguised (hmm Cliff Robertson)
Impressed with his writing style, sort of like he is talking to you
Loved how he talked about how lucky he was to have had the contacts and the luck he did. Comes right out that he got his breaks it due to nepotism - very frankly done
There better be a second book because I am very interested in his stories about his tv and film career
The Not so Good Stuff
Hoping there is going to be a second memoir that explores his later life and career. Slightly disappointed that there is very little about his movie and TV career, as this is how I was introduced to his talent (his portrayal of Roberta in The World According to Garp is brilliant and on Dexter he creeped the s**t out of me he was so good)
Some of it comes across as a little theatrical pretentious but he's up front about that and it is something that is prevalent in most actors, so not really a bad thing, just more of an FYI
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"All of this urgent artistic activity took place before I was ten. Years later, big sister Robin told me that she'd found it all insufferably pretentious. Looking back, I have to agree. But at the time, and for many years later, I was deadly serious."
"Adults never entirely forget that they are watching actors pretend. You can certainly have an impact on them. You can surprise them, move them, shock them, and make them laugh. But you're not fooling them for a moment. Adults always sit in the theatre with the smug, unwavering knowledge that they are watching a calculated piece of fiction. Not so children."
"Before he went to sleep, Dad thanked me for the story as if I had given him a treasured gift. But he'd given me a gift, too. It was the gift of a father's love.:
Who should/shouldn't read
Fabulous for fans of Lithgow and his stage work
Theatre buffs will also enjoy
Those who were looking forward to more tales of his TV and movie career, will be a wee bit disappointed
4.25 Dewey's
I received this from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review- Thanks guys, now I am totally counting down the days to his signing -- hope not to gush too much when I meet him -- hmm wonder what cookies I am going to make for him
Charming and honest
Hilarious and self deprecating
The bit about how he got out of Vietnam is very honest and you really can feel his shame about what he did - honest and powerful
Loved how he talked about his Dad and his faults but never laid blame and owns up to his own mistakes
Fascinating information about the theatre scene during the sixties and seventies
Great background information on some now famous stars
Never gossipy, tacky or lurid, although some real life actors are very thinly disguised (hmm Cliff Robertson)
Impressed with his writing style, sort of like he is talking to you
Loved how he talked about how lucky he was to have had the contacts and the luck he did. Comes right out that he got his breaks it due to nepotism - very frankly done
There better be a second book because I am very interested in his stories about his tv and film career
The Not so Good Stuff
Hoping there is going to be a second memoir that explores his later life and career. Slightly disappointed that there is very little about his movie and TV career, as this is how I was introduced to his talent (his portrayal of Roberta in The World According to Garp is brilliant and on Dexter he creeped the s**t out of me he was so good)
Some of it comes across as a little theatrical pretentious but he's up front about that and it is something that is prevalent in most actors, so not really a bad thing, just more of an FYI
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"All of this urgent artistic activity took place before I was ten. Years later, big sister Robin told me that she'd found it all insufferably pretentious. Looking back, I have to agree. But at the time, and for many years later, I was deadly serious."
"Adults never entirely forget that they are watching actors pretend. You can certainly have an impact on them. You can surprise them, move them, shock them, and make them laugh. But you're not fooling them for a moment. Adults always sit in the theatre with the smug, unwavering knowledge that they are watching a calculated piece of fiction. Not so children."
"Before he went to sleep, Dad thanked me for the story as if I had given him a treasured gift. But he'd given me a gift, too. It was the gift of a father's love.:
Who should/shouldn't read
Fabulous for fans of Lithgow and his stage work
Theatre buffs will also enjoy
Those who were looking forward to more tales of his TV and movie career, will be a wee bit disappointed
4.25 Dewey's
I received this from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review- Thanks guys, now I am totally counting down the days to his signing -- hope not to gush too much when I meet him -- hmm wonder what cookies I am going to make for him