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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.
418 pages, Hardcover
First published November 9, 2021
About the author
Will Smith
9 books720 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Will Smith is an actor, producer and musician, two-time Academy Award nominee, Grammy Award and NAACP award winner who has enjoyed a diverse career encompassing films, television and multi-platinum records.
Starting as a rapper in 1985, Smith is best known for his acting roles in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, I AM LEGEND, the BAD BOYS and MEN IN BLACK film series, HITCH and most recently, ALADDIN. His vast filmography also includes transformative portrayals of true-life icons in ALI and THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS, both which garnered him Academy Award nominations, as well as his role in CONCUSSION. Smith recently produced and starred in 2020’s biggest box office hit, BAD BOYS FOR LIFE, in addition to producing and appearing in HBO Max’s emotional and most watched, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” 30th Anniversary Reunion special.
Next up, Smith will produce and star as Richard Williams, infamous father of American icons Venus and Serena Williams, in Warner Brothers’ KING RICHARD, which will release on November 19th. This summer, Smith begins production on Apple’s upcoming scripted action thriller EMANCIPATION, directed by Antoine Fuqua, and produced by his Westbrook Studios.
In 2019, Smith launched his media company, Westbrook Inc. alongside Jada Pinkett Smith, Miguel Melendez and Kosaku Yada, which focuses on empowering artists to tell stories that connect with a global audience. Westbrook houses Westbrook Studios, Westbrook Media, the digital content studio, social media management, and creative brand incubator, and direct to consumer business, Good Goods. Westbrook Studios is home to the Emmy® nominated Facebook Watch series, "Red Table Talk" and is rapidly expanding its footprint in entertainment, serving as the studio home to all new premium TV and motion picture projects. Smith will serve as a producer through Westbrook on his upcoming projects including KING RICHARD, EMANCIPATION, and PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES. Westbrook Media most recently produced KING RICHARD and EMANCIPATION. Additionally, they produced the 30th anniversary reunion special of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and the Snap series “Will From Home.” In response to the stay-at-home order “Will From Home” featured appearances by Smith's family, celebrity friends and everyday people who were also isolating indoors. The media company also recently announced Peacock’s unprecedented two season order of “Bel-Air,” a dramatic reimagining of the Fresh Prince series. He and his wife also founded the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation to benefit inner-city community development, youth educational projects and under-privileged children and their families.
Will Smith is an actor, producer and musician, two-time Academy Award nominee, Grammy Award and NAACP award winner who has enjoyed a diverse career encompassing films, television and multi-platinum records.
Starting as a rapper in 1985, Smith is best known for his acting roles in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, I AM LEGEND, the BAD BOYS and MEN IN BLACK film series, HITCH and most recently, ALADDIN. His vast filmography also includes transformative portrayals of true-life icons in ALI and THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS, both which garnered him Academy Award nominations, as well as his role in CONCUSSION. Smith recently produced and starred in 2020’s biggest box office hit, BAD BOYS FOR LIFE, in addition to producing and appearing in HBO Max’s emotional and most watched, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” 30th Anniversary Reunion special.
Next up, Smith will produce and star as Richard Williams, infamous father of American icons Venus and Serena Williams, in Warner Brothers’ KING RICHARD, which will release on November 19th. This summer, Smith begins production on Apple’s upcoming scripted action thriller EMANCIPATION, directed by Antoine Fuqua, and produced by his Westbrook Studios.
In 2019, Smith launched his media company, Westbrook Inc. alongside Jada Pinkett Smith, Miguel Melendez and Kosaku Yada, which focuses on empowering artists to tell stories that connect with a global audience. Westbrook houses Westbrook Studios, Westbrook Media, the digital content studio, social media management, and creative brand incubator, and direct to consumer business, Good Goods. Westbrook Studios is home to the Emmy® nominated Facebook Watch series, "Red Table Talk" and is rapidly expanding its footprint in entertainment, serving as the studio home to all new premium TV and motion picture projects. Smith will serve as a producer through Westbrook on his upcoming projects including KING RICHARD, EMANCIPATION, and PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES. Westbrook Media most recently produced KING RICHARD and EMANCIPATION. Additionally, they produced the 30th anniversary reunion special of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and the Snap series “Will From Home.” In response to the stay-at-home order “Will From Home” featured appearances by Smith's family, celebrity friends and everyday people who were also isolating indoors. The media company also recently announced Peacock’s unprecedented two season order of “Bel-Air,” a dramatic reimagining of the Fresh Prince series. He and his wife also founded the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation to benefit inner-city community development, youth educational projects and under-privileged children and their families.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,188 reviews
February 7, 2022
Near the end of Will Smith’s 2021 autobiography, Will, he shares how in recent years he’s taken ayahuasca (the South American psychedelic) several times, and during one such experience a female presence he named “Mother” simply repeated to him, “Stop talking” over and over again.
After listening to him narrate the 16-hour audiobook, more relatable words were never spoken.
I’m fairly neutral on Smith, aka The Fresh Prince aka Willard aka Big Willy. Essentially I don’t mind if he’s in a movie I’m watching, but I probably didn’t start watching it just because he’s in it. I love great audiobooks though, so snagging this on my library app was a no-brainer after seeing its very high ratings.
I did get jiggy wit all the music interspersed throughout the stories, and I loved hearing about his childhood in Philadelphia and the early days of his success with Jazzy Jeff in the exploding hip hop scene. Even the origin story of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” fascinated me. But once he became THE BIGGEST MOVIE STAR OF ALL TIME, he lost me.
Isn’t that weird? Typically when you read a Hollywood tome you’re in it for the juicy celebrity bits and have to wade through the blah blah blah rags to get to the rah rah rah riches. The issue here is that Smith’s ego so overtakes the narrative that it’s hard to see him as the sympathetic character he wants to be. Readers/listeners are repeatedly told how awesome he his, including during a game of Monopoly with his wife and kids that he breaks down play-by-painful-play. The result is that my neutrality on the guy tipped toward the negative. It’s not often I end up liking a subject less at the end of an autobiography, and I certainly didn’t expect that to happen here.
I do keep referring to this as an autobiography rather than a memoir, because it’s a pretty exhaustive look at his entire life. Though maybe it’s a biography, since he has a credited co-author, Mark Manson. I didn’t love Manson’s The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F#ck, so perhaps that’s part of it.
I don’t regret listening to Will, but I sure was glad when it was over.
Now I’ll take Mother’s sage advice and stop talking.
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
After listening to him narrate the 16-hour audiobook, more relatable words were never spoken.
I’m fairly neutral on Smith, aka The Fresh Prince aka Willard aka Big Willy. Essentially I don’t mind if he’s in a movie I’m watching, but I probably didn’t start watching it just because he’s in it. I love great audiobooks though, so snagging this on my library app was a no-brainer after seeing its very high ratings.
I did get jiggy wit all the music interspersed throughout the stories, and I loved hearing about his childhood in Philadelphia and the early days of his success with Jazzy Jeff in the exploding hip hop scene. Even the origin story of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” fascinated me. But once he became THE BIGGEST MOVIE STAR OF ALL TIME, he lost me.
Isn’t that weird? Typically when you read a Hollywood tome you’re in it for the juicy celebrity bits and have to wade through the blah blah blah rags to get to the rah rah rah riches. The issue here is that Smith’s ego so overtakes the narrative that it’s hard to see him as the sympathetic character he wants to be. Readers/listeners are repeatedly told how awesome he his, including during a game of Monopoly with his wife and kids that he breaks down play-by-painful-play. The result is that my neutrality on the guy tipped toward the negative. It’s not often I end up liking a subject less at the end of an autobiography, and I certainly didn’t expect that to happen here.
I do keep referring to this as an autobiography rather than a memoir, because it’s a pretty exhaustive look at his entire life. Though maybe it’s a biography, since he has a credited co-author, Mark Manson. I didn’t love Manson’s The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F#ck, so perhaps that’s part of it.
I don’t regret listening to Will, but I sure was glad when it was over.
Now I’ll take Mother’s sage advice and stop talking.
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
April 2, 2022
I was able to binge listen to the Will Smith memoir and I enjoyed every minute! I pre-ordered the physical book but I also got access to the audio book from Penguin Random House Audio and I am so glad! If you can, I HIGHLY recommend listening to this one. Will narrating it himself makes it wonderful but the addition of music and other audio clips makes this one of the most entertaining audio books that I have experienced. Will reading his own story plays directly into his strengths as a storyteller and entertainer that added emotion and impact to his anecdotes. Is Will Smith a bit self aggrandizing and sometimes comes off a bit boastful? Yes, but witnessing a Black man recognizing and being proud of the amazing things that he has been able to do just does not bother me at all. Smith is self assured and a little boastful in that he knows that many of the things he accomplished were groundbreaking, but he always acknowledges that he in no way got to where is alone or even solely on his own merits. His personal growth and challenges have been interesting to hear from his perspective. I'll have a bit of an audio book hangover now that it's done. I will at some point either listen to it again or read the physical book because there are several things that I wanted to tab and didn't.
***I received an ALC from the publisher.***
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monica Is Reading*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
***I received an ALC from the publisher.***
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monica Is Reading*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
November 23, 2021
It’s Will. He delivers a good performance. What he is narrating is a very specific story that is geared toward a self-help rhetoric; unfortunately a fairly redundant one. You cannot make yourself happy by making money, you have to nurture yourself. So, the real reason to consume this is for the performance and the entertainment value while navigating to that point.
He goes into his fear of being a coward, but doesn’t really link it to gender roles or anything much beyond the fact that his dad was just like that. He tells you that his father was physically abusive and at one point, even while getting side tracked running to get some smokes, his dad told him that every single thing he does a mission. You either succeed, or you’re dead. Yes, his dad was in the army. And yes, Will’s success coming from a trauma response makes a heck of a lot of sense. Though, we also learn other key people literally in one room mostly was the reason he made it, an orchestration of Quincy Jones.
And then… with these things established, he simply launches into his career and highlights and his macro level trajectory to massive success. The vulnerability never really comes back. And I’m not very convinced it was ever really present.
To be honest, this book is calculating. There is a performative vulnerability at key sections fostering trust between the reader and Will. And, to be clear, that’s a fine way to construct this kind of a story. But, he often displays a lack of critical self awareness and skates over accountability in favour of easy contrition. I promise you that if you take all the possessions of your partner, pour lighter fluid on them, and then light them all when she arrives home to witness this act, you are not a well person. And frankly, saying she didn’t deserve that and moving on, and you were both young yada yada, is one thing. But he tries to isolate that event. Except… between the lines or in passing—presumably he thinks some of these things aren’t a big deal?—there is even more concerning behaviour. All of which mostly just made me think that he was a person that confronted his trauma far too late for those around him.
Ultimately, he navigates to an almost comical ending for me. He ends up going on the spiritual awakening journey and doing pseudo-mystical, drug induced trips, hires a life coach therapist because he doesn’t know who he is (as if that’s a singular experience at mid life). He also comes to the realization that memory isn’t a video, but a personal rendering that is not accurate. Or that, and I am not kidding here, other peoples’ feelings actually matter and should be considered. If you’re 20 maybe some of these epiphanies will be profound to you, but his own journey ultimately conforms to an archetypical journey, which only adds to the sterility and artificial aspects within the structure of the book. That’s why it was comical to me. Don’t get me wrong: I’m glad he’s doing some work on himself and is in a good place now, at 50 years old, but make no mistake, this is, and feels like, a performance that is most likely simply another tick off the bucket list—rather than a wholehearted reckoning and self-examination of an individual.
He goes into his fear of being a coward, but doesn’t really link it to gender roles or anything much beyond the fact that his dad was just like that. He tells you that his father was physically abusive and at one point, even while getting side tracked running to get some smokes, his dad told him that every single thing he does a mission. You either succeed, or you’re dead. Yes, his dad was in the army. And yes, Will’s success coming from a trauma response makes a heck of a lot of sense. Though, we also learn other key people literally in one room mostly was the reason he made it, an orchestration of Quincy Jones.
And then… with these things established, he simply launches into his career and highlights and his macro level trajectory to massive success. The vulnerability never really comes back. And I’m not very convinced it was ever really present.
To be honest, this book is calculating. There is a performative vulnerability at key sections fostering trust between the reader and Will. And, to be clear, that’s a fine way to construct this kind of a story. But, he often displays a lack of critical self awareness and skates over accountability in favour of easy contrition. I promise you that if you take all the possessions of your partner, pour lighter fluid on them, and then light them all when she arrives home to witness this act, you are not a well person. And frankly, saying she didn’t deserve that and moving on, and you were both young yada yada, is one thing. But he tries to isolate that event. Except… between the lines or in passing—presumably he thinks some of these things aren’t a big deal?—there is even more concerning behaviour. All of which mostly just made me think that he was a person that confronted his trauma far too late for those around him.
Ultimately, he navigates to an almost comical ending for me. He ends up going on the spiritual awakening journey and doing pseudo-mystical, drug induced trips, hires a life coach therapist because he doesn’t know who he is (as if that’s a singular experience at mid life). He also comes to the realization that memory isn’t a video, but a personal rendering that is not accurate. Or that, and I am not kidding here, other peoples’ feelings actually matter and should be considered. If you’re 20 maybe some of these epiphanies will be profound to you, but his own journey ultimately conforms to an archetypical journey, which only adds to the sterility and artificial aspects within the structure of the book. That’s why it was comical to me. Don’t get me wrong: I’m glad he’s doing some work on himself and is in a good place now, at 50 years old, but make no mistake, this is, and feels like, a performance that is most likely simply another tick off the bucket list—rather than a wholehearted reckoning and self-examination of an individual.
December 14, 2021
Will Smith portrayed ‘himself’ as a funny - animated - immodest - all-consuming ‘Will-Wonderful’, guy.
His stories were at times fascinating:
…..A basketball figure-skater-little nine-year-old Will image cracked me up!! 🏀⛸…..
……stories about his father, mother, brother, kids on the playground— ‘growing years’ were ‘each’ fascinating: real, brutal, thought-provoking….and ‘understanding’.
His self-preservation strategies were heartrending.
…….Will’s cowboy boot wearing phase as a kid was endearing.👢
……Learning about the depths of Will’s imagination [silliness encouraged by his mama combined with his mothers emphasis on Will’s seriousness for education] - was impelling…..
But….
my goodness Will’s overly *me, me, me*…..*Will, Will, Will* ….was ‘on-the-edge’….hair-raising….straight-shooting….swaggering-egotistical-down right cocky-boastful…self-admiring…self-importance - semi-flaunting …..exhausting at times too.
The intensity of Will’s ‘narrative-persuasive voice’ was two-fold/and two-fold:
…..”annoying & lovable ….
And
…..lovable & annoying”.
Will’s exaggerated tone was - at times - excessive and overpowering….
….especially his ‘coup de grace’ resistance to play Muhamed Ali……
hyperbolized ….
embellished monumental elaborate grandiloquence declaration.
Note: Will Smith gave an unforgettable performance—his portrayal of the boxer Muhammad Ali received widespread commercial success.
Will Smith has been called the most powerful actor in Hollywood more than once…
Clearly Will Smith is a dedicated actor in comedy, and drama. His onscreen popularity persona is likable….
He’s also a professional rapper…
Talented and successful…
….but
Will’s ‘need’ to please -‘to be’ loved … to overly entertain us … in ‘this’ memoir is a combination of sweet and sour.
3.6-3.8 rating ….
His stories were at times fascinating:
…..A basketball figure-skater-little nine-year-old Will image cracked me up!! 🏀⛸…..
……stories about his father, mother, brother, kids on the playground— ‘growing years’ were ‘each’ fascinating: real, brutal, thought-provoking….and ‘understanding’.
His self-preservation strategies were heartrending.
…….Will’s cowboy boot wearing phase as a kid was endearing.👢
……Learning about the depths of Will’s imagination [silliness encouraged by his mama combined with his mothers emphasis on Will’s seriousness for education] - was impelling…..
But….
my goodness Will’s overly *me, me, me*…..*Will, Will, Will* ….was ‘on-the-edge’….hair-raising….straight-shooting….swaggering-egotistical-down right cocky-boastful…self-admiring…self-importance - semi-flaunting …..exhausting at times too.
The intensity of Will’s ‘narrative-persuasive voice’ was two-fold/and two-fold:
…..”annoying & lovable ….
And
…..lovable & annoying”.
Will’s exaggerated tone was - at times - excessive and overpowering….
….especially his ‘coup de grace’ resistance to play Muhamed Ali……
hyperbolized ….
embellished monumental elaborate grandiloquence declaration.
Note: Will Smith gave an unforgettable performance—his portrayal of the boxer Muhammad Ali received widespread commercial success.
Will Smith has been called the most powerful actor in Hollywood more than once…
Clearly Will Smith is a dedicated actor in comedy, and drama. His onscreen popularity persona is likable….
He’s also a professional rapper…
Talented and successful…
….but
Will’s ‘need’ to please -‘to be’ loved … to overly entertain us … in ‘this’ memoir is a combination of sweet and sour.
3.6-3.8 rating ….
December 6, 2021
LOVED IT — If you told me back in January that Will Smith’s memoir would end up being one of my favorite reads of this year, I would’ve been skeptical.
I mean I like Will, I’ve been a fan most of my life — I owned the Big Willie Style cd in elementary school, watched Fresh Prince reruns growing up, liked Men in Black, laughed a lot at Hitch, and loved Seven Pounds … you get the idea. I just didn’t expect to be so blown away by his story, parts of which resonated deeply with me, despite having different lives.
I listened to the audiobook of Will, which Will narrates. He does a great job and is a true performer, bringing different voices and music clips at fitting moments. You can hear his authentic emotion throughout the book. There are lots of funny moments but also many heartfelt and serious ones.
I learned a lot I didn’t know too — Jada grew up in Baltimore and was close friends with Tupac. Will is a big reader and loved The Alchemist, which is still my personal, forever favorite book!
While most of our lives are much different than Will’s, there’s a takeaway for everyone in his story. An excellent surprise of a book.
I mean I like Will, I’ve been a fan most of my life — I owned the Big Willie Style cd in elementary school, watched Fresh Prince reruns growing up, liked Men in Black, laughed a lot at Hitch, and loved Seven Pounds … you get the idea. I just didn’t expect to be so blown away by his story, parts of which resonated deeply with me, despite having different lives.
I listened to the audiobook of Will, which Will narrates. He does a great job and is a true performer, bringing different voices and music clips at fitting moments. You can hear his authentic emotion throughout the book. There are lots of funny moments but also many heartfelt and serious ones.
I learned a lot I didn’t know too — Jada grew up in Baltimore and was close friends with Tupac. Will is a big reader and loved The Alchemist, which is still my personal, forever favorite book!
While most of our lives are much different than Will’s, there’s a takeaway for everyone in his story. An excellent surprise of a book.
December 9, 2021
So, I am confused ...is he the "biggest", most famous, richest movie star in the US or the World or the universe?
Found this book to be interesting and yet exhausting...just wonder if it would have been slightly more enjoyable if he stopped mentioning how wonderful and famous he is.
Found this book to be interesting and yet exhausting...just wonder if it would have been slightly more enjoyable if he stopped mentioning how wonderful and famous he is.
November 18, 2021
Biggest ego in Hollywood turns in a surprisingly inept memoir that is filled with his verbal vomit (he admits that from childhood he can't shut up). There are a few good stories, but for the most part it is him bragging non-stop about his fame and riches. It's almost shocking how many dozens or hundreds of times he repeats how famous he is. He should be embarrassed.
Some fans are going to praise him for spilling his guts on his internal struggles of self-acceptance, his sex life with his wife Jada (who comes across as crazy in this book) or his dealing with an abusive father (who he really slams though Will owes his entire career to his dad allowing him to skip college). But Smith avoids a number of major subjects as well as giving almost no details about how is movies were made. While he's rambling on about growing up in Philly (not that exciting) or being a father to kids that are rather odd, he manages to prove that he still has a big wall up about who he really is.
This guy must be the most insecure human on the planet based on how often he strokes his ego. Some may call it a "humble brag" but this has more self-praising statements than any memoir I've ever read (and I've read over 750). Probably more than all the others I've read together. The fake humility that he tries to use to make us feel sorry for him come across as another acting job.
It's also offensive to see his regular use of the N-word. Totally inappropriate in this era and leads to the question--why is he allowed to get away with it? If it's simply because of his color then he's being racist to go along with some of his sexist comments. He doesn't say much about the women he must have bedded but he seems to subtly demean the women he committed himself to.
It needed a strong co-writer and good editor to channel all the hyper tangents Smith goes off on. A third (or more) is wasted energy. The book even has factual errors in it, funny for a guy who claims to be a perfectionist. Add the quasi-spiritual turn he makes near the end (where again he brags) and the whole thing becomes an eye-rolling mess. He goes to South America for a regular routine of mind-altering substances, yet with a straight face says he doesn't do drugs. There nothing to admire about the guy in this autobiography other than his audacity to think he's so great--if he read his own book he'd discover how truly imperfect he is.
Some fans are going to praise him for spilling his guts on his internal struggles of self-acceptance, his sex life with his wife Jada (who comes across as crazy in this book) or his dealing with an abusive father (who he really slams though Will owes his entire career to his dad allowing him to skip college). But Smith avoids a number of major subjects as well as giving almost no details about how is movies were made. While he's rambling on about growing up in Philly (not that exciting) or being a father to kids that are rather odd, he manages to prove that he still has a big wall up about who he really is.
This guy must be the most insecure human on the planet based on how often he strokes his ego. Some may call it a "humble brag" but this has more self-praising statements than any memoir I've ever read (and I've read over 750). Probably more than all the others I've read together. The fake humility that he tries to use to make us feel sorry for him come across as another acting job.
It's also offensive to see his regular use of the N-word. Totally inappropriate in this era and leads to the question--why is he allowed to get away with it? If it's simply because of his color then he's being racist to go along with some of his sexist comments. He doesn't say much about the women he must have bedded but he seems to subtly demean the women he committed himself to.
It needed a strong co-writer and good editor to channel all the hyper tangents Smith goes off on. A third (or more) is wasted energy. The book even has factual errors in it, funny for a guy who claims to be a perfectionist. Add the quasi-spiritual turn he makes near the end (where again he brags) and the whole thing becomes an eye-rolling mess. He goes to South America for a regular routine of mind-altering substances, yet with a straight face says he doesn't do drugs. There nothing to admire about the guy in this autobiography other than his audacity to think he's so great--if he read his own book he'd discover how truly imperfect he is.
November 23, 2021
This may be one of the most honest and inspiring memoirs I've ever read.
March 30, 2022
Me decidí por la versión audio libro por estar narrada por el propio Will Smith. 16 horas de cháchara.
Empieza bien, contando sobre su infancia en Philadelphia y sus andanzas con Jezzy Jeff en los albores de la explosión hip hop que primero arrasó en América y luego en el resto del planeta. Luego llegó “El príncipe de Bel Air” (también apasionante esa parte) y aquello ya fue el acabose. Pero, a partir de ahí, nos narra su transformación en estrella mundial intergaláctica (y con razón, pues puede presumir de récords de taquilla como pocos contemporáneos) y yo empiezo a sentirme un poco desconectado de su narración. Es como si desde ese momento lo que me cuenta me sonase a impostado, intentando caer bien a diestro y siniestro. Y luego caigo en la cuenta de que “Will” fue
co-escrita por Mark Manson, el de “El sutil arte de que te importe un carajo…”, y ya todo me empieza a cuadrar. Coaching literario y emocional. Lo que podría haber sido una biografía honesta e interesante se convierte en un manual de “cómo si crees en dios y te esfuerzas al máximo cada día, llegarás hasta donde tú te propongas y bla, bla, bla”. Todo ello aderezado con bastantes tacos y mucha música. Y por si no tienes claro el éxito tanto personal como de sus películas, Will te lo va a recordar cada 5 minutos.
Indudablemente que Will ha vivido (y lo que le quede, que espero sea mucho) una vida fascinante en todos los sentidos. Y también ha pasado (como celebrity que es) por todas las excentricidades habidas y por haber, incluídas entrenador personal para afrontar todo tipo de situaciones, ceremonias espirituales con uso de drogas místicas (aunque Will asegura no tomarlas), salto en paracaídas desde el Gran Cañón, etc, etc. Pero, cuanto más avanzaba la narración, más desconectaba yo de la misma. No sé muy bien lo que ha querido contarme, aparte de que tiene el ego muy crecidito. Y ojo, que Will Smith me cae genial desde siempre, pues he sido seguidor desde “El príncipe” hasta sus últimas películas. Pero no me esperaba (a pesar de Manson) otro libro de auto ayuda como los miles que abundan en las estanterías. Y eso es lo que creo que he encontrado aquí. Y yo esperaba otra cosa. Sobre todo, cotilleos y anécdotas sobre sus numerosos rodajes y sobre el ambiente de Hollywood en particular. De eso, algún breve retazo. Me han parecido 16 horas de asistencia al sermón de un pastor desde el atrio de cualquier iglesia evangelista.
Evidentemente, de la bofetada a Chris Rock en la ceremonia de los Oscar no vais a encontrar nada. Deberéis esperar a su siguiente entrega. Que, con lo crecidito que está, no creo que tarde muchos años en publicar. Pero yo no creo que la lea. He tenido suficiente con esta.
November 26, 2021
Wow I’m really not a fan. There are some fun stories in this book, and I suspect big Will Smith fans may be highly entertained by his stories…However I felt this book lacked depth and honesty. I don’t believe the author himself has done enough self reflective work. It seems he has perhaps begun some self work towards the end of this book - this actor certainly knows how to say the right things- but I felt that he has yet to apply that knowledge to examine his life. Perhaps this memoir would have been better written in 10 or 20 years from now after the self work kicked in.
I do admire his passion and hard work, but that could have and should have been summarized in 100 pages. Despite it being technically well written - thank you Mark Mason- I was truly bored at times due to lack of insight as well as an abundance of superfluous information. For example, he lists off the exact number of soundtrack or movie sales, calls himself the biggest (movie/rap) star in the world repeatedly, then claims it is not about him and he’s not flexing. Lmao. His arrogance, lack of self-awareness/self-education is a terrible combination for a memoir. He read his first book in his 20s; it is not at all surprising that The Alchemist is one of his favorite books.
The way he treats women irks me, but one may not notice the gravity unless one is good at noticing what he is NOT saying. All his love interests overlap, he always has a back up ready to go before his last relationship ends, yet claims utter devotion to most of these women. How are you so devoted yet keeping a backup? He just seems controlling while imposing a double standard. For example, he mentions going out of his way for Jada’s bday to ‘fix’ their problems, but there no real dialogue on what is actually wrong (aside from implying it’s her fault as she is not a happy person on her own). How clueless to think bday events can fix marital issues. Her reaction about his display of ego was spot on! Sometimes, his only self reflection after doing something insane (such as setting someone’s possessions on fire) is simply “I regret that, she didn’t deserve to be treated that way”. That’s it Willard?! Perhaps a little dramatic, but I regret reading this book as I will never be able to fully enjoy one of his movies or shows the same way again.
The extra star is for Mark Mason’s writing and Will’s performance as an actor.
I do admire his passion and hard work, but that could have and should have been summarized in 100 pages. Despite it being technically well written - thank you Mark Mason- I was truly bored at times due to lack of insight as well as an abundance of superfluous information. For example, he lists off the exact number of soundtrack or movie sales, calls himself the biggest (movie/rap) star in the world repeatedly, then claims it is not about him and he’s not flexing. Lmao. His arrogance, lack of self-awareness/self-education is a terrible combination for a memoir. He read his first book in his 20s; it is not at all surprising that The Alchemist is one of his favorite books.
The way he treats women irks me, but one may not notice the gravity unless one is good at noticing what he is NOT saying. All his love interests overlap, he always has a back up ready to go before his last relationship ends, yet claims utter devotion to most of these women. How are you so devoted yet keeping a backup? He just seems controlling while imposing a double standard. For example, he mentions going out of his way for Jada’s bday to ‘fix’ their problems, but there no real dialogue on what is actually wrong (aside from implying it’s her fault as she is not a happy person on her own). How clueless to think bday events can fix marital issues. Her reaction about his display of ego was spot on! Sometimes, his only self reflection after doing something insane (such as setting someone’s possessions on fire) is simply “I regret that, she didn’t deserve to be treated that way”. That’s it Willard?! Perhaps a little dramatic, but I regret reading this book as I will never be able to fully enjoy one of his movies or shows the same way again.
The extra star is for Mark Mason’s writing and Will’s performance as an actor.
February 21, 2022
I am really enjoying this book very much. I learn a lot from Will.
“Stop thinking about the damn wall”
“There is no wall. There are only bricks. Your job is to lay this brick perfectly. Then the next one. Don’t be worrying about no wall. Your only concern is one brick.”
I know that every single breath I take is a gift. And it’s impossible to be unhappy when you’re grateful.
Bruce Lee said, “It is better to be warrior in a garden, then a gardener in a war.”
Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.
It’s not something you get, it’s something you cultivate through giving.
This book recommends a lot of good books.
“Stop thinking about the damn wall”
“There is no wall. There are only bricks. Your job is to lay this brick perfectly. Then the next one. Don’t be worrying about no wall. Your only concern is one brick.”
I know that every single breath I take is a gift. And it’s impossible to be unhappy when you’re grateful.
Bruce Lee said, “It is better to be warrior in a garden, then a gardener in a war.”
Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.
It’s not something you get, it’s something you cultivate through giving.
This book recommends a lot of good books.
May 13, 2022
This was honestly life changing and perspective altering. This book and it’s many lessons is something I will revisit time and time again.
Read
October 7, 2021I have been working on a translation of this book for the past two months, so I really don't feel like I can give it a fair rating one way or another. I will say it's an impressively written and constructed memoir, even if you're not too interested in Will Smith as a person. He covers topics like the early years of hip-hop, DJ-ing and MC-ing, music production, TV, Hollywood movies and the inner workings thereof — Will Smith had his hand in all of those and his perspective on most things is unique and often quite fascinating. He also delves deep into psychology and psyche, philosophy, his childhood and upbringing in West Philadelphia, and his relationships with parents, family and friends, including many other famous ones. Will Smith fans should definitely check it out, but even if you aren't one of them, the man lived a fascinating life and he tells his story well. Plus, if you're at all interested in any of the topics I mentioned, you'll find heaps of cool insider information here. I enjoyed working on this book very much, and can't wait to see it out in print soon!
November 13, 2021
Click here to hear my thoughts on this book over on my Booktube channel, abookolive.
Will is the memoir/autobiography (or something in between) of actor, musician, and all-around global superstar Will Smith. It’s highly focused on the lessons he learned from all the periods of his life he discusses, zooming in on particular times in his life and leaning away from certain touchy subjects (like scientology and his separation). The book is full of Smith’s effervescence and co-writer Mark Manson (author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life) helped to make this a fun, rewarding read. It’s the perfect book for Will Smith fans (like myself), especially leading into New Year’s Resolution season!
Will is the memoir/autobiography (or something in between) of actor, musician, and all-around global superstar Will Smith. It’s highly focused on the lessons he learned from all the periods of his life he discusses, zooming in on particular times in his life and leaning away from certain touchy subjects (like scientology and his separation). The book is full of Smith’s effervescence and co-writer Mark Manson (author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life) helped to make this a fun, rewarding read. It’s the perfect book for Will Smith fans (like myself), especially leading into New Year’s Resolution season!
December 15, 2021
I thought Will Smith was supposed to be likable? I’ve always been indifferent, liking Fresh Prince, but not many of his films. I’m just gonna say it: This is one of the worst celebrity memoirs I’ve ever read. It’s an incessant boasting of fame and riches. He uttered some iteration of his being “the biggest movie star in the world” so often, I wish I’d kept count. Humble, he is not. Very little of this felt sincere. Massively disappointing.
November 21, 2022
Wow! This book and its powerful leadership and life lessons will be with me for a very long time.
Will Smith's biggest regret is not standing up for his mom when his dad punched her. He has always viewed himself as a coward.
His father taught him an incredible work ethic that helped Will outwork and outperform his peers. He initially started out as a rapper. His grandmother asked him to not use any profanity in his lyrics. He and his partner, DJ Jazzy Jeff, received the first Grammy for a rap song---Parents Just Don't Understand. They boycotted the award ceremony because the award for rap would not be televised.
Hip-hop helped him find his voice. The combination of hip-hop and humor made him untouchable. His rap name was Fresh Prince.
One of the critical moments in his life was when he told his mom that he wasn't going to college. His mother was in education and felt very strongly that education couldn't be taken away from you. His father mediated the different opinions between Will and his mom and determined that Will would take a one year gap year and then start college. During that one year, he became a hip-hop star.
Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, Will pissed away the earnings from his early hip-hop career and hadn't been paying taxes. He owed the IRS back taxes and his second album flopped. He went from hero to zero in a very short amount of time.
Through serendipity, he met Benny Medina at The Arsenio Hall Show. Benny introduced him to Quincy Jones who had Will audition for the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air during Quincy's large birthday party. Will got the part and focused on entertainment and music.
Some of the key leadership and life lessons Will shares in his memoir include:
* The rules of logic do not apply to the laws of possibility.
* Quincy Jones: Things are always impossible, right up until they're not.
* Magic requires preparation, awareness and surrender.
* Acting encompasses storytelling, performing, comedy, music, and teaching.
* If we don't adapt, we become extinct.
* Nothing lasts forever. Everything rises and falls.
* Clarity of mission is the powerful cornerstone of success.
* You are the creator of your own destiny.
* The human mind is a storytelling machine.
* We need our lives to mean something.
* Great stories illuminate the truth.
* Striving for perfection requires excellence from everyone.
Will explores that the big dreamers (entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, thought leaders, innovators) are always challenged with the pursuit of their big dreams while at the same time trying to have thriving relationships. Think about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Nelson Mandela, Steve Jobs, JFK, etc.
Will wanted to help the people he loved build extraordinary lives, but he discovered that might not have been what they wanted. He felt rejected if others didn't subscribe to his intoxicating energy, adventure, and incredible discipline. He felt some people crumble under the pressure of possibilities. He wanted to experience everything there was to see and do.
Powerful, fast-paced memoir that I couldn't put down. Highly recommend!
Will Smith's biggest regret is not standing up for his mom when his dad punched her. He has always viewed himself as a coward.
His father taught him an incredible work ethic that helped Will outwork and outperform his peers. He initially started out as a rapper. His grandmother asked him to not use any profanity in his lyrics. He and his partner, DJ Jazzy Jeff, received the first Grammy for a rap song---Parents Just Don't Understand. They boycotted the award ceremony because the award for rap would not be televised.
Hip-hop helped him find his voice. The combination of hip-hop and humor made him untouchable. His rap name was Fresh Prince.
One of the critical moments in his life was when he told his mom that he wasn't going to college. His mother was in education and felt very strongly that education couldn't be taken away from you. His father mediated the different opinions between Will and his mom and determined that Will would take a one year gap year and then start college. During that one year, he became a hip-hop star.
Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, Will pissed away the earnings from his early hip-hop career and hadn't been paying taxes. He owed the IRS back taxes and his second album flopped. He went from hero to zero in a very short amount of time.
Through serendipity, he met Benny Medina at The Arsenio Hall Show. Benny introduced him to Quincy Jones who had Will audition for the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air during Quincy's large birthday party. Will got the part and focused on entertainment and music.
Some of the key leadership and life lessons Will shares in his memoir include:
* The rules of logic do not apply to the laws of possibility.
* Quincy Jones: Things are always impossible, right up until they're not.
* Magic requires preparation, awareness and surrender.
* Acting encompasses storytelling, performing, comedy, music, and teaching.
* If we don't adapt, we become extinct.
* Nothing lasts forever. Everything rises and falls.
* Clarity of mission is the powerful cornerstone of success.
* You are the creator of your own destiny.
* The human mind is a storytelling machine.
* We need our lives to mean something.
* Great stories illuminate the truth.
* Striving for perfection requires excellence from everyone.
Will explores that the big dreamers (entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, thought leaders, innovators) are always challenged with the pursuit of their big dreams while at the same time trying to have thriving relationships. Think about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Nelson Mandela, Steve Jobs, JFK, etc.
Will wanted to help the people he loved build extraordinary lives, but he discovered that might not have been what they wanted. He felt rejected if others didn't subscribe to his intoxicating energy, adventure, and incredible discipline. He felt some people crumble under the pressure of possibilities. He wanted to experience everything there was to see and do.
Powerful, fast-paced memoir that I couldn't put down. Highly recommend!
April 9, 2022
I read this book before “the slap” and I have to say that it was sort of shocking to see will smith act the way he did after reading this book. He ended the saga talking about the Jada birthday bash in which she got mad at him and then his journey of self-exploration. He did ayahuasca like 16 times and it was actually quite moving to hear about his experiences with self-discovery. But I guess it’s a journey and I’d sort of like another chapter epilogue to have him talk through what happened. What the book makes clear is that WS is a man who’s lived with a lot of familial, personal, and cultural expectations. He’s achieved success based on his pure grit and will (get it?) power. His relationship with his father was abusive and though he recognizes it, it still affected his relationships. I appreciate that the book delves into all of this stuff in a pretty honest way.
October 3, 2023
5 Stars
Not to get all fangirl-y on everyone, but this was by and large one of the best celebrity memoir I’ve EVER had the pleasure of reading.
Honest and unwavering, Will Smith—rapper, actor, son, husband, father, global-God-damn-superstar—leaves no stone unturned in his telling of his extraordinary life’s journey.
That boisterous, larger-than-life persona the world knows and loves, is deliberately unmasked within, as Will shares stories both fortuitously joyful and ambitiously unyielding, but always brutally honest and deeply personal.
He doesn’t always paint himself in the best light, but God damn was I impressed and humbled by his raw honesty throughout.
What made this a truly unique and ground-breaking celebrity memoir experience is how Will managed to combine so many themes and tones into one smooth flowing and non-stop entertaining read. He shares ALL the anecdotes of his Hollywood and music industry fame that fans will be eager for, but he also goes deeper, recounting many profound (sometimes shocking) stories of his childhood, family life (across four generations), with tales of love and loss, and an ambitious streak that just won’t quit.
Some stories made me laugh and some made me cry, but what I loved most is how, after an experience was shared, particularly if it was an emotional or traumatic experience, Will would then go on to analyse the moment and his behaviour in said moment, turning even the worst experiences of his life into self-teachable moments. In that way, this could even be classified as a damn enjoyable personal-development book.
It became exceedingly clear early on, that this is a man who has been through a lot and has worked his ass off to grow and learn and generally BE BETTER, for his family, his fans, and especially for himself. I admire that.
And most importantly, Will spends a great deal of the book acknowledging and praising every single person in his life that has helped shape him and support him, as well as those who have challenged him and been unafraid to tell him brutal truths at times, even when he wasn’t ready to hear them (but NEEDED to hear them). No man is an island, and that couldn’t be more clear here.
I’ve been a lifetime fan of Will Smith, but I’d like to imagine that my positive bias has nothing to do with the actual quality of this memoir. Had I not been a fan before, I would be now.
Side note: Jada was right—it wasn’t funny. (Readers will understand).
*****************************************
Audio Edition:
I personally switched between bouts of reading and listening to Will’s self-narration, and I cannot stress enough how wonderful the audiobook is. It was AN EXPERIENCE. Hearing Will tell his own story can't be matched by simply reading the words yourself. And as an added temptation, the sound and music production of the audiobook was off the charts, with Will regularly rapping/singing within. 🙌🙌🙌
Not to get all fangirl-y on everyone, but this was by and large one of the best celebrity memoir I’ve EVER had the pleasure of reading.
Honest and unwavering, Will Smith—rapper, actor, son, husband, father, global-God-damn-superstar—leaves no stone unturned in his telling of his extraordinary life’s journey.
That boisterous, larger-than-life persona the world knows and loves, is deliberately unmasked within, as Will shares stories both fortuitously joyful and ambitiously unyielding, but always brutally honest and deeply personal.
He doesn’t always paint himself in the best light, but God damn was I impressed and humbled by his raw honesty throughout.
What made this a truly unique and ground-breaking celebrity memoir experience is how Will managed to combine so many themes and tones into one smooth flowing and non-stop entertaining read. He shares ALL the anecdotes of his Hollywood and music industry fame that fans will be eager for, but he also goes deeper, recounting many profound (sometimes shocking) stories of his childhood, family life (across four generations), with tales of love and loss, and an ambitious streak that just won’t quit.
Some stories made me laugh and some made me cry, but what I loved most is how, after an experience was shared, particularly if it was an emotional or traumatic experience, Will would then go on to analyse the moment and his behaviour in said moment, turning even the worst experiences of his life into self-teachable moments. In that way, this could even be classified as a damn enjoyable personal-development book.
It became exceedingly clear early on, that this is a man who has been through a lot and has worked his ass off to grow and learn and generally BE BETTER, for his family, his fans, and especially for himself. I admire that.
And most importantly, Will spends a great deal of the book acknowledging and praising every single person in his life that has helped shape him and support him, as well as those who have challenged him and been unafraid to tell him brutal truths at times, even when he wasn’t ready to hear them (but NEEDED to hear them). No man is an island, and that couldn’t be more clear here.
I’ve been a lifetime fan of Will Smith, but I’d like to imagine that my positive bias has nothing to do with the actual quality of this memoir. Had I not been a fan before, I would be now.
Side note: Jada was right—it wasn’t funny. (Readers will understand).
*****************************************
Audio Edition:
I personally switched between bouts of reading and listening to Will’s self-narration, and I cannot stress enough how wonderful the audiobook is. It was AN EXPERIENCE. Hearing Will tell his own story can't be matched by simply reading the words yourself. And as an added temptation, the sound and music production of the audiobook was off the charts, with Will regularly rapping/singing within. 🙌🙌🙌
March 29, 2022
I wonder how many books Oprah has actually read
This tome is a prime example of celebrity brain rot. Despite being a carefully calibrated work of PR, Smith's gnawing need for approval spills forth as does his complete lack of interest in film as an artistic medium. He cites his box office numbers repetitively to the point of embarrassment. I like Smith's presence in films often but he's very rarely actually been involved in much that is substantial that isn't disposable Oscar bait, he cares much more about his brand than he does more abstract notions of cinema. The only film he spends any time discussing is Ali, one of the best decisions in the book as it is easily the high watermark of his career, he is otherwise more concerned with opening chapters with a chart of his films to hit #1 at the box office, never choosing to address the fact that stuff like MIB 2 is soulless commercial junk. He also comes off as an asshole pretty frequently and I cannot imagine attempting to tolerate him.
This tome is a prime example of celebrity brain rot. Despite being a carefully calibrated work of PR, Smith's gnawing need for approval spills forth as does his complete lack of interest in film as an artistic medium. He cites his box office numbers repetitively to the point of embarrassment. I like Smith's presence in films often but he's very rarely actually been involved in much that is substantial that isn't disposable Oscar bait, he cares much more about his brand than he does more abstract notions of cinema. The only film he spends any time discussing is Ali, one of the best decisions in the book as it is easily the high watermark of his career, he is otherwise more concerned with opening chapters with a chart of his films to hit #1 at the box office, never choosing to address the fact that stuff like MIB 2 is soulless commercial junk. He also comes off as an asshole pretty frequently and I cannot imagine attempting to tolerate him.
December 18, 2021
"Will" is intended by the author to be a memoir/self help book, but it's ACTUALLY a psychological thriller, where the charming narrator who won you over in the beginning with his goofy rapping and self-deprecating humor slowly reveals himself to be a psychopath.
You have to listen to this on audio, because Will performs his story with flair, rapping and playing the piano throughout, oozing his trademark Fresh Prince Charisma. However, without a sitcom script to recite, Smith veers into delusional tangents, self-indulgent life advice that no one could ever possibly benefit from (like: To all my young male readers-- don't force your wife to live on a giant family ranch if she says she doesn't want to live there), and a disturbing lack of empathy.
"Will" is infinitely quotable. Here are a few of my passages and lines:
"Every single harem equation in my mind kept adding up to a hellscape. If I can't figure out how to nurture and nourish one...woman, what the fuck made me think I could care for twenty-five? I don't want a harem..."
"We were teed up, and Big Willy was bringing the thunder."
"I was shaking with anticipation. I could see her, just like Sue Ellen, coming to breakfast on a stallion."
""I am a master Monopoly player. This is not a joke; I'm not saying it to be facetious; this is not hyperbole. I have studied. I have worked with professional instructors--I fully intended to play international Monopoly Tournaments. When the dice hits, I don't have to count squares; I know that States is six squares from New York--I just pick the piece up and move it."
"My vocal delivery on "Summertime" shocked the hip hop world."
"At the time, my fade was legendary. To cut my hair... was not only a challenge but a catapult to a young barber in Hollywood."
Will Smith on shooting the Fresh Prince while being ill to set an example to his wife:
"Women (or Europeans) always describe this trait negatively, but on a primal level it's hard not to respect a warrior."
-----------------------------------
Will Smith on His Fantasy Life
"For me the border between fantasy and reality has always been thin and transparent...the problem is, one man's fantasy is another man's lie."
"...as child, what the other kids didn't understand was that I didn't lie about my perceptions, my perceptions lied to me."
"Sometimes I'll tell a story, and a friend will look over at Jada and ask "Okay, so what really happened?"
"My imagination is my gift. And when it merges with my work ethic, I can make money rain from the heavens"
-----------------------------------
The Scorched Earth Tracker (I only noted 5, but I definitely forgot to write down a few):
"...But some suckaz didn't--they would try to keep going, and then two words: SCORCHED. EARTH. By my junior year, I had developed a reputation around West Philly."
"...he didn't bother nobody, but if you fucked with him...two words: SCORCHED. EARTH"
"...I was invincible. Two Words: SCORCHED. EARTH."
"Two Words: SCORCHED. EARTH. I was amazed."
"...factoring in my global promotional sledgehammer, TWO WORDS: SCORCHED. EARTH.
----------------------------------------
Somehow a five star read, and a one star read at the same time.
You have to listen to this on audio, because Will performs his story with flair, rapping and playing the piano throughout, oozing his trademark Fresh Prince Charisma. However, without a sitcom script to recite, Smith veers into delusional tangents, self-indulgent life advice that no one could ever possibly benefit from (like: To all my young male readers-- don't force your wife to live on a giant family ranch if she says she doesn't want to live there), and a disturbing lack of empathy.
"Will" is infinitely quotable. Here are a few of my passages and lines:
"Every single harem equation in my mind kept adding up to a hellscape. If I can't figure out how to nurture and nourish one...woman, what the fuck made me think I could care for twenty-five? I don't want a harem..."
"We were teed up, and Big Willy was bringing the thunder."
"I was shaking with anticipation. I could see her, just like Sue Ellen, coming to breakfast on a stallion."
""I am a master Monopoly player. This is not a joke; I'm not saying it to be facetious; this is not hyperbole. I have studied. I have worked with professional instructors--I fully intended to play international Monopoly Tournaments. When the dice hits, I don't have to count squares; I know that States is six squares from New York--I just pick the piece up and move it."
"My vocal delivery on "Summertime" shocked the hip hop world."
"At the time, my fade was legendary. To cut my hair... was not only a challenge but a catapult to a young barber in Hollywood."
Will Smith on shooting the Fresh Prince while being ill to set an example to his wife:
"Women (or Europeans) always describe this trait negatively, but on a primal level it's hard not to respect a warrior."
-----------------------------------
Will Smith on His Fantasy Life
"For me the border between fantasy and reality has always been thin and transparent...the problem is, one man's fantasy is another man's lie."
"...as child, what the other kids didn't understand was that I didn't lie about my perceptions, my perceptions lied to me."
"Sometimes I'll tell a story, and a friend will look over at Jada and ask "Okay, so what really happened?"
"My imagination is my gift. And when it merges with my work ethic, I can make money rain from the heavens"
-----------------------------------
The Scorched Earth Tracker (I only noted 5, but I definitely forgot to write down a few):
"...But some suckaz didn't--they would try to keep going, and then two words: SCORCHED. EARTH. By my junior year, I had developed a reputation around West Philly."
"...he didn't bother nobody, but if you fucked with him...two words: SCORCHED. EARTH"
"...I was invincible. Two Words: SCORCHED. EARTH."
"Two Words: SCORCHED. EARTH. I was amazed."
"...factoring in my global promotional sledgehammer, TWO WORDS: SCORCHED. EARTH.
----------------------------------------
Somehow a five star read, and a one star read at the same time.
July 12, 2022
Top 5 Will Smith Songs
1. Summertime
2. Gettin Jiggy Wit It
3. Men in Black
4. Fresh Prince Theme Song
5. Parents Just Don't Understand
Top 5 Will Smith Movies
1. Bad Boys II
2. Men in Black
3. Bad Boys
4. Hitch
5. Enemy of the State
Before I begin this review I would like to say that anyone who doesn't love Gettin Jiggy Wit It can leave now because no slander against that song will tolerated.
A few things that I learned while reading this book.
1. Will Smith is incredibly insecure
2. He seems like a fun and annoying friend
3. WILL SMITH AND JADA SHOULD NOT BE MARRIED ANYMORE
Will Smith has been famous for basically my entire life. I don't remember a time when his songs or tv show The Fresh Prince of Bel Air wasn't on. I love that show and can probably recite lines from several episodes by heart. Independence Day is a movie that while a bit overrated is still a great movie(its #7 on my list). When I think of my childhood it's Will Smith, Michael Jackson, Jason Weaver and Raven Symone.
I was a little bit worried that I would dislike Will Smith and given The Slap Heard Around the Globe I wanted a deeper insight into the life and psychology of Will Smith....and I got that. Had I read this before he bossed up on Chris Rock, I wouldn't have been surprised by it at all. Will Smith has spent his entire life preparing to lose his shit. He is so pent up and neurotic, slapping Chris Rock was probably cathartic. His whole life he's felt weak and like he isn't tough enough to defend the women he loves.
Reading this book made me feel sorry for Will Smith. He's rich and famous beyond my wildest dreams but my life is better. I'm not rich and nobody knows who the hell I am but my life is so much more happy and fulfilling. It's sad. Will Smith seems like a nice guy. A genuinely nice guy with cool buy weird kids and I want him to be happy. As much as I love Jada Pickett Smith as an actress and Black icon....her and Will should get divorced. They probably won't but I think they would be happier as friends who aren't married to each other.
I enjoyed this book but it felt disjointed at times. I did learn alot about Will's earlier life but I felt like he really held back when discussing his marriages. Maybe in 10 or 20 more years he'll write Part II of his memoir and we'll get the real tea.
I highly recommend it to fans of Will Smith....Who doesn't like Will Smith btw?
1. Summertime
2. Gettin Jiggy Wit It
3. Men in Black
4. Fresh Prince Theme Song
5. Parents Just Don't Understand
Top 5 Will Smith Movies
1. Bad Boys II
2. Men in Black
3. Bad Boys
4. Hitch
5. Enemy of the State
Before I begin this review I would like to say that anyone who doesn't love Gettin Jiggy Wit It can leave now because no slander against that song will tolerated.
A few things that I learned while reading this book.
1. Will Smith is incredibly insecure
2. He seems like a fun and annoying friend
3. WILL SMITH AND JADA SHOULD NOT BE MARRIED ANYMORE
Will Smith has been famous for basically my entire life. I don't remember a time when his songs or tv show The Fresh Prince of Bel Air wasn't on. I love that show and can probably recite lines from several episodes by heart. Independence Day is a movie that while a bit overrated is still a great movie(its #7 on my list). When I think of my childhood it's Will Smith, Michael Jackson, Jason Weaver and Raven Symone.
I was a little bit worried that I would dislike Will Smith and given The Slap Heard Around the Globe I wanted a deeper insight into the life and psychology of Will Smith....and I got that. Had I read this before he bossed up on Chris Rock, I wouldn't have been surprised by it at all. Will Smith has spent his entire life preparing to lose his shit. He is so pent up and neurotic, slapping Chris Rock was probably cathartic. His whole life he's felt weak and like he isn't tough enough to defend the women he loves.
Reading this book made me feel sorry for Will Smith. He's rich and famous beyond my wildest dreams but my life is better. I'm not rich and nobody knows who the hell I am but my life is so much more happy and fulfilling. It's sad. Will Smith seems like a nice guy. A genuinely nice guy with cool buy weird kids and I want him to be happy. As much as I love Jada Pickett Smith as an actress and Black icon....her and Will should get divorced. They probably won't but I think they would be happier as friends who aren't married to each other.
I enjoyed this book but it felt disjointed at times. I did learn alot about Will's earlier life but I felt like he really held back when discussing his marriages. Maybe in 10 or 20 more years he'll write Part II of his memoir and we'll get the real tea.
I highly recommend it to fans of Will Smith....Who doesn't like Will Smith btw?
April 11, 2022
5 Stars for Will (audiobook) by Will Smith and Mark Manson read by the author.
I’m a big Will Smith fan. I’ve been waiting for this book to come available from the digital library for months. Finally I get the audiobook. I’m looking forward to to listening to Will telling his own story. I have a few more books to listen to first and then Will goes off and slaps Chris Rock at the Oscars.
This audiobook helps to some degree to understand where Will’s mind was at. His accomplishments are amazing. He is a star in music, TV and movies. But it appears that there is a cost to pay for focusing on one’s career too much. I really hope he can get past this incident and he can make up with Chris Rock.
I’m a big Will Smith fan. I’ve been waiting for this book to come available from the digital library for months. Finally I get the audiobook. I’m looking forward to to listening to Will telling his own story. I have a few more books to listen to first and then Will goes off and slaps Chris Rock at the Oscars.
This audiobook helps to some degree to understand where Will’s mind was at. His accomplishments are amazing. He is a star in music, TV and movies. But it appears that there is a cost to pay for focusing on one’s career too much. I really hope he can get past this incident and he can make up with Chris Rock.
December 2, 2021
Listen, I like Will Smith. His movies are entertaining. This book was just too much. Bro needs to edit. 400+ pages or 16+ hours of the audiobook (which I listened to). The first half of his book was more interesting than the last half. It was seriously a chore to get through after a while and I just wanted him to stop talking. Sometimes, he just rambled about the most inane things, especially near the end. I was not a fan of some of the impressions he did of famous people at all.
For the record, he talked about a prank that he pulled on Jada when she met his grandma Gigi. I am on her side. It was not funny. It was immature.
For the record, he talked about a prank that he pulled on Jada when she met his grandma Gigi. I am on her side. It was not funny. It was immature.
December 22, 2021
One of my favorite things about Will Smith’s entertaining, honest, and moving memoir was reading about his friends. He rose to fame with a group of friends, and they’re still with him today. Will drew people into his orbit like the sun. And like a star that burns too long, there were times when he imploded. His success as an actor, musician, and writer is undeniable, but his struggles to be a good husband, father, son, and friend are what most readers will remember about this book. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook version. Will had me laughing, bobbing my head to his jams, and wiping my eyes a few times too. His grandmother’s quotes alone make this a worthy read.
“Jus’ remember, Lover Boy,” she said, “be nice to everybody you pass on your way up, coz you just might have to pass them again on your way down.”
― Will Smith’s grandmother (Gigi)
“Jus’ remember, Lover Boy,” she said, “be nice to everybody you pass on your way up, coz you just might have to pass them again on your way down.”
― Will Smith’s grandmother (Gigi)
June 13, 2023
This was good. Like REALLY good. I love Will, but having kind of lost touch with television and movies for much of the last decade, I have only been peripherally aware of what his latest life works have been. I have seen more of the Jada side when I can catch one of her Red Table Talks, which are always great for life speculation. However, I grew up with Will on my television and I always liked him. I watched Men in Black at least 500 times. It came out in my middle school years, and my friend and I would always have it on no matter what was going on; it became somewhat of a comfort show.
Will gets real and raw in this autobiography. He digs deep into his psyche and exposes things that were likely cathartic to share in general, let alone with us, the readers. I got more out of this book than I have from most in my life. You have to listen to Will read it to get the full effect and the inflection and emotion he imbues into the telling.
Will struggles and battles with his inner demons helped me take a more complex look at my issues and the things that hold me back in life. This is a book worth reading, and it is one that I will definitely come back to and read again in the future.
5 Stars, it's wonderful if you were ever or are currently a fan, and great for a soul-searching read even if you aren't.
Will gets real and raw in this autobiography. He digs deep into his psyche and exposes things that were likely cathartic to share in general, let alone with us, the readers. I got more out of this book than I have from most in my life. You have to listen to Will read it to get the full effect and the inflection and emotion he imbues into the telling.
Will struggles and battles with his inner demons helped me take a more complex look at my issues and the things that hold me back in life. This is a book worth reading, and it is one that I will definitely come back to and read again in the future.
5 Stars, it's wonderful if you were ever or are currently a fan, and great for a soul-searching read even if you aren't.
November 20, 2021
I've always liked WILL SMITH. But to now know his life from the beginning of his journey until now really opens up my soul! I LOVE HIM NOW! He was raw and uncut about his journey and experiences. I especially loved the part about his marriage when he said (paraphrasing) that your person you choose to spend life with is just as imperfect as you are. You can easily love them when they are doing right, making you smile or laugh. But the true test comes from the times that things are not going right and things are not so perfect. Can you love them then? Can you love their ugly? This book made me reflect a lot on my own life. It made me open areas that I thought I had vaulted. Time for me to get back to work! I don't want to give away too much buy if you had a parent that was hard on you, gave you a complex, made you fear them, etc. This read is for you. If you are married, this book is for you. If you have ever hit rock bottom. This book is for you.
November 24, 2021
WOW.... Will was so open and vulnerable during this book....I was so engrossed and I didn't want to stop listening....This audiobook was definitely worth the 16 hours it took to complete. Bravo Will Bravo!!!
February 6, 2022
This audiobook is A+ Smith’s narration is so good (zero percent surprised). He avoids talking about some of the more salacious parts of his life which is fine but he’s so big on honesty it feels a little questionable. I understand Smith better, but I’m not sure I like him any more. A mixed bag but overall good.
June 30, 2023
DNF @ 20%. We all know about Will Smith's outburst. Yup, that one. Honestly, his book was no different. I started this in an audiobook format that was narrated by Will Smith himself. His tone was immediately arrogant as he listed his accomplishments and everything he has achieved to date. Once he began detailing his childhood, I did begin to sympathize with him a bit. Overall, though, his attitude was too overpowering for me.
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