Greenlights

Greenlights is a remarkable first book from an already renowned artist. Kind of a mashup of Anthony Bourdain with Ernest Hemingway, McConaughey tells stories with the aplomb of accomplished raconteur. Part memoir, part life guide and part ethic Greenlights is worth reading for many beyond McConaugheys fan base; basically anyone who likes a good mans man adventure story.

Born into the lower middle class in East Texas, McConaughey looks back nostalgically at a childhood few would envy. His parents divorced and remarried each other twice, he was subject to corporal punishment and money was always an issue. Yet he doesnt complain about disadvantage. In fact he honors his parents despite their shortcomings. He adheres to a philosophy of choosing to recalibrate what seems like the inevitable until it turns into a green light or way forward in life.

After a rite of passage involving brawling with a barroom bouncer, McConaughey pursued acting with the drive and hard work ethic that was instilled into him. Finding early success, he choose to live in a way directly opposite to the Hollywood scene. Traveling the country with his dog, going off on expeditions to the middle of Africa and South America, McConaughey sees livin (drop the g to indicate its always a verb) as more than just the material success and creature comforts many of us settle on.

Finally, after years of womanizing, McConaughey settled into a successful monogamous relationship and fulfilled his life long ambition of being a father. Nearly simultaneously he chose to walk away from lucrative rom-coms to focus on something more artistic. Initially successful in winning an Oscar for the Dallas Buyers Club, McConaughey admits that he hasnt achieved the popular success he envisioned. But that is all grist for the mill, experiments in livin that are ongoing.

If this is the kind of man you would like to read about, Greenlights will be an enjoyable and inspirational read. Its rare that a successful actor has such a distinctive off air personality. But if youre turned off by physical conflict, wild adventures and a man who brags about rarely showering alone than Greenlights is not for you.

Personally, while not finding all parts of McConaugheys biography admirable, I found enough of him to be so different than what Hollywood typically churns out that the book was worth reading. Recommended to all who feel theyre similarly traveling in unmapped regions and want to gather around the campfire to hear a fellow wanderers tales.

Worst book ever written. The only redeeming value here is that it gives you a glimpse into the mind of a Narcissist. The writing is, at best, at a Middle School level and the depth of content is yet another level below that. Its so shallow that its laughable. Green light is a testament to the craziness our times – that we celebrate complete airheads like MM. The degree of arrogance and total lack of self-awareness by the Writer/Subject would be shocking if it wasnt so amusing. If there is any order in this universe, 100s of years from now someone will pick this book out of landfill and,after reading the first few pages, be absolutely convinced they have stumbled across one of the greatest parodies ever written about the 21st century.

All races matter. Weve all experienced discrimination. But, this statement takes the cake. Wow!
All lives cant matter until Black Lives Matter more What? Does this make you feel better. This statement was written at the end of the book. I would not have proceeded any further had it been at the beginning.

Amazing book, clever and funny. Not your typical memoir, by design. As a huge fan, I enjoyed it very much. Also just got the audiobook because he narrates it and I wanna give it another round listening to him. If you like him, youre sure to love it.

Already received and enjoying it immensely. Beautifully written with candor, humor and reflective insight. A great read.

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