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The Book of Sheen
For the first time, Charlie Sheen, the star of Platoon, Wall Street, Major League, and Two and a Half Men, writes the story of his extraordinary life in an unfiltered memoir.
“We can live the stories or hear about them later from others. I choose the former.”
Charlie Sheen should not be alive to write this book.
But in The Book of Sheen, the movie and TV star, who has defied the odds, finally presents his story, in his own words.
Charlie Sheen was born the third of four children to actor Martin Sheen and his wife, Janet. He grew up on film sets—from his father’s all over the world, to his own in Malibu. There he made ambitious Super 8s, with a roster of friends who went on to become household names themselves, including his brother Emilio, Sean and Chris Penn, and the Lowe brothers.
Sheen broke into movies in the 1980s, playing a hoodlum in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, a young soldier in Platoon, and an ethically compromised trader in Wall Street. But somewhere along the way, despite a successful transition to TV leading man in Spin City and Two and a Half Men, Sheen descended into a vortex of extracurricular activities.
Now sober, Sheen delivers a clear-eyed narrative of his highs and lows with humor, candor, and a vivid, captivating writing style that is uniquely his. The Book of Sheen reads like a far-fetched, overstuffed novel of Hollywood life—yet it is all true.
“We can live the stories or hear about them later from others. I choose the former.”
Charlie Sheen should not be alive to write this book.
But in The Book of Sheen, the movie and TV star, who has defied the odds, finally presents his story, in his own words.
Charlie Sheen was born the third of four children to actor Martin Sheen and his wife, Janet. He grew up on film sets—from his father’s all over the world, to his own in Malibu. There he made ambitious Super 8s, with a roster of friends who went on to become household names themselves, including his brother Emilio, Sean and Chris Penn, and the Lowe brothers.
Sheen broke into movies in the 1980s, playing a hoodlum in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, a young soldier in Platoon, and an ethically compromised trader in Wall Street. But somewhere along the way, despite a successful transition to TV leading man in Spin City and Two and a Half Men, Sheen descended into a vortex of extracurricular activities.
Now sober, Sheen delivers a clear-eyed narrative of his highs and lows with humor, candor, and a vivid, captivating writing style that is uniquely his. The Book of Sheen reads like a far-fetched, overstuffed novel of Hollywood life—yet it is all true.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published September 9, 2025
1588 people are currently reading
6790 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 691 reviews
October 7, 2025
Look, unless you've been living under a rock, you know actor Charlie Sheen — son of Martin Sheen, brother of Emilio Estevez.
Chances are, he was even on your radar prior to the 2011 "tiger blood-Adonis DNA-winning" very public meltdown, compliments of near 24/7 mainstream media coverage.
In addition to descending from Hollywood royalty, Charlie's own CV includes "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "Red Dawn," "Platoon," "Wall Street," "Major League," "Spin City," "Two and a Half Men," and "Anger Management."
The Book of Sheen, Charlie's newly released memoir, is a look behind the curtain on each of those productions as well as a wistful retelling of his partyingdays decades of excess and indulgence.
Rescue, rehab, relapse, regret.
Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
Like watching a car wreck in slow motion...over and over again...you have to wonder: How in God's name is this man even alive?
Despite some of the sitcom-style one-liners falling flat and the rather irritating hipster slang sprinkled throughout, The Book of Sheen is 368 pages of pure Charlie — not only still above ground, but eight years clean and sober.
Praying you stay that way, Charlie.
Chances are, he was even on your radar prior to the 2011 "tiger blood-Adonis DNA-winning" very public meltdown, compliments of near 24/7 mainstream media coverage.
In addition to descending from Hollywood royalty, Charlie's own CV includes "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "Red Dawn," "Platoon," "Wall Street," "Major League," "Spin City," "Two and a Half Men," and "Anger Management."
The Book of Sheen, Charlie's newly released memoir, is a look behind the curtain on each of those productions as well as a wistful retelling of his partying
Rescue, rehab, relapse, regret.
Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
Like watching a car wreck in slow motion...over and over again...you have to wonder: How in God's name is this man even alive?
Despite some of the sitcom-style one-liners falling flat and the rather irritating hipster slang sprinkled throughout, The Book of Sheen is 368 pages of pure Charlie — not only still above ground, but eight years clean and sober.
Praying you stay that way, Charlie.
September 10, 2025
So this book wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great either. Charlie has lived a crazy life and I can’t believe he is still alive after reading about his drug and alcohol abuse. I didn’t feel like this book offered anything new that the world didn’t know about him. It basically covers his childhood on movie sets with some fun stories about Marlon Brando and playing basketball with Michael Jordan. Then it follows him into acting from his first job to success with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Platoon and then the rest of his life until present. If you are hoping for some deep dive into his personal life with his 3 wives and his relationship with his 5 children you’re not going to get that. He touches on his marriages, births of his kids quickly and doesn’t really return to them until the Epilogue (which gives a quick update in a few sentences.) He also didn’t express much remorse that his addiction caused so much pain to the people around him, especially his children and the fact that he was a largely absent parent. The whole book was basically a love letter to himself, his career prostitutes and his addiction. I feel like he could have done more to talk about his children and his emotions and feelings around it. If he dies tomorrow this book is out there with barely a mention of them in his life even though the book spans his whole life. If I’m his kid, I’m incredibly sad his acting career, drug use and prostitutes seem more prevalent than I did. I see why his one daughter Sami has no contact with him.
October 7, 2025
Okay, don't shoot me but I loved Charlie Sheen in Two And A Half Men. And, although there have been many movies, I don't think any of them matched his television performance, with the exception of Platoon. Others were great movies, Charlie not the best in them, and by his own admission these included Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Wall Street.
Let's be upfront and honest here. Charlie Sheen should not be alive, and that he is makes him a VERY lucky man. He has ruined lives, his friends, his three ex-wives, his Hollywood colleagues, his family's but most of all, his own. Today he remains amongst us but Charlie's life is one of addiction to booze, sex and drugs. A life full of scandal, domestic violence, failed marriages, Heidi Fleiss, porn stars, public intoxication and so forth.
I give this book a four-star rating because it would seem Charlie does not try to dodge a bullet. All those scandals are discussed, re-hab stints, secretive drug hauls, weekends, weeks and months consuming whatever he could get his hands on, sex with any woman willing and paying for others. This book starts with a warm feeling as Charlie talks about the times on set as a kid with his Dad, Martin. Some of the Apocalypse Now stories made me jealous.
There couldn't be a more poignant change in the storyline than, when 15 years old, Charlie and some friends go to Vegas, and Charlie, loses his virginity to a paid call girl named Candy. Charlie treats this as some "coming of age" achievement, but it is when the sun goes down on his life and he spends the next decades in the darkness of addiction, deceit and denial.
Charlie will never read this review ( 99% sure anyway). But if he does these next words are for him. And these same words will explain the shaving of a star off this rating.
Charlie you have been seven years sober, coming up to eight. That is awesome man, I could not be happier for you and your family. I have never had these sorts of addictions so I won't pretend to know how hard they are to beat. But Charlie, all too much of this memoir has the cheekiness of a line delivered by Charlie Harper on Two and a Half Men. I can only hope you are not trying to be flippant about your past, because if you are then you should look to some of the people you wrote about in this book. Spoiler alert, but one of those being Matthew Perry.
Let's be upfront and honest here. Charlie Sheen should not be alive, and that he is makes him a VERY lucky man. He has ruined lives, his friends, his three ex-wives, his Hollywood colleagues, his family's but most of all, his own. Today he remains amongst us but Charlie's life is one of addiction to booze, sex and drugs. A life full of scandal, domestic violence, failed marriages, Heidi Fleiss, porn stars, public intoxication and so forth.
I give this book a four-star rating because it would seem Charlie does not try to dodge a bullet. All those scandals are discussed, re-hab stints, secretive drug hauls, weekends, weeks and months consuming whatever he could get his hands on, sex with any woman willing and paying for others. This book starts with a warm feeling as Charlie talks about the times on set as a kid with his Dad, Martin. Some of the Apocalypse Now stories made me jealous.
There couldn't be a more poignant change in the storyline than, when 15 years old, Charlie and some friends go to Vegas, and Charlie, loses his virginity to a paid call girl named Candy. Charlie treats this as some "coming of age" achievement, but it is when the sun goes down on his life and he spends the next decades in the darkness of addiction, deceit and denial.
Charlie will never read this review ( 99% sure anyway). But if he does these next words are for him. And these same words will explain the shaving of a star off this rating.
Charlie you have been seven years sober, coming up to eight. That is awesome man, I could not be happier for you and your family. I have never had these sorts of addictions so I won't pretend to know how hard they are to beat. But Charlie, all too much of this memoir has the cheekiness of a line delivered by Charlie Harper on Two and a Half Men. I can only hope you are not trying to be flippant about your past, because if you are then you should look to some of the people you wrote about in this book. Spoiler alert, but one of those being Matthew Perry.
September 24, 2025
Here are some things I learned about Carlos Estèvez aka Charlie Sheen:
He is a ping pong aficionado. In fact, at age 10 he almost beat OJ Simpson. OJ wouldn’t let him, shocking.
Sean and Chris Penn were two of his childhood friends.
He had a very interesting non-traditional yet traditional childhood.
He developed a fondness for both drugs and prostitutes in high school.
He was first choice for the role of Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid. I can’t fathom it.
He was second choice for the role of Chris Taylor in Platoon after his brother Emilio.
I listened to the audio version of the book which is narrated by Charlie. His wit is razor sharp which serves his self deprecating humor well. Charlie Sheen is not who you would expect yet he is exactly who you thought he’d be. He’s a paradox. There is a vagueness to this memoir that I sometimes found frustrating. It was often out of respect for others in whatever situation or relationship he was discussing. For that reason, I couldn’t help but appreciate his lack of frankness.
I also watched the 2-part documentary on Netflix. Some of the information was a repeated from the book but some of it was new.
If you enjoy a good memoir then I would recommend this one.
He is a ping pong aficionado. In fact, at age 10 he almost beat OJ Simpson. OJ wouldn’t let him, shocking.
Sean and Chris Penn were two of his childhood friends.
He had a very interesting non-traditional yet traditional childhood.
He developed a fondness for both drugs and prostitutes in high school.
He was first choice for the role of Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid. I can’t fathom it.
He was second choice for the role of Chris Taylor in Platoon after his brother Emilio.
I listened to the audio version of the book which is narrated by Charlie. His wit is razor sharp which serves his self deprecating humor well. Charlie Sheen is not who you would expect yet he is exactly who you thought he’d be. He’s a paradox. There is a vagueness to this memoir that I sometimes found frustrating. It was often out of respect for others in whatever situation or relationship he was discussing. For that reason, I couldn’t help but appreciate his lack of frankness.
I also watched the 2-part documentary on Netflix. Some of the information was a repeated from the book but some of it was new.
If you enjoy a good memoir then I would recommend this one.
September 14, 2025
Listened to the Audible, which I'd suggest. A sad, but fascinating, tale of massive addictions. Like Matthew Perry's book, you just keep shaking your head.
.
The actual writing is so bad it almost distracts from the story, which is why I suggest listening to his narration, otherwise I'm not sure you could get through it. My sense is AI may have been used and told to use as many big words and ridiculous analogies as possible. I started to laugh out loud it was so bad. If you've seen him interviewed, you'll note he doesn't speak like this.
also have some serious concerns about his understanding of sex workers (paying them is not a victimless crime. There are no victimless crimes, certainly not sex crimes), serious concerns about his lack of understanding of the impact of his behavior on his family and coworkers, and about several other serious rumors about his health and behavior. He just doesn't seem to have any core values or beliefs.
Also watched the documentary. Somehow, both the book and doc are horribly fascinating, and both share horrible stories not shared in the other format.
Don't marry him. Or be his child. Or co-worker. Or family member.
.
The actual writing is so bad it almost distracts from the story, which is why I suggest listening to his narration, otherwise I'm not sure you could get through it. My sense is AI may have been used and told to use as many big words and ridiculous analogies as possible. I started to laugh out loud it was so bad. If you've seen him interviewed, you'll note he doesn't speak like this.
also have some serious concerns about his understanding of sex workers (paying them is not a victimless crime. There are no victimless crimes, certainly not sex crimes), serious concerns about his lack of understanding of the impact of his behavior on his family and coworkers, and about several other serious rumors about his health and behavior. He just doesn't seem to have any core values or beliefs.
Also watched the documentary. Somehow, both the book and doc are horribly fascinating, and both share horrible stories not shared in the other format.
Don't marry him. Or be his child. Or co-worker. Or family member.
September 16, 2025
What a "fukken" disappointment.
The vast majority of this book consists of irrelevant, not very interesting details about all his movies in the 80s and 90s. His writing style is also...odd. It's very fast paced and drowning in 80s/baseball/movie references. It sacrifices deep or emotional style for an annoying tryhard tone. Like he just wanted so badly to be perceived as witty and funny, when in reality the style was grating. It's hard for me to describe the way this is written. Drug induced? Which I guess is fitting. It's written like an action movie, I suppose. And as such, it lacks depth.
The only introspective part of the first portion of this book are the chapters about one of his rehab stays, which he details. I found that to be far more engaging than his many boring diatribes about films that he was on (that have no real bearing on his life).
Arguably, Sheen's most fascinating year, the one everyone wants to hear about, is 2011. Not going to lie, I went into this book most excited for that part. I'm sure I'm not the only one. I had to wait all the way until the last hour or so of the audiobook to even get to that point. And it was sad what a disservice he did to that era. It was very glossed-over. I was really excited to hear about the dynamic between his girlfriends, and what led to the demise of those relationships.
He says absolutely nothing about his girlfriends, except that "goddesses was the dumbest label ever". He goes into way more detail on, no lie, a dump that he took due to the laxatives he was abusing during that time. He says the shit was so big "I'd have to claim it as a dependent." That's great, Charlie. Do you wanna talk about the whole "winning" rant?
His only excuse for all that is that he was abusing "testosterone cream" during that time. He is pretty open about his use of other drugs during other portions of the book, so I hesitate to flat-out say that this is a lie. I think that he probably has bipolar disorder and was in a manic state, but he does not discuss mental illness much in this book.
Plenty of his worse scandals are not mentioned- such as the withholding of his HIV status from partners. The Corey Haim allegations. Denise's allegations that he had CSAM on his computer. I heard he did address some of this in his Netflix documentary, which I have yet to see, but it's not in the book.
In fact, he remains very tight-lipped on all his relationships. He won't talk about Denise because "it would be in poor taste," he says. He won't discuss his relations with men "out of respect for the privacy of others." Ok, if you don't want to talk about your marriages, major parts of your life...why write a memoir? Somehow, I strongly doubt that "poor taste" and "respect for privacy" are the real reasons for the exclusion of these details. After all, you spent multiple paragraphs discussing the dump you took. That wasn't poor taste? You withheld your HIV status from dozens of partners but heaven forbid you discuss your relationships in a memoir???
In reality, he probably won't discuss these things because it would require an admission of fault. It won't make him look good. He can't make a shitty "witty" joke out of it.
This book is pretty worthless. I didn’t expect him to be a deep thinker, but at least be willing to talk about things that matter. I only gave it 2 stars for him being honest (seemingly) about his drug use and rehab stay.
The vast majority of this book consists of irrelevant, not very interesting details about all his movies in the 80s and 90s. His writing style is also...odd. It's very fast paced and drowning in 80s/baseball/movie references. It sacrifices deep or emotional style for an annoying tryhard tone. Like he just wanted so badly to be perceived as witty and funny, when in reality the style was grating. It's hard for me to describe the way this is written. Drug induced? Which I guess is fitting. It's written like an action movie, I suppose. And as such, it lacks depth.
The only introspective part of the first portion of this book are the chapters about one of his rehab stays, which he details. I found that to be far more engaging than his many boring diatribes about films that he was on (that have no real bearing on his life).
Arguably, Sheen's most fascinating year, the one everyone wants to hear about, is 2011. Not going to lie, I went into this book most excited for that part. I'm sure I'm not the only one. I had to wait all the way until the last hour or so of the audiobook to even get to that point. And it was sad what a disservice he did to that era. It was very glossed-over. I was really excited to hear about the dynamic between his girlfriends, and what led to the demise of those relationships.
He says absolutely nothing about his girlfriends, except that "goddesses was the dumbest label ever". He goes into way more detail on, no lie, a dump that he took due to the laxatives he was abusing during that time. He says the shit was so big "I'd have to claim it as a dependent." That's great, Charlie. Do you wanna talk about the whole "winning" rant?
His only excuse for all that is that he was abusing "testosterone cream" during that time. He is pretty open about his use of other drugs during other portions of the book, so I hesitate to flat-out say that this is a lie. I think that he probably has bipolar disorder and was in a manic state, but he does not discuss mental illness much in this book.
Plenty of his worse scandals are not mentioned- such as the withholding of his HIV status from partners. The Corey Haim allegations. Denise's allegations that he had CSAM on his computer. I heard he did address some of this in his Netflix documentary, which I have yet to see, but it's not in the book.
In fact, he remains very tight-lipped on all his relationships. He won't talk about Denise because "it would be in poor taste," he says. He won't discuss his relations with men "out of respect for the privacy of others." Ok, if you don't want to talk about your marriages, major parts of your life...why write a memoir? Somehow, I strongly doubt that "poor taste" and "respect for privacy" are the real reasons for the exclusion of these details. After all, you spent multiple paragraphs discussing the dump you took. That wasn't poor taste? You withheld your HIV status from dozens of partners but heaven forbid you discuss your relationships in a memoir???
In reality, he probably won't discuss these things because it would require an admission of fault. It won't make him look good. He can't make a shitty "witty" joke out of it.
This book is pretty worthless. I didn’t expect him to be a deep thinker, but at least be willing to talk about things that matter. I only gave it 2 stars for him being honest (seemingly) about his drug use and rehab stay.
October 26, 2025
I don’t typically write reviews on memoirs, so I’ll just be brief in my thoughts.
I had a hard time putting this book down, it was extremely interesting.
It spends a good portion of time in the 80s during his box office hits. He specifically spends a lot of time on being on set with his family for his dad’s role in Apocalypse Now and then later a good bit of detail and time is spent during his onset experiences on Platoon. Once he begins his downhill battle with drugs, the book picks up rather quickly. It almost felt that I was going on a downward spiral along with him. It’s rather amazing he was able to make it out alive during some of his relapses.
Solid four star read
I had a hard time putting this book down, it was extremely interesting.
It spends a good portion of time in the 80s during his box office hits. He specifically spends a lot of time on being on set with his family for his dad’s role in Apocalypse Now and then later a good bit of detail and time is spent during his onset experiences on Platoon. Once he begins his downhill battle with drugs, the book picks up rather quickly. It almost felt that I was going on a downward spiral along with him. It’s rather amazing he was able to make it out alive during some of his relapses.
Solid four star read
September 19, 2025
Wow this book was surprisingly awful. Charlie Sheen is responsible for my favorite sitcom ever, Two and a Half Men, and the way he did it was by just playing himself. The only difference in the show and his real life is he’s not a jingle writer and doesn’t have a mooching brother. I was very interested in his memoir to get the scoop on his playboy days with drugs and women galore. I was so excited that I preordered a signed copy!
He talked non stop about each movie he did and his life as a child. That’s great but that’s not what makes his life interesting to read about. He passively talked about his life with certain women in his life but quickly moved on. I can understand that it’s nobody’s business but if you’re going to write a memoir then write the stuff that is interesting.
The worst part was the prose. He chose to say things to give some humor that just didn’t land at all and the wrote “Fukken” and “Frikkin” to avoid writing the curse word even though it’s still pronounced as the same curse word. Then wrote “Dood” instead of Dude…like why?
The very first chapter started off hot and then was a dud the rest of the way, with some moments of entertainment, which is why I gave it 2 vs 1 star.
He talked non stop about each movie he did and his life as a child. That’s great but that’s not what makes his life interesting to read about. He passively talked about his life with certain women in his life but quickly moved on. I can understand that it’s nobody’s business but if you’re going to write a memoir then write the stuff that is interesting.
The worst part was the prose. He chose to say things to give some humor that just didn’t land at all and the wrote “Fukken” and “Frikkin” to avoid writing the curse word even though it’s still pronounced as the same curse word. Then wrote “Dood” instead of Dude…like why?
The very first chapter started off hot and then was a dud the rest of the way, with some moments of entertainment, which is why I gave it 2 vs 1 star.
September 17, 2025
Another Gen X review I didn’t know I needed. I forgot how dreamy Charlie Sheen was back in the day. The old photos in the middle are sweet.
Surprisingly, we have all been mispronouncing Estevez.
Biggest lesson here: don’t do drugs, kids!
Sure, he’s a bit unlikable, but I think it’s neat that he seems to still be good friends with his ex-wives. That was a surprise.
Surprisingly, we have all been mispronouncing Estevez.
Biggest lesson here: don’t do drugs, kids!
Sure, he’s a bit unlikable, but I think it’s neat that he seems to still be good friends with his ex-wives. That was a surprise.
November 9, 2025
Charlie Sheen sure has a big ego and I’m not sure why. I thought he would include some insight into his 60 years of life, he did not. What an embarrassment to his loved ones.
Metaphors. Hookers. Drugs. Repeat.
Metaphors. Hookers. Drugs. Repeat.
September 25, 2025
I thought Will Smith wrote the most egocentric, boastful, delusional memoir I'd ever read, but Charlie Sheen gives him a run for his money in this bloated book that only hurts the guy's already horrible image. It's as bad as you'd think coming from a totally unredeemable devil child who glories in all his evil choices and ignores those he's hurt with a smirking attempt at humor.
When he's sober he can twist a funny phrase, but sadly that makes up the minority of this poorly conceived autobiography that has 65 pages devoted to his time in the Philippines (for his dad's movie and his own) and about half of the book proudly wallowing in his drug and alcohol abuse.
Why is it that the worst addicts spend devote much time in memoirs giving details about drug deals, how many days they went without sleep, all the new kinds of illegal substances they tried and how they creatively functioned while high--while at the same time short-changing every other aspect of their lives?
I disliked Sheen before I started the book and this just reinforced it, made it actually worse. He never truly offers a simple apology for anything, always excusing everything away or blame-shifting. When it comes to ex-wives, he admits to some bad choices but always adds that "they were adults making choices too." He can't, however, use that excuse with his five kids, who get ignored and emotionally abused by this narcissist (he and Will Smith both belong in a narcissist recovery group).
Sheen barely covers his marriages (spending more time on the porn stars he paid to sleep with) and also comes up short talking about any movie or TV show he made (except the aforementioned Platoon). All celebrity references are vague and if you're looking for him to explain away his wacky behavior that ended his $40-million-a-year record-setting CBS sitcom job you'll be grossly disappointed. It is only a few paragraphs, even praising Chuck Lorre (the original source of his vindictiveness) and Jon Cryer (who used his own memoir to nicely slam Sheen). He mocks Les Moonves, along with his own "tiger blood" and "winning" statements (claiming he simply was repeating what he heard a Major League Baseball player say). I had to laugh when he claims during that period, including his tour of America, he was totally sober. Right.
Throughout the book he complains that he doesn't get enough respect--from wives, hookers, producers, directors, doctors, therapists, drug dealers, and especially rehab employees (he has been in seven times!). This explains everything that's wrong with this guy--he is still looking for respect when he has done everything to destroy it and refuses to give any respect to others.
He also repeatedly says there are stories he won't tell, usually when he's embarrassed. Worst is his lack of detail when coming out on national TV as HIV-positive. "I have no interest in telling my side of the stories that galvanized the decision to sit with Matt Lauer on the Today Show and confess hivv (sic) to the world." Yes, he mocks it as hivvies. He literally claims he's above those normal people that have it. Then he boasts that due to the interview there was a "Charlie Sheen effect...unlike anything the HIV community had witnessed in decades." Leave it to Sheen to brag about having HIV, as he does with every other bad thing in the book.
Then it suddenly ends in 2017 when he starts his current sober streak. So he skips the last 8 years, just as he jumped over many large chunks of his life throughout. People should ask for their money back.
This is an undisciplined guy who uses his fame to demean others and lies to everyone to stay on a rebellious high. His philosophy is that "we can live our stories or hear about them later from others"--namely, he's an out-of-control party boy and F-boy who thinks others that choose right are stupid.
The worst part is that almost every decision he makes in living his life off screen is bad. Evil. Wrong. Sick. Disgusting. Vile. And going against any convention. But he brags about it! He was that way as a child, and his supposedly Catholic parents allowed him to get away with it all. Charlie was thrown in jail as a teen and his folks bailed him out with a chore punishment that he "negotiated down" by charming them. He cheated on high school exams, buying answer sheets. He drank and drugged his way through his teen years at home without consequence. The guy didn't even graduate high school, with Sheen's mom trying to cover up for him once again. And when he was hospitalized for HIV? "Mom was with me the entire time at the hospital and... applauded the brave face I insisted on wearing." Maybe mom should have stopped stroking his ego and given him a dose of reality by telling him he is a loser.
This book reveals how show business attracts the kooks and rewards mental illness with riches. All the wrongs you see in Charlie Sheen come from the seeds planted by his religious parents and the many other hypocrites in Malibu who allowed him to get away with things as a child. They are all ultimately to blame for this terrible book of Sheen.
In the words from his Platoon movie, "Every man dies, but not every man truly lives." This book proves Charlie Sheen is a dead man walking who has never truly lived.
When he's sober he can twist a funny phrase, but sadly that makes up the minority of this poorly conceived autobiography that has 65 pages devoted to his time in the Philippines (for his dad's movie and his own) and about half of the book proudly wallowing in his drug and alcohol abuse.
Why is it that the worst addicts spend devote much time in memoirs giving details about drug deals, how many days they went without sleep, all the new kinds of illegal substances they tried and how they creatively functioned while high--while at the same time short-changing every other aspect of their lives?
I disliked Sheen before I started the book and this just reinforced it, made it actually worse. He never truly offers a simple apology for anything, always excusing everything away or blame-shifting. When it comes to ex-wives, he admits to some bad choices but always adds that "they were adults making choices too." He can't, however, use that excuse with his five kids, who get ignored and emotionally abused by this narcissist (he and Will Smith both belong in a narcissist recovery group).
Sheen barely covers his marriages (spending more time on the porn stars he paid to sleep with) and also comes up short talking about any movie or TV show he made (except the aforementioned Platoon). All celebrity references are vague and if you're looking for him to explain away his wacky behavior that ended his $40-million-a-year record-setting CBS sitcom job you'll be grossly disappointed. It is only a few paragraphs, even praising Chuck Lorre (the original source of his vindictiveness) and Jon Cryer (who used his own memoir to nicely slam Sheen). He mocks Les Moonves, along with his own "tiger blood" and "winning" statements (claiming he simply was repeating what he heard a Major League Baseball player say). I had to laugh when he claims during that period, including his tour of America, he was totally sober. Right.
Throughout the book he complains that he doesn't get enough respect--from wives, hookers, producers, directors, doctors, therapists, drug dealers, and especially rehab employees (he has been in seven times!). This explains everything that's wrong with this guy--he is still looking for respect when he has done everything to destroy it and refuses to give any respect to others.
He also repeatedly says there are stories he won't tell, usually when he's embarrassed. Worst is his lack of detail when coming out on national TV as HIV-positive. "I have no interest in telling my side of the stories that galvanized the decision to sit with Matt Lauer on the Today Show and confess hivv (sic) to the world." Yes, he mocks it as hivvies. He literally claims he's above those normal people that have it. Then he boasts that due to the interview there was a "Charlie Sheen effect...unlike anything the HIV community had witnessed in decades." Leave it to Sheen to brag about having HIV, as he does with every other bad thing in the book.
Then it suddenly ends in 2017 when he starts his current sober streak. So he skips the last 8 years, just as he jumped over many large chunks of his life throughout. People should ask for their money back.
This is an undisciplined guy who uses his fame to demean others and lies to everyone to stay on a rebellious high. His philosophy is that "we can live our stories or hear about them later from others"--namely, he's an out-of-control party boy and F-boy who thinks others that choose right are stupid.
The worst part is that almost every decision he makes in living his life off screen is bad. Evil. Wrong. Sick. Disgusting. Vile. And going against any convention. But he brags about it! He was that way as a child, and his supposedly Catholic parents allowed him to get away with it all. Charlie was thrown in jail as a teen and his folks bailed him out with a chore punishment that he "negotiated down" by charming them. He cheated on high school exams, buying answer sheets. He drank and drugged his way through his teen years at home without consequence. The guy didn't even graduate high school, with Sheen's mom trying to cover up for him once again. And when he was hospitalized for HIV? "Mom was with me the entire time at the hospital and... applauded the brave face I insisted on wearing." Maybe mom should have stopped stroking his ego and given him a dose of reality by telling him he is a loser.
This book reveals how show business attracts the kooks and rewards mental illness with riches. All the wrongs you see in Charlie Sheen come from the seeds planted by his religious parents and the many other hypocrites in Malibu who allowed him to get away with things as a child. They are all ultimately to blame for this terrible book of Sheen.
In the words from his Platoon movie, "Every man dies, but not every man truly lives." This book proves Charlie Sheen is a dead man walking who has never truly lived.
October 8, 2025
Great writing and narration by Charlie Sheen. His humor really comes across. What a crazy life he has lived. He has come a long way. I appreciate his candor and accountability.
September 26, 2025
review to come
Currently reading
September 16, 2025***Listening to the Audiobook***
December 19, 2025
3.5 Stars!
Charlie Sheen has been famous for longer than I've been alive. I obviously knew of him but I was actually surprised that I hadn't seen all that many things he's acted in. Probably my favorite things he was in were Ferris Buellers Day Off, Lucas, Hot Shots and Money Talks. I've never seen an episode of Two and a Half Men and I stopped watching Spin City when Michael J Fox left. I mostly know Charlie because of his personal life. I've watched every reality show his ex wife Denise Richards has been on. I remember when he had that public crash out with "Tiger Blood" and "Winning ". But I didn't pay all that much attention to him overall. I had even forgotten that he has HIV.
The Book of Sheen is an honest and surprisingly funny memoir. I had a good time reading this. It kinda reminded me of Matthew Perry's book but i didn't feel so sad reading this book. When I read Perry's book he was still alive but I felt like he wouldn't be for long and unfortunately I was right. Reading this book I didn't get that sinking feeling. Now does that mean I think Charlie is doing well...no..but I think hes a survivor.
I enjoyed this book and I actually think it could have been longer. I think there were a lot things he could have dug deeper on but didn't and truly I wanted to know more about his childhood.
If you like celeb tell alls I think you'll enjoy this one.
Charlie Sheen has been famous for longer than I've been alive. I obviously knew of him but I was actually surprised that I hadn't seen all that many things he's acted in. Probably my favorite things he was in were Ferris Buellers Day Off, Lucas, Hot Shots and Money Talks. I've never seen an episode of Two and a Half Men and I stopped watching Spin City when Michael J Fox left. I mostly know Charlie because of his personal life. I've watched every reality show his ex wife Denise Richards has been on. I remember when he had that public crash out with "Tiger Blood" and "Winning ". But I didn't pay all that much attention to him overall. I had even forgotten that he has HIV.
The Book of Sheen is an honest and surprisingly funny memoir. I had a good time reading this. It kinda reminded me of Matthew Perry's book but i didn't feel so sad reading this book. When I read Perry's book he was still alive but I felt like he wouldn't be for long and unfortunately I was right. Reading this book I didn't get that sinking feeling. Now does that mean I think Charlie is doing well...no..but I think hes a survivor.
I enjoyed this book and I actually think it could have been longer. I think there were a lot things he could have dug deeper on but didn't and truly I wanted to know more about his childhood.
If you like celeb tell alls I think you'll enjoy this one.
November 14, 2025
So this book did not end up being what I thought it would be. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. I watched Two and a Half Men and enjoyed the show. This was touched upon ever so lightly. Charlie was a troubled soul with so many drugs and alcohol in his life. It had a few funny moments in the book but not enough. I actually listened to the audio book that was narrated by Charlie himself so I was hoping for more comedy. So no wow factor for me. I gave this audio book 2 stars.
November 13, 2025
Ugh… where to start… I couldn’t stand his attitude towards women and found it difficult to read about his alcohol, drug, and sex addictions and many of his decisions along the way. He struck me as very selfish. There were many examples in the book; one that had me rolling my eyes is when his child was born, he sounded put out that his wife wanted him to take the 3AM feedings. Really?! To his credit, he then added that those turned out to be wonderful memories made with his newborn daughter.
The early years were interesting to read about but it must have been traumatizing as a boy to see his dad mentally break down while filming Apocalypse Now and deal with his own addiction problems. Charlie doesn’t really seem to address the elephants in the room, which are the consequences of his own actions on others, until briefly at the very end of the book. It almost felt like he was trying to keep it all entertaining when in fact he had a very difficult story to share. I’m glad to know he’s been clean and sober for a while now and hope that continues.
Update: I watched the Netflix documentary “aka Charlie Sheen” after reading this book. I think they did a better job with the documentary, which paints a much more sympathetic picture of him and his struggles. It was heartening to see how he has so many people in his life who truly care about him and have supported him in his path to sobriety.
The early years were interesting to read about but it must have been traumatizing as a boy to see his dad mentally break down while filming Apocalypse Now and deal with his own addiction problems. Charlie doesn’t really seem to address the elephants in the room, which are the consequences of his own actions on others, until briefly at the very end of the book. It almost felt like he was trying to keep it all entertaining when in fact he had a very difficult story to share. I’m glad to know he’s been clean and sober for a while now and hope that continues.
Update: I watched the Netflix documentary “aka Charlie Sheen” after reading this book. I think they did a better job with the documentary, which paints a much more sympathetic picture of him and his struggles. It was heartening to see how he has so many people in his life who truly care about him and have supported him in his path to sobriety.
September 26, 2025
Dnf 56 % through.
November 25, 2025
I see so many similarities between Charlie & Matthew Perry. I hope that Charlie doesn’t meet the same fate.
Charlie does a great job narrating. It’s raw, witty, revealing, angering, & sad. Though Charlie is very forthcoming about his drug use & life experiences, I do applaud him for not dragging his ex-wives through the mud. He’s very honest about how unnecessary that is & makes him respectful. He’s very cognizant of his children & how the things he’s done has affected them & not needing to cause further harm.
I’m sure a lot readers or listeners were hoping for more salaciousness & therefore think the outcome is a bit disappointing, but that’s not how I see it.
There’s no regret in his writing. Remorse, maybe. There’s a very apparent pattern in everything Charlie does, it’s all excess. There’s no middle ground or half way. It didn’t matter if it was alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex. This is a very common among addicts.
I’m seriously intrigued by his biological makeup because he’s survived things most people wouldn’t.
I will say this about him, unlike Matthew Perry, he doesn’t seem to be running from anything or covering up. He just likes the feeling & he’s very forthcoming about this.
I do not believe he realizes just how mad smart he really is. His quick wit & come backs are so perfectly timed & yet effortless.
Honestly, had he not been diagnosed with HIV, I think he would have continued going until his body gave out.
Are there any jaw dropping revelations in this book? Nothing other than the enormous amounts of drugs he’s consumed & survived. It is very much worth the read, but I recommend the listen. It really does make you think about how strong the human body is & just how much it can survive & just the human experience, in general.
Charlie does a great job narrating. It’s raw, witty, revealing, angering, & sad. Though Charlie is very forthcoming about his drug use & life experiences, I do applaud him for not dragging his ex-wives through the mud. He’s very honest about how unnecessary that is & makes him respectful. He’s very cognizant of his children & how the things he’s done has affected them & not needing to cause further harm.
I’m sure a lot readers or listeners were hoping for more salaciousness & therefore think the outcome is a bit disappointing, but that’s not how I see it.
There’s no regret in his writing. Remorse, maybe. There’s a very apparent pattern in everything Charlie does, it’s all excess. There’s no middle ground or half way. It didn’t matter if it was alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex. This is a very common among addicts.
I’m seriously intrigued by his biological makeup because he’s survived things most people wouldn’t.
I will say this about him, unlike Matthew Perry, he doesn’t seem to be running from anything or covering up. He just likes the feeling & he’s very forthcoming about this.
I do not believe he realizes just how mad smart he really is. His quick wit & come backs are so perfectly timed & yet effortless.
Honestly, had he not been diagnosed with HIV, I think he would have continued going until his body gave out.
Are there any jaw dropping revelations in this book? Nothing other than the enormous amounts of drugs he’s consumed & survived. It is very much worth the read, but I recommend the listen. It really does make you think about how strong the human body is & just how much it can survive & just the human experience, in general.
December 16, 2025
What a life! How is this man still alive?
September 19, 2025
I listened to this on audible and it was good but sad at the same time. I knew a little about Charlie Sheen but now I know a lot more and I’m amazed he survived some of it.
November 24, 2025
What a waste of time. I watched the Charlie Sheen documentary and that was just a bit better than this.
This was a bunch of gibberish.
It felt like it was just Charlie Sheen proudly telling what a screw up he was and how he was lucky to still be alive. I agree he is both a major screw up and it really is amazing he is still alive. He claims to be 8 years sober, and good for him if this is true, but it’s makes you wonder if he really is by reading this book.
He rarely apologizes to the people he hurt. It’s a wonder his family did not write him off long ago.
He rarely mentions his wives or children. He is quick to blame others for his mistakes. He takes little accountability for anything.
He spends a lot of the book talking about being on the set of Apocalypse Now which his Dad was filming. It was interesting, but did not need almost 70 pages dedicated to it.
He boasts about his insane drug use. About the prostitutes.
He really does not talk about his time on any of the movies he did. Just short mentions of Ferris Bueller, Platoon and very little of Two and a Half Men except that he blames Chuck Lorre for all his problems. He seems to forget he brought that all on himself by his drugs and all that tiger blood nonsense he was spouting.
I found him very unlikable. I found him very selfish and rude. He also had to go into some long winded story about a poop he took that was just nasty and quite bizarre. I think he felt like he deserved a participation trophy for it or something. Just could have been flushed away and never mentioned.
I wish I had not wasted my time on this book.
If you want to hear a Charlie Sheen story just watch his show AKA Charlie Sheen on Netflix. It’s about the same thing without the poop story.
This was a bunch of gibberish.
It felt like it was just Charlie Sheen proudly telling what a screw up he was and how he was lucky to still be alive. I agree he is both a major screw up and it really is amazing he is still alive. He claims to be 8 years sober, and good for him if this is true, but it’s makes you wonder if he really is by reading this book.
He rarely apologizes to the people he hurt. It’s a wonder his family did not write him off long ago.
He rarely mentions his wives or children. He is quick to blame others for his mistakes. He takes little accountability for anything.
He spends a lot of the book talking about being on the set of Apocalypse Now which his Dad was filming. It was interesting, but did not need almost 70 pages dedicated to it.
He boasts about his insane drug use. About the prostitutes.
He really does not talk about his time on any of the movies he did. Just short mentions of Ferris Bueller, Platoon and very little of Two and a Half Men except that he blames Chuck Lorre for all his problems. He seems to forget he brought that all on himself by his drugs and all that tiger blood nonsense he was spouting.
I found him very unlikable. I found him very selfish and rude. He also had to go into some long winded story about a poop he took that was just nasty and quite bizarre. I think he felt like he deserved a participation trophy for it or something. Just could have been flushed away and never mentioned.
I wish I had not wasted my time on this book.
If you want to hear a Charlie Sheen story just watch his show AKA Charlie Sheen on Netflix. It’s about the same thing without the poop story.
October 15, 2025
Hard to follow and the documentary is way better.
December 28, 2025
He doesn’t shy aware from the details …
The Book of Sheen - Charlie Sheen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Out now
Love him or hate him, Charlie Sheen shares his life on these pages. It’s a raw reveal of his rise to fame and many falls from grace. He owns up to everything that happened, not blaming others.
Starting with his childhood traveling to sets with his famous dad, Martin Sheen, to his own breakthrough in the movie business, he describes how early successes and lack of consequences led to his drug infested lifestyle. He talks about his friendships, failed relationships, addictions and attempts at rehab and sobriety. But he does not throw his ex wives under the bus.
After reading this book, I watched the Netflix special and I found it added to his story. It was interesting to hear the interviews from his friends and ex wives. But the whole story is very sad to me. I hope he stays sober unlike some of my favorite actors before him. And I hope he find peace within the business that made him famous .
Thank you to gallery books for my gifted copy of The Book of Sheen.
The Book of Sheen - Charlie Sheen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Out now
Love him or hate him, Charlie Sheen shares his life on these pages. It’s a raw reveal of his rise to fame and many falls from grace. He owns up to everything that happened, not blaming others.
Starting with his childhood traveling to sets with his famous dad, Martin Sheen, to his own breakthrough in the movie business, he describes how early successes and lack of consequences led to his drug infested lifestyle. He talks about his friendships, failed relationships, addictions and attempts at rehab and sobriety. But he does not throw his ex wives under the bus.
After reading this book, I watched the Netflix special and I found it added to his story. It was interesting to hear the interviews from his friends and ex wives. But the whole story is very sad to me. I hope he stays sober unlike some of my favorite actors before him. And I hope he find peace within the business that made him famous .
Thank you to gallery books for my gifted copy of The Book of Sheen.
September 14, 2025
This book is literally his Netflix documentary. He said things the exact same way, and expects “oh no, I’m so sorry for him” read. An umbilical cord around your neck at birth is not an excuse to be a shitty person your entire life. Instead his memoir reads like an ego stroked asshole trying to convince you that the lava isn’t hot.
It’s dull and not charming.
It’s dull and not charming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2025
A brutally honest memoir. Whereas some people who listen to the audible may claim it as monotoned there are parts full of emotion. I feel like he was literally just telling his story whether in person to a friend or to million of strangers.
The movie “Platoon” and its immersive preparation really seemed to spearhead the years of pitfalls and addictions for Charlie.
He doesn’t sugarcoat shit. He owns up to his mistakes. And relives some of his darkest days and biggest regrets.
From a typical rebellious teenager, to the throws of addiction, to sobriety.
When it comes to addiction you really can’t force someone to become sober. When and if they are ready that is their journey to start for then it will stick. People may need a wake up call and forced rehab may work for some but they have to be willing to do the work and change.
September 22, 2025
Very biased review because I grew up adoring Charlie’s work in front of the camera…but I loved the book. He’s a great storyteller, and good thing because he has plenty to tell. While this is the story of Sheen’s life, it is also the story of countless broken men/women who have suffered from substance abuse and clawed their way back to being themselves again. Charlie’s humor is present on every page, and his wit is undeniable.
Admittedly this bio is missing some key elements that us readers would’ve liked to gain insight to, but at the end of the day I turned the last page with satisfaction towards what I’d just read.
Admittedly this bio is missing some key elements that us readers would’ve liked to gain insight to, but at the end of the day I turned the last page with satisfaction towards what I’d just read.
September 12, 2025
Wow, who knew? Charlie can write in addition to being able to act. He sure can weave a mesmerizing tale and doesn't shy away from telling the jokes on himself. It seems that later in his life he takes responsibility and accountability for his wilder days. Hope to see him again on the screen or even in another book.
September 17, 2025
“Our teachers in life don't always have to be robed and ancient,” (p. 91).
“Look at the state of the fking world. Look at the unflushed fking toilet that we live in today, and where we’re headed.” - Charlie Sheen (Netflix doc)
I’d recommend both the Netflix documentary titled AKA Charlie Sheen and his book The Book of Sheen. The documentary covers some stuff that’s not in the book and the book covers some stuff that’s not covered in the documentary.
Okay, so I’ve never followed Sheen. I didn’t watch his movies or his TV show, saw him through some TV news, mostly from who he’s dated/married - but didn’t know much about him. So I’d say people who followed Sheen’s movies will enjoy this memoir.
Others will enjoy the documentary way more.
Great memoir but I found the movie retellings to be kind of boring. I wouldn’t say this memoir drops any major secrets, but it does chronicle Charlie’s life. I think those who watched the movies will find it way more interesting. But overall, it was a major let down. Nothing that I actually wanted to know about was even covered.
It’s weird to me that he became such a hardcore drug addict because most people who use drugs do it to numb the pain - usually childhood trauma. But it seems he had a pretty spectacular childhood for the most point. Besides his stuttering and a few other things but nothing major. It seems he did drugs because he could. Starting at age 11 with weed. I think it had more to do with his “I can do whatever I want without major consequences” thinking that contributed to his addiction.
People can say whatever they want about Charlie but the one thing I appreciate is how brutally honest he is about his life. 🧊 IYKYK (doc)
Drugs, women, men, and out-of-control behavior are some key factors when people think of Sheen. But he is more than his worst moments.
Cocaine, crack, weed, alcohol - there isn’t a drug he hasn’t done. The amount of damage he’s done to his body, he’s lucky to still be alive. It’s shocking he’s still alive honestly.
Love that he got sober, seeing him sober and clear minded was such a privilege to see. I give him all the props for his honesty. Most people can’t face their deepest shameful moments. Imagine having so many of them with the world watching.
I don’t care what you’ve done, what you’ve said - if you can be honest and show remorse. Reflect and change. You’re a good person in my book. Case closed. He’s rationale.
Good to see him sober. If he can do it, you can do it.
Amazing how they got him to stop smoking crack. Genius.
(Doc)
Judge less. Love more.
Mem
Birdshit Ave
Cheech & Chong naps
Joe Biden steps ☠️ (doc)
Bill C - you creep 🤮
“Look at the state of the fking world. Look at the unflushed fking toilet that we live in today, and where we’re headed.” - Charlie Sheen (Netflix doc)
I’d recommend both the Netflix documentary titled AKA Charlie Sheen and his book The Book of Sheen. The documentary covers some stuff that’s not in the book and the book covers some stuff that’s not covered in the documentary.
Okay, so I’ve never followed Sheen. I didn’t watch his movies or his TV show, saw him through some TV news, mostly from who he’s dated/married - but didn’t know much about him. So I’d say people who followed Sheen’s movies will enjoy this memoir.
Others will enjoy the documentary way more.
Great memoir but I found the movie retellings to be kind of boring. I wouldn’t say this memoir drops any major secrets, but it does chronicle Charlie’s life. I think those who watched the movies will find it way more interesting. But overall, it was a major let down. Nothing that I actually wanted to know about was even covered.
It’s weird to me that he became such a hardcore drug addict because most people who use drugs do it to numb the pain - usually childhood trauma. But it seems he had a pretty spectacular childhood for the most point. Besides his stuttering and a few other things but nothing major. It seems he did drugs because he could. Starting at age 11 with weed. I think it had more to do with his “I can do whatever I want without major consequences” thinking that contributed to his addiction.
People can say whatever they want about Charlie but the one thing I appreciate is how brutally honest he is about his life. 🧊 IYKYK (doc)
Drugs, women, men, and out-of-control behavior are some key factors when people think of Sheen. But he is more than his worst moments.
Cocaine, crack, weed, alcohol - there isn’t a drug he hasn’t done. The amount of damage he’s done to his body, he’s lucky to still be alive. It’s shocking he’s still alive honestly.
Love that he got sober, seeing him sober and clear minded was such a privilege to see. I give him all the props for his honesty. Most people can’t face their deepest shameful moments. Imagine having so many of them with the world watching.
I don’t care what you’ve done, what you’ve said - if you can be honest and show remorse. Reflect and change. You’re a good person in my book. Case closed. He’s rationale.
Good to see him sober. If he can do it, you can do it.
Amazing how they got him to stop smoking crack. Genius.
(Doc)
Judge less. Love more.
Mem
Birdshit Ave
Cheech & Chong naps
Joe Biden steps ☠️ (doc)
Bill C - you creep 🤮
September 27, 2025
3.5 stars
I can't believe this man is still alive. Major alcohol and drug use haven't gotten him yet. He wrote about these habits, all of his movies, friends, briefly mentions three wives, and how many kids he has brought into the world. Interesting book.
I can't believe this man is still alive. Major alcohol and drug use haven't gotten him yet. He wrote about these habits, all of his movies, friends, briefly mentions three wives, and how many kids he has brought into the world. Interesting book.
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