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The Guttenberg Bible: A Memoir

3.23 of 5 stars 3.23 · rating details · 71 ratings · 27 reviews

“Forget being an actor. You don’t have the look, you don’t have the talent, and your name is ridiculous. You are the last guy I would ever pick to be a movie star.”

This was the first piece of advice Steve Guttenberg ever received from an agent. Like many other times in his life, he didn’t listen.

In this honest, charming memoir, Guttenberg tells the unique story of his fir...more

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published May 8th 2012 by Thomas Dunne Books

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Dec 13, 2012 Robert rated it 2 of 5 stars

I really wanted to like this book. I like Steve Guttenberg and in his movies he seemed like an every-man type of character that would always be around. To the point I guess he is, it's just that his movies and choice roles are more obscure and outside something I might want to watch. I read this book with the hope that it would be as interesting as other celebrity memoirs I have read (such as Michael J. Fox, Jerry Weintraub, or Alan Alda's) however this was not the case.
A few things that made re...more I really wanted to like this book. I like Steve Guttenberg and in his movies he seemed like an every-man type of character that would always be around. To the point I guess he is, it's just that his movies and choice roles are more obscure and outside something I might want to watch. I read this book with the hope that it would be as interesting as other celebrity memoirs I have read (such as Michael J. Fox, Jerry Weintraub, or Alan Alda's) however this was not the case.
A few things that made reading the book less enjoyable were 1) Steve never said the word God, instead he would say G-d. Now maybe he's a really religious guy and I would get that, but if that's the case why would you just not include the word in the book at all? He would say God as G-d, but he would still say Jesus Christ which at least in my mind makes me question the religious side of things. Anyway moving on.
2) the entire book focuses on his first 10 years in Hollywood and nothing in the way of mentioning his failed marriage or the next ten years of his life where he seemingly disappears from public view. These things while perhaps he may not be proud of are the things that make someone appear more human and when reading of them become more interesting characters to follow. Without legitimate conflict or a driving force behind his actions, the book seemed empty.
3) a few months back I read Rob Lowe's memoir and it seemed as if all he did was name-drop and try to elevate himself to these characters which while he is talented, is not as amazing as he thinks (or at least he read that way). That said, Guttenberg name-dropped all the time throughout the book to emphasize that he was around big shots. But what annoyed me was that he did so in such spectacular detail (like with the sound guy or the key grip) that it was just ran into the ground. It's obvious he has a great memory for names and instances from almost 30 years ago, but it got dull fast and became a less enjoyable book.
4) I'm tempted to talk about Police Academy and it's way too many sequels but it seems pointless to mention that as sadly beyond the minutia of irrelevant details regarding filming other projects, Guttenberg's biggest film triumph is a series he should have left after the first sequel and not the third (though as is pointed out it did give us David Spade)
5) finally, the thing that just seemed to dull the book (though it showed that he stayed close to his roots) was his phone conversations with his parents. A conversation at the beginning and/or at the end would have sufficed but throughout the book these parental conversations showing how out of the loop they were and their "banter" between each other just wasted space. This is not to say that their presence wasn't completely unnecessary or that Guttenberg shouldn't be proud of where he came from (he should be proud of himself and his parents) its just that these inclusions into his narrative made for a less enjoyable read.
I'll close this by saying that I like Steve Guttenberg and I wish he were more relevant today; though his disappearance from major motion pictures might make for a more interesting book. There is little doubt in my mind that he could be in roles that Albert Brooks is in and really reemerge as a notable actor but I don't think we'll see that and that's kinda sad cause he does (or at least did) have potential.(less)

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Apr 05, 2013 Jonathan rated it 5 of 5 stars

From the moment I saw the title I knew I would enjoy this. If you think Steve Guttenberg is funny on film, just wait until you read his memoir! I haven't laughed out loud so many times when reading a book in a long time.

Although he doesn't spend too much time on his childhood (I think he leaves that kind of book to the 20 year old celebrities writing their version of 'My Autobiography'(sic)), Steve's family play a big part in the book. His parents provide a lot of the laughs, and a few poignant...more

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Dec 04, 2012 Robert rated it 2 of 5 stars

I really wanted to like this book. I like Steve Guttenberg and in his movies he seemed like an every-man type of character that would always be around. To the point I guess he is, it's just that his movies and choice roles are more obscure and outside something I might want to watch. I read this book with the hope that it would be as interesting as other celebrity memoirs I have read (such as Michael J. Fox, Jerry Weintraub, or Alan Alda's) however this was not the case.
A few things that made...more

I really wanted to like this book. I like Steve Guttenberg and in his movies he seemed like an every-man type of character that would always be around. To the point I guess he is, it's just that his movies and choice roles are more obscure and outside something I might want to watch. I read this book with the hope that it would be as interesting as other celebrity memoirs I have read (such as Michael J. Fox, Jerry Weintraub, or Alan Alda's) however this was not the case.
A few things that made reading the book less enjoyable were 1) Steve never said the word God, instead he would say G-d. Now maybe he's a really religious guy and I would get that, but if that's the case why would you just not include the word in the book at all? He would say God as G-d, but he would still say Jesus Christ which at least in my mind makes me question the religious side of things. Anyway moving on.
2) the entire book focuses on his first 10 years in Hollywood and nothing in the way of mentioning his failed marriage or the next ten years of his life where he seemingly disappears from public view. These things while perhaps he may not be proud of are the things that make someone appear more human and when reading of them become more interesting characters to follow. Without legitimate conflict or a driving force behind his actions, the book seemed empty.
3) a few months back I read Rob Lowe's memoir and it seemed as if all he did was name-drop and try to elevate himself to these characters which while he is talented, is not as amazing as he thinks (or at least he read that way). That said, Guttenberg name-dropped all the time throughout the book to emphasize that he was around big shots. But what annoyed me was that he did so in such spectacular detail (like with the sound guy or the key grip) that it was just ran into the ground. It's obvious he has a great memory for names and instances from almost 30 years ago, but it got dull fast and became a less enjoyable book.
4) I'm tempted to talk about Police Academy and it's way too many sequels but it seems pointless to mention that as sadly beyond the minutia of irrelevant details regarding filming other projects, Guttenberg's biggest film triumph is a series he should have left after the first sequel and not the third (though as is pointed out it did give us David Spade)
5) finally, the thing that just seemed to dull the book (though it showed that he stayed close to his roots) was his phone conversations with his parents. A conversation at the beginning and/or at the end would have sufficed but throughout the book these parental conversations showing how out of the loop they were and their "banter" between each other just wasted space. This is not to say that their presence wasn't completely unnecessary or that Guttenberg shouldn't be proud of where he came from (he should be proud of himself and his parents) its just that these inclusions into his narrative made for a less enjoyable read.
I'll close this by saying that I like Steve Guttenberg and I wish he were more relevant today; though his disappearance from major motion pictures might make for a more interesting book. There is little doubt in my mind that he could be in roles that Albert Brooks is in and really reemerge as a notable actor but I don't think we'll see that and that's kinda sad cause he does (or at least did) have potential.(less)

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May 26, 2012 William Johnson rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, since-joining-goodreads

Steve Guttenberg is a really odd person in the Hollywood machine. I don't think, in my own unscientific research I've done in my head, that anyone had as many hits as he did and became so quickly irrelevant. Not that his memoir will explore that at all.

Guttenberg's book is a half 'rags to riches' story and half 'greatest hits' recap, leaving out a)his self imposed hiatus from 1990-1995 (which probably killed his career) and b)his rise and fall from what many people forget was the pinnacle of Hol...more

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May 03, 2013 Shannon rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I've seen alot of his movies growing up in the '80's and all! I'm interested to see how he perseves his story it is always interesting to hear the story from the horses mouth so to speak! And it is a fun title! I'm really looking forward to reading!

1 like · like · see review

Aug 06, 2012 Matthew Pavlichko rated it 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book very much. If you read enough of these memoirs, you know the routine; trying to beat the odds, making it in the business, having success, falling into drugs or booze, and then trying to get back on the straight and narrow and having a career again. This book had all of that minus the typical drugs and booze routine and no 'my parents abused me' kind of stuff. This book never went into a negative vibe, which I appreciated. It was nice to read a memoir that didn't have a woe is...more

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Apr 21, 2012 J.T. Robertson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I received this book as a first-reads giveaway, and I'm really glad I did.

This was a really enjoyable read that gave a lot of insight into the way Hollywood works, or at least how it worked in the late 70's and 80's. Mr. Guttenberg comes off as a genuinely nice guy who worked hard and basically got to live the dream. His interactions with his parents are also really sweet. I would watch a sitcom just about his parents!

I read another review where someone talked a little negatively about too much...more

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Apr 16, 2012 G-Funk rated it 3 of 5 stars

Please note that I received this book free from the firstreads giveaways.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Like the introduction that caught my eye, It is funny, sweet, "honest, and charming" memoir about 80's blockbuster star. I enjoyed reading about Steve Guttenberg's antics as well and what it was like shooting commercials and trying to get a job as an actor...

I liked the bits and pieces of his family, right down to their phone conversations... and being a New Yorker who's lived in Long Is...more

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May 09, 2012 Cynthia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: goodreads-first-reads, bio

I received The Guttenberg Bible from the Goodreads First Reads program. I went into this book expecting entertainment and nothing more. Boy, did it entertain. Steve Guttenberg takes the reader along for his arrival to Hollywood, his foibles, his victories and his rise to fame. He drops more names than the Allied Forces dropped bombs during WWII. Sometimes there is a story to go along with the name and a lot of those stories are pretty good. However, if you're looking for a 'tell all' book, then...more

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Apr 24, 2012 Amanda Long rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

The Guttenberg Bible: A Memoir follows the first 10 years Steve Guttenberg’s life as an actor. To begin with, I loved to read about his experiences in LA as a fresh actor. Some of it seems a little stretched, like not knowing what pronto means. I really liked his “fake it till you make it” attitude with setting up his office on an unused set in the studio, without the consent of the studio. However, it did develop much slower in the middle of the book and I had a difficult time following all of...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Rebekah rated it 2 of 5 stars

I will admit I skimmed a large part of this book, but I was left wanting to know more. I read it because Linnea is obsessed with "the Guttz" and I wanted to know more about my friend's obsession, but this wasn't that satisfying. I did like all the pictures from the 70s and 80s though.

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Sep 19, 2012 Kathleen rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this insight into what it was like for a kid moving to LA and trying to make it in Hollywood. While acknowledging that it is a nasty business, you understand why some people love it...good read for the mother of an aspiring actress.

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Apr 12, 2012 Andrew Mclaughlin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great book, full of lots of self depricating humor. It also has some nice reflections on Steve and his relationship with his family while showing how truly tenacious he was as he sought to pursue his dream of acting.

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Sep 03, 2012 Jenni rated it 2 of 5 stars

I don't know if I was entirely fair to this book. I kept comparing it to the Hollywood memoirs that I have LOVED. This writing was just painful. Because he had kept a journal, there were a LOT of details, but the story was lost in the plethora of facts. So unless you are a die-hard Guttenberg fan, I would skip this book.

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May 18, 2012 Ashley rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book started out really good when Steve is first starting off as an actor. near the middle and end i though that the book got kind of dry and boring and very repetitive. even know i didn't really get in to this book i did think that his life was very interesting to read about.

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Jul 10, 2012 Miik rated it 1 of 5 stars

Let me sum it up. Oh wow, I'm in Hollywood. Oh wow, I have an agent. Oh wow, I'm meeting famous actors. Oh wow, I'm unemployed. There, I just saved you 300 pages worth of reading.

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Aug 02, 2012 Carla Latham rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received this book in the Goodreads book giveaway.

This book covers Mr. Guttenberg's life and career from graduation from high school to filming of Three Men and a Baby. My favorite parts of the book were with his mom and dad -- especially when he is taking his parents to Paramount's premiere of the movie Players (a laugh out-loud section). Also, when he is filming Three Men and a Baby and his parents are in his trailer and meet Ted Danson, Tom Selleck, and Leonard Nimoy. I don't know who I lik...more

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Jun 14, 2012 Roadhouse rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ugh. Steven Guttenberg, from the 80s hit movie Police Academy, wrote a book.

Ugh. I read the book.

Ugh. I even liked the book.

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Aug 24, 2012 Sharron rated it 3 of 5 stars

The memoir only covers 10 years of his life. It's an enjoyable read, he seems to have never gotten over being star-struck himself.

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Aug 12, 2012 Adam rated it 3 of 5 stars

Interesting, but could've used some more dish, probably protected too many names.

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Apr 27, 2012 Susan Jo Grassi rated it 4 of 5 stars

I so enjoyed reading this book. What a tenacious individual but that's what you have to be to achieve anything anymore, especially in Hollywood. Like he says, he planted a flag and no one can take that away. I laughed, I was awed, I was impressed. All aspiring actors need to read this account of "being there", although I doubt that some of the methods to get jobs would work anymore, it will give them hope.

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Jul 11, 2012 linnea rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

this was fine, but then again, you all know how I feel about the Gutz

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May 27, 2012 Halita Wilson rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book I enjoyed for I learned alot about Steve Guttenberg. I did not know all that He had gone through and how he was successful for having learned what he learned. Thank you for opening my eyes on your life Steve.

I had entered this giveaway on mistake thinking it was about the Guttenberg Press which made all books first available to the masses. OOPSIE!

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Oct 29, 2012 Lindsay rated it 3 of 5 stars

This started out pretty strong. But in the middle the author got bogged down with details on some films and was light on others. And then it's like he ran out of steam, ending with films in the early 90s. I would have loved to have read about his appearances on Party Down, Entourage, etc, and the lore of his name in pop culture.

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Sep 14, 2012 Paige Pell rated it 3 of 5 stars

I saw Mr. Guttenberg speak at a 25th anniversary showing of Diner a couple of months ago and it was fascinating to see him then and now. His story speaks to the power of determination (as well as luck) and for those interested in the machinations of Hollywood, it's worth a read.

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Nov 17, 2012 Bryan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Very interesting read about a genuinely nice guy. Fun to see how he balanced his Hollywood life with his real life and how movies I remember and loved from my childhood were made.

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Jul 03, 2012 Mary marked it as started-but-meh

I love the Gutte, but this book was desperately in need of a better editor at least to separate the wheat from the chaff. Much of this is just overly detailed inanity.

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May 07, 2013 Sulata Sahu marked it as to-read

May 06, 2013 Jo-anne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Apr 25, 2013 Leslee added it

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