Good Reads Challenge: (Book Review) Will
Hello friends, happy September and mid-week-Wednesday!
To place the responsibility for your happiness on anybody other than yourself is a recipe for misery. – Will Smith
How is everyone doing? (Whatcha know good) I hope you’re having a positive day, staying hydrated, taking time to spend with friends and family, and enjoying the spoils of September.
I’ve pretty much done all the styling and decorating I’m doing for Fall with the exception of one more picture frame. So I’m hoping to find some treasures at a few local thrift stores over the weekend.
Ask me if am I still reading the same damn book, and that would be yes (“Dark Corners by Ruth Rendall“) I’ve made a promise to myself that if I don’t finish it this weekend then I’m moving on and donating with some other items.
Today I’m sharing my latest book review, Will.
Title | Will
Author | Will Smith & Mark Manson
Pages | 418
Genre | Memior
GR Rating | 4.31
Purchase | Amazon
Synopsis
One of the most dynamic and globally recognized entertainment forces of our time opens up fully about his life, in a brave and inspiring book that traces his learning curve to a place where outer success, inner happiness, and human connection are aligned. Along the way, Will tells the story in full of one of the most amazing rides through the worlds of music and film that anyone has ever had..
My Rating & Review (☆☆☆☆☆)
Quote from Will
“Life isn’t how many breaths you take, but it’s the moments that take your breath away.”
Say what you want about the man, but this book was excellent. It was engaging (told from his perspective) about his upbringing, married life, the Fresh Prince of Bell Air, and yes, all the movies.
What can you say about a book written and narrated by Will Smith …a lot. First, I am biased because Will Smith is a likable person, and of course, I only got the audiobook because he was narrating it …duh, but there was so much more to this memoir than I thought.
Quote from Will
“Fear is not real. It is a product of thoughts you create. Do not misunderstand me. Danger is very real. But fear is a choice.”
Will Smith talks about his humble beginnings, in his up-brining living in a difficult and at times abusive home, and how that environment, would go on to affect the person that he is today. Typical right, but what I didn’t bank on was the complex nature of this person and his need to be funny and be liked by EVERYONE. So much so that it would affect all his relationships going forward.
It’s hard to talk about the book without giving too much away or going into what we already know from his movie and music career, but he talks about his marriage to Jada, and how they came to the epiphany, that they were not going to be responsible for each other’s personal happiness.
Quote from Will
“We spend money that we do not have, on things we do not need, to impress people who do not care.”
Will was influential in the beginnings of his children’s careers, and how growing up in the Smith household, there were no obstacles in achieving what you set your mind to. Will speaks on how he used formulas for his movies to determine box-office position. At the beginning of his movie career, he believed that if he never said no to interviews, fans, and autographs then he certainly would be adorned by all. We know that’s not how things work because in life you have to say no to things for your own personal health.
Besides being a memoir, this is a story about Will’s journey into self-love, self-awareness, and knowledge. Most folks don’t know the pressure of being “on” and performing all the time while having your life be an open book. The need to protect and take care of your family becomes first and foremost in all things.
Quote from Will
“We spend money that we do not have, on things we do not need, to impress people who do not care.”
One could even say that some of his actions were selfish because he thought about himself before his family. That logic comes from how he grew up and thinking if I don’t do well, then how can I take care of you?
This story was eye-opening, and yes with all turmoil surrounding that Oscar slap it’s defiantly worth a read. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook and how it weaved his music, poetry, and life lessons throughout.
Quote from Will
“Never underestimate the pain of a person, because, in all honesty, everyone is struggling. Some people are just better at hiding it than others.”
My Good Reads Challenge Progress
Thanks so much for visiting the blog today. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe, as I really appreciate the support. — Peace
Oh I love a good memoir; this sounds like a wonderful book. Thanks for the recommendation.
It’s good, and yes Will spills some of the tea about everything.