From the Bookshelf of Around the World in 80 Books…
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
No group discussions for this book yet.
What Members Thought
Wow, I have been very lucky with memoirs lately. This is another celebrity story that has blessedly little to do with celebrity and fame. It's an unexpectedly raw story of a horrifically abusive father and a son's determination and grit to not only survive, but thrive. As if this wasn't enough, throw in a fascinating genealogical mystery that is solved when Alan participates in a show called 'Who Do You Think You Are'. I must admit I always enjoy the genealogy shows. I can't wait to find this ep
...more
Mar 20, 2015
Carolyn
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
non-fiction,
memoir
I actually listened to this on Audio through Library-to-go. It's a good book to listen to...very engaging and kept my attention. Some material is a bit shocking and language can be a little vulgar so be aware when listening with company around. I know Alan Cumming as the actor through his role in Spy Kids thanks to my son, and really little else, but I decided to listen anyway. I love a compelling memoir. Alan Cumming's story was incredibly moving, and focuses on his relationship with his abusiv
...more
It's difficult to review this book because it feels, a little, like passing judgment on Cumming's life, his pain, and his healing. I can appreciate the catharsis that writing this book and telling this story must have been for Cumming, and I can also understand that hearing this story from a successful man may help or give hope to others with similar childhood circumstances. But it feels a bit like airing dirty laundry. There's a lot of bitterness here, which of course is understandable, but sti
...more
I liked this one more than I thought I would. As a celebrity Comming seems a bit (okay more than a bit, but not completely narcissistic as I expected. The fact that he can even function somewhat normally after his childhood is admirable.
A genealogy mystery that also involves self discovery. Very well written.
"Memory is so subjective. We all remember in a visceral, emotional way, and so even if we agree on the facts - what was said, what happened where and when - what we take away and store from a moment, what we feel about it, can vary radically."
...more
"Memory is so subjective. We all remember in a visceral, emotional way, and so even if we agree on the facts - what was said, what happened where and when - what we take away and store from a moment, what we feel about it, can vary radically."
...more
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.
...more
Jan 02, 2015
Janna
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
memoirs,
mental-health
Apr 18, 2015
Ashley
marked it as to-read
Jan 03, 2016
Jocelyn
marked it as to-read
Jan 19, 2017
Kat
marked it as to-read
Apr 24, 2017
Tracyene
marked it as to-read
