Greenlights: Your Journal, Your Journey

I’m stunned by the proclamation I’m about to make. I loved “Greenlights.” This is one of the few times I’ve read a memoir written by a Hollywood celebrity. What’s more, I’ve never been a huge McConaughey fan. In fact, I don’t think I’ve seen 80% of the flicks he’s starred in

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over the decades. But after reading rave reviews, “Greenlights” sounded like the brand of self-help book I might enjoy. I’m so glad I did. He’s a skilled storyteller. Humorous. Conversational. Enlightening. The takeaway: We all face red, yellow and greenlights in our daily travels. It’s up to us to recognize them and make the best use of life’s traffic signals. Also, hearing the author narrate his laundry list of life lessons was especially entertaining. “Greenlights” is the perfect work to experience as an audiobook. His narration is delightful. You can tell he’s having as much fun – if not more fun – than any of his listeners. And he didn’t overstay his welcome in spinning some yarns as so many authors are inclined to do in order to deliver a book-length manuscript. In fact, that’s my one minor criticis: It almost feels like he glossed over a few key points in the book – including his evolution as a parent, which was his “Number One” goal in life. And I expected McConaughey to elaborate on his current political aspirations. But I quibble. “Greenlights” is a wonderful read that not only entertains but also serves up a treasure trove of insights about living life to its fullest.

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This was an honest and entertaining self-portrait. I now might know more about one of my favorite actors than I wanted to, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Mr. McConaughey has certainly led a crazy and active life. He also has an honest and unique way of writing. I hope to apply some of his

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Greenlight philosophy to my own life. I wish all the best to him and his family.

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McConaissance Performance
Review of the Random House Audio audiobook (2020)

This was a good fun memoir performance by actor Matthew McConaughey about his life and career based on his thoughts and diaries as kept in his journals over the years. It has a horrifying start though when there is talk of

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actual physical fights between his parents and by the father with the sons in their early years. The parents divorced twice and married three times before the father's passing.

Beyond that brief horror, the book is not a salacious tell-all. McConaughey's brand is good guy and fun times with a more recent branch out into serious actor and family man. The stories cover well known territory such as his first major film break and the source of his tagline "Alright, alright, alright" in Dazed and Confused (1993), the naked bongo-playing arrest of 1999, the career of rom-com leading man, the hiatus while he waited for more serious roles and the career-topping twofer of Best Actor Oscar for Dallas Buyers Club (2013) and the TV-mini-series breakout in True Detective Season 1 (2014). There are still some surprises to be had such as stories of his early job in a blues bar, a pilgrimage to Mali, Africa to visit musician Ali Farka Touré, and a debut as an African local village wrestler.

A word on the audiobook edition, which is definitely a "performance." Some might find it off-putting that McConaughey shout quotes his intros of "Note to Self!", "Bumpersticker!", "Poems", "Prescriptions", and such. It is certainly over the top at points, especially when he laughs at his own jokes. The good guy wins out in the end though.

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A demonstration that the examined life is worth living. I listened on three advice of a friend. It was good advice. I'm not big into actors and actresses and didn't really know who McConaughey is. I've seen some of his films but didn't Associate the roles with the underlying actors.
He's clearly

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bright, thoughtful and a very articulate writer.
It is no surprise that he narrates his story well.

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Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Wow what a story. Had attended an online podcast where he read a few pages of this book, and podcast was about the new Lincoln car, it's features and charities.
For attending I did receive a free hardbound book of Green Lights. From the very beginning I went from

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scared to laughing out loud and repeated many times.
Scary when his mother grabbed a knife and was going after the father, til he squeezed ketchup on her til she gave up. I found the episodes of various scenes to be very honest, soul searched and down right entertaining.
At times I felt like I was on Saturday Night Live for a skit. Love the author narrating his own story, he emotions come through as he raises his voice in preaches and bumper sticker warning phrases.
The speed of his voice really entrapped my attention also as I come from the northeast and we talk wicked fast.
There is so much to this story and I love how he calls his mom at times and she doesn't go along with what he's telling her but then a few minutes later she calls and asks for a redo of their last conversation.
Love the relationships he has and learned so much about his life in general. Have watched him in a few movies and can't wait to catch the others.
Best first book of the year for me, will be one of my top picks.
Some of the sentences are about 4 lines long, reminding me of 'Alice's restaurant' song with all the lyrics and very long lines, LOL
So many connections, especially the movie in Newport, RI as I was there for court one day while they taped in the immediate area.
So honest and open.

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I didn't love this book, wasn't sure I even liked the Matthew I was reading about, which isn't necessary, but he redeems himself as he faces himself. He accepts and values his travel to be who he is, and he is pretty good. It's an interesting read, his parents are a bit questionable in their

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parenting and values, but he doesn't criticise that, he values what they taught him. The book is inspiring, enjoyable and funny in the telling.

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Greenlights, Matthew McConaughey, author and narrator
This is a very inspiring book, even if some of the author’s approaches to life were a bit unorthodox. On life’s bumpy road, he never hesitated to face the roadblocks. He followed his whims and dreams wherever they took him. He never ran from

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responsibility, but instead, he faced it squarely and conquered every enemy or problem that faced him. Regardless of the outcome, he used every “red” light” to create a “green” one.
Undaunted by problems and/or the inevitable mistakes that occur, he marched on to his destiny, never allowing anything to obstruct his path. Every failure he faced was turned into a success by his positive attitude, by his unwillingness to falter when his way was impeded by outside forces. He wasn’t sure about what he wanted, but he ventured down all avenues that excited him, even some that would seem very dangerous to others and would have been avoided at all costs. He seemed to prevail every time because of his ability to remain positive in the face of all negative forces.
His family life was fraught with moments others would not have found acceptable, but he managed to come out of it unscathed, choosing to retain the positive influences of his parents and siblings rather than the negative ones. He concentrated on the love they surrounded him with, the discipline and the good advice given, and never concentrated on any form of abuse or rejection, by them or others. He dwelt on all forms of praise and acceptance instead, and he truly did make lemonade out of the lemons he encountered. His was resilient and used every incident he faced in his life as an inspiration to grow and improve. He refused to be stunted by adversity which was probably never more apparent than when he was in Australia as a student. He managed to turn what could have been a painful experience into one that brought him pleasure, friendships and knowledge about himself and the world.
I never read the memoirs of celebrities, but this one was highly recommended to me as an audio that was not only good but was read superbly by the author. I was not disappointed. He was especially gifted in his narration. It is humorous and serious both at the same time. His little bits of advice are common sense and yet had a profound influence on his life and will also influence the reader. It is almost a self-help book as it instructs the reader on how to accept life’s mistakes and use them to learn from the experience rather than to resent it and carry the pain forever.
I can only describe this as a charming book about Matthew’s life experiences, some lucky, some not so much, and about the advice of his parents that stayed with him which helped him to lead to his own self-discovery. Using the journals he wrote throughout his younger years he has written an easy to read uplifting book about the wonders of life.
In the end I found one fault with the book. He succumbed to the mob mentality in declaring that we couldn’t understand that life mattered until we realized that black lives mattered more. All lives matter, period, to me, especially with the headlines that scream today about murder and crime committed by the one group that he thought mattered more. That belief has turned the country upside down, and we may never recover from its impact. Crime and destruction reign in some cities as a result of this theory. Respect for all, equally, by all, is what I believe is the better advice, because power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely which is what is happening on our streets today.
Even if you do not ordinarily read a book written by a Hollywood celebrity, you should read this one.

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Honestly I’m not a huge McConaughey fan, but our upcoming Texas trip and many rave reviews made me pick up the audio version. I could have easily skipped his advice sections, but his crazy stories were excellent! From bird CPR to floating down the Amazon river to taking meetings while driving

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across the country, he shares his wild stories with his trademark relaxed attitude and optimistic glee at the unexpected nature of life. Incredibly entertaining even if you don’t know his work well.

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Part memoir, part advice, part poetry - Greenlights is McConaughey's love letter to the world. He had an unconventional childhood and the journey into acting was less meandering than most. His stories were not just interesting but genuinely well written. He sprinkled in tips and advice throughout

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the book based off what he learned but it's not preachy - it just goes with the flow. I always thought he was a bit of a hippie but after reading this book I know he 100% is! From bongo-ing naked to having wet dreams that alter the course of your life to living in an airstream for years - Matthew is the man. He lives life on his own terms and it's not always sunshine and roses (although it is more often than not). He does what he wants and he's reflected a lot about how he got there and where he's going. Interesting, fun, and all around good celebrity memoir. I loved all the photos and notes with advice (the poetry was so so - but it did add to the book even if I didn't love it).

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This was such a surprise. I went with the audio thinking ahhh...that voice. I was shocked in a shockingly good way. LOL, He speaks at the speed of light. Is that a thing? His story is dark but he moves fast and pulls nuggets out of his story that he has learned. He has no regrets. All I can say is

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hold onto your seat because you won't put it down.

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In all honesty, I didn't become a fan of McConaughey until I saw his movie Interstellar and his pretty laid back Lincoln commercials. Up til then I thought him rather pompous and full of himself. At least that's how he appeared to me. It reminds me there is more to a book than the cover.
In reading

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his memoir he was indeed a confident teenager with a cool truck and dating the best looking girl in high school but as I read on he is actually deeper than that.
In writing his memoir, he used the diaries, post it notes and cocktail napkins he'd been saving for 35 years to share his thoughts on living right, stressing less, assorted observations, how to have a meaningful life as well as how to enjoy the greenlights when they pass your way, deal with the yellow lights and avoid the red lights.
It's a good summertime read with lots of laughs, some Hollywood chatter and lots of insight.

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My first memory of Matthew McConaughey was his starring role in 1996's A Time to Kill, alongside Sandra Bullock. I was probably a little bit starstruck at that point -- he was attractive and had that southern boy twang that was somehow kind of appealing. He's been around the block a bit since

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then...making headlines not only in the movies but with some of his off-screen antics as well. Some of the appeal may have worn off for me over the years, but I still respected him as an actor and when I had the opportunity to get a hold of his book on audio, I jumped at the chance.

This isn't quite a typical memoir. It does include a lot of personal stories, but it's also somewhat philosophical, with a lot of personal thoughts on growing up, growing out, and living life. I can't imagine reading this in any format other than audio. McConaughey's voice is just one that pulls you in and makes you feel like he's talking directly to you. It gives the reader a nice, comfy feeling. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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Oh dear…This book was not what I expected but it was what I SHOULD have expected. There are a few tidbits from Matthew’s childhood and early adulthood. He writes even less about things that have happened to him since he became famous. Most of it is corny and/or trite “wisdom” that sounds

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profound until you stop and think about it for half a second. Some examples:

“We cannot fully appreciate the light without the shadows. We have to be thrown off balance to find our footing. It’s better to jump than fall.”

Or

“We catch more greenlights by simply identifying where the red lights are in our life, and then change course to hit fewer of them.”

Basically, this book is one of Matthew’s Lincoln car commercials in book form. If you think that his voice is so sexy that you’d listen to him read the phonebook [I don’t – he’s never been my type.], then this is a great audiobook for you. Otherwise, you can skip it.

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Matthew tells stories from his childhood, into the young adulthood, and up to age 50. I don’t agree with some of his ideas such as whatever is ok unless you get caught. Other ideas are much in tune with mine. Family, loyalty to the one spouse, Christianity, all people are people and deserve

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respect. His arrogance and confidence in telling his story are a little much, but he is a hood story-teller. This was a book I listened to.

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The start and the ending were enlightening. The middle a bit too much of a guy really focused on himeself. But it was an auto-biography so why wouldn't it be. He's living the dream so no grudge against him. He worked for what he received. But still.. a Jesuit he is not.

Another audiobook memoir that comes with strong recommendations recently is Greenlights (Headline), written and read by Matthew McConaughey. He’s not your normal name-dropping, Hollywood anecdote telling narrator. Very few stories are related to films he has made or famous actors or directors

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that he has worked with. He takes you through his chuck ‘em in the deep end childhood, his harsh but fair (as he sees it) family relationships with their strong bonds, his philosophy for life, and lessons he learned the hard way. And I couldn’t help but like him for his honesty and straightforward telling it as it is – or at least, again, as he sees it. Not many ‘A’ list stars would go into the detail of how wet dreams led him to make decisions on routes he should take; the ‘greenlights’ are the ‘GO’ moments in his life that took him forward at key pinch points. I was slightly taken aback at the beginning and absorbed by the end.

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Loved it....surprisingly philosophical, honest (no gossip), just his life story (so far), beliefs, career path and family. (he makes no apologies for his parents and their child rearing) The fact that he loves New Orleans and wrote a great tribute to the city at the end of the book just sealed the

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deal to make it one of my favorite books. McConaughey narrated the audio book, he is animated, loud, passionate and uses different accents to make his stories come alive. Perfect...highly recommend listening to the audio book.

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Five stars. I'm honestly surprised I am giving this book five stars. I'm not a person who reads biographies or memoirs. I try to read non-fiction to keep diversity in my reading choices. Otherwise, I would only read fiction. My mother heard a late night host talk about this book being his favorite.

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She listened to it and thoroughly enjoyed it and recommended it to me. I honestly didn't want to stop listening. I had no idea that I would enjoy a memoir about an actor! It's helpful that the author is an actor and reads his own book although the reading took no acting skills. Matthew McConaughey has a natural engaging and invigorating personality, so he's the best narrator with his beautiful voice, intonations, and laughter. Five stars--for a memoir! Wow--who knew!

Matthew (not. Matt) reveals his philosophy of life. The memoir isn't a "tell all." He reveals no gossip. He rebukes no one. He apologizes for nothing. His sense of humor shines as he reveals funny, illegal, fun, or embarrassing moments. His early life with his parents is fascinating. His parents differ greatly from mine, so it was entertaining/informative/fascinating to see these people who raised Matthew to be a risk-taker, a partier, a talented actor, a talented writer, a confident man, and someone who doesn't see value in power or money but in how you live your life. He doesn't judge people who have monetarily less and perceive himself as superior. He finds strength or beauty or real life in people. He doesn't need to be surrounded by powerful people for others to value him or give him identity. He constantly seeks knowledge about himself, about life. His parents gave him an odd kind of freedom to do so. His parents married each other three times, divorcing twice. It was a physical family---in many ways. He spent more time with his middle brother than his much older brother because Rooster went to work and became a multi-millionaire in his 20s. These three are still close. They all had to have their coming of age moments of acceptance with their father. Not an easy passage. Matthew was born and raised in Texas (Uvalde to Longview to Austin), travels the world, and by sheer confidence and courage learned from his father to not back down, meets all kinds of people in his journey to self. The stories are funny--you can't help but laugh. His family clearly means a great deal to him.

As he becomes an adult and attends college, he knows what he truly wants to do in life. Once he gets his father's "blessing," he pursues this goal: making movies. He delves in to find who "my man" is, developing characters so thoroughly that the lines he adds becomes the moments that make him famous as an actor. I always thought that he always lived in Texas, but he lives in Hollywood a lot, chasing his dream. Once he's famous, he lives in his RV traveling the United States. He meets real people and spends time with them. He seeks his meaning of life and who he is because he doesn't want to be Hollywood, finding identity in what it seeks and wants. After all, it's a business; don't let the people there offend you. He has bumper stickers and prescriptions throughout the book that give advice or humor. He also gives "Notes to Self" that are learning moments. He's clearly a writer and not an actor who tells someone his life and that person writes it. He analyzes all the time, seeking meaning. He goes to a monastery, Peru, and Africa seeking knowledge. The truths he reveals, the bumper stickers, and the prescriptions have gems. You'll find several that speak to you. He's certainly talented with the written word. He tells a story and tells another and in a few words, he implies the meaning. In other words, he has an idea. He tells a story that just seems to be an interesting story and then--BAM--he connects them with a short phrase that adds so much meaning. As an English major, I loved it. He's good.

He continues through until Covid telling about how he made his decisions about life and how he sought clarity. It's well worth many people's time--at least for the fascinating, childhood stories, the nuggets about life, or the risk taking that lands him with achieved goals. I found him absolutely fascinating. He's a partier, a thinker, a family man, a believe in God, a risk taker, a traveler, and a human who wants to live by his own wits and values. Don't judge, live your truth.

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I was more than intrigued by the publishing campaign for Greenlights. I am not normally interested in memoirs, but this is so much deeper and meatier than your standard memoir! Matthew McConaughey is a bit of a wild child, a throw back to a time when life was a little less frantic, and while not my

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favourite actor, he is perhaps one of the people I most respect in this world. He lays his entire life open for readers and listeners to share. From the laughter to the tears, the amazing leaps of intelligence that piece together an amazing philosophy on life make this book worth every cent and then some!
I treated myself and got the audiobook. Not only do I get all of McConaughey’s wisdom and life story, but he is actually narrating it. His warm and inviting voice wraps around you, holding your attention rapt while he divulges the priceless information on the business of living that he has gleaned over the years. Greenlights is filled with poetry, prescribed notes for living, bumper stickers and some good ol’ honesty that the world seems to be missing in spades! It is as inviting as the warm golden lamp that sits in the window during a snowstorm to light the way.

Matthew is a unique man, a "McConaissance" man for certain. Not only multi-talented but he excels at so many of those talents! A wild child, as I said, but a father, husband and man who lives freely within the many responsibilities he shoulders. Pick up the book in any of its forms and catch a greenlight or two with this magical man. I highly recommend the ride!

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A glimpse into McConaughey's life and thoughts, I don't know if this was really gripping through and through, but an interesting listen nonetheless. Read by the author himself, and more than read I might say! I found the first half more interesting, a life that could have gone many ways, and did.

entertaining, good insights into Matthew's life, read by him on audiobooks, that part was fun.

Story of Matthew McConaughey by the same. Author has had a unique life travelling, acting and discovering himself. I admire haow he can go deep in his psyche and extract all relevant feelings and goals. I did not know about his life but found I was interested in his journey.

I enjoyed the part when he was younger. Some parts of the book were kind of crass.

Listened to on Audible, and I think that accounts for at least one star. McConaughey is an engaging performer, and listening to him read was enjoyable. Some of his platitudes are a bit oversimplistic and border on toxic positivity, but also, celeb memoirs often trifle in those.

One thing I did

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think was valuable about listening to this book was just a reminder that our lives are comprised of millions of stories, and we might think those stories are insignificant or irrelevant or lack value. But that's just not true. So tell your stories...

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