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Paul and Me: Fifty-three Years of Adventures and Misadventures with My Pal Paul Newman
Bestselling author A. E. Hotchner's intimate account of his 53-year friendship with his pal Paul Newman.
A. E. Hotchner first met Paul Newman in 1955 when the virtually unknown actor assumed the lead role in Hotchner’s first television play, based on an Ernest Hemingway story. The project elevated both men from relative obscurity to recognition and began a close and trusted friendship that lasted until Newman’s death in 2008.
In Paul and Me , Hotchner depicts a complicated, unpredictable, fun-loving, talented man, and takes the reader along on their adventures. The pair traveled extensively, skippered a succession of bizarre boats, confounded the business world, scored triumphs on the stage, and sustained their friendship through good times and bad. Most notably, they started Newman’s Own as a prank and watched it morph into a major enterprise that so far has donated all its $300 million in profit to charities including the Hole in the Wall Camps worldwide, dedicated to helping thousands of children with life-threatening illnesses.
Paul and Me , complete with personal photographs, is the story of a freewheeling friendship and a tribute to the acclaimed actor who gave to the world as much as the world gave him.
A. E. Hotchner first met Paul Newman in 1955 when the virtually unknown actor assumed the lead role in Hotchner’s first television play, based on an Ernest Hemingway story. The project elevated both men from relative obscurity to recognition and began a close and trusted friendship that lasted until Newman’s death in 2008.
In Paul and Me , Hotchner depicts a complicated, unpredictable, fun-loving, talented man, and takes the reader along on their adventures. The pair traveled extensively, skippered a succession of bizarre boats, confounded the business world, scored triumphs on the stage, and sustained their friendship through good times and bad. Most notably, they started Newman’s Own as a prank and watched it morph into a major enterprise that so far has donated all its $300 million in profit to charities including the Hole in the Wall Camps worldwide, dedicated to helping thousands of children with life-threatening illnesses.
Paul and Me , complete with personal photographs, is the story of a freewheeling friendship and a tribute to the acclaimed actor who gave to the world as much as the world gave him.
234 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
46 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Hotchner
46 books128 followersAaron Edward Hotchner was an American editor, novelist, playwright, and biographer. He wrote many television screenplays as well as a biography of Ernest Hemingway. He co-founded with Paul Newman the charity food company Newman's Own.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 27, 2011
Saw this at the library and picked it up on a whim. A.E. Hotchner is an old buddy and business partner of Paul Newman, and this is Hotchner’s memoir of their friendship.
The first half of the book is a random set of recollections about Hotchner’s friend Paul Newman, in no particular order. It’s wildly uneven; at its best, the stories are personal and insightful. At other times, the stories are random and dull. However, it picks up when Newman decides to start his Newman’s Own food business; the story of the company gives some structure and interest to the recollections. However, overall the book is weak on detail, and not really trustworthy; I get the feeling Hotchner is more interested in putting his pal on a pedestal than in telling the truth. Paul never has a bad side or makes a bad decision. Paul gets all the good lines and ideas, and Hotchner goes along good-naturedly. Still, it’s an interesting glimpse of an extraordinary life, as viewed from a close vantage point.
The first half of the book is a random set of recollections about Hotchner’s friend Paul Newman, in no particular order. It’s wildly uneven; at its best, the stories are personal and insightful. At other times, the stories are random and dull. However, it picks up when Newman decides to start his Newman’s Own food business; the story of the company gives some structure and interest to the recollections. However, overall the book is weak on detail, and not really trustworthy; I get the feeling Hotchner is more interested in putting his pal on a pedestal than in telling the truth. Paul never has a bad side or makes a bad decision. Paul gets all the good lines and ideas, and Hotchner goes along good-naturedly. Still, it’s an interesting glimpse of an extraordinary life, as viewed from a close vantage point.
May 15, 2015
A.E. Hotchner's memoir of Paul Newman is an eloquent tribute to the man and artist, written with grace, modesty, and wit. Decades ago, Hotchner wrote "Papa Hemingway," one of my all-time favorite memoirs. While "Papa Hemingway" traced an ominous arc--you knew Hemingway was headed for self-destruction-- "Paul and Me" follows an almost joyous trajectory, from Newman's ascent in Hollywood to his unlikely successes as champion race car driver, food icon, and philanthropist. (The glaring exception is the tragic death of Newman's son, Scott.)
The book is packed with anecdotes that portray Newman as feisty, fun-loving, and complex. As he did with Hemingway, Hotchner personifies for Newman both Sancho Panza (the sidekick) and Boswell (the memoirist). But he goes them one better--he plays a vital role in helping Newman turn popcorn dreams into business and philanthropy realities.
Although Hotchner never states it, his friendship seems to represent an anchor to Newman's sail--a needed stablizing influence. It's easy to think how lucky Hotchner has been to pal around with Hemingway and Newman, but one ends "Paul and Me" thinking this as well--how lucky they were to have him as a friend.
The book is packed with anecdotes that portray Newman as feisty, fun-loving, and complex. As he did with Hemingway, Hotchner personifies for Newman both Sancho Panza (the sidekick) and Boswell (the memoirist). But he goes them one better--he plays a vital role in helping Newman turn popcorn dreams into business and philanthropy realities.
Although Hotchner never states it, his friendship seems to represent an anchor to Newman's sail--a needed stablizing influence. It's easy to think how lucky Hotchner has been to pal around with Hemingway and Newman, but one ends "Paul and Me" thinking this as well--how lucky they were to have him as a friend.
May 3, 2010
this book is more of a series of vignettes than a cohesive biography, which is okay as long as you accept it. at first i was a little annoyed with the thing, but then i decided to go with the flow and just enjoy the vignettes as if they were stories a friend was telling me. which is what they felt like.
covered the entire span of their friendship, from working together on a tv play, to creating newman's own, and then opening the hole in the wall gang camp. it had personal pictures that were a lot of fun to see, and the stories were 90% things i'd never heard or known about Paul Newman.
covered the entire span of their friendship, from working together on a tv play, to creating newman's own, and then opening the hole in the wall gang camp. it had personal pictures that were a lot of fun to see, and the stories were 90% things i'd never heard or known about Paul Newman.
November 19, 2012
This book surprised me . A E Hotchner's writing was intelligent , funny and genuine. His portrayal of Paul seemed honest, heartfelt and warm .
It was an enjoyable read from start to finish and had me laughing out loud many times.
The book also inspired me to look up the Hole In The Wall Gang camp that the proceeds from the Newman's Own Salad Dressing go to. ( Camp started by Newman and Hotchner).
Highly recommended as light reading that will inspire, enlighten and entertain. Especially so if you are a Paul Newman fan!
It was an enjoyable read from start to finish and had me laughing out loud many times.
The book also inspired me to look up the Hole In The Wall Gang camp that the proceeds from the Newman's Own Salad Dressing go to. ( Camp started by Newman and Hotchner).
Highly recommended as light reading that will inspire, enlighten and entertain. Especially so if you are a Paul Newman fan!
June 2, 2010
If you didn't already like Paul Newman, you def will after reading this. He seemed to be an unusual hollywood star in that he did things he wanted to do his way even if it was outside the box. His sense of humor, his loyalty to his friends and his passion for helping others really shines through in this book.
April 30, 2021
A Very Human Tale, Very Well Told
I have always admired Paul Newman, and this well-written book increased my admiration. It was interesting to get a glimpse into the founding of Newman's Own and his Hole In The Wall Camp. But the highlight, for me, was the opportunity to learn about his unique character and his remarkable friendship with "Hotch."
I have always admired Paul Newman, and this well-written book increased my admiration. It was interesting to get a glimpse into the founding of Newman's Own and his Hole In The Wall Camp. But the highlight, for me, was the opportunity to learn about his unique character and his remarkable friendship with "Hotch."
January 19, 2016
By definition, a memoir is “a record of events written by a person having intimate knowledge of them and based on personal observation” … which is an exact description of what the reader will find in this book. It is not a biography as it has too many gaps in the narrative, and chronology comes and goes. It is closer to a “which reminds me” recollection. Consequently, I felt that I knew much more about the thought processes of Paul Newman than I would from reading a mere recounting of his life.
For the fan of Mr. Newman’s stage and film work, there is not much here that will satisfy. There are very, very few “on set” stories, nor is there any gossip about various scandals. For the most part, this is fine. There is an occasional reference, such as Paul Newman and Robert Redford having something of an uneasy relationship, that had me begging for more detail that was not forthcoming. And there was brief information of the process Newman went through to create some of his more famous character performances that would have benefitted from some analysis.
What shone through was how much Paul Newman enjoyed life, and the great satisfaction he received from helping others (often anonymously). The creation of his charitable enterprises, Newman’s Own food products and the Hole-In-The-Wall Camps, receives a lot of detail … and deservedly so. Although he did not enjoy public adoration, he was willing to use his influence to promote causes that were important to him.
It was most enjoyable to read of his many misadventures with the writer. He seemed to get into trouble and out of it so quickly and easily … sometimes with intent, but not always. The results almost always had me chuckling. It would have been a lot of fun to know him personally. (I’ll admit that his tendency to immediately pull the plug on projects and enterprises with very little advance notice would have driven me up the wall. There is something to be said for not drawing things out once a decision has been made, but it can be incredibly disruptive to others.)
The writer does not shy away from the low points. The death of the actor’s son results not only in great personal sadness, but deep personal reflection that provides insight into Newman’s early life. And it is hard to read of how his vibrancy leaves him in his later years, causing him to retreat from so many things that he loved.
Ultimately, the message of this book is to be genuine, enjoy as much of the time you have as you can, and that roadblocks don’t have to be insurmountable obstacles. I can certainly profit from these lessons. I recommend the book.
For the fan of Mr. Newman’s stage and film work, there is not much here that will satisfy. There are very, very few “on set” stories, nor is there any gossip about various scandals. For the most part, this is fine. There is an occasional reference, such as Paul Newman and Robert Redford having something of an uneasy relationship, that had me begging for more detail that was not forthcoming. And there was brief information of the process Newman went through to create some of his more famous character performances that would have benefitted from some analysis.
What shone through was how much Paul Newman enjoyed life, and the great satisfaction he received from helping others (often anonymously). The creation of his charitable enterprises, Newman’s Own food products and the Hole-In-The-Wall Camps, receives a lot of detail … and deservedly so. Although he did not enjoy public adoration, he was willing to use his influence to promote causes that were important to him.
It was most enjoyable to read of his many misadventures with the writer. He seemed to get into trouble and out of it so quickly and easily … sometimes with intent, but not always. The results almost always had me chuckling. It would have been a lot of fun to know him personally. (I’ll admit that his tendency to immediately pull the plug on projects and enterprises with very little advance notice would have driven me up the wall. There is something to be said for not drawing things out once a decision has been made, but it can be incredibly disruptive to others.)
The writer does not shy away from the low points. The death of the actor’s son results not only in great personal sadness, but deep personal reflection that provides insight into Newman’s early life. And it is hard to read of how his vibrancy leaves him in his later years, causing him to retreat from so many things that he loved.
Ultimately, the message of this book is to be genuine, enjoy as much of the time you have as you can, and that roadblocks don’t have to be insurmountable obstacles. I can certainly profit from these lessons. I recommend the book.
April 11, 2023
Lovely book.
This is a lovely book - forget the acting which he was brilliant at - as a human being Paul Newman was even better.
This is a lovely book - forget the acting which he was brilliant at - as a human being Paul Newman was even better.
August 13, 2019
Handsome, beautiful blue eyes, great actor, phenomenal race car driver. All apply to Paul Newman who made ua women believe those intense blue eyes were for us! But how many saw the love and compassion in those eyes and the real Paul Newman. This book written by his friend and partner in those ventures most important to Paul gives a very personal account of the compassion in the man. The stories behind the Newman's Own food line and the Hole in the Wall camp are told by the guy beside him in both of these ventures. Yes, Paul Newman was an award winning actor and won more than a few races following his passion racing as simple P. Newman. But what made the man was his compassion and desire to give back although he never sought recognition for his charitable giving. He turned down several awrds because he didn't want to take center stage for those efforts.
Read this book if you want a personal view of the man Paul Newman!
Read this book if you want a personal view of the man Paul Newman!
March 31, 2010
I loved this tale of friends who did good for the world. I liked hearing such wonderful things about Paul Newman who I have admired for his character and commitments. Hotchner really brings this alive in describing their friendship and the starting of Newman's Own together and the Hole in the Wall Gang camp and its offshoots. Sad that Paul wasn't aroung longer but so glad Hotchner is to share it with us.
April 12, 2010
Hotchner, Hemingway's chief biographer and Newman's partner in the food business, has crafted a series of loving vignettes of their fifty-year friendship. I was a littled troubled by the lenghty verbatim quotes of Newman's exact words from decades-old conversations, but all-in-all, this is a nice little book.
The chapters about the development of the salad dressing/pasta sauce/popcorn ventures were fascinating. Paul Newman would have enjoyed this portrait.
The chapters about the development of the salad dressing/pasta sauce/popcorn ventures were fascinating. Paul Newman would have enjoyed this portrait.
July 29, 2012
What a wonderful caring man! The world was a better place because of him and his honesty, actions and giving. Of course I loved Paul Newman from the time I was a teen, but grew to admire him over my life. This book gave an honets look from a friend's relationship with the man.
Thanks Dee for the gift.
Thanks Dee for the gift.
June 14, 2010
A great, personal look at one of the great actors, and more importantly, humanitarians of our age. I'm a huge Newman fan, so I enjoyed this immensely. Your milage may vary.
In any case, this book is sure to leave you with a new respect for the man.
In any case, this book is sure to leave you with a new respect for the man.
February 24, 2023
Interesting story of the friendship of Paul Newman with screenwriter, A.E. Hotchner. From 1955 until Newman died, they shared a friendship that both irreverent and ordinary, much like one that you would have with your friends, those who have known you forever and who are privy to your quirks. Paul Newman was one of a kind. Often reflective and and prone to non-sensical pranks. Their association with the salad dressing started out with Paul wanting to share bottles with friends. How it started and grew is a fascinating story. Their sharing of the profits of their venture, at first, was with organized groups that they thought deserving. Along the way, they met those who had camp-like ventures that benefitted children from various backgrounds, and decided that they, too, should have such a campground, but one that would benefit children fighting cancer. A place where they could escape, at least for a time, the world of hospitals and treatments, The Hole in the Wall Gang camps.
This, taken from the description on the back of the book:
'Paul was and unadorned man. He was direct and honest and off-center and mischievous and romantic and very handsome. All of these attributes became the generating force behind him. He was the same man in 2008 that he was in 1956, unchanged despite all the honors and the fame, not a whisper of a change. That was something--the constancy of the man.
In these bleak times that feature men whose greed and selfishness have been so disillusioning and ruinous to their fellow citizens, Paul's concerns for those less fortunate and his altruistic mien are important antidotes."
An interesting read.
This, taken from the description on the back of the book:
'Paul was and unadorned man. He was direct and honest and off-center and mischievous and romantic and very handsome. All of these attributes became the generating force behind him. He was the same man in 2008 that he was in 1956, unchanged despite all the honors and the fame, not a whisper of a change. That was something--the constancy of the man.
In these bleak times that feature men whose greed and selfishness have been so disillusioning and ruinous to their fellow citizens, Paul's concerns for those less fortunate and his altruistic mien are important antidotes."
An interesting read.
September 6, 2023
I started both AE's book and Paul's book at the same time ... one audio (AE) and the other book format (Paul's) which came out after his passing. Considering this book came out first I can only assume he knew what was in Paul's journals or notes as many stores are practically word for word the same. I thought I was going nuts for awhile then realized oh crap ... I heard it on AE's book first as he tends to jump all over the place from past to near end of his life to car racing and back to Actors Studio again ....It was hard to keep track.
I am half way through and putting it aside as I am finding Pauls more in order to years and have to love I love his very authentic writing ... very vivid writing. Check out my review on the ohter one in a week or so .. thinking it is getting a 5 star review.
I am half way through and putting it aside as I am finding Pauls more in order to years and have to love I love his very authentic writing ... very vivid writing. Check out my review on the ohter one in a week or so .. thinking it is getting a 5 star review.
December 28, 2019
This one took me a while to read, what with Christmas and all, but I liked it. Hotchner reveals a playful side of Paul Newman that I didn't know about, and also describes the humble beginnings of the Newman's Own brands, which have donated over $500 million dollars to charity (so far)! Great pictures, too! It's sad to think that Paul Newman is gone, but I'm glad he had such a good friend for over 50 years!
February 24, 2020
With the recent death of A.E. Hotchner, decided I would revisit reading this wonderful book. LOVED it the first and still feel the same on re-reading. What incredible things these best friends accomplished to unselfishly benefit others. (footnote) Also cried a LOT on the last page (again!) when Paul said goodbye to his best buddy. I was 'hopelessly in love' with Paul Newman from the moment I saw his first movie!
June 12, 2022
Certainly enjoyable, though I don't know how accurate it all is. I caught several errors. Just a couple: Hotchner stated that Newman was 31 in 1955. No, Newman was actually 30. Also, Newman and Hotchner on a 1973 trip to the Bahamas, and Newman talks about the guilt he felt about his late son Scott, who had committed suicide...in 1978. Huh? But a fun read and a good look into who Paul Newman was as a man.
August 30, 2022
Having just watched the Paul Newman documentary, I was sad to see some of the demons he faced throughout his life. This book focused on a dear friendship,that did not shy away from those demons, but also showed a much happier time in Newman’s life. I especially liked the examples of Newman’s wonderful sense of humor., and his dedication to his charity.
October 6, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Easy read. Inside look at Paul Newman.
May 15, 2019
The background and details of the Newman's Own brand, and Newman's long time relationship with A.E. Hotchner. Meh.
September 2, 2019
Enjoyable quick read for Paul Newman fans
March 29, 2021
Read by the author which was good. Very interesting. These two men were very good friends, built the Newman's Own business, developed other businesses & gave so much to charities.
March 6, 2022
I didn't like the use of the f-word even though it was used in an endearing way.
August 27, 2022
Interesting read. Nice to learn about the other side of Paul Newman…not just the actor, but the humanitarian, and also the businessman.
November 7, 2022
good read
December 17, 2022
Who doesn't love to read about a most handsome man with a BIG heart?
August 6, 2023
The best, funniest, and also most devastating biography I have ever read. This book is amazing.
June 4, 2024
This is a beautifully written story about a very loving and respectful friendship. I highly recommend it.
February 21, 2025
CathyR
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews