I was watching Matthew McConaughey on Graham Norton’s British talk show about a month ago where he was talking about his new book, Greenlights. Having always been a fan of him as an actor and of his role choices, I was intrigued and wanted to know more. I ordered it immediately.
I made the decision to listen to this book on Audible. The only reason is that Mathew narrates it and honestly, I love his voice. What was surprising to me is to discover he is a natural storyteller.
This book, which I devoured is part memoir, part self-help and lots of ‘notes to self.’ Filled with prescriptions, bumper stickers and poems he has written in journals over the almost 50 years of his life.
We listen to Matthew tell stories from his early days through to today. The first part of the book focuses on his childhood with some funny but seriously shocking parenting. A troubling year of massive weight loss in Australia. His first movie break and a classic simple phrase which will be repeated by many for decades to come. You could literally here “alright, alright, alright” and even those who are not familiar with him know his name and can likely name the movie, Dazed and Confused. We listen to him talk about his very lucrative romantic comedy career that he walked away from to many other movie career choices. We learn of his marriage and children and friendships which have sustained him. The trips he has taken to discover/rediscover himself. All of these stories are genuine, poignant, sometimes funny, sometimes sad but end with an optimistic ‘greenlight’.
What I did miss from not actually reading the book is the photos he refers to throughout, which are not in the audible version.
For me Greenlights is must read or listen to.
