Kirkus-Style Review
Greenlights
McConaughey, Matthew | Crown (pp. 289) | $30.00
October 20, 2020 | 9780593139134
“Persist, pivot, or concede. It’s up to us, our choice every time,” McConaughey writes about the curveballs life throws at everyone. To him, getting ahead in life is all about knowing how to spot the “greenlights,” the things that propel us further, learning to take advantage of them at every turn, and learning how to avoid the "redlights" as much as possible. McConaughey’s iconic voice and storytelling are at the forefront of his memoir, bringing the reader into his life and experiences like an old friend catching up over a beer at the bar. He starts from the beginning, detailing anecdotes from his childhood such as his parents' three marriages (to each other), his older brothers earning their father’s respect, and the time his mother helped him win a poetry contest by encouraging him to plagiarize. “Do you understand the poem? Do you like the poem? Then it’s yours,” McConaughey recalls. As he begins breaking into the acting industry, McConaughey gives insight into the lines that drew him to characters and made him want to act certain parts. He of course peppers in his iconic line, “Alright, alright, alright,” from the 1993 film Dazed and Confused, McConaughey’s first acting role. But this celebrity memoir isn’t just a chronicle of success and a perfect life. He goes beyond the soundstages of Hollywood, taking readers with him as he chases a dream he had to the Amazon (which he learns is not in Africa), lives a vagabond life through various trailer parks across the U.S., and searches to fulfill his ultimate longing to become a father. McConaughey brings his story down to earth, providing practical advice and inspiring mantras with more than just a bit of cheekiness at each turn. “The sooner we become less impressed with our life, our accomplishments, our career, our relationships, the prospects in front of us...the sooner we get better at them. We must be more than just happy to be here.”
An intriguing and worthwhile read for fans of McConaughey and those searching for some secrets to happiness.
Not going to lie, I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this when it came out. But his has changed my mind! This sounds like an excellent read (or listen, which is how I'm going to read it) and I am now looking forward to it. Just goes to show how effective positive reviews can be!
ReplyDeleteI can't recommend the audio enough! I wasn't even a huge fan of him before, but now I'm obsessed with him. I was also watching season one of True Detective in tandem, which was also just fantastic.
DeleteHis stories about his mother are hilarious. She told him his whole life he won the Little Mr. Texas pageant, and then one day he looks closer at the picture of him holding the trophy and it says runner-up!
ReplyDeleteThis review was so good! I could definitely see this being professionally published! I don't usually pick up memoirs to read but this made me want to read it. I already want to know more about his mom encouraging him to plagiarize and him traveling to the Amazon.
ReplyDeleteExcellent Kirkus review! I read the book and completely agreed. Your opening and closing lines are great!
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