Not My Father's Son in Around the World in 80 Books

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

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Nov 14, 2022 Diane rated it really liked it

4.5 stars. I found this compelling and heartbreaking, with glimpses of Alan’s sense of humor. A tightly written memoir that brings in a couple of themes and story lines, wending them together with nothing extraneous. His vulnerability is palpable and endeared him to me forever. His non-victimhood is admirable.

Read this if you like Alan Cumming, read this if you had a difficult childhood, read this if you like a story well told. Ah, just read this.

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Aug 01, 2018 Alyssa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Alan's strong voice comes through in this memoir that is part a history of his grandfather and part a recount of the present (2016). It is difficult to describe how powerful this book is. It is at once a recalling of Alan's childhood, a coming to grips with family history and decisions that were made, secrets kept and an account of how assumptions can be far from the truth. I applaud Alan for his truthfulness and bravery in opening himself to this opportunity and in the end, to be able to face t ...more

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