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I'm a public school librarian on a 9th and 10th grade campus (ages 14-16)...in Texas...and I'm getting lots of requests for this book. Is there anything that stands out that would make it objectionable for that audience? Note: some foul language would not necessarily exclude it, but it would if it were too much or just done for shock value (the reviews don't seem to mention any overly salacious content).

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4 years ago
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Misty Nope! I would in no way recommend this to anyone under age 18, but I would even hesitate recommending to anyone. Though there were parts that I found very interesting and enjoyable to read, there was a lot of strong profanity. I can take the f-word a few times, but it is used throughout the entire book. Premarital sex, drug use, promoting hedonistic living, lying, domestic violence. The idea that the bad things you do are only bad if you get caught. There is so much literature out there that is wholesome that teaches great life lessons without all of the profanity and depravity.

Suzy Stone It seems to me that Matthew (he is not a door Matt) was honest, owned his life, and spoke the truth, his truth. I am sure you have already decided what you will or won't do regarding this publication, but I would like to offer this, writers have been writing for years and what was considered offensive 20 years ago is no longer offensive today. What is written today and found to offend will likely not offend in 20 years. My point? We can learn from reading, be it good, bad, or indifferent, but that is up to the individual who is reading the material. Could a 9th grader read this material and decern what was right and wrong? I think so, but I also know that there might be a 9th grader who could be triggered by the content in this book. If language is an issue I assure you they have heard it, how do I know because I did and I am well past 40. If a 9th grader hasn't found their moral compass yet, perhaps this book isn't for them but my guess is that most have and to some degree want to know if they are on the right track. Protecting young minds is noble. I have lived by one rule and raised 10 children by; if they are old enough to ask the question they are old enough to have a "real" answer. It's up to you to determine what the "real" answer is. I assure you, if you don't give them one, they will find someone who will.

Caitlin Harbison Hi! I just finished and funnily enough I’m a 7th grade teacher! There is some cursing in some of the stories but not in all. There are a couple drug references (marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine). I don’t think anything about it is offensive— it perhaps is a little too mature for a 14 year old... but I would say fine for other ages. It’s really entertaining and funny— I wouldn’t describe it as crass at all.

Dave Druten Straightforward telling of his upbringing. Some good examples of perseverance and goal setting, but with a STRONG dose of hedonistic experiences, e.g. Sleeping around, drinking and drug use, theft. His family mantra of " its not wrong if you don't get caught" is a poor lesson for young minds.

Lesley Having a teenager myself, if she chose to read this, I would have no problem. She watches TV & Movies, listens to music-all that also talk about drugs and sex. This was his story. And people upset that he talks about his parent's domestic violence and what they condoned, well, I have not found anybody that has not been scarred by something from their childhood-noneof us are perfect.
Even if he was not famous, I found a lot of it to be with humor and life lessons. I give my daughter enough credit that she knows right from wrong and just because Matthew McConaughey did something, said something, doesn't mean she would think that is ok.
I listened to the audiobook!

Dawn I'm going out on a limb here (and no doubt you've already decided what to do), but my main concern is with the glossing over of domestic violence and misogyny throughout this book. I work with high school students, I give them a lot of credit for being able to grapple with tough topics––the use of swearing or sex doesn't impact my views.

However, McConaughey's normalization of violent situations was very unsettling. He repetitively states that his father (parents) were not abusive, and then colorfully describes really violent episodes that made me cringe. There's not much that makes me uncomfortable, but I really feel that his explanations of his father's temper, his verbal/mental and physical "abuse" (I'm calling it) were classic of abuse victims: I had it coming; he was just teaching me a lesson; I let him down... these descriptions bothered me, and I'd hate to see younger readers take this in, coming from an actor they may find cool, and think this is ok or normal.

Ditto for his explanations of women, and how he views them. Throughout his life, there is a lot of ego and privilege, that (again, my opinion) is used in a demeaning way toward women. Numerous readers have called out how he treated his now wife, on their first date, but it goes back to how he saw girls in high school.

In sum, I'm not a fan of the book. I think his positivity is inspiring, but I also feel that he has things to look at a bit closer. I can't help but think he wrote every story about his dad with an eye toward not tarnishing his dad's reputation, when in fact the stories speak for themself.

Martie I would NOT suggest this book as automatically OK for anyone under 18. If your kid is going to read this, be aware there is foul language, there are questionable activities, domestic violence, sexual references etc that I feel, might get a lot of push back from some parents. The idea is presented that you can do “bad” things, but it’s only bad if you get caught. I think this is definitely a book that if a teen is going to read it, then there needs to be adult discussion and debriefing along with it - regarding ones moral compass. While most kids today already know about what goes on in this book, I’m not sure this is the role model you want them to follow, if the kid were so inclined. Plus, I’ll just say, if he were a person of color, the ending would not be pretty - he’d be in prison. Yes, he got by with doing things because his skin color allowed it.

Greer As a high school teacher of 15 years, I would have no problem having my students read this finely crafted book. It is an honest account of the journey of life. None of the profanity or adult situations were written to be salacious or incite shock. They were just part of this man's journey. It paints an honest picture of life that students would appreciate and find relatable. I would have no hesitation with juniors and seniors reading this book.

Michelle Depends on what you feel is objectionable for that age to read-- sex, drugs, masturbation, physical abuse, swearing. There ARE lessons in it, but I would not give it to a teen to read, especially a younger teen.

Steven 14-16 year olds have fought in wars and worked 60 hour weeks in factories. They'll handle this alright.

Adelina Hi Mellanie,
I'm currently reading this book, in my last chapter but I'm ready to give my best reviews for it.
I don't have kids but I also think that age 14-16 is grown-up enough to read & get some real-life advice, experience, knowledge, and self-motivation for the young generation. I believe that that the language used in this book has nothing extra concerning than our everyday spoken vocabulary.
However, this is my fresh opinion while I read it... I am enjoying and learning a lot from this autobiography.

Best,
Adelina,

Sian I'm very surprised at all the replies saying this book is not appropriate for people under 18. Maybe don't let a child read it, but I think most 14-16 year olds would be fine. Maybe not the ones with overprotective bubble-wrap parents, who don't know that abuse and cuss words exist.
The only thing censoring or banning a book in a school does, is ensure it's the most read and owned book in the entire school.

Jodie Commons I'm only a few chapters into it on Audible. I would definitely recommend listening to it over reading it as in his own voice the prose becomes lyrical. That being said, while I don't generally believe that books should necessarily be confined to age ranges - and nothing I've come across has been done for sheer shock value - the early descriptions of his parents violently dysfunctional relationship with each other and their sons might be something to put into context for younger readers.

Amy I personally wouldn't want my teenagers idolizing this man or reading his sexual attitudes.

Emily Francke Geary Not for kids!

Carinne Gee I didn't even get 3 pages into this before I counted 4 s words and 2 f words. I decided this was just a preview of things to come and I put it down. Not my taste. I can't speak to the rest of the content as I quit after that, but it's filled with strong language. I wouldn't recommend that to high school students.

Anthony Can we try not to stifle high school students' desire to read for pleasure? American schooling so often teaches kids to hate reading. We should cultivate all attempts at broadening their minds.

I felt like the profanity was used sparingly and tastefully enough. The questions about morality and values are nowhere in the realm of radical (e.g. the idea that morality and the law are not perfectly aligned).

Now, I don't think I personally would've gotten much out of reading this book while in high school as opposed to in my 20s, but that's not to say there aren't many kids who would.

Deanna As someone who mentors teenagers in high school 14-18, I honestly thought this book was quite tame compared to what they have told me and recounted to me from what happens in their high school and personal lives.
That being said, unless your school has open and honest communication about adult themes and topics, it might not be the best idea to have it in the library...however, I remember checking out books that were far worse than this when I was in high school not too long ago. I mean, look at the classics that we read in English class - how many times have we gotten into deep discourse of To Kill a Mockingbird!
Many answers on this thread would say to not do it, and it makes me wonder just how in tune with the adolescents in their lives they are, because I can assure you - they are far more adult than they may seem.
The lessons in this book are good lessons, and I think that they could spark good conversation about abuse and how it manifests, following your dreams and taking chances, and not being afraid to be yourself.
I would suggest reading the book yourself and then making a decision. :)

~☆~Autumn I would not recommend it for high school but it might be OK for college. It is very entertaining but I wonder about his mental health. I am almost finished but getting disgusted with him.

Michele Not sure you feel about his recounting of various wet dreams as inspirational. So that's something to consider.

Dale I listened to 45 minutes, and then returned it to the library. LOTS of foul language. I tolerate some, but this was more than I wanted to listen to. I would be upset if a teacher recommended it to one of my children in that age group.

Martha Order the book. It's real and sometimes gritty, and also he provides a way to approach life. McConaughey tells of his own journey and personal growth. He's now in a good place with a family he adores and living out his passion in terms of his career. It's inspirational. As for the domestic violence of his parents. Like many things, that sort of thing is absolutely not accepted or tolerated today, but 40+ yrs ago is wasn't uncommon and was rationalized somewhat. McConaughey grew up in that time. He's rationalized it; he's forgiven his parents; he's seen how that negative experience played a role in who he is today. It's real. McConaughey sets an example of setting his own boundaries and standards of behavior today wrt his family while at the same time of not just canceling out his parents, like today's "cancel culture" is apt to do. It makes for good discussion.

Marianne Ashby no way objectionable. The language is my only hesitation. But I would still encourage my teenage son to read it, especially if he is interested. McConaughey didn't glorify anything immoral. He discussed how he learned from his life experiences, both the gifts and privileges, the things he worked hard at, and the crap that got thrown at him. In a literary world where so much YA is fantasy and coming-of-age morality messes, MM gives a heartfelt and real look at life with values like gratitude, love, perseverance, giving back, grace. If I were a librarian, I would buy a few copies and put it on a display -- esp in Texas.
**Disclaimer -- lifelong MM fan. View is definitely biased

Tracey Personally I felt him telling us he had wet dreams over and over was TMI.

Pat Padden We're Americans, right? Put it on the shelf. Let them check it out and take it home - which is where this discussion belongs. Maybe you should think about sending a letter to parents at the beginning of every school year explaining that you support the First Amendment, and that you believe that it's up to them, not you, to vet their childrens' reading choices. You're there to run the library. It's their responsibility to raise their children, and being aware of and talking with their kids about what they're reading is part of the awesome challenge of raising a morally and socially responsible child to become a fully-functional adult.

Dianna No he is fascinating but he speaks of having wet dreams, masturbation stealing and all sorts of things. I loved the book but I am quite sure this is not an appropriate book for a high school reading choice.

Shawna Being that you are from Texas, there may be objectionable content to the board members of your district. His parents had a very domestic violence relationship, and the author does not condemn it, but says that it was his parents way of showing their love to one another. He is a great storyteller, but his life is filled with colorful adventures. He is unapologetic about his life choices. I think - frankly, its a great book, however- to impressionable young ,minds, he is not a role model. Although he is very down to earth. But if you are teaching morals beyond simple and basic common decency, this one should wait for an older crowd. I however dont believe in censoring or banning books. But if you are the decision maker, I would read or listen to the audio book yourself to make your decision.

Paco Sanders You can't hide your kids forever.

You kids will eventually have very similar experiences in their adult life and won't be prepared because everything has to be pinkish untill the age of 18.

This book is real life.

Holli I really don’t know if kids ages 14-16 would want to read it. If they do, then they are probably the kind of kids that will do fine with it. I don’t think it is a profound enough book that anyone would recommend to a teenager either. I was listening to it on audio while my 12 year old was in the car and we had some discussion about it, but she had no idea who he even is and didn’t really care. I always like to be able to have discussion starters with my kids and often books bring up those opportunities where you can look at someone else and “judge” the character and so it is a learning lesson and kids don’t have to get defensive of themselves.

Marlana Williams It's perfectly fine in my opinion, remember full-well how I was back then at that age and what I was already subjected to on TV and in films. (Not to mention my own friends!) The fact he is Texan himself should be celebrated in Texas schools, as he has accomplished so much and remains a decent man, which is not a bad role model, if you ask me. The only thing questionable would be his decision to have children before marriage, which I know is something of a sensitive subject for so many religious families, as he does focus on how his mother struggled with this decision of his and how he challenged her on every front about it.

To me, the message is a positive one, but I know I'd have people disagree with this, and that's fine. I believe libraries should give everyone access to all information, not just what they select from their own personal preferences. Aside from that, the entire book is an easy, pleasant read, and if I had to go back in time, I would have loved it if my own school library had carried material such as this for us teens. There are more positive anecdotes that are wonderful take-aways that I think all of us can benefit from, and in the teen-age years, perhaps more so.

Katrina Chambers No way, do not share with anyone under 18. In fact I hope no men between the ages of 18-25 read this as he seems to be advocating doing whatever you like as long as you don't get caught. He also talks alot about drugs, sex and wet dreams (yes gross) so not for kids.

Stoner Well he calls this an approach to life book and there is a story about his brother where a teacher is threatened with his life to not tell his dad about using marijuana. That's not the only case of promoted violence. No way should this be recommended.

Chris Lee-Francis Any teenager would benefit from reading Matthew's story about naked 3am bongo playing, the resulting scene involving the arrival of the police, his refusal to put on clothes, and his proclamations that "my nudity is testament to my innocence, man!"

Lori A. Content aside, the punctuation and grammar are terrible. I know some classic authors shun basic English rules, but Matthew McConaughey certainly isn't in that category. Some good ol' commas and periods (and and editor) would've gone a long way in making this thing readable.

Mitzi No, it's an easy read, and nothing to fear. It's hard enough to find books boys at this age will read. Buy several copies and encourage a book club!

Wil A Emerson I may be an 'old fashioned' mother...but to me, it's an open book door. One that promotes 'do anything, what the hell'. It's all about risky behavior and doesn't present what happens to those that don't walk away from 'adventurous' behavior. Nor does McConaughey present the facts about cost, who pays for his quests to do whatever the hell he wants. It totally glamorizes that hollywood craziness that anything goes. From wet dreams in broad detail to multiple flings (he has the grace not to tell names) and just overall reckless behavior. This is not what I want our young kids to fantasize over. The heroes are those who really contribute. Entertainment is fun. Life is hard work. Respect comes from dealing with real life. I say no to teenage encouragement on this book. The reviews, in my humble opinion, often support these far left, what the hell views. The authors say kids can learn from him....he sure doesn't say enough about how to get your life together. He makes it sound like his is just magic....and then he met a gal and had three kids. Magic?
Common hollywood bluster.

Kelly Whitaker Nothing they don't already see and know. If they wanted to read it, I wouldn't stop them. However, I probably would not choose it for a class. Celebrity antidotes are entertaining, but I wouldn't take advice from someone who can buy a house when he's having a hard day shooting a rom com.

Evelyn Ratcliffe As a parent of now adult children;
Yes, I would have recommended to my children under 18.
No, to a school recommend this book under 18.

Anything with adult choices should have adult guidance, which is something I did not get. I am aware how my life would have shaped differently, possibly better if I had. Also, there should be consideration for the child maturity level and a discussion around the topics included. Every child matures at a different rate. I was very liberal in content recommendations for my children but there was always a discussion about how some choices have impacts and social perceptions have to be considered.

Alisa I havent read all the comments to see if someone mentioned this, but he talks about his wet dreams. The are literal.

Rick Besides what has already been mentioned, there are some very candid references to masturbation. However, there are also some excellent life lessons here and a fair amount of wisdom imparted. I think that age group would appreciate the candor and "edginess" of it so long as it's okay with their parents.

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