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Greenlights
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From the Academy Award®–winning actor, an unconventional memoir filled with raucous stories, outlaw wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction
I’ve been in this life for fifty years, been trying to work out its riddle for forty-two, and been keeping diaries of clues to that riddle for the last thirty-five. Notes about successes and fail ...more
I’ve been in this life for fifty years, been trying to work out its riddle for forty-two, and been keeping diaries of clues to that riddle for the last thirty-five. Notes about successes and fail ...more
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Hardcover, 308 pages
Published
October 20th 2020
by Crown Publishing Group (NY)
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I LOVED IT!!!!!!
isn’t that enough? FANTASTIC storytelling...
MEMORABLE STORIES you ‘won’t’ forget.
Mathew is not only a great actor, he’s a GREAT AUTHOR!!!
HE CAN WRITE!!!!
For readers who think this book isn’t for you—-you just might surprise yourself.
Its soooooo engaging!!!
I didn’t want miss a word!!!!
I loved, loved, loved, loved it!!!!
YOU’ll LOVE IT!!!!! I Promise!!!!!!
“Greenlights”..... 🟢 is a wonderful gift to ‘thyself’.
🟢Greenlight 🟢 Greenlight 🟢 Greenlight 🟢
Thank you, Mathew.......
.... ...more
isn’t that enough? FANTASTIC storytelling...
MEMORABLE STORIES you ‘won’t’ forget.
Mathew is not only a great actor, he’s a GREAT AUTHOR!!!
HE CAN WRITE!!!!
For readers who think this book isn’t for you—-you just might surprise yourself.
Its soooooo engaging!!!
I didn’t want miss a word!!!!
I loved, loved, loved, loved it!!!!
YOU’ll LOVE IT!!!!! I Promise!!!!!!
“Greenlights”..... 🟢 is a wonderful gift to ‘thyself’.
🟢Greenlight 🟢 Greenlight 🟢 Greenlight 🟢
Thank you, Mathew.......
.... ...more
My suggestion is to listen to the audiobook so that you can get wrapped up in that warm, friendly, country-boy voice of his as if he is talking directly to you. My suggestion is also to listen in a quiet environment because Matthew is not an overbearing narrator.
What you'll get are some the wonderful interjections of laughter and a few "wooo"s to let you know that Matthew is a genuine human being, very humble of his own fame. Even better, he's very intelligent. There are many passages that can ...more
What you'll get are some the wonderful interjections of laughter and a few "wooo"s to let you know that Matthew is a genuine human being, very humble of his own fame. Even better, he's very intelligent. There are many passages that can ...more
Really enjoyed this one. I really love Matthew McConnaughey as a human and as an actor so I was really excited to hear he wrote a book! I listened to the audiobook and his narration is absolutely fantastic, if you decide to read this book you HAVE to go with the audiobook, his voice is amazing and his narration was so fun I was smiling like an idiot most of the time reading this.
Only reason I knocked off a star is because I wasn’t a huge fan of the self-help parts of this book, I was more intere ...more
Only reason I knocked off a star is because I wasn’t a huge fan of the self-help parts of this book, I was more intere ...more
Ahhhhhh...I am totally listening to Matthew McConaughey! ❤️ Holy crap! So there is something to be said for a memoir where the author reads you their story. You all know the voice...but do you know the story?
So I think there are two types of memoirs. One where the author paints the picture they want you to see, their public persona. Then there is the type where they actually let you get a glimpse of their life. Their outlook, thoughts and of course the path they have taken to get where they are ...more
So I think there are two types of memoirs. One where the author paints the picture they want you to see, their public persona. Then there is the type where they actually let you get a glimpse of their life. Their outlook, thoughts and of course the path they have taken to get where they are ...more
This book is a good read - suitable for all times, but makes more sense for these uncertain and strange times.
***
To all those criticising this book as `self centered` and `selfish` - my answer is “you are right”.
memoir: a written record of a person's own life and experiences (Cambridge Dictionary)
As the above definition states, a memoir is about a person`s own life – so it will be about `self`. And, when someone writes or speaks about self, of course, it will be about themselves…
Greenlights is ...more
***
To all those criticising this book as `self centered` and `selfish` - my answer is “you are right”.
memoir: a written record of a person's own life and experiences (Cambridge Dictionary)
As the above definition states, a memoir is about a person`s own life – so it will be about `self`. And, when someone writes or speaks about self, of course, it will be about themselves…
Greenlights is ...more
You lost me on the third wet dream, Matthew.
Talk about oversharing your self-centred story.
Talk about oversharing your self-centred story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Alright alright alright...5 easy breezy stars. It felt like I sat around with him over a glass of scotch and he told me stories of his life. He’s witty, funny, smooth, and worked his literary skills through my heart. I laughed out loud, I paused to write down deep truths that resonated with me, and I face palmed at some of his antics. Do yourself a favor and listen to the Audible, he narrates! Oh yes!!!
His life has been interesting, to say the least. I love his passion to constantly be ...more
Alright alright alright...5 easy breezy stars. It felt like I sat around with him over a glass of scotch and he told me stories of his life. He’s witty, funny, smooth, and worked his literary skills through my heart. I laughed out loud, I paused to write down deep truths that resonated with me, and I face palmed at some of his antics. Do yourself a favor and listen to the Audible, he narrates! Oh yes!!!
His life has been interesting, to say the least. I love his passion to constantly be ...more
On the one hand, I read this book in less than two days over the course of a rainy weekend.
On the other hand, I have been keeping notebooks in which I wax poetic since I was eighteen and this book has inspired me to never ever share them with anyone.
On the other hand, I have been keeping notebooks in which I wax poetic since I was eighteen and this book has inspired me to never ever share them with anyone.
A rambling book with great stories but flawed execution. McConaughey was a C student in college, claiming he was normally an A student but wanted to devote time to real world instead of books, and at the end of this books says he'd rather "take an experienced C over an ignorant A any day." Well, this book is a C at best and could have been an A if he would have been less self-satisfied and allowed others to guide him to objective conclusions. Instead it's all about subjective Matthew living his
...more
I love Matthew as an actor, I didn’t love this book like I was hoping. And that’s ok 😉
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Alright, alright, alright...
Greenlights is exactly what you’d expect a memoir from Matthew McConaughey to be like, and that’s pretty great.
I’ve been a McConaughey fan since he appeared as Drew Barrymore’s boyfriend in the movie Boys on the Side . Aside from his obvious aesthetic gifts (I saw him once in person during his dirty, shoeless days in Austin and he was still totally magnetic) and his acting talent, I’ve always thought him to be one of the bluntest, funniest, most cerebral celebr ...more
Greenlights is exactly what you’d expect a memoir from Matthew McConaughey to be like, and that’s pretty great.
I’ve been a McConaughey fan since he appeared as Drew Barrymore’s boyfriend in the movie Boys on the Side . Aside from his obvious aesthetic gifts (I saw him once in person during his dirty, shoeless days in Austin and he was still totally magnetic) and his acting talent, I’ve always thought him to be one of the bluntest, funniest, most cerebral celebr ...more
2.5 stars
I have liked him as an actor and that’s what he should stick with!
I have liked him as an actor and that’s what he should stick with!
Oh lord, was this annoying. I love a good celebrity memoir, but not when riddled with self-help tidbits. If McConaughey had stuck to personal essays without all the cheesy, self-satisfactory interjections (“prescription!” and “note to self!” and “bumper sticker!”), I’d have liked it more, even though the stories themselves felt very anecdotal and lacked depth. Unless you’re a massive fan, I can’t recommend.
What a disappointment.. was soooo looking forward to this!! UGH seriously probably 2.5 ⭐ for me but it's a biography and I feel harsh lowball scoring someone's life thoughts lol so I rounded up.. I realize a lot of people loved this but truly not sure what to say about that.
Also not too sure where to start here but will make it brief. My final thoughts are that I guess you should leave your Hollywood crushes alone and not read about their lives in case you end up here, where I am... I loved Matt ...more
Also not too sure where to start here but will make it brief. My final thoughts are that I guess you should leave your Hollywood crushes alone and not read about their lives in case you end up here, where I am... I loved Matt ...more
4.5 stars
It's fair to say Matthew McConaughey marches to the beat of his own drum. And bongos. (Yes, the infamous naked bongo playing arrest is brought up in this memoir, and yet, it doesn't seem as weird now in 2020 as it did back when it happened in 1999.) So it wasn't surprising to me that he wrote a unique memoir. While I enjoyed reading this book on my Kindle, I do think it might be even better as an audiobook. The life advice type stuff that is interjected throughout the book will probably ...more
It's fair to say Matthew McConaughey marches to the beat of his own drum. And bongos. (Yes, the infamous naked bongo playing arrest is brought up in this memoir, and yet, it doesn't seem as weird now in 2020 as it did back when it happened in 1999.) So it wasn't surprising to me that he wrote a unique memoir. While I enjoyed reading this book on my Kindle, I do think it might be even better as an audiobook. The life advice type stuff that is interjected throughout the book will probably ...more
Green lights:
- Matthew McConaughey is a self-proclaimed optimist. It’s refreshing to see the perspective of someone whose glass is so full.
- The way he reads the audiobook is pretty darn funny, making me spontaneously laugh many times.
- There are some pieces of good advice, like standing firm with your decisions to forego the easy paths while you wait for the right one.
Yellow lights:
- M.M. is a weird dude, but if you opt to listen to or read his book you probably already know that.
- There ar ...more
- Matthew McConaughey is a self-proclaimed optimist. It’s refreshing to see the perspective of someone whose glass is so full.
- The way he reads the audiobook is pretty darn funny, making me spontaneously laugh many times.
- There are some pieces of good advice, like standing firm with your decisions to forego the easy paths while you wait for the right one.
Yellow lights:
- M.M. is a weird dude, but if you opt to listen to or read his book you probably already know that.
- There ar ...more
Matthew McConaughey has the gift of gab. He could easily be a preacher. I can’t imagine choosing to read the physical book and missing out on hearing him narrate. Is what he’s saying worth listening to? Sometimes.
At first, this struck me as more of a fun, autobiographical stand-up routine than a memoir. Yet I wondered if he was aware of how abusive his parents seemed as he told his crazy stories and declared how much love was in their household.
He does things in his book that made me roll my eye ...more
At first, this struck me as more of a fun, autobiographical stand-up routine than a memoir. Yet I wondered if he was aware of how abusive his parents seemed as he told his crazy stories and declared how much love was in their household.
He does things in his book that made me roll my eye ...more
Another narcissistic actor who loves to hear himself talk! This book was very preachy and about as deep as a paper cut! What have I learned about Matthew? I've learned that I never want to be stuck in a room with him!
...more
Oct 28, 2020
Claudia
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
shreds-of-life,
auto-biography-memoir
It’s a love letter. To life.
Indeed it is. McConaughey is a guy who really pursued his dreams. (view spoiler)
What I most liked about his writing is that it's not polished: his thoughts, adventures, stories, all are raw, spiced more often than not with humor and self-irony. He is charming, funny, thoughtfu ...more
Indeed it is. McConaughey is a guy who really pursued his dreams. (view spoiler)
What I most liked about his writing is that it's not polished: his thoughts, adventures, stories, all are raw, spiced more often than not with humor and self-irony. He is charming, funny, thoughtfu ...more
I have to say I really enjoyed this book. I listened to it on a road trip. Loved the honesty as well as the voice of McConaughey. The added, "notes to self," and "bumper stickers," had me laughing throughout. I had a similar upbringing, complete with spankings.....I turned out pretty good. Keep up the good work Matthew. I look forward to the next one.
...more
Alright, Alright, Alright! Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey....what can I say?
This book was fun, it was entertaining, it was interesting. It made me laugh so much and it broke my heart. Matthew has been one of my favourite actors since A Time To Kill. I loved hearing his behind the scenes stories about making his movies.
But it is so much more than that. Matthew really is a born storyteller. Greenlights covers his life from being a kid right up to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is stories from his ...more
This book was fun, it was entertaining, it was interesting. It made me laugh so much and it broke my heart. Matthew has been one of my favourite actors since A Time To Kill. I loved hearing his behind the scenes stories about making his movies.
But it is so much more than that. Matthew really is a born storyteller. Greenlights covers his life from being a kid right up to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is stories from his ...more
Matthew McConaughey is one heck of a story teller!
I listened to this on audio book and was truly engaged the whole way through.
This book is raw, witty, insightful, uplifting and had me laughing out loud
And lets be honest, with that voice, I would listen to McConaughey read the phone book!
I listened to this on audio book and was truly engaged the whole way through.
This book is raw, witty, insightful, uplifting and had me laughing out loud
And lets be honest, with that voice, I would listen to McConaughey read the phone book!
5 Stars to this book. I loved hearing Matthew read his own book. He added his signature voice, animation, and laughs and made this book absolutely perfect. Its a memoir and personal reflection and humor and even a bit philosophical. I looked forward to listening. He owned his mistakes (and laughed at himself at times) and was not negative, he was always looking for ways to grow and improve himself. I have nothing but respect for him and this will be one of my Top 5 books of 2020. I Highly Recomm
...more
“We cannot fully appreciate the light without the shadows. We have to be thrown off balance to find our footing. It’s better to jump than fall. And here I am.”
I didn't plan on listening/reading this book. I wasn't interested because the overwhelming PR before the release and I thought I heard and read too many bits and parts that I no longer need to read this memoir. But... I grabbed it because it was available on Libby and O. M. G. I am glad that I did. This was so good!
It is raw. It is funny ...more
I didn't plan on listening/reading this book. I wasn't interested because the overwhelming PR before the release and I thought I heard and read too many bits and parts that I no longer need to read this memoir. But... I grabbed it because it was available on Libby and O. M. G. I am glad that I did. This was so good!
It is raw. It is funny ...more
Absolutely amazing. Not your typical biography. Filled with nuggets of insight. Profound letters, prose, and poetry. McConaughey shows not only his life and the “greenlight” moments, he dives deep into himself with his most vulnerable essence. A joy to read.
Dec 12, 2020
Melissa (Mel’s Bookshelf)
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
audiobooks
Check out my book haul featuring this and more HERE
Matthew McConaughey is one of my favourite actors. He has been in two of my top 3 all-time favourite movies, Contact and Interstellar. So when I saw that he had a memoir out I was excited to read it. When I realised that actors tend to narrate their memoirs I immediately pre-ordered the audio version.
And it did not disappoint! At a short 6 hours and 42 minutes, It was a very quick read. But not one you want to put on a higher speed, because you ...more
Matthew McConaughey is one of my favourite actors. He has been in two of my top 3 all-time favourite movies, Contact and Interstellar. So when I saw that he had a memoir out I was excited to read it. When I realised that actors tend to narrate their memoirs I immediately pre-ordered the audio version.
And it did not disappoint! At a short 6 hours and 42 minutes, It was a very quick read. But not one you want to put on a higher speed, because you ...more
Alright, alright, alright.
I'm not gonna lie, I really enjoyed this one. I didn't expect to, I was skeptical to say the least, but I ended up loving the heck out of the audiobook narrated by Matthew himself.
This one is quite a treat. Full of insightful little thoughts and proclamations, quirky stories (that are almost unbelievable, tho completely and amazingly believable because they did happen), anecdotes, humor.. It was just so pleasant a book to listen to. A great insight into Matthew's past, ...more
I'm not gonna lie, I really enjoyed this one. I didn't expect to, I was skeptical to say the least, but I ended up loving the heck out of the audiobook narrated by Matthew himself.
This one is quite a treat. Full of insightful little thoughts and proclamations, quirky stories (that are almost unbelievable, tho completely and amazingly believable because they did happen), anecdotes, humor.. It was just so pleasant a book to listen to. A great insight into Matthew's past, ...more
Alright alright alright... Interesting to hear about Matthew's childhood, teenage years, adult years, successful years, years of love, years of searching for meaning.
Matthew is an entertainer by trade and he has a very unique charismatic way of speaking that's just so Matthew. He's a poet that can smooth talk quickly and is pretty witty.
This book didn't affect me at the core or anything hence the 3/5. I enjoyed it, it just wasn't impactful for me. Maybe because I'm not an actor, not a man, not ...more
Matthew is an entertainer by trade and he has a very unique charismatic way of speaking that's just so Matthew. He's a poet that can smooth talk quickly and is pretty witty.
This book didn't affect me at the core or anything hence the 3/5. I enjoyed it, it just wasn't impactful for me. Maybe because I'm not an actor, not a man, not ...more
McConaughey is at his best in his own life and it's a whole lotta fun to be along for the ride. I loved listening to it, but I will also probably buy it because I actually think he's not only an amazing actor and person (lol @me fangirling hard!) but I think he's proved himself to be a great writer as well.
...more
Jan 03, 2021
Josh's Poetry
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
anticipated-to-be-read,
sometime-perhaps-dnf
Did Not Finish
Oh Matthew , oh man. I'm disappointed.
McConaughey's memoir Greenlights didn't work for me, I'm really looking forward on this one.
McConaughey didn't write very well, while reading his memoir and listening to the audiobook, I feel like he's bragging, the writing is too self-indulgent and self-centered and I feel uncomfortable reading it.
I'll Give it one star on the writing and another on the audiobook narration, I noticed that I am only listening to the audiobook because of his ...more
Oh Matthew , oh man. I'm disappointed.
McConaughey's memoir Greenlights didn't work for me, I'm really looking forward on this one.
McConaughey didn't write very well, while reading his memoir and listening to the audiobook, I feel like he's bragging, the writing is too self-indulgent and self-centered and I feel uncomfortable reading it.
I'll Give it one star on the writing and another on the audiobook narration, I noticed that I am only listening to the audiobook because of his ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Play Book Tag: Greenlights - Matthew McConaughey - 4 stars | 3 | 25 | Nov 25, 2020 10:00AM |
Readers also enjoyed
Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey is a married man, a father of three children, and a loyal son and brother. He considers himself a storyteller by occupation, believes it's okay to have a beer on the way to the temple, feels better with a day's sweat on him, and is an aspiring orchestral conductor.
In 2009, Matthew and his wife, Camila, founded the just keep livin Foundation, which he ...more
In 2009, Matthew and his wife, Camila, founded the just keep livin Foundation, which he ...more
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“Don’t walk into a place like you wanna buy it, walk in like you own it.”
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