Although I’m fond of memoirs, I’m fairly particular about celebrity memoirs and had not initially considered Henry Winkler’s book. However, I was hooked after sampling his story on BookishFirst, and I was thrilled when Macmillan Audio granted my request through NetGalley.
Overall, Winkler maintained positivity throughout the book, which differs greatly from the memoirs I typically choose. However, he still granted insight into what being Henry entails. I like digging into the emotions that many memoirists offer in their recollections and, despite the lighter tone and humor he used to convey his story, Winkler did allow the reader to comprehend how a number of dark circumstances from his childhood, as well as the enormous obstacles he faced with dyslexia, impacted his life and acting career.
What I especially loved about Henry’s memoir was the way he brought such humanness into the word “celebrity.” It’s easy to forget that someone with fame and fortune has similar struggles and fears as the rest of us. It’s easy to be oblivious to the insecurities they wrestle with. Henry shows readers what a relatable person he is.
I also appreciated his humility in all of this, as he regularly acknowledged his flaws and mishandling of situations. He also helped me understand the many challenges an actor faces within their career, which wasn’t something I had considered too deeply in the past.
I would not call this a fluid read. Winkler tosses us scraps, delivering anecdotes with humor, charm, and pizzazz. It feels like something breezy to lighten the load, but it does have plenty of serious and deeply touching moments. I’m glad that I was lured in by the excerpt I’d read, as everything that followed was quite enjoyable. Henry Winkler was truly a delight to get to know!
I am immensely grateful to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own.
Overall, Winkler maintained positivity throughout the book, which differs greatly from the memoirs I typically choose. However, he still granted insight into what being Henry entails. I like digging into the emotions that many memoirists offer in their recollections and, despite the lighter tone and humor he used to convey his story, Winkler did allow the reader to comprehend how a number of dark circumstances from his childhood, as well as the enormous obstacles he faced with dyslexia, impacted his life and acting career.
What I especially loved about Henry’s memoir was the way he brought such humanness into the word “celebrity.” It’s easy to forget that someone with fame and fortune has similar struggles and fears as the rest of us. It’s easy to be oblivious to the insecurities they wrestle with. Henry shows readers what a relatable person he is.
I also appreciated his humility in all of this, as he regularly acknowledged his flaws and mishandling of situations. He also helped me understand the many challenges an actor faces within their career, which wasn’t something I had considered too deeply in the past.
I would not call this a fluid read. Winkler tosses us scraps, delivering anecdotes with humor, charm, and pizzazz. It feels like something breezy to lighten the load, but it does have plenty of serious and deeply touching moments. I’m glad that I was lured in by the excerpt I’d read, as everything that followed was quite enjoyable. Henry Winkler was truly a delight to get to know!
I am immensely grateful to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own.