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A review by shellballenger
Will by Will Smith, Mark Manson
4.0
Type of read: Commuter Read.
What made me pick it up: I typically enjoy autobiographies, stories from "famous" people on how they got where they are, and inside looks at industries/professionals I enjoy. I have always been a fan of Will Smith and was very much looking forward to reading 'Will.'
Overall rating: I had absolutely no idea of the background of Will Smith. I mean, I knew he rapped and did TV and movies, and I obviously knew I enjoyed what he was putting out into the world, but I didn't know or understand where he came from. "Will" gives you that background in an honest, stripped-down, vulnerable type of way. There were definitely some parts where I was like, ah, you're showing off, but it felt real even in the flauntiness (yes, I know that's not a word but you know what I mean) of it. Here is a man, that's literally just trying to make it. Despite everything that was thrown at him, and everything that he battled internally, he just wanted to make it. I would definitely recommend "Will" if autobiographical books are your vibe.
I enjoyed 'Will' as an audiobook and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to take in this book. Not only is it read by the author, with you being able to hear the emotion in his voice, but there is also added music and story that you may not otherwise get with a printed version. It's more of a performance than a reading.
Reader's Note: "Will" has multiple instances of the N-word, some mildly explicit scenes, and mentions of drugs and drug violence (although, he does a really good job making it a fairly reader-friendly publication). Additionally, I am fully aware of the controversy in 2022 with Smith at the Oscars. That incident has not, and will not, prevent me from taking in media and materials created by or including Smith. Personally, I find cancel culture to be a ridiculous trend that doesn't allow for the grace and understanding that is necessary as human beings. I'm not dismissing inappropriate behavior and I'm not downplaying the negative and hurtful impact it has on those involved, I do however, feel like as a society we hold celebrities and individuals of a certain status to unrealistic expectations and forget that they are humans with feelings, limitations, stressors, and personal lives outside of the spotlight. They are not perfect, alien beings that know how to act in every situation without encountering emotion and controversy.
What made me pick it up: I typically enjoy autobiographies, stories from "famous" people on how they got where they are, and inside looks at industries/professionals I enjoy. I have always been a fan of Will Smith and was very much looking forward to reading 'Will.'
Overall rating: I had absolutely no idea of the background of Will Smith. I mean, I knew he rapped and did TV and movies, and I obviously knew I enjoyed what he was putting out into the world, but I didn't know or understand where he came from. "Will" gives you that background in an honest, stripped-down, vulnerable type of way. There were definitely some parts where I was like, ah, you're showing off, but it felt real even in the flauntiness (yes, I know that's not a word but you know what I mean) of it. Here is a man, that's literally just trying to make it. Despite everything that was thrown at him, and everything that he battled internally, he just wanted to make it. I would definitely recommend "Will" if autobiographical books are your vibe.
I enjoyed 'Will' as an audiobook and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to take in this book. Not only is it read by the author, with you being able to hear the emotion in his voice, but there is also added music and story that you may not otherwise get with a printed version. It's more of a performance than a reading.
Reader's Note: "Will" has multiple instances of the N-word, some mildly explicit scenes, and mentions of drugs and drug violence (although, he does a really good job making it a fairly reader-friendly publication). Additionally, I am fully aware of the controversy in 2022 with Smith at the Oscars. That incident has not, and will not, prevent me from taking in media and materials created by or including Smith. Personally, I find cancel culture to be a ridiculous trend that doesn't allow for the grace and understanding that is necessary as human beings. I'm not dismissing inappropriate behavior and I'm not downplaying the negative and hurtful impact it has on those involved, I do however, feel like as a society we hold celebrities and individuals of a certain status to unrealistic expectations and forget that they are humans with feelings, limitations, stressors, and personal lives outside of the spotlight. They are not perfect, alien beings that know how to act in every situation without encountering emotion and controversy.