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A review by kelly_e
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Title: Greenlights
Author: Matthew McConaughey
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: October 20, 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Candid • Entertaining • Honest
📖 S Y N O P S I S
In his memoir, Matthew McConaughey showcases different pieces of the first 50 years of his life. From childhood adventures and college escapades, to soul-searching treks into the jungle and the world of Hollywood, and eventually finding love and becoming a father, Matthew takes a no non-sense and unconventional approach, all while offering his outlaw wisdom, and the lessons he has learned. Greenlights is a wild and soulful ride, written by the author himself, about family, love, taking chances, and ultimately what it means to live.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Greenlights came highly recommended to me, particularly on audio given McConaughey narrates the book himself. While I typically don't do audiobooks (a matter of personal preference), I am so glad I gave this one a go! His narration is so engaging, and his personality shines through; it's as if he was right in the room with me, telling the story of his life. It's equal parts raw and funny, offering introspection, and life lessons in an inspiring and humorous manner. Let me just say that publishers should be all over him to narrate more audiobooks, his voice is made for story-telling. I could feel his passion, and his way with words is certainly a gift. While I cannot call myself a huge fan, I have enjoyed several of his movies, and always found him authentic. Learning more about his life, particularly his early life, was of particular interest to me. His complicated family dynamics were something I never knew. For me, what made this a real treat is the mix of personal stories and reflection. The only thing I do wish is that I could have had a physical copy to tandem read while listening if only just to see the poems, prescriptions, and bumper stickers. As a fan of memoirs, I must say Greenlights is everything a good memoir should be! And I don't say this often, but the audio version is a MUST, so do yourself a favour and Greenlight this book!
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• his fans!
• Memoir readers
• Bookclubs
• Non-readers
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"We all step in shit from time to time. We hit roadblocks, we fuck up, we get fucked, we get sick, we don’t get what we want, we cross thousands of 'could have done betters and 'wish that wouldn’t have happeneds' in life. Stepping in shit is inevitable, so let’s either see it as good luck, or figure out how to do it less often."
"I never wrote things down to remember; I always wrote things down so I could forget."
"Sometimes we don’t need advice. Sometimes we just need to hear we’re not the only one."
Author: Matthew McConaughey
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: October 20, 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Candid • Entertaining • Honest
📖 S Y N O P S I S
In his memoir, Matthew McConaughey showcases different pieces of the first 50 years of his life. From childhood adventures and college escapades, to soul-searching treks into the jungle and the world of Hollywood, and eventually finding love and becoming a father, Matthew takes a no non-sense and unconventional approach, all while offering his outlaw wisdom, and the lessons he has learned. Greenlights is a wild and soulful ride, written by the author himself, about family, love, taking chances, and ultimately what it means to live.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Greenlights came highly recommended to me, particularly on audio given McConaughey narrates the book himself. While I typically don't do audiobooks (a matter of personal preference), I am so glad I gave this one a go! His narration is so engaging, and his personality shines through; it's as if he was right in the room with me, telling the story of his life. It's equal parts raw and funny, offering introspection, and life lessons in an inspiring and humorous manner. Let me just say that publishers should be all over him to narrate more audiobooks, his voice is made for story-telling. I could feel his passion, and his way with words is certainly a gift. While I cannot call myself a huge fan, I have enjoyed several of his movies, and always found him authentic. Learning more about his life, particularly his early life, was of particular interest to me. His complicated family dynamics were something I never knew. For me, what made this a real treat is the mix of personal stories and reflection. The only thing I do wish is that I could have had a physical copy to tandem read while listening if only just to see the poems, prescriptions, and bumper stickers. As a fan of memoirs, I must say Greenlights is everything a good memoir should be! And I don't say this often, but the audio version is a MUST, so do yourself a favour and Greenlight this book!
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• his fans!
• Memoir readers
• Bookclubs
• Non-readers
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"We all step in shit from time to time. We hit roadblocks, we fuck up, we get fucked, we get sick, we don’t get what we want, we cross thousands of 'could have done betters and 'wish that wouldn’t have happeneds' in life. Stepping in shit is inevitable, so let’s either see it as good luck, or figure out how to do it less often."
"I never wrote things down to remember; I always wrote things down so I could forget."
"Sometimes we don’t need advice. Sometimes we just need to hear we’re not the only one."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Child abuse and Cursing
Minor: Death of parent, Drug use, and Sexual content