Anything Goes by John Barrowman, Carole E. Barrowman Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $13.99 You Save: $15.96 (53%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.51 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Anything Goes
Book Review: Charming and funny book
Summary: 4 Stars
I didn't expect much from this book - who writes his life story when he's just pushing 40? But this is a fun and funny, stream of consciousness autobiography, roped into some order by his coauthor sister, complete with humorous/explanatory footnoted asides (well, his sister IS an English professor) and lots of great photos of wee John from childhood on up and his beloved and wacky extended family and friends, productions he was in, up to present day Captain Jack on 'Torchwood.' It's written for a British audience, but anyone on either side of the Atlantic would enjoy it. I laughed out loud at several of his stories of various theatrical escapades and disasters. Not surprisingly, the story is just like the actor seems - what you see is what you get - funny, exuberant, charming, a bit naughty, and full of life.Book Review: Charming from start to finish!
Summary: 5 Stars
I actually listened to the audiobook version, read very entertainingly by John Barrowman himself. I can't say whether the book benefits from a slight abridgment, but I suspect it benefits quite a bit by the addition of John Barrowman's always charming delivery. I smiled all the way through, laughed aloud in places, and found myself touched in more.
Besides the look into his life thus far (his coming out tale, for example), the book serves as good introduction to the hard work a professional entertainer has in store for themselves before reaching success (or at least steady employment!) Talent - something John has in almost unfair spades - and looks, another thing John can't truthfully deny he possesses - are not enough. He details the work he put in, the learning he had to do (and his gratitude to his many teachers), as well as his trials (amusing to hear how he didn't get a part he wasn't considered 'gay enough' for) on the long yet interesting road to Doctor Who, Torchwood and becoming a National Treasure.
There's also a smattering of fun "behind the scenes" Doctor Who and Torchwood stories for fans like me!
Book Review: Clear your schedule! It's a hard one to put down!
Summary: 5 Stars
A FANTASTICALLY fun read! It would be worth it for the hilarious footnotes and pictures alone, but his stories of a life well lived are what make you want to hear more. I highly recommend the audiobook as well, even though it is abridged. After hearing him tell his own story, it just makes the unabriged book that much more enjoyable!
Yes, Mr. Barrowman has an ego, and rightfully so. Why shouldn't he? He won the gene pool lottery hands down! He's an exceptional entertainer, which by definition requires a larger than life personality and he's boldly breaking all the stereotypes. The whole point of an autobiography is to give the reader the unvarnished truth and this book accomplishes that with great warmth and humor.
Like he says. . . his ending is not yet written. I'm most definitely staying in my seat for the second act!
Book Review: Entertaining... as usual
Summary: 5 Stars
John Barrowman is a true Entertainer. He and his sister Carole did a wonderful job of weaving laugh out loud and heart wrenching stories together to allow us to have a peek at who John Barrowman is and how he became the man he is today. I could gush on, but I won't. Love him, thoroughly enjoyed the book.Book Review: Funny and Informative
Summary: 4 Stars
John Barrowman's autobiography is a pleasant chat with a friend peppered with stories from an interesting life. After finishing the book I felt I had some insight into his life and understanding what motivated Mr. Barrowman. I recommend this book for a good read. It gives you insight of how one makes it in the world of Musical Theater and how charm and talent leads to success in acting.