I was genuinely surprised by the quality of the writing. I would really like to know how much of it was from Arnold directly (the ghostwriter is Peter Petre). It kept my interest for the whole 650 pages. What I appreciated most was how Arnold approaches his life with a clear goal and a positivity that is carried through the entire book. He's thanking and praising everyone and always turning a problem into a personal challenge.

It was fascinating to see the 'side deals' he mentions such as real estate in Santa Monica. He talks about his payments as a lead actor in various films. I didnt know his wife was part of the Kennedy political family. The child with his housecleaner is mentioned over about 4 pages near the very end. He states plainly at one point that Maria has separated from him but he'd like to be back together with her. There is significant detail as to what happened legislatively while in office.

I have no illusions that every bit of the story was filtered and spun as much as possible, but I feel there was real insight and real history. No matter how its spun, it really is an 'unbelievable story' to go from a small town in Austria, to Mr Olympus, to action hero, to governor.