A review by quartzmaya
Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story by Arnold Schwarzenegger

2.0


“It's not what you get out of life that counts. Break your mirrors! In our society that is so self-absorbed, begin to look less at yourself and more at each other. you'll get more satisfaction from having improved your neighborhood, your town, your state, your country, and your fellow human beings than you'll ever get from your muscles, your figure, your automobile, your house, or your credit rating”

Although I am only passingly interested in Arnold Schwarzenegger, the bits I have heard about his life journey did sound interesting and unique. However, while his life story is undeniably interesting, the book itself failed to keep me engaged and this book does not do justice to his ambitious journey from a small town Austrian to a Hollywood A-lister and governor.

The narrative starts strong, with engaging anecdotes about his early years and his passion for bodybuilding. These sections are filled with drive and humor. However, as the book progresses into his movie career and political life, it loses its charm and becomes a tedious recounting of events.
The writing feels mechanical and uninspired, lacking the depth and insight that a life as extraordinary as Arnold's deserves. The book often reads like a list of achievements and name-dropping, making it difficult to connect with Schwarzenegger on a personal level. His personality, which is larger-than-life on screen, comes across as flat and unengaging in the book.

Moreover, the latter parts of the autobiography, particularly those detailing his time as the Governor of California, are bogged down with mundane details and political jargon. These sections drag on and detract from the overall narrative, making the book feel overly long and repetitive.
While Arnold's honesty about his mistakes and regrets is commendable, the book often feels self-serving and lacks the introspection that makes for a compelling autobiography. His explanations for his actions, particularly his infidelities, come off as superficial and fail to provide meaningful insight into his character.

In conclusion, while Total Recall offers a glimpse into the life of a truly remarkable individual, it is marred by uninspired writing and a lack of depth.If you're a fan of his, you might find some enjoyment in the anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories, but be prepared for a book that ultimately fails to endear or interest the reader.