Book Review| Will by Will Smith with Mark Manson

1. Book Review| Will by Will Smith with Mark Manson
   1. What’s It About?
   2. My Thoughts
      1. My Answer to His Question:
   3. Overall Impression

I grew up watching Will Smith on the silver screen and thanks to my father, enjoying his music on long car trips to see my grandmother. Will represented the wholesome entertainment that could be enjoyed by a nuclear family like mine. So when I learned that he had a memoir coming out, I was excited to read about his life.

What’s It About?

This book gives you a glimpse into the life, trials, successes, tribulations and growth of Willard Carroll Smith II, a man we have all come to know as simply, Will Smith. You are taken on a journey through his childhood, teenage and adult years and get an intimate look at the other side of the glitzy veil of his fame into the true core of his person.

My Thoughts

I read the book in two days.

Needless to say it is a page turner and gives you a truly intimate glimpse into the star that is Will Smith.

WARNING:

If you are planning to read this book, I would advise you NOT to watch his YouTube original series Best Shape of My Life before reading it because chunks of the series are from passages in his book. BUT if you would like a sampler of what to expect in his book, definitely give it a watch.

While for me, seeing some of the series before reading the book served as a sort of spoiler for what I was going to read, there were still plenty of stories, details and pleasant surprises to be had between the pages. Will’s escapades in London made me laugh out loud. Not in the typical text sense of adding it to add a little spice at the end of a message but literally, laugh. out. loud. I could definitely relate to his time in Trinidad.

The vulnerability and honesty in what he chose to share on his life is inspiring. His unique voice was captured in this book and gave you the sense you were having a conversation with the man himself.

There were some key takeaways I took from the book on life and self acceptance that I would love to quote and share but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone that hasn’t read it yet. Surprisingly, I learned some things about myself by reflecting on Will’s journey!

My Answer to His Question:

To answer Will’s question in one part of his book. The prank was funny by comedic film standards but by real life standards-it was not funny. I understand orchestrating a moment to make memories but I would not want to experience that scenario.

Overall Impression

The authenticity Will conveyed was refreshing in an age where everyone chooses to only present the highlight reels of their lives. I recommend this book whether you are a Will Smith fan or not. There is plenty to learn about life and maybe even yourself by reading about his life and self growth. Overall, this was a truly inspiring book.

Let me know your thoughts if you read it (and your own opinion on it being funny).

The Best Shape of My Life Trailer

Image from bn.com

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