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Hindsight - Target.com Exclusive
In his first book, Justin Timberlake creates a characteristically dynamic experience, one that combines an intimate, remarkable collection of anecdotes, reflections, and observations on his life and work with hundreds of candid photographs from his personal archives that range from his early years to the present day, in locations around the world, both on and off the stage.
Justin discusses many aspects of his childhood, including his very early love of music and the inspiration behind many of his songs and albums. He talks about his songwriting process, offering the back story to many of his hits. He muses on his collaborations with other artists and directors, sharing the details of performances in concert, TV comedy, and film. He also reflects on who he is, examining what makes him tick, speaking candidly about fatherhood, family, close relationships, struggles, and his search to find an inner calm and strength.
Living a creative life, observing and finding inspiration in the world, taking risks, and listening to an inner voice—this is Justin Timberlake.
Hardcover
Published October 30, 2018
68 people are currently reading
2127 people want to read
About the author
Justin Timberlake
70 books52 followersJustin Randall Timberlake is an American pop singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actor. He came to fame as one of the lead singers of pop boy band 'N Sync and has won six Grammy Awards as well as an Emmy Award. In 2002, he released his debut solo album, Justified, which sold over 7 million copies worldwide. Timberlake's second solo release, FutureSex/LoveSounds, was released in 2006 with the U.S. number-one hit singles "SexyBack", "My Love", and "What Goes Around... Comes Around". The album also spawned three additional U.S. top twenty hits ("Summer Love", "LoveStoned", and "Until the End of Time") making it the first time a male artist has achieved six top twenty hits from one album since Michael Jackson did so from 1991-1992, with his album Dangerous. As of January 2008, FutureSex/LoveSounds has sold over 8 million copies. With his first two albums, Timberlake has sold over 18 million records worldwide alone, as well as over 50 million copies as one of the two lead singers in NSYNC. He has started a record label called Tennman Records and a fashion label, William Rast.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
September 3, 2019
This didn't really work for me.
The overly positive platitudes and nonsense paragraphs were weird.
Felt more like a self help book with pictures?
Luckily this is a coffee table type book and there really isn't much writing.
The pictures are lovely and I thought they told his story on their own quite well.
The overly positive platitudes and nonsense paragraphs were weird.
Felt more like a self help book with pictures?
Luckily this is a coffee table type book and there really isn't much writing.
The pictures are lovely and I thought they told his story on their own quite well.
November 2, 2018
Finished it in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. It’s a deeper look inside the person, not the actor, musician, star. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Another good piece of work, JT!!
November 7, 2018
20% memoir, 80% stylized artsy photos. It's a coffee table book. Some interesting tidbits, but those are outweighed by the serious introspection. Hard to not call this a vanity project.
November 27, 2018
It bothered me to see how few pages he spent discussing his time with NSYNC, the group that made him famous (and I’m far from being an NSYNC fan). His Mickey Mouse Club years were given more coverage. It felt disrespectful.
November 15, 2018
Odd. The barest autobiography you can write.
February 27, 2019
"That's why I love entertainment, in all forms: it's connection disguised as escapism. That's why we listen to music. That's why we go to a movie, a play, or an art gallery."
Every day while making my way to uni I would pass a bookshop with this in their window. Every day I would make eye contact with Justin Timberlake, a man I have never spent much time thinking about in my life. One day I caved in.
Singer, songwriter, actor, dancer, and record producer Justin Timberlake is definitely a man of many talents, but I admit I didn't quite understand the point of this book. It's divided into three sections (The Connection, The Practice and The Stillness) in which he talks about specific moments in his career, certain people that he has worked with and tries explaining why he enjoys what he enjoys so much.
"I called this book Hindsight because it is a long look backward and a deep look inward into everything I am, and how those things connect to where I came from, who I am now, and who I hope to become."
Unlike many other "famous people biographies" this didn't feel like an ongoing narrative, but more like the telling of little moments put together. It also felt a lot like a book that Timberlake wrote for himself in order to figure things out. He's not an incredible writer and a lot of passages felt chunky or non-sensical. Like:
"Everybody brings what they bring into the room, and I bring what I bring."
Yeah, sure. Having that said, what he does get across is his passion for things. Which is lovely, and probably the reason I didn't actually dislike it, despite not gaining much from it. He seems to be terrifically excited and full of love for what he does. And that in itself should be enough to give him a voice. Unless your a big fan, however, maybe stick to his music...
Every day while making my way to uni I would pass a bookshop with this in their window. Every day I would make eye contact with Justin Timberlake, a man I have never spent much time thinking about in my life. One day I caved in.
Singer, songwriter, actor, dancer, and record producer Justin Timberlake is definitely a man of many talents, but I admit I didn't quite understand the point of this book. It's divided into three sections (The Connection, The Practice and The Stillness) in which he talks about specific moments in his career, certain people that he has worked with and tries explaining why he enjoys what he enjoys so much.
"I called this book Hindsight because it is a long look backward and a deep look inward into everything I am, and how those things connect to where I came from, who I am now, and who I hope to become."
Unlike many other "famous people biographies" this didn't feel like an ongoing narrative, but more like the telling of little moments put together. It also felt a lot like a book that Timberlake wrote for himself in order to figure things out. He's not an incredible writer and a lot of passages felt chunky or non-sensical. Like:
"Everybody brings what they bring into the room, and I bring what I bring."
Yeah, sure. Having that said, what he does get across is his passion for things. Which is lovely, and probably the reason I didn't actually dislike it, despite not gaining much from it. He seems to be terrifically excited and full of love for what he does. And that in itself should be enough to give him a voice. Unless your a big fan, however, maybe stick to his music...
November 2, 2018
You know, I’m not a huge “Omygosh JT” fan. Probably because I grew up with him in *NSYNC and all that. But this book was touching and just helped me get to know him more and it was just well done.
December 8, 2018
This was the douchiest thing I’ve ever read.
December 20, 2018
"I don't want to compete, I want to connect. I want to connect to my music and to the audience. I want to do my best work and support other artists who are doing brilliant work that inspires me."
-
I feel like I should preface this review by saying I was a HUGE fan of N'SYNC and in particular, Justin, back when N'SYNC and all the other boy bands of the late '90's/early '00's were big. At 11/12 I was the perfect age for the onslaught that was the "boy band" craze and N'SYNC was my favorite of all of them. I listened to all their songs, had all their CD's, watched all the music videos on MTV to the point that I can STILL do the dance moves to "Bye Bye Bye" nearly 20 years later without thinking about it twice. In a lot of ways, the music of N'SYNC is interwoven into the background of my life during my formative early teen years.
That said, I hadn't been keeping up with Justin for awhile. I have heard a few of his songs on the radio, I watched him occasionally on SNL or Jimmy Fallon, knew he married Jessica Biel and had a kid, etc but really had no idea what he was currently doing with his life However, when I saw he had written a memoir I knew I had to get it from the library. And it didn't disappoint. Hindsight is a huge book chock-full of beautiful pictures from Justin's life, mostly of his time performing onstage and with others. I hesitate to call it a true memoir because the book is 20% writing and 80% imagery (it would make a pretty good coffee table book if people still have coffee table books) but all together they all add up to paint a picture of what Justin is - an artist, a husband, a father, a friend. He is passionate about his work, passionate about his craft, passionate about connecting with others, passionate about making them feel. He talks about how he is inspired by those around him, how after having his son he has learned to take risks. How he is not afraid to evolve, change and grow. That is such a universal truth that I, who has/will never perform in front of millions, has also come to understand. We are all searching for things in life and music sometimes brings that search to stop, if only for a brief moment in time.
"....find the magic within the song. Whatever it call for, whenever it calls for it. Be still and listen."
So read this. Take in the pictures and his writing and just enjoy.
-
I feel like I should preface this review by saying I was a HUGE fan of N'SYNC and in particular, Justin, back when N'SYNC and all the other boy bands of the late '90's/early '00's were big. At 11/12 I was the perfect age for the onslaught that was the "boy band" craze and N'SYNC was my favorite of all of them. I listened to all their songs, had all their CD's, watched all the music videos on MTV to the point that I can STILL do the dance moves to "Bye Bye Bye" nearly 20 years later without thinking about it twice. In a lot of ways, the music of N'SYNC is interwoven into the background of my life during my formative early teen years.
That said, I hadn't been keeping up with Justin for awhile. I have heard a few of his songs on the radio, I watched him occasionally on SNL or Jimmy Fallon, knew he married Jessica Biel and had a kid, etc but really had no idea what he was currently doing with his life However, when I saw he had written a memoir I knew I had to get it from the library. And it didn't disappoint. Hindsight is a huge book chock-full of beautiful pictures from Justin's life, mostly of his time performing onstage and with others. I hesitate to call it a true memoir because the book is 20% writing and 80% imagery (it would make a pretty good coffee table book if people still have coffee table books) but all together they all add up to paint a picture of what Justin is - an artist, a husband, a father, a friend. He is passionate about his work, passionate about his craft, passionate about connecting with others, passionate about making them feel. He talks about how he is inspired by those around him, how after having his son he has learned to take risks. How he is not afraid to evolve, change and grow. That is such a universal truth that I, who has/will never perform in front of millions, has also come to understand. We are all searching for things in life and music sometimes brings that search to stop, if only for a brief moment in time.
"....find the magic within the song. Whatever it call for, whenever it calls for it. Be still and listen."
So read this. Take in the pictures and his writing and just enjoy.
December 28, 2018
This is the kind of book that belongs on the end table at a Doctors office to peruse while you wait. To me it was disjointed, and gave no new insight whatsoever. If you have seen The Good Place, it is comparable to a male Tahani..... altruistic with name dropping follow ups. As others have commented, it is a vanity project.
November 4, 2018
I got bored with it after a bit and it felt repetitive at times. It's a quick read though, mainly because of all the pictures.
November 3, 2018
I'm glad that he wrote a book. It was nice reading about his life.
January 4, 2023
Oh, Justin. I was prepared to love this book. But mostly ... I just feel kinda baffled. What did I just read? Was it just a photo retrospective? Just an excuse to make an artsy coffee table book with random quotes and lots of strange fonts and layouts? Yes, mostly. Because it wasn't a memoir. The book was VERY light on the anecdotes. I wanted more anecdotes! A couple pages about Star Search and MMC. A couple pages about N SYNC. (I wanted so many more!) A couple pages about golf. But also, only a couple pages about his wife, and then only a couple about his son. Why not share more? If you don't want to share more about your life, why are you writing a book about yourself? SNL got more pages than N SYNC, more pages than his wife. Talking about other groups and singers he has performed with got a number of pages. His music writing process got the most pages, which was the least interesting part of the book (IMO). But I think what bothered me the most was that there was not a whiff of humility in the book. He says he worked his ass off for what he has accomplished, and I don't doubt that for a second. And yet. I am impressed by celebrities who can do what they do and still seem grounded, humble. This wasn't that.
November 3, 2020
This is not a biography. It's more like a recount of memories, and emotions during certain events in TJ's life so far. The quality of the hardcover edition is superb, the paper and pictures on point. For huge fans this is heaven
March 12, 2019
This autobiography falls outside the scope of what I typically read. I’m a semi-fan of JT (most recently of JT + Fallon comedy skits more than his latest music), but the title and description of this work caught my eye and encouraged me to pick it up from the library. What I most enjoyed about this book: It feels like a yearbook of the most important moments in JT’s personal and professional history. It’s visually stunning, and I found myself marveling at layout and font choices. I also appreciated the simplicity of JT’s writing style. It’s not overdone or pompous; you feel like you are reading words that someone would say in a casual conversation. That makes the stories appealing and believable. Well done!
December 21, 2018
dnf the text after the 3rd page. The pictures are great, lovely, nice. The writing is horrible, bland, repetitive, sounds like a grade schooler is trying to tell a story. So horrible.
January 1, 2021
I skimmed this book, taking the time to focus in on a few really interesting details. I've loved the relationship between Justin and Jimmy Fallon so obviously, that section was too short. Aside from that, the artwork is sensational, the photography is eye-popping. The writing is what leaves so much to be desired. It felt a B-level postmodern artist wrote this. Self-acceptance and self help fill the pages seeming to be an excuse for short choppy sentences and lackluster quotes. His music rocks, he's a sensational actor. Writing a book just wasn't on par with those. To be fair, he sets his on bar pretty high.
January 21, 2019
I read this in an hour. Let me preface this by saying that I initially wasn’t sure I wanted to add this to my read books of 2019, and that I’m also a huge Timberlake fan. Perhaps it’s that I’ve become a bit snobbish by basking in the words of Donna Tartt and Patrick Rothfuss, but I had a hard time getting through this. Yes, it’s a picture book with the inner monologues of our own JT, so I shouldn’t set such a high standard, but I felt distracted by the choppy syntax and grammatical errors. I will say, I loved the last half of the book that dove into his life as a husband and a father. That’s where the meat of substance lived. I am still a huge Justin fan, and will buy his albums forevermore, but I may skip the next literary pursuit he puts out.
January 23, 2019
While there wasn’t anything earth shattering or super profound I pulled from this book, I really liked it. It’s artsy in design and I love photos as a visual learner. It’s a quick read. I will forever be a super fan of JT so could also be why I enjoyed it 😊
November 6, 2018
I’m slightly biased because I’ve loved JT since I was 13, but I absolutely loved this book. I loved getting insight into Justin’s brain and process for making music.
April 3, 2023
As a fan of Justin Timberlake since his days on “The All-New Mickey Mouse Club,” I was excited to read this memoir.
Hindsight” is a visual memoir by musician Justin Timberlake consisting of an intro, three parts, and an outro.
The book begins with an intro in which Timberlake explains the title of his memoir as a way to take a long look into who he was, who he is, and who he wants to be. Early on, Timberlake is introspective and self aware that this book couldn’t have been ten years ago due to him focusing on his future and not his past. Through growing older and becoming a father, this served as a catalyst for Timberlake to look inward and reflect on everything that has led him to the man he has become.
In part one: The Connnection, Timberlake begins by stating that connections are all around us. From an early age, music played a big role in Timberlake’s life whether it was through listening to music on the car radio or watching his dad and uncle playing in a bluegrass band. In this part of the book, Timberlake talks about his love of the Mickey Mouse Club, his experience on Star Search at age eleven and what led to him working the on the Mickey Mouse Club (MMC.) After MMC is canceled, Timberlake returns home to Tennessee and finds an outlet for his energy by playing basketball and clubs at school. In order to not be picked on for his love of music and singing, he becomes the class clown. Timberlake’s mother decides to redirect his energy into songwriting and through this, he becomes a member of the boy band ‘N Sync. It was also interesting to read about how boy band The Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync were developed which was through sending them over seas to become popular before returning to America. In addition to being a talented musician songwriter and actor, he’s also extremely funny which is what has led him to hosting “Saturday Night Live” five times.
In part two: The Practice, Timberlake discusses the importance of practice, being open to working with others and being inspired as well as being will to suck in order to get the desired result. In this part of the book, Timberlake discusses how all of his past musical influences help him create memorable songs. In addition, Timberlake writes about how he met his wife actress Jessica Biel and was attracted to her because she got his sarcastic sense of humor and how their relationship developed over time to end in marriage and parenthood.
In part three: The Stillness, Timberlake writes about constantly being in transition and the importance of finding your own way through life. In this part of the book, Timberlake shares his motivation for playing golf which was to get outside, embrace quiet, and learn patience. Timberlake shares lessons he’s learned as he’s gotten older such as knowing what he’s good at, learning what he’s not good at, being selective about what him and his wife choose to share with the world, and making music that reflects who his authentically is. As a parent, Timberlake has learned humility as well as how to be embrace his shortcomings as a father.
In the outro, Timberlake shares his love of silence as well as his craving for stillness. In the final words of the memoir, Timberlake accepts that it is only in the quiet that he can truly find pieces of himself that he can then share with others.
This book is informative as well as visually stunning to read. Through combination of famous quotes, black and white and color photos from his personal collection, the reader feels like they have been given intimate access to Timberlake’s inner thoughts, creative process when making music, the connection he wants people to feel and his personal life. Through reading this book, it’s created a strong desire to re-listen to Timberlake’s music since I have now gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of his creative process and the emotions he’s trying to convey through his music.
Hindsight” is a visual memoir by musician Justin Timberlake consisting of an intro, three parts, and an outro.
The book begins with an intro in which Timberlake explains the title of his memoir as a way to take a long look into who he was, who he is, and who he wants to be. Early on, Timberlake is introspective and self aware that this book couldn’t have been ten years ago due to him focusing on his future and not his past. Through growing older and becoming a father, this served as a catalyst for Timberlake to look inward and reflect on everything that has led him to the man he has become.
In part one: The Connnection, Timberlake begins by stating that connections are all around us. From an early age, music played a big role in Timberlake’s life whether it was through listening to music on the car radio or watching his dad and uncle playing in a bluegrass band. In this part of the book, Timberlake talks about his love of the Mickey Mouse Club, his experience on Star Search at age eleven and what led to him working the on the Mickey Mouse Club (MMC.) After MMC is canceled, Timberlake returns home to Tennessee and finds an outlet for his energy by playing basketball and clubs at school. In order to not be picked on for his love of music and singing, he becomes the class clown. Timberlake’s mother decides to redirect his energy into songwriting and through this, he becomes a member of the boy band ‘N Sync. It was also interesting to read about how boy band The Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync were developed which was through sending them over seas to become popular before returning to America. In addition to being a talented musician songwriter and actor, he’s also extremely funny which is what has led him to hosting “Saturday Night Live” five times.
In part two: The Practice, Timberlake discusses the importance of practice, being open to working with others and being inspired as well as being will to suck in order to get the desired result. In this part of the book, Timberlake discusses how all of his past musical influences help him create memorable songs. In addition, Timberlake writes about how he met his wife actress Jessica Biel and was attracted to her because she got his sarcastic sense of humor and how their relationship developed over time to end in marriage and parenthood.
In part three: The Stillness, Timberlake writes about constantly being in transition and the importance of finding your own way through life. In this part of the book, Timberlake shares his motivation for playing golf which was to get outside, embrace quiet, and learn patience. Timberlake shares lessons he’s learned as he’s gotten older such as knowing what he’s good at, learning what he’s not good at, being selective about what him and his wife choose to share with the world, and making music that reflects who his authentically is. As a parent, Timberlake has learned humility as well as how to be embrace his shortcomings as a father.
In the outro, Timberlake shares his love of silence as well as his craving for stillness. In the final words of the memoir, Timberlake accepts that it is only in the quiet that he can truly find pieces of himself that he can then share with others.
This book is informative as well as visually stunning to read. Through combination of famous quotes, black and white and color photos from his personal collection, the reader feels like they have been given intimate access to Timberlake’s inner thoughts, creative process when making music, the connection he wants people to feel and his personal life. Through reading this book, it’s created a strong desire to re-listen to Timberlake’s music since I have now gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of his creative process and the emotions he’s trying to convey through his music.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2020
So I've been a fan of JT's since his Mickey Mouse Club days. Like I still have all the episodes on VHS - I was obsessed with that show. From there I followed his career to NSYNC where I was the epitome of fan girl even traveling across state lines to see shows. When he went solo I was heartbroken for the loss of my favorite group, but I also looked forward to seeing what he could do. And damn, did he not do it well.
This book, from the outside, is very pretty. There's great pictures that really show an intimate side of Timberlake that most people don't really see. But when it came to the words, there really wasn't much there. And I don't mean length wise, even though it was a really short read. I meant depth. Timberlake did a fantastic job at saying a lot without really saying anything at all. He glosses over his life with little anecdotes and fluffy paragraphs. He strings pretty words together about staying positive and never quitting, but reveals nothing really personal about himself or his life that isn't already public knowledge. I was really hoping for a lot more honestly.
This book, from the outside, is very pretty. There's great pictures that really show an intimate side of Timberlake that most people don't really see. But when it came to the words, there really wasn't much there. And I don't mean length wise, even though it was a really short read. I meant depth. Timberlake did a fantastic job at saying a lot without really saying anything at all. He glosses over his life with little anecdotes and fluffy paragraphs. He strings pretty words together about staying positive and never quitting, but reveals nothing really personal about himself or his life that isn't already public knowledge. I was really hoping for a lot more honestly.
January 4, 2022
Super quick read and a solid coffee table book, you can finish it in 1 sitting. I wish it was a more of a biography, and had some more stories to tell, but it wasn't that style of book and thats okay. In the end, good for browsing but not much of a read as it lacks the depth.
December 15, 2018
This is fine. It's nothing brilliant. You get to see a tiny bit of JT's ethic and philosophy. He claims to be a hard worker, and I buy that. His philosophy isn't terribly well developed on the pages of the book but I hope it's more developed in his head.
But mostly? This book just a bunch of photos of Justin Timberlake. I can find those for free on the interwebs.
But mostly? This book just a bunch of photos of Justin Timberlake. I can find those for free on the interwebs.
January 6, 2019
This was an enjoyable read. I admire Justin as an entertainer, a singer and most importantly as a human being. As I read his book I listened to his music adding another layer to my experience. Simple. Enjoyable. Just like conversing with a friend.
March 30, 2021
I love JT. And I love this book. Thanks Kate!!!
February 11, 2022
A M A Z I N G 🥰😍🥰🥰😍😍😍🥰🥰😍🥰🥰😍🥰🥰😍🥰😍😍🥰😍🥰🥰🥰🥰😍😍🥰🥰😍🥰🥰😍🥰🥰
November 6, 2018
Justin is everything you’d want a celebrity to be and everything that it seems many celebrities are not after you scratch the surface. Humble, thoughtful, smart, and driven by the kinds of experiences that everyone can relate to. Some might dismiss this as a flashy coffee table book (in the same ways that some might dismiss him as an artist), but those that know he’s more than that will absolutely love this book!
October 31, 2018
I love JT and when I saw he had a book coming out I knew I had to have it. I was hoping for a detailed account of his journey but that’s not what this is. It’s more of a coffee table book with awesome pictures and lots of well written, heartfelt thoughts that let you into his soul. He’s just a cool dude.
November 15, 2018
I am a huge fan of Justin Timberlake. I love him to death.
This book was everything to me, I devoured his words, I felt like he is letting us to see who he is in different ways, as a singer/actor/man/husband/son/father.
I am pretty sure he wrote this book, if you ever watch his interviews and read this book, you could tell too. I loved all the pictures (which were very high quality) and I love the little stories. He didn’t include any drama or controversy that he has gone through. I think he wanted to share the good parts, so people who will read it will finish it with inspiration and happiness.
I love him, how humble and talented he is.
This book was everything to me, I devoured his words, I felt like he is letting us to see who he is in different ways, as a singer/actor/man/husband/son/father.
I am pretty sure he wrote this book, if you ever watch his interviews and read this book, you could tell too. I loved all the pictures (which were very high quality) and I love the little stories. He didn’t include any drama or controversy that he has gone through. I think he wanted to share the good parts, so people who will read it will finish it with inspiration and happiness.
I love him, how humble and talented he is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews