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bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
5.0
I listened to a podcast interview with Cumming where he talked briefly about his career and life which made me want to learn more about him, and listen to his voice more.
Cumming had a very difficult childhood which made this a heartbreaking and tragic read at times. This book is about his journey to healing and learning about his family’s history. Listening to the audio version was like sitting and catching up with a friend you haven’t seen in awhile 🩷 Also as I kind of touched on, his accent is lovely to listen to!
A few of his stories or the way he talked about his experiences as an actor made me laugh, making for a not completely emotional/dark read. I loooved his passion for Eurovision and could very much relate (he put into words exactly how I think of the event). Overall I’d highly recommend if you enjoy celebrity memoirs or stories of healing!
Cumming had a very difficult childhood which made this a heartbreaking and tragic read at times. This book is about his journey to healing and learning about his family’s history. Listening to the audio version was like sitting and catching up with a friend you haven’t seen in awhile 🩷 Also as I kind of touched on, his accent is lovely to listen to!
A few of his stories or the way he talked about his experiences as an actor made me laugh, making for a not completely emotional/dark read. I loooved his passion for Eurovision and could very much relate (he put into words exactly how I think of the event). Overall I’d highly recommend if you enjoy celebrity memoirs or stories of healing!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Bullying, Violence, and Mental illness
Minor: Cancer, Gun violence, and Death of parent
jenmangler's review against another edition
3.0
This is a heartbreaking memoir. I admire Cumming's ability to make peace with his past.
lilpunkboi's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
A moving story about generational trauma, accepting and healing from childhood abuse, and finding reflections of yourself in generations since passed. Alan does a great job bouncing between what lighthearted stories he's able to tell, and the darker more emotional parts of his past, as well as the past of his father and grandfather. Cried more than once, but I really appreciate the openness and honesty of his story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Suicide, War, and Mental illness
testaroscia's review against another edition
4.0
Having just watched Alan and Miriam Margolyes go around Scotland and talk about his father, and then , straight after, seeking out the episode of "Who Do you think" It was a natural progression for me to pick up this slice of memoir. I say "slice" because this memoir concentrates very much on his relationship with his father and then mirrors it by investigating her mother's lack of relationship (for reasons that will become clear) with hers. In all cases this a a heartfelt book that does not come across as contrived or agrandised. In Audiobook format it was a gem.
dunnadam's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent book, a very personal book that I think is going to effect a lot of people in different ways.
In addition to being about Cumming himself, the book also brings out universal issues of fathers and parents. How to let go of past wrongs, how not to, how to be yourself.
Inspiring.
In addition to being about Cumming himself, the book also brings out universal issues of fathers and parents. How to let go of past wrongs, how not to, how to be yourself.
Inspiring.