Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'

Making It So by Patrick Stewart

15 reviews

katie0528's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

Sir Patrick explores his life, from a tumultuous post-war childhold, to his introduction to Shakespeare and acting, through his early career on the stage, to his pop-culture breakout and sucesses in Star Trek: Next Generation and the X-Men franchises until the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, he doesn't shy away from the ugly side of his life, an abusive father, intense jealousies as colleagues found success sooner, issues with alcohol, and two failed marriages. It's both funny and brutally honest. I listened to the audibook and you hear the triumphs and regrets in his voice. You also hear his admiration for everyone he has worked with, and is not afraid to drop accolades for all his mentors, friends, and loved ones, sharing the love he has for them.

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kayzo's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced

4.25


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kirkspockreads's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

5.0


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barefootsong's review

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informative medium-paced

3.5


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kylosten's review against another edition

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funny reflective medium-paced

4.0


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tguccione's review against another edition

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emotional reflective slow-paced

3.75


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jodar's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny informative medium-paced

4.25

A gem I wasn’t expecting. I am surprised at how engaging, emotionally charged and in places how raw the memoir is. There are numerous laugh-out-loud anecdotes as well.

I had a book gift card burning a hole in my wallet, but the bookshop I had to use it at stocks few of the books I’d be interested in reading in hard copy. I bought this simply because it was in the price range and Jean-Luc Picard is my favourite Star Trek captain. I had no idea of Stewart’s upbringing in a poor Yorkshire family and his decades of struggle as an actor.

I felt particularly moved by Stewart’s descriptions of his earlier life, his friends and family, his hardships and delights. Also the people he didn’t get along with – understandably I doubt Stewart could be quite so forthcoming in his later life, about people who are still alive. Throughout Stewart provides some great insights into the art of acting and a good impression of his life as an actor. Some photographs complement the text well.

I appreciated Stewart’s own humility in his shortcomings and in acknowledging his indebtedness to those who had supported his career – the humility felt genuine to me. Likewise, his admiration for other accomplished and kindly people in his life.

Stewart isn’t perfect (who is?), and there is one part of his personal life in which I think he made a grave mistake. Deep down, despite what struck me as a bit of rationalisation on his part, I suspect he realises this too. That said, I was not particularly fascinated to know about his private life: it’s his professional life, what influenced it and his outlook as an actor that most interested me.

This is a book that I may well read again in a few years time.

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heather667's review

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dark emotional funny informative reflective medium-paced

4.0


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queer_bookwyrm's review

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emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

5.0

5 ⭐ CW: domestic violence, suicide mention, death of family members, animal cruelty/death mention 

Making It So: A Memoir by Sir Patrick Stewart is my first read of the New Year! I'm not typically a memoir reader, but I make an exception for Star Trek greats. 

Patrick Stewart takes us through his entire life, starting with his love of stage acting and passion for Shakespeare all the way through his time with Star Trek: The Next Generation, the X-Men franchise, and the intricacies of his life. He is so open and honest about every part of his life, not just the successes, but his mistakes and struggles, including his failed marriages and relationships, and his insecurities around being a leading man on the stage and in front of the camera. 

Honestly, it was like reading about an old friend. I found myself smiling a lot and even laughing out loud a bunch of times at his storytelling. It's no secret I'm a huge Trekkie, and adore Captain Jean-Luc Picard. I so enjoyed reading this in his voice and learning all the behind the scenes moments of his life. He is brilliant, modest, genuine, and quite funny. I do hope he is able to make the Picard movie he is trying to get. 

I definitely recommend this for anyone who cherishes Captain Picard, Professor X, or any iteration of Shakespeare Patrick has been a part of. He kept me engaged (pun definitely intended) the whole time. Thank you, Captain, for Making It So. 

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laurasullivan's review

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funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

3.0


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