Making It So

I always love an audio book being narrated by its author. Especially when it comes to memoirs. I enjoyed listening to Sir Patrick tell about his life. What I like the most about memoirs is finding the human experience in them. No matter how big a star the person is, or how important an office they held, they are also just a human. A human with the same hopes and dreams, fears and insecurities, wins and failures, struggles and successes, as you and I. Listening to all the ones experienced by Patrick Stewart was never boring for me. I didn't know a lot about the man, so all the stories he told I listened to with interest, I was happy for him, and sad, anxious too, I laughed, and shed some tears. A good book does that.

His work, while impressive, has never drawn me in as a particularly devoted fan, but his personal character has always impressed me, and his thoughtful warmth pervades the writing…at least for the first half. As time goes on, the pace accelerates, and many details are glossed over as it begins to feel like a list of accolades and accomplishments, with some fun showbiz moments peppered in. He begins with reflection and insight into the challenges in his family of origin; I wish the last part could have given as much care and respect to the two marriages he destroyed and the daughter he alienated.