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kalethepenguin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
sweetlilly93's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Oh, Andrew Rannells, my sweet summer child.
When beginning to read this, I was worried for a very brief moment that this book would just be another typical celebrity memoir listing the most important events in their life, sprayed with some wannabe inspirational quotes inforced by a probably ghostwriter.
I am very happy to say that I was wronged. This book is not only extremely funny due to the fact that Andrew Rannells IS really funny - it also all in all feels extremely genuine and is perfect in all its rawness and honesty, which I wholeheartly appreciate. Reading about nineteen to twenty-something year old Andrew's struggles in pursuing his dreams and trying to find a place in the world felt like listening to the rambles of a very good friend that could gladly go on for hours.
Beautiful life lessons and a heartfelt, vulnerable story that I'm glad was shared <3
When beginning to read this, I was worried for a very brief moment that this book would just be another typical celebrity memoir listing the most important events in their life, sprayed with some wannabe inspirational quotes inforced by a probably ghostwriter.
I am very happy to say that I was wronged. This book is not only extremely funny due to the fact that Andrew Rannells IS really funny - it also all in all feels extremely genuine and is perfect in all its rawness and honesty, which I wholeheartly appreciate. Reading about nineteen to twenty-something year old Andrew's struggles in pursuing his dreams and trying to find a place in the world felt like listening to the rambles of a very good friend that could gladly go on for hours.
Beautiful life lessons and a heartfelt, vulnerable story that I'm glad was shared <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Death of parent, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, and Dementia
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Homophobia, Bullying, and Cursing
whiteage's review against another edition
5.0
Really enjoyed this detailed and personal account of pursuing a career on Broadway, discovering who you are through each life experience, persevering through hardship toward your dream and the importance of friendship in your life. I also loved his humor sprinkled throughout.
jobyrne's review
4.0
Light hearted, but serious. Thoroughly enjoyable reminder about what being an "overnight success" is really about.
lookatjimmy's review against another edition
5.0
Have you accepted Andrew Rannells as your Lord and saviour?
In all seriousness, this is one of my favourite — if not my absolute favourite — memoirs I have ever read. The feeling of thinking you have everything figured out and slowly realizing you’re nowhere near where you thought you would be is brutally relatable, but the idea that it’s never too late to adjust your life to what you want it to be is a breath of fresh air.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to watch every possible interview and performance of his that YouTube can provide me with.
In all seriousness, this is one of my favourite — if not my absolute favourite — memoirs I have ever read. The feeling of thinking you have everything figured out and slowly realizing you’re nowhere near where you thought you would be is brutally relatable, but the idea that it’s never too late to adjust your life to what you want it to be is a breath of fresh air.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to watch every possible interview and performance of his that YouTube can provide me with.
pbraue13's review
4.0
I was one of the rare few that didn't cling to Andrew Rannells when he took the stage in Book of Mormon. I wasn't a fan of his singing, his acting, or him as a person from what I had seen in interviews and heard from friends who worked with/met him, but this book has given me new respect for the Broadway star. This memoir, a collection of essays detailing his first few years in New York as well as memories of his childhood and adolescence, was one of the most relatable pieces of nonfiction I have read in a long time. As a gay man and former actor (before COVID 19 wrecked the theatre world this past year) I knew exactly the kind of experiences Andrew spoke of when maneuvering the world post high school and outside of the jurisdiction of his parents for the first time. I understood the unrequited loves and the short romances he spoke of post-coming out and coming into his own as a gay youth. His rampant "sex-capades" in his twenties and troubled past with older men who used him and abused were also sadly relatable. Coming from a catholic school experience and small town background I understood the way the world seemed to open up like a cornucopia of opportunities, while also hitting us hard with reality. Overall, what I mean to say is Mr. Rannells is a good writer and has lived experiences that many will be able to relate to. Especially, being young and chasing a dream with your eyes full of stars and thinking anything is possible.
friendofmarlowe's review against another edition
4.0
a fun little memoir. especially because i got to meet andrew rannells and hear him speak.