Will by Will Smith
A Review by SQ
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.
Will Smith’s transformation from a West Philadelphia kid to one of the biggest rap stars of his era, and then one of the biggest movie stars in Hollywood history, is an epic tale — but it’s only half the story.
Will Smith thought, with good reason, that he had won at life: Not only was his own success unparalleled, his whole family was at the pinnacle of the entertainment world. Only they didn't see it that way: They felt more like star performers in his circus, a seven-days-a-week job they hadn't signed up for. It turned out Will Smith's education wasn't nearly over.
This memoir is the product of a profound journey of self-knowledge, a reckoning with all that your will can get you and all that it can leave behind. Written with the help of Mark Manson, author of the multi-million-copy best seller The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Will is the story of how one person mastered his own emotions, written in a way that can help everyone else do the same. Few of us will know the pressure of performing on the world's biggest stages for the highest of stakes, but we can all understand that the fuel that works for one stage of our journey might have to be changed if we want to make it all the way home. The combination of genuine wisdom of universal value and a life story that is preposterously entertaining, even astonishing, puts Will the book, like its author, in a category by itself.
Review Notes
Audio Book Publication Year: 2021
An installment in a Series? No
Narrator (s): Will Smith
So this is the story all about how Will Smith’s life went from clown to crowned. If you have a couple hours, just sit right there. He’ll tell how he went from poor to a millionaire.
This book gives us a close up look into not only what makes Will Smith tick, but the drive behind him that makes him the success that he is. His narration was truly icing on the dramatic cake. His delivery and candor was just as brilliantly delivered as if you were watching him on the TV and evolving on to the silver screen. He’s truly engaging and you can’t wait to hear what comes next.
f I had to say a single thing that I disliked, it was that in his openness and honesty, it completely changed my opinion of a particular person. He loves her and that’s made extremely apparent, but whew!
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: 4 (It’s lit!)
Content Warnings? No.
