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trixirina's review against another edition
3.0
Damned with faint praise...
Well, I guess if you are a somewhat successful (male) movie actor someone will decide it's okay for you to be a writer too. And then you can write an indulgent, navel-gazing novel and work your shit out on paper and someone will pay you for it also.
Judging from the multiple five star reviews, I'm in the minority here. And strangely enough, I feel the same way about Hawke's writing as I do when I watch his films. He annoys me but at the same time I want to keep watching him for some reason.
I'm giving three stars because it has some really well-written passages, when he isn't talking about himself (I mean, William). In particular, the way he describes the ins and outs of the theater world and the personalities that populate it was really honest with an undertone of affection and warmth. The process that performing artists go through 'putting themselves out there' and the coping mechanisms they use to get there rang true.
Well, I guess if you are a somewhat successful (male) movie actor someone will decide it's okay for you to be a writer too. And then you can write an indulgent, navel-gazing novel and work your shit out on paper and someone will pay you for it also.
Judging from the multiple five star reviews, I'm in the minority here. And strangely enough, I feel the same way about Hawke's writing as I do when I watch his films. He annoys me but at the same time I want to keep watching him for some reason.
I'm giving three stars because it has some really well-written passages, when he isn't talking about himself (I mean, William). In particular, the way he describes the ins and outs of the theater world and the personalities that populate it was really honest with an undertone of affection and warmth. The process that performing artists go through 'putting themselves out there' and the coping mechanisms they use to get there rang true.
tabithaseesandcoprehendletters's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
listened to this on spotify... i cried, as an actor this was just so engaging to me and ethan hawke is so incredible, the characterrrrr the character in this is so actor and so ethan hawke and the DIALOGUE is so fucking funny sometimes, his narration is so great I felt like a fourth grader listening to my teacher read to me in class, I fell in love with storytelling and character for the first time again listening to this.
maythetree's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Unlikeable narrator does unlikeable things - side characters come and go with unexplained presence and irrelevance. Some good thoughts and insights into how acting relates and connects with our humanity and how we can live our lives better. Some very different perspectives that can only come from someone in this industry which makes up the majority of the value of this book. A different view at a mid-life crisis.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse
jyaremchuk's review against another edition
4.0
ok - hated the autobiographical protagonist/anti-hero, but he also hated himself and played the "bad guy" in a Shakespeare production. It was meant to be.... Also hated the treatment of women/female characters, and the children were unbelievable, but again.... Excellent writing and marvelous depiction of what it means to be an actor, on and off the stage.
brinysea's review against another edition
4.0
I didn’t feel much for the protagonist, but there’s some real fine writing here. Loved the prayers to St. Christopher.
cheyannenx's review
challenging
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
didn’t know ethan hawke was an author as well until i saw this in the library. it was interesting to say the least and definitely had to be somewhat semi-autobiographical as i thought a few themes in the book tied in with his own personal life. the book is a bit drawn out at stages but there are some funny moments that make up for it. overall a decent book
yasy_yasy16's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Reading this book felt really special. I enjoyed the writing of this book way more than I thought I would; I look forward to reading more of Ethan Hawke’s writing.
mbowenn's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
megs_bok's review against another edition
4.5
one of the most entertaining audiobook performances I’ve ever experienced!
amy_heferen's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25