Greenlights

I'm starting to see a theme (a very expected theme) amongst celebrity memoirs: self-aggrandizement disguised in humble origin stories and a false sense of modesty. This book fits the theme.

I'd put this somewhere between memoir and tall tale. As in, I don't believe half the shit he said he did. A German dude lending him a motorcycle for free to ride through Europe, only to not care when he totaled it? Drinking two shots of tequila and running 5 miles barefoot in the sand in 108 degree heat and wrestling cows until he got knocked out by a bull to prepare for a movie? Challenging the village champion in a remote African village, who then walked him 15 miles to the next village by foot after he earned his respect? Cmon.

I listened to the audiobook, read by the author, which I think made it more strange. He was clearly performing the whole time which, sure, makes sense – but also made him seem more detached from reality and just a little unhinged. Especially the laughing. What was with the laughing? Also, he's kind of a weird guy. I'd expect this from many other celebrities, like, IDK, Adam Driver? It's clear that he sees himself as an artist (which, okay, he kind of is). He clearly fancies himself a poet.

Then there were other things that didn't make sense. He kept yelling out, “Prescription!” “Bumper sticker!” “Note to self!” – followed by some aphorism or other (and that strange chuckle), the purpose of which I didn't quite understand because they weren't really prescriptions or bumper stickers or notes to self. I think he just wanted a reason to yell out his apothegms.

If this is meant to be read more like family lore than it is truth, so be it. I suppose it's interesting, and regardless of what's true and what isn't, the dude has lived a pretty fascinating life. I think he's a fine dude and I do quite like several of his movies – I think he's a talented actor. I just couldn't get past his own self-regard.

I listened to this book, which I feel like is the only proper way to do this one. It's very well narrated, though the book itself is not well written. At times it's just a weird stream of consciousness with cheesy “bumper stickers” and “inspirational” platitudes. It's trying to do much with those parts when really I just wanted to hear about his life. The parts when he's just telling funny stories about his life are the best parts and made me laugh out loud.

About as good as it gets when it comes to celebrity memoirs. The audiobook is fantastic and highly recommend listening instead of reading. His voice is, of course, incredible.

His stories, storytelling, and introspection make this a 5-star enjoyable memoir.

I could have done without is his self-help-y interludes between chapters. And while we heard a lot of self-awareness about privilege, we heard very little about how to use that privilege for good.

The beginning was strong and all about self-confidence and self-knowledge, then he tells some awful stories about both of his parents...but we are supposed to still align with and even celebrate his parents? which doesn't feel good. The second half is interesting stories about his career and his wandering a. The last third is arrogant and pretentious dribble. I hate to say that, because I still love him. But I finished it thinking what did I just read? And that's not how you should feel upon finishing a book, especially a memoir. If I didn't feel shook finishing Anne Heche's memoir, which is literally called Call Me Crazy, I shouldn't feel that way reading his. But the last twenty pages or more were not memoir but rather  I Am Your Guru, and they didn't feel good, and they tainted the rest of the book.

I remember picking this book because of its popularity but also because he's the protagonist in one of my top 5 movies.

I'm on an artistic path myself now and I needed to hear about the system of greenlights. I am taking note of them as I go along this uncertain, scary and exciting path.

The book was paced fast and slow at times, which directly affected my interest. I did end up reading to the end which is surprising, I thought I'd give it up mid-way.

It's a good story of a good life, and I have taken lessons of my own.

Matthew McConaughey's narration was really good and he was a funny story teller.
I had mixed feelings through it, some of it was interesting and enjoyable, part of it felt unnecessary and oversimplified or maybe Matthew McConaughey just wanted to keep it light.
I enjoyed listening to it but I didn't love it.

AUDIOBOOK

I recommend this! I am biased because I am a huge fan of his acting. This was a good mix of weird stories, laughing until I'm crying stories, and inspiring stories. I loved how he read it, the announcement of ‘prescription', ‘bumper sticker', and ‘green light'. I think him reading the book is what really made it so great. This wouldn't be as entertaining as a physical book. A couple noteworthy quotes.

★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up) This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader as part of a quick takes post to catch up–emphasizing pithiness, not thoroughness.
—
I'm not the biggest McConaughey fan in the world—I don't think I've ever not liked anything he's done, but I don't seek him out—and am not at all the target audience for this. But something about what he said about the writing of this book when he was on Hot Ones, made me want to take a look. That my library had the audiobook available to borrow made it all the easier to do so.

This dude can tell a story. I'm sure he's exaggerating a lot of the events—not necessarily being dishonest, just spinning a good yarn. And honestly, I don't care. I had a blast listening to this. If 30% of this stuff is true, he's led a great life and probably deserves to make up 70% of it for the entertainment value.

You're not going to get a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff about his movies (there are a couple of exceptions), it's mostly about his personal life—childhood, family, friends, wife, and some miscellaneous solo adventures.

I laughed, I learned a thing or two, I shook my head a few times. Mostly, I just enjoyed a good storyteller at work. (I'm not sure any other narrator could've pulled it off, but McConaughey made it feel like we were sitting around a campfire or at a bar somewhere).

I've just finished Greenlights. It is a wonderful memoir written by the great actor Matthew McConaughey. It is honest, humble and straight to the point. I've never read something like this before.

In the book there's a concept that resonate with me so much: you have to want it but don't need it. It is something I always tried to apply to my work from the day one as a freelancer. I know that it might seems counterintuitive but I promise, it works. When you go to a client meeting wanting the job you are hungry, you put everything on the table; but if you need the job, if the client understands you're hopeless, you lose your negotiation power and most of all you start thinking about results and you're not focused on the process anymore.

Matt refused romantic comedies jobs for 20 months, he was ready to change career when he was on top to be a better actor, to work on something he appreciated more. When he stopped needing Hollywood, the phone rang.

I read this via audiobook and it was the best way to read it as [a:Matthew McConaughey 3636965 Matthew McConaughey https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1598977375p2/3636965.jpg] narrates his own book with such amazing skill as if he was never an actor in the movies but an author instead.

To say I loved listening to this book might be an understatement. It was such a fun ride. Mr. McConaughey narrates the audiobook himself, and oh what a joy that is. His voice is unique and distinguishable and so much fun to listen to. His personality comes through so clearly in his narration. Listening to the audiobook is definitely the way to go with this memoir.

McConaughey's life is interesting, entertaining, and enlightening. He tells about his childhood, his travels, his acting career, and his family. His engaging storytelling voice keeps the reader enthralled in his tale. He shares insights and advice that are practical and meaningful. There are lessons to be learned from his successes and his mistakes. It's everything a good memoir should be.

Do yourself a favor and listen to this man narrate his story. It is an experience you won't regret!

A lot of the reviews say “It's good but don't expect any insights about his acting career”. And... this couldn't be more untrue? Yes, the book isn't entirely about his career, but the majority of it is. I don't think he's had the most interesting acting career so where this shines is when Matthew tells stories in his life. I did like the brief insight into the McConaisance” though.

This book was a fucking WILD ride and I truly enjoyed it! I really wasn't sure what to expect, I'm not like a Matthew McConaughey superfan or anything but this book has CHILL VIBES and some really great travel stories. It's low on celebrity gossip and Hollywood stuff and more about the sincerely bonkers shit he's done with his life other than acting. Iconic, I now stan.

https://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/episode-171-greenlights/