For some time I had this book on my wishlist, as something I wanted to own, but then I spotted it at my local public library and decided to read it that way. Thank goodness I did. Although I loved Alan Rickman's work (particularly in Dogma and Harry Potter) reading his diaries ended up being a major chore. The foreword and introduction by the editor were excellent, but the meat of this massive tome was very hard to read, both logistically and cognitively. Until about 35% in, when the entries began to mention movies I was familiar with, it barely kept my attention. It wasn't all bad, I want to make clear. There were many moments when I laughed out loud, others that encouraged me as a storyteller, and still others that made me think (especially, seeing the way he lived his life, it's actually no surprise Alan Rickman succumbed to illness in the end. Rather than thinking he was taken from us too soon, I now think it's a miracle he lasted so long). All said, the final line in the afterword did make me tear up 🥲 Thank you for all the joy you continue to bring into the world, Alan Rickman.

Far from I thought it would be and what I was hoping for.  A lot of laundry lists of day to day life, a list of flight times and destinations, food eaten, admittedly too many drinks consumed, and a sadly long list of friends, family, and colleagues dying. 
Interesting to hear his views on ongoing projects, opportunities turned down, and brutal honesty when reviewing productions, shows, movies, music, and other actors. Overall he was more interesting and likable in interview and press clippings. I may know more about his life, but I don’t feel like I’ve gained anything in any aspect from deep diving into a beloved actor’s life. 

I wish there had been more of his illustrations throughout, and I found it difficult to keep up with his name dropping!

I love Alan Rickman. Listening to these personal diary entries was revealing in a way I’m not sure I was 100% comfortable with, knowing that he was gone before this was published. This is the main reason for the lower stars.

This was such an intimate and interesting look at a man know for his stoicism and British wit. I adored hearing his introspective snippets and lovingly harsh reviews of stage and screen performances of his peers. Looking at the daily life of someone so settled in his life and career without the opportunity flowery editing was fascinating.

It doesn’t replace him and what he could have continued to do in theatre and film.

This was never gonna be higher than a 3-star read for me. It was more like calendar & jotted reminders - Tim Allen is obnoxious. I went to the doctor at 3:45 & was diagnosed with psoriasis. - than a deeper exploration of his feelings & experiences.

It was also making me dislike Alan Rickman - he writes a journal entry about how the US is too sensitive about 9/11 on 9/16 - so I chose to quit while I'm ahead.