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What Members Thought
Celebrity memoirs aren't usually my thing, but this is Alan friggin' Cumming. I only need to hear his Scottish brogue to be charmed, and it comes through in this book. He tells the tale of his dreadful childhood with his violent and angry father, which unfolds as he alternates those chapters with the story of his appearance on the UK TV show, Who Do You Think You Are? That part of his life story focuses on his maternal grandfather, who died a mysterious death during his time in the colonial poli
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Not the easiest story to enjoy since it covers his childhood with an incredibly abusive father but I did. The parallels stories of Alan's growing up and the search for information about his maternal grandfather were interesting. As I haven't seen the episode of "Who Do You Think You Are" that is detailed in the book, the cliffhangers really worked for me. It is hard to imagine having to wait days/weeks/months to find out the next bit of information when I just had to listen for a few more minute
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Apr 04, 2017
Denise Cormaney
rated it
it was amazing
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review of another edition
Shelves:
audio-books
What a beautiful book. I want to find Alan Cumming and give him a big hug! I loved him as Eli on The Good Wife, and I've found him delightful in every interview I've ever seen with him. Of course I had no idea what a painful and difficult childhood he had; parts of it were painful and difficult even to hear read aloud. He is a gifted writer, and he lays out his journey of coming to terms with his past to a place of forgiveness in such a compelling way; it even felt suspenseful at times! I highly
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This book was absolutely beautiful, charming, funny, and reaffirming. Cumming is a very talented man who can add writing to his successes. What I really took away from this book was the complete honesty and openness over a subject that would be so easy to hide and lock away. I felt so optimistic in my own life while listening to Cumming's overcoming abuse and the mental torment of his father. And also while describing the love he shares with his brother and mother. It is a very uplifting story a
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This poor man had such a terrible childhood! Im not sure I could write about it if I had such experiences but it is good that he can. The book is interesting and does show how strength of character can overcome
adversities.
adversities.
Loved this memoir. Cumming's painful childhood and genealogical journey make this an unusually touching "celebrity" memoir.
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I listened to this book and hearing Alan Cumming in his own words was really beautiful. I wasn't dying to read it because while I like him I can't say I chase after everything he's in but this is a great story, regardless of who it is about.
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Dec 11, 2015
Kristi
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
nonfiction,
biographies-and-memoirs
Jan 31, 2016
Maegan
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
memoirs,
mount-tbr2016
