Great fun but also poignant and revealing

I very much enjoyed this peek into the acting life from difficult childhood through to the ups and downs of the stage and the wild ride and unexpected twists of film and TV.

I nearly jumped with astonishment to hear Homer ‘Murph’ Swander’s name after all these years as he was an inspiring teacher of mine at UCSB in the 70s/early 80s and I well remember Stewart, Tony Church and other amazing RSC actors visiting our classroom and offering impromptu scenes from Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet, which we were reading at the time in Murph’s class. I remember first watching Next Generation with my dad and saying hold on, I know that bald guy, he came to my Shakespeare classes in university! Wonderful to hear that (very minor spoiler) Stewart was with Murph when his agent tracked him down to say he’d got the Picard role. Murph’s classes and hearing RSC actors including Stewart read and act and talk about acting all those years back really transformed how I saw theatre and gave me the courage to go see plays, all by myself even! — for the rest of my life so thank you Sir Patrick. So many of us must have developed a love for theatre and Shakespeare thanks to those incredible hours you and your RSC colleagues spent with students of all backgrounds.

As much as I delighted in the STTNG anecdotes I most enjoyed PS’s description of his life up until that point, as a boy, teen and then man navigating the UK theatre world.

You don’t need to be a Star Trek fan to enjoy this fast-paced read — anyone interested in UK theatre in the 50s onwards and the acting life will find this a fascinating listen too.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Utterly glorious

Fabulous memoir. It's so touching, funny, and informative. It's so beautifully read. i felt like he was talking directly to me and telling me an intimate account of his life. Whether a fan in particular of Star Trek, Shakespeare, the theatre or his films, you will be drawn in to all aspects of his life. It's utterly glorious. I never return to re-read or listen to memoirs but will definitely return to this.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Engaging

This was a great listen. It's very important to note this is NOT a Star Trek book but a Patrick Stewart book. If you want Star Trek, grab the "50 Year..." books. Patrick Stewart is obviously much more than just Trek and that's what this book will teach you.

Although Stewart's voice is now less powerful and more ragged, it's still great to listen to and I'm glad I pushed past chapter one when I almost returned it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Sir Patrick my new family member

A roller coaster ride of emotions from start to finish. It felt like I was listening to my grandad sharing wisdom from an amazing lifetime of experiences. Thank you Sir Patrick for sharing what at times must have been difficult for you revisit but is a big part of why you are so special.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

amazing book loved every second

being a massive star trek fan this book was everything and more I hoped it would be it has some wonderful stories of his life it really is amazing how he became such a iconic figure to so many so I would like to say thank for everything you have done for so many

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Beautiful.

As a theatre fan, English lit nerd and absolute Trekkie to my core - what a treat. Beautifully written, executed in a way you’d expect from a Shakespearean actor. Such a lovely insight into a brilliant man. Reflections on love, grief, self image, art. All beautiful.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Best biography of 2023

Best biography of 2023, covering an acting career spanning six decades and a life more than eight, covering the good, the bad and the ugly. Highly recommended, especially with Patrick Stewart’s own narration!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Loved it

All I'd hoped it would be. A wonderful life well lived. A thoroughly enjoyable listen.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Wonderful journey through a fascinating life.

He is a great actor so one should expect him to read this with distinction and he doesn’t disappoint. I got so much pleasure from it. I loved Star Trek Original and then the NG. I have watched both all the through at least 3 times and hearing his memories of NG has rekindled my interest in doing it again. I loved his performance of a Christmas Carol so the brief excerpt was a nice bonus. Thoroughly recommend this audio presentation.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

My first audible biography

A great introduction to audible biography to a man I have fond memories watching as Picard with my grandad. I never realised how up and down his life was and being so honest with his troubles over the many years he has been around. My only complaint is now I've finished this audible but has made me want to watch star trek all over again after so many years

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!