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jdanby's review
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Celebrity memoirs aren’t usually my thing, but Greenlights drew me in because 1) it wasn’t ghost written, and 2) I’ve watched an interview between him and Ryan Holiday and it seemed like he was down to Earth and had a good sense of who he was.
The book is an interesting book that’s part memoir and part self-reflections - which makes sense because he’s journaled since 15. Some would say this borders into the self-help space, but I really see his prescriptions as him formulating and announcing his own personal world view.
I listened to it in its audiobook form and would highly recommend it for anyone interested in reading it. McConaughey is masterful story teller and it’s a wonderful performance.
The book is an interesting book that’s part memoir and part self-reflections - which makes sense because he’s journaled since 15. Some would say this borders into the self-help space, but I really see his prescriptions as him formulating and announcing his own personal world view.
I listened to it in its audiobook form and would highly recommend it for anyone interested in reading it. McConaughey is masterful story teller and it’s a wonderful performance.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent and Sexual content
peacefrog's review
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
I don’t like to rate biographies as they are someone’s life story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the beginning to the end. Oddly enough I have never been a fan of Matthew McConaughey, yet I was captured by his story telling!
Part of the reason I enjoyed this book so much was that it wasn’t a brag fest of who’s who. It was modest, fact based, and fun. I could envision Matthew travelling across the states with his dog, the European road trip, and the Vegas trip. I loved how he laughed at himself at all the funny parts.
Part of the reason I enjoyed this book so much was that it wasn’t a brag fest of who’s who. It was modest, fact based, and fun. I could envision Matthew travelling across the states with his dog, the European road trip, and the Vegas trip. I loved how he laughed at himself at all the funny parts.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Domestic abuse and Death of parent
sspeir's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Cursing, Sexual content, and Alcoholism
bookishaddictions's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I snagged the audiobook edition on @libby.app from my local library. I loved every minute of it. McConaughey discusses everything- his hopes, his dreams (both normal and wet), and the hardest lessons he’s learned. This isn’t a traditional memoir, but it is full of his life stories. His tales are funny, brutally honest, and full of knowledge to share with listeners. McConaughey doesn’t set out to tell listeners what to do; he strives to tell listeners what he has done. I loved learning about his travels and the reasons for some of the choices that would be most questionable in public opinion. The six hours it’ll take to listen to this story (beautifully told by McConaughey himself) will pass by in no time. I highly recommend checking out Greenlights if you’re looking for something funny but reflective 🚥
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Violence
Moderate: Sexual content
nebraskanwriter's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death of parent, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Sexual content, Death, Grief, Medical content, Violence, and Pregnancy
thebabybookworm's review
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
I love that he read his own book. There were so many things I learned about Matthew. There are a lot of crass stories and verbiage in the book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Violence, Cursing, Misogyny, and Sexual content
amdawson's review
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
Eh. I love memoir and I even like Matthew McConaughey. I enjoyed listening to him story tell and his life is fascinating, regardless of how much fiction may be mixed in with the fact. I can imagine sitting around a campfire, late into the night and being captivated by any of these stories.
But, I just don’t love Uber-wealthy celebrity advice. I suppose everyone is prone to give it, but I’m inherently skeptical of people who are so wealthy they can sit around for long, extended periods of time hypothesizing about how life is best lived. Perhaps the bumper stickers and one-liner parts made more sense in print, but they felt distracting in the audio. The first 15% of the book felt like a fever dream but I powered through based on a friend’s recommendation. After I settled into the rhythm of his chaotic narrative and when I mustered the strength to overlook the uncomfortable parts, I ultimately enjoyed hearing a story of someone else’s ups and downs, as I always do when reading a good memoir.
I bet less skeptical people will really enjoy this. I just can’t help wondering if the book is just another performance.
But, I just don’t love Uber-wealthy celebrity advice. I suppose everyone is prone to give it, but I’m inherently skeptical of people who are so wealthy they can sit around for long, extended periods of time hypothesizing about how life is best lived. Perhaps the bumper stickers and one-liner parts made more sense in print, but they felt distracting in the audio. The first 15% of the book felt like a fever dream but I powered through based on a friend’s recommendation. After I settled into the rhythm of his chaotic narrative and when I mustered the strength to overlook the uncomfortable parts, I ultimately enjoyed hearing a story of someone else’s ups and downs, as I always do when reading a good memoir.
I bet less skeptical people will really enjoy this. I just can’t help wondering if the book is just another performance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
marisa_n's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
1.0
This is a pile of pretentious bullshit. Seriously, save yourself the trouble. It's vain, self-indulgent, and about as deep as a kitty pool.
In this book McConaughey:
- Tries to both downplay the domestic violence between his parents, yet also describe it in graphic detail for dramatic effect
- Downplays his previous eating disorder/ mental health crisis as a quirky phase he went through as a teenager
- Mocks disabled people multiple times. For example, imitating his (autistic?) host brother when he lived abroad
- Lies to hospitality workers and has his brother pretended to have a disability so he could bring his pet into pet-free places
- Generally takes advantage of the kindness of others without repaying the favor. For example, he takes advantage of some well-meaning small business owner in Europe that makes them lose money, crashes their new motorbike and then doesn't repay them
- Was incredibly creepy in how he met his now-wife, manufacturing a scenario where she had to spend the night at his place
- Follows his "spiritual" journey through a series of wet dreams (which he describes in graphic detail)
- Generally acts self-righteous and condones bad behavior throughout
In this book McConaughey:
- Tries to both downplay the domestic violence between his parents, yet also describe it in graphic detail for dramatic effect
- Downplays his previous eating disorder/ mental health crisis as a quirky phase he went through as a teenager
- Mocks disabled people multiple times. For example, imitating his (autistic?) host brother when he lived abroad
- Lies to hospitality workers and has his brother pretended to have a disability so he could bring his pet into pet-free places
- Generally takes advantage of the kindness of others without repaying the favor. For example, he takes advantage of some well-meaning small business owner in Europe that makes them lose money, crashes their new motorbike and then doesn't repay them
- Was incredibly creepy in how he met his now-wife, manufacturing a scenario where she had to spend the night at his place
- Follows his "spiritual" journey through a series of wet dreams (which he describes in graphic detail)
- Generally acts self-righteous and condones bad behavior throughout
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Sexual content
kelly_e's review
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Title: Greenlights
Author: Matthew McConaughey
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: October 20, 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Candid • Entertaining • Honest
📖 S Y N O P S I S
In his memoir, Matthew McConaughey showcases different pieces of the first 50 years of his life. From childhood adventures and college escapades, to soul-searching treks into the jungle and the world of Hollywood, and eventually finding love and becoming a father, Matthew takes a no non-sense and unconventional approach, all while offering his outlaw wisdom, and the lessons he has learned. Greenlights is a wild and soulful ride, written by the author himself, about family, love, taking chances, and ultimately what it means to live.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Greenlights came highly recommended to me, particularly on audio given McConaughey narrates the book himself. While I typically don't do audiobooks (a matter of personal preference), I am so glad I gave this one a go! His narration is so engaging, and his personality shines through; it's as if he was right in the room with me, telling the story of his life. It's equal parts raw and funny, offering introspection, and life lessons in an inspiring and humorous manner. Let me just say that publishers should be all over him to narrate more audiobooks, his voice is made for story-telling. I could feel his passion, and his way with words is certainly a gift. While I cannot call myself a huge fan, I have enjoyed several of his movies, and always found him authentic. Learning more about his life, particularly his early life, was of particular interest to me. His complicated family dynamics were something I never knew. For me, what made this a real treat is the mix of personal stories and reflection. The only thing I do wish is that I could have had a physical copy to tandem read while listening if only just to see the poems, prescriptions, and bumper stickers. As a fan of memoirs, I must say Greenlights is everything a good memoir should be! And I don't say this often, but the audio version is a MUST, so do yourself a favour and Greenlight this book!
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• his fans!
• Memoir readers
• Bookclubs
• Non-readers
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"We all step in shit from time to time. We hit roadblocks, we fuck up, we get fucked, we get sick, we don’t get what we want, we cross thousands of 'could have done betters and 'wish that wouldn’t have happeneds' in life. Stepping in shit is inevitable, so let’s either see it as good luck, or figure out how to do it less often."
"I never wrote things down to remember; I always wrote things down so I could forget."
"Sometimes we don’t need advice. Sometimes we just need to hear we’re not the only one."
Author: Matthew McConaughey
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: October 20, 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Candid • Entertaining • Honest
📖 S Y N O P S I S
In his memoir, Matthew McConaughey showcases different pieces of the first 50 years of his life. From childhood adventures and college escapades, to soul-searching treks into the jungle and the world of Hollywood, and eventually finding love and becoming a father, Matthew takes a no non-sense and unconventional approach, all while offering his outlaw wisdom, and the lessons he has learned. Greenlights is a wild and soulful ride, written by the author himself, about family, love, taking chances, and ultimately what it means to live.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Greenlights came highly recommended to me, particularly on audio given McConaughey narrates the book himself. While I typically don't do audiobooks (a matter of personal preference), I am so glad I gave this one a go! His narration is so engaging, and his personality shines through; it's as if he was right in the room with me, telling the story of his life. It's equal parts raw and funny, offering introspection, and life lessons in an inspiring and humorous manner. Let me just say that publishers should be all over him to narrate more audiobooks, his voice is made for story-telling. I could feel his passion, and his way with words is certainly a gift. While I cannot call myself a huge fan, I have enjoyed several of his movies, and always found him authentic. Learning more about his life, particularly his early life, was of particular interest to me. His complicated family dynamics were something I never knew. For me, what made this a real treat is the mix of personal stories and reflection. The only thing I do wish is that I could have had a physical copy to tandem read while listening if only just to see the poems, prescriptions, and bumper stickers. As a fan of memoirs, I must say Greenlights is everything a good memoir should be! And I don't say this often, but the audio version is a MUST, so do yourself a favour and Greenlight this book!
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• his fans!
• Memoir readers
• Bookclubs
• Non-readers
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"We all step in shit from time to time. We hit roadblocks, we fuck up, we get fucked, we get sick, we don’t get what we want, we cross thousands of 'could have done betters and 'wish that wouldn’t have happeneds' in life. Stepping in shit is inevitable, so let’s either see it as good luck, or figure out how to do it less often."
"I never wrote things down to remember; I always wrote things down so I could forget."
"Sometimes we don’t need advice. Sometimes we just need to hear we’re not the only one."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Child abuse and Cursing
Minor: Death of parent, Drug use, and Sexual content
madisonfrank's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent and Sexual content