Will
The instant #1 New York Times bestseller!
“It's the best memoir I've ever read.” —Oprah Winfrey
“Will Smith isn't holding back in his bravely inspiring new memoir . . . An ultimately heartwarming read, Will provides a humane glimpse of the man behind the actor, producer and musician, as he bares all his insecurities and trauma.” —USA Today
Winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Achievement
One of the most dynamic and globally recognized entertainment forces of our time opens up fully about his life, in a brave and inspiring book that traces his learning curve to a place where outer success, inner happiness, and human connection are aligned. Along the way, Will tells the story in full of one of the most amazing rides through the worlds of music and film that anyone has ever had.
Will Smith’s transformation from a West Philadelphia kid to one of the biggest rap stars of his era, and then one of the biggest movie stars in Hollywood history, is an epic tale—but it’s only half the story.
Will Smith thought, with good reason, that he had won at life: not only was his own success unparalleled, his whole family was at the pinnacle of the entertainment world. Only they didn't see it that way: they felt more like star performers in his circus, a seven-days-a-week job they hadn't signed up for. It turned out Will Smith's education wasn't nearly over.
This memoir is the product of a profound journey of self-knowledge, a reckoning with all that your will can get you and all that it can leave behind. Written with the help of Mark Manson, author of the multi-million-copy bestseller The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Will is the story of how one person mastered his own emotions, written in a way that can help everyone else do the same. Few of us will know the pressure of performing on the world's biggest stages for the highest of stakes, but we can all understand that the fuel that works for one stage of our journey might have to be changed if we want to make it all the way home. The combination of genuine wisdom of universal value and a life story that is preposterously entertaining, even astonishing, puts Will the book, like its author, in a category by itself.
“It's the best memoir I've ever read.” —Oprah Winfrey
“Will Smith isn't holding back in his bravely inspiring new memoir . . . An ultimately heartwarming read, Will provides a humane glimpse of the man behind the actor, producer and musician, as he bares all his insecurities and trauma.” —USA Today
Winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Achievement
One of the most dynamic and globally recognized entertainment forces of our time opens up fully about his life, in a brave and inspiring book that traces his learning curve to a place where outer success, inner happiness, and human connection are aligned. Along the way, Will tells the story in full of one of the most amazing rides through the worlds of music and film that anyone has ever had.
Will Smith’s transformation from a West Philadelphia kid to one of the biggest rap stars of his era, and then one of the biggest movie stars in Hollywood history, is an epic tale—but it’s only half the story.
Will Smith thought, with good reason, that he had won at life: not only was his own success unparalleled, his whole family was at the pinnacle of the entertainment world. Only they didn't see it that way: they felt more like star performers in his circus, a seven-days-a-week job they hadn't signed up for. It turned out Will Smith's education wasn't nearly over.
This memoir is the product of a profound journey of self-knowledge, a reckoning with all that your will can get you and all that it can leave behind. Written with the help of Mark Manson, author of the multi-million-copy bestseller The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Will is the story of how one person mastered his own emotions, written in a way that can help everyone else do the same. Few of us will know the pressure of performing on the world's biggest stages for the highest of stakes, but we can all understand that the fuel that works for one stage of our journey might have to be changed if we want to make it all the way home. The combination of genuine wisdom of universal value and a life story that is preposterously entertaining, even astonishing, puts Will the book, like its author, in a category by itself.
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Community Reviews
It was pretty good but I expected to learn more about him and not just his career. He also skipped over a lot of parts to do with his relationship that I thought were very relevant to current events.
Solid 4.5 Stars and the audiobook is The Best Way to enjoy it!
The only reason I didn't give it 5 Stars was because part of me went back and forth MULTIPLE times on being super annoyed by his arrogance and then flipping right back to adoring him.
This book also made me appreciate Jada Pinkett-Smith a lot more. I've never enjoyed her as a performer, however, the saying 'Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.' never resonated more than when I listened to the sections about their marriage. My perceived idea of arrogance coming from her feels so incorrect now.
Overall, if you love Will Smith, and really, who doesn't, this is a Must Listen.
(I listened at 1.1x speed, which is UNHEARD OF for me...I'm usually at 2x, but I needed to hear his story in that mellow, humorous, deep voice of his.)
The only reason I didn't give it 5 Stars was because part of me went back and forth MULTIPLE times on being super annoyed by his arrogance and then flipping right back to adoring him.
This book also made me appreciate Jada Pinkett-Smith a lot more. I've never enjoyed her as a performer, however, the saying 'Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.' never resonated more than when I listened to the sections about their marriage. My perceived idea of arrogance coming from her feels so incorrect now.
Overall, if you love Will Smith, and really, who doesn't, this is a Must Listen.
(I listened at 1.1x speed, which is UNHEARD OF for me...I'm usually at 2x, but I needed to hear his story in that mellow, humorous, deep voice of his.)
Will Smith tells us why he did something, what was right or wrong about it, and gives examples of the philosophy behind what he did. With absolutely honesty this book gives you a high voltage jolt of belief instantly! This is a Master Class for how to do anything. Outstanding book!
The audiobook gave me much joy and perspective. It is not easy to let go but his joy from rapping to reflecting on raising his kids. Amazing!
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