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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
Arnold's life is a lot more than Hollywood's rags-to-riches story. The riches were there by the time he became an iconic actor, with a last name possibly too unpronouncable for posters, largely built upon the determination which sustained his bodybuilding carrer - calves first. He certainly tells in greater detail and passion about his youth & Mr. Olympia days than about his movie résumé, which dwindles down to basic title-hopping.
His term as governor of California raises more questions than answers - ugly political truths take time to sprout, and one is loath to cultivate his own. A journalist or political historian will have to empty that bag. What the funny internet video's which the race inspired didn't show, was Arnold's political capital - his marriage to a Kennedy and his role in the campaign of (then) vice President George Bush senior in the late 80's, complete with a ride on Air Force Two.
Four stars for the Man as a sportsman and action star, but three for the book in itself.
His term as governor of California raises more questions than answers - ugly political truths take time to sprout, and one is loath to cultivate his own. A journalist or political historian will have to empty that bag. What the funny internet video's which the race inspired didn't show, was Arnold's political capital - his marriage to a Kennedy and his role in the campaign of (then) vice President George Bush senior in the late 80's, complete with a ride on Air Force Two.
Four stars for the Man as a sportsman and action star, but three for the book in itself.
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Üsna põnev lugemine, ehkki lootsin vist ülevaatlikumat elulugu kui detailkirjeldust kulturismist ja poliitikast. Sellegipoolest hea info ühe tavalise austerlase elusaavutustest, kes keeldus olemast tavaline.
This book started out really well. It was quite inspiring, even. It talked about Arnold's childhood, early years when he got into weightlifting. It went on to his movie successes. Then his marriage to Maria Shriver. But I felt at the chapter The Governator it kind of fell apart. It got wrapped up in politics and I had to listen to it over and over to try to understand. I finally did understand, and finished the book. But I wouldn't give it 4 stars because it really didn't flow towards the end. The first and the last chapters of the book are read by Arnold, and the rest has another reader Stephen Lang. The reading is good, but it makes me wonder how much of the book is actually written by Arnold.
This is one hell of a story to read because Arnold has lived such a full life. This story starts with him as a young man in Austria and wraps up with his life as a successful bodybuilder, businessman, actor, and politician. However he is more than these titles. He is a symbol of the American dream, of change that promotes the greater good, and of persistence that leads to prosperity. This man has done it all and he doesn’t apologize for who he is. He found a way to use his weaknesses as strengths. Despite his affair, his character is still something to be admired. He is one of the most charismatic people to ever grace America with his presence. Arnold has always been somebody for me to look up to. I admire his dedication to his goals. No matter what you think of his politics or his values, he is still someone who deserves recognition for his many feats. This book was extremely long, but I guess that much living cannot be condensed and do the story justice. I would recommend this to any of his fans.
Beginning Total Recall was a strange experience for me, action hero Arnold had been a childhood idol, a fact I may have repressed for some time (or at least since Terminator 3.) I've always been vaguely familiar with his body building years, but not being a U.S. citizen I hadn't really followed his political career. Essentially what I'm trying to say is I approached this book with a fair amount of 'blank slate' aside from some historic enthusiasm from movies such as Conan, and Terminator.
As autobiographies go, this is one of the best I've read - although whether this was because of good writing or because of Arnold's particularly intriguing life I can't tell.
The prose is matter of fact and plain, almost to the point of boredom, yet somehow perfect for the story. Even highly controversial topics such as the use of steroids, affairs and politics are discussed simply and to the point. I got the strange sensation that maybe Schwarzenegger held much back about himself writing this, or perhaps was actually a remarkably simple personality, highly intelligent and focussed, yet surprisingly fallible.
To my knowledge this is a highly honest biography - Arnold is frank about his at times devious tactics in competition, some of his political mistakes, and his conflicts across his career and family life. Whatever one's opinion of the guy is, its hard to deny his life is highly compelling and an interesting read.
As autobiographies go, this is one of the best I've read - although whether this was because of good writing or because of Arnold's particularly intriguing life I can't tell.
The prose is matter of fact and plain, almost to the point of boredom, yet somehow perfect for the story. Even highly controversial topics such as the use of steroids, affairs and politics are discussed simply and to the point. I got the strange sensation that maybe Schwarzenegger held much back about himself writing this, or perhaps was actually a remarkably simple personality, highly intelligent and focussed, yet surprisingly fallible.
To my knowledge this is a highly honest biography - Arnold is frank about his at times devious tactics in competition, some of his political mistakes, and his conflicts across his career and family life. Whatever one's opinion of the guy is, its hard to deny his life is highly compelling and an interesting read.
I really enjoyed this. What an interesting man.
I suppose it is kind of split between 3 sections.
Bodybuilding, Hollywood and politics.
Each of these were interesting in there own way.
The final chapter with his rules were interesting.
He is extremely driven and definitely inspiring.
Arnold seems a bit arrogant but overall I like his way of getting things done.
All in all a good book and a fascinating man!
I suppose it is kind of split between 3 sections.
Bodybuilding, Hollywood and politics.
Each of these were interesting in there own way.
The final chapter with his rules were interesting.
He is extremely driven and definitely inspiring.
Arnold seems a bit arrogant but overall I like his way of getting things done.
All in all a good book and a fascinating man!
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
This is one of the best biographies I’ve ever read. I really didn’t know that much about his determination and perseverance. Arnold has become a true model of the American dream but even more than that he shows how hard work pays off. His constant routines and schedules but also his manifestations through his lists. I’m so impressed that I’d read this again.
I always thought that Arnold was an interesting person, and the book proved to be as interesting. The "slow-paced" tag is definitely apt. I feel that he jumps around from chapter to chapter, and even within a single chapter. He will tell one story or tangent for a paragraph or page, and then jump to the next, and even years. For example, he will tell a story about a movie from 1994, and then two paragraphs later, go back to a conversation he had with someone in 1989. It's not hard to follow but I felt a little frustrated with some of the jumping around.
The stories were fascinating and very insightful. The book still gets five stars for the content. I loved learning more about Arnold and his fascinating life. The issues that I have with this book are negligible and I can attribute to this being an autobiography by an actor whose first language is not English.
The stories were fascinating and very insightful. The book still gets five stars for the content. I loved learning more about Arnold and his fascinating life. The issues that I have with this book are negligible and I can attribute to this being an autobiography by an actor whose first language is not English.
You could definitely tell when Arnold was leading the charge on the writing versus the biographer assisting him. The language changes gradually throughout and it is interesting to notice. All-in-all, I really enjoyed this read. At the end, Arnold gives you a list of approximately 14 items to consider when designing your life and preparing to accomplish the great things you seek to realize. The list was great, but would have diminished in worth had I not read the book from start to finish. It was like a meme or an infographic but with a real punch having the story behind it.