Scan barcode
lazmataz's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
readingwithstardust's review against another edition
5.0
This book was very bravely written.
CW: death of a child, child abuse
CW: death of a child, child abuse
ashkitty93's review against another edition
5.0
Started the new year off right with a book I knew I was going to love. I didn't know a whole lot about Joel Grey going into this book -- or I knew less than I thought I did. What I knew: He originated the role of the Emcee in Cabaret, for which he went on to win the Oscar and the Tony, and originated the role of the Wizard in Wicked. Also that he's the father of Jennifer Grey from Dirty Dancing.
This book delved into Joel's personal life and upbringing, where he grappled with his own identity from a very young age in a time when being gay in America was criminalized. LGBT people remain victims of hate crimes and other peoples' ignorance, but we've also come a long way since the 1950s, into a time when same-sex marriage is finally recognized as equal to that of heterosexual marriage, and people are more able to be themselves in today's world. Joel's story was hilarious and heartbreaking, but he stayed determined through it all, which left a big impression on me. I was also impressed by the fact that Joel owned up to what he did wrong as far as his marriage was concerned; not many people can step back and say "I was selfish, I was a jerk, I was a bully" but he does and it's refreshing.
I fell in love with his love for Cleveland and the Cleveland Playhouse; I wonder if he ever visits in his free time. His tumultuous family life, from childhood through marriage and divorce, struck a chord. I held my breath through his time on the nightclub circuit, where he started out with his dad's Yiddish troupe, as he wondered if he'd ever be able to make it in theatre instead of just as a nightclub act. The success of Cabaret was incredible; I'm planning on watching the movie again tonight.
I was a little disappointed he didn't say more than a few words about Wicked, but I suppose it was such a smash and so recent to boot that there's not much that needs said about it. This was a wonderful look into the life of an incredibly resilient performer.
This book delved into Joel's personal life and upbringing, where he grappled with his own identity from a very young age in a time when being gay in America was criminalized. LGBT people remain victims of hate crimes and other peoples' ignorance, but we've also come a long way since the 1950s, into a time when same-sex marriage is finally recognized as equal to that of heterosexual marriage, and people are more able to be themselves in today's world. Joel's story was hilarious and heartbreaking, but he stayed determined through it all, which left a big impression on me. I was also impressed by the fact that Joel owned up to what he did wrong as far as his marriage was concerned; not many people can step back and say "I was selfish, I was a jerk, I was a bully" but he does and it's refreshing.
I fell in love with his love for Cleveland and the Cleveland Playhouse; I wonder if he ever visits in his free time. His tumultuous family life, from childhood through marriage and divorce, struck a chord. I held my breath through his time on the nightclub circuit, where he started out with his dad's Yiddish troupe, as he wondered if he'd ever be able to make it in theatre instead of just as a nightclub act. The success of Cabaret was incredible; I'm planning on watching the movie again tonight.
I was a little disappointed he didn't say more than a few words about Wicked, but I suppose it was such a smash and so recent to boot that there's not much that needs said about it. This was a wonderful look into the life of an incredibly resilient performer.
grayoleary's review against another edition
4.0
Insight into the life of a theater/film icon that details a personal struggle with internalized homophobia and external fear of rejection and violences by the hands of others
mojostdennis's review against another edition
3.0
read harder challenge 2018: read a celebrity memoir
bkish's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent memoir of a great character actor. So the story of his life is about his acting and work in all the media and especially his great love of theater. He also writes about his personal life with men and women. Joel Grey born Joel Katz has always been a venturer. He has had a difficult life personally. this is an honest memoir.
thuglibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Look elsewhere if you're looking for a salacious tell-all book. Joel Grey has always been an elegant, classy man and he stays true to himself in this book. He writes lovingly about his marriage and his children. He is what he is...a man who loves his family, but who happens to be gay. Perhaps if he had come of age in today's world his story would have been different. But it's not.
whatcaitreads's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia