REVIEW: KELSEY GRAMMER - KAREN (A BROTHER REMEMBERS)

3.5/5

His Sister's Keeper. 

Audiobook audiophiles will recognize the unmistakable voice of Kelsey Grammer from the author's note jump (make sure you do check out those downloadable PDF's for those who aren't turning these pages). It's the kind of beautiful baritone that elicits a scream of recognition from the legendary Nancy Cartwright's Bart Simpson. As Kelsey has been standing on rakes, and the grandest of ceremonies, as Sideshow Bob for years. Even a Halloween and Christmas came early hybrid holiday special last year ('The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year'). So much so, this writer even thought his theme tune was his music, and not the iconic Scorsese and De Niro's 'Cape Fear's' very own. But now, after watching that movie for the first time, mere months ago (I'm always late), I understand, like I do the Hawaiian shirt and cigar in the cinema cackling reference. Grammer is having a Beast of a resurgence after Marvel teased his 'X-Men' character return that surely should have its 'Doomsday'. All after Paramount + rebooted his classic 'Cheers' spin-off 'Frasier' to fond fame. Although, sadly, now cancelled after last calendar, it's looking for a new home. Seattle, for those tossed salads and scrambled eggs, anyone?

If you want to read all about how Kelsey Grammer became your favourite call-in radio shrink, check out his story 'So Far...' from the 90s. Kelsey's latest book, 'Karen', takes a darker turn, mind you. And those who may find the following disturbing should stop reading now. If you didn't already know, Kelsey's late sister, Karen Grammer, was raped and murdered in 1975 when she was just 18 years of age. The cruel, unspeakable, evil tragedy committed by Freddie Glenn, Michael Corbett and Larry Dunn. Men (Glenn and Corbett), if you can even use that word, found guilty of murdering three people. Men who, to put it frank, belong behind bars. "It was ancient grief that is forever fresh.' It's always with you," Kelsey once told People magazine. Many times, over the years, Freddie Glenn has applied for parole. And according to this book, Glenn justifies his desire for release by saying that he's been in prison "long enough". But like Kelsey says, hasn't HE suffered "long enough". And what about Karen? Her right for life was denied by this man who still gets to live in prison. Isn't that enough grace for a rapist and murderer who never gave Karen hers? Good job Kelsey's love does.

But I digress, like Kelsey Grammer does many times in this book. Yet, you cannot blame him for feeling this way and saying these things. This book is a lot to bear, but we best believe him when he tells us he's sparing us the worst details after he was recently given access to the harrowing police reports. In this book, 'Karen-A Brother Remembers', Kelsey just wants to work through his grief and, not only share his pain, but his love for his sister and her brief, but beautiful life too. Yearning to reach out to old friends and acquaintances, like family, gone, but not forgotten. Wanting the perpetrators to remain in prison. Shedding light on the victims of murder and the most heinous of assaults, both directly and indirectly. It's difficult to "review" a book like this, especially when giving it a half score, because this, of course, is not entertainment from the iconic actor. It's necessary reading, and no half measure. That's why he goes back and forth, and overexplains his emotions and writing. But don't we all in our heartbreak? And this is one worse than what the majority of us have gone through. Raw and right there, like it should be, it's heartbreaking like fellow 90s sitcom star Matthew Perry's 'Friends Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing', yet healing like another Marvel man Jeremy Renner's 'My Next Breath'. Karen should have never been denied hers, but as Kelsey remembers, she lives on. Just like the love of family. That's forever. Always. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Reading: Kelsey Grammer - 'So Far...', Jeremy Renner - 'My Next Breath', Matthew Perry - 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing'.

REVIEW: JEREMY RENNER - MY NEXT BREATH

4/5

Breathing New Life

Hawkeye used to be The Avenger that some fans made fun of. Captain America was the leader, flying the flag. Iron Man, the Batman like billionaire with suits and tech for days. Thor had the strength of a hammer only he(?) could lift. Hulk was green with envy for anyone who didn't have anger management issues. And as for the Black Widow...daaamn! It seemed like Clint Barton had merely a bow and arrow. That was until the hypnotized star of 'The Hurt Locker' stole the show and had his own sharpshooting one with the 'Hawkeye' Christmas special, fresh off his darker 'Endgame' turn as Ronin. Jeremy Renner has always been a great actor. From 'Arrival' to 'Wind River'. Or his reinvigoration of the 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Bourne' franchises. Even if future friends that feel like family swear he wasn't in some said movies, stabbing with sunglasses. He has even been shooting straight on the small screen as the 'Mayor Of Kingstown' and with his vehicular 'Rennervations' on Disney Plus. Making music between all this with his sweet solos sets, most recently last year's aptly title, 'Love and Titanium'.

None of that mattered on New Year's Day 2023. All that mattered...was his next breath. Jeremy Renner was crushed by a snowcat after saving his nephew from being hit by a snowplow. Renner suffered blunt chest trauma and 38 broken bones. He could even see his eye on the snow as his nephew, neighbours and EMT miles away from this ice tried to save him. Flown by helicopter to the region's only trauma centre, Renner went under the knife and remained in a critical condition in intensive care. Only sixteen days later, he left hospital. Months later, he was on the cover of Men's Health magazine after doctors said he wouldn't run again. And mere months ago, the cheers were deafening and tear inducing as Netflix's 'Tudum' showcase introduced him as a character on Rian Johnson's next 'Knives Out' mystery, 'Wake Up Dead Man', coming to the streaming service, this fall. Nobody would ever doubt who the strongest Avenger was now, like co-star and friend Robert Downey Jr. reading his amazing autobiography, 'My Next Breath', whilst filming his villainous turn in next summer's 'Doomsday'.

Yet, Renner's real recovery was far from as easy as the paragraph I just wrote. Words can't do it justice, only Jeremy's can paint the picture. And in this moving memoir, that Renner didn't want to originally write, he does exactly that. What starts as a fall favourite, beautiful story of a family getting together for the holidays, regardless of any drama or difference, hits you like the full force of the 14,330 pound snowcat rolling over Renner. It's brutal and hard to take, read, or hear, but just imagine what Jeremy went through as he takes you right through it. "Hear" being apt, as the autobiography audiobook version really makes you feel it. From 911 emergency calls from the day, to a special recording that will warm your heart amongst all the ice. Audiobooks from the horse's mouth are always great to hear from, but Jeremy's really strikes a chord. What starts as a rushed read through, this is a busy man, who values family time more than ever now, chokes you up as the man himself does the same. Look what he almost lost as he briefly died on that ice. How could he have a bad day now? He's truly living life every day with every breath he takes. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Reading: Al Pacino - 'Sonny Boy', Matthew Perry - 'Greenlights', Matthew Perry - 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing'.

REVIEW: AL PACINO - SONNY BOY

4/5 

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Between all the music and sports biographies, there weren't many books by movie stars, once upon a time. Save some fiction from the likes of Academy director Quentin Tarantino and Oscar nominated actor Ethan Hawke. Perhaps movie stars were too busy reading scripts (and maybe penning them) to be bothered writing books about their own lives. Too focused on capturing character. And to think, many call this profession narcissistic (which Pacino makes a point against here). Since COVID, when everyone was forced to sit down and take stock, we've had autobiographies from the likes of Will Smith, Viola Davis, Jamie Foxx and Matthew McConaughey and Perry (rest peacefully). And now, we get one from the horse's mouth, that is the legendary Alfredo James Pacino. AKA 'Sonny Boy'...and not just for his role in 'The Godfather' trilogy. HOO-HA!

Find out why, and how he came up with that iconic 'Scent Of A Woman' call in the perfume of these pages (nothing like breaking open a new book, fresh off the shelf). And just like Meryl Streep said about Viola Davis' 'Finding Me', whilst presenting the no room for 'Doubt' actress a lifetime achievement award at the Golden Globes, last weekend...you should really hear the audiobook read to you in Al's narrated voice. The personal touch and timbre. Which is what I prefer to do with autobiographies of famous folk (hellooo, Audible yearly free trial). Although my parents also have the beautiful hardback book, and it's perfect pictures inside for the coffee table, back home. Streep and her love and devotion for the late, great John Cazale of 'The Godfather' ("I know it was you, Fredo") and 'Dog Day Afternoon' (my personal favourite movie) fame, are also paid tribute to here. Amongst countless others, from Marlon Brando to Francis Ford (and Sofia) Coppola. Robert De Niro to Martin Scorsese. And Diane Keaton to Beverly D'Angelo. Not to mention the mother who gave this Sonny his name, and the four beautiful children Al Pacino has raised.

Classic, compelling and all over the place...in a good way (told you had to hear it for "himself"), this is a life well lived, presented on the page like an awesomely annotated script. Animated and amazing, Al talks about how his Broadway days and Shakespearean roots helped him turn Richard III into a passion project, as the man with the Triple Crown Of Acting was more than just a 'Serpico' and 'Scarface' star. He also muses about finally saying hello to his little golden friend that he met at the Oscars after salad day years of the likes of 'The Panic In Needle Park' and 'Glengarry Glen Ross'. Some at The Academy may have thought he was acting like a "GREAT A##!" Yet his head wasn't...all the way up it. The ferocious talent of Michael Mann's 'Heat', recounting the time he and 'The Irishman' co-star Bobby De Niro, meet for the first time in a diner after their separate lives on 'The Godfather Part II', was just that passionate. And yes, his cop character on said film was originally meant to be addicted to coke. And how?! Yet, his real life addiction problems are profoundly put here with something that will make you put whatever substance that is holding you back, down.

'Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood' with Leo and Brad. Going Gaga in 'House Of Gucci'. 'Carlito's Way' and 'Donnie Brasco'. Inventing the superhero movie with Warren Beatty and 'Dick Tracy'. Literally playing 'The Devil's Advocate'. Coaching 'Any Given Sunday' (and Jamie Foxx...what an impression, like Bill Hader), and becoming 'The Insider' on cop characters who looked like they suffered from 'Insomnia' (how have I STILL not seen those last two movies? I'm in for a treat!). Pacino has done it all. The gangster rat pack member has even appeared in Clooney's new one for Sinatra in 'Ocean's Thirteen'. All of this, and more, is put on display like the Hollywood sign in this La La Land of hopes and Tinseltown dreams. He even gives us the low down on starring in Japanese commercials like the BOSS Tommy Lee Jones (bad investments?). Sure, this Sonny boy may have been made famous for a viral moment at the BBC where Pacino revealed that he has a Shrek phone case (get him in the next film), but the legacy of his life and legend is much more than that. And you can't phone that in. As iconic as his voice. Read, or hear, all about it, Sonny. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: GHOSTFACE KILLAH - RISE OF A KILLAH (MY LIFE IN THE WU-TANG)

3.5/5

The Killah In He.

Surely this 'DOOMSTARKS' collaboration album between Ghostface Killah and the late, great MF DOOM has to come out now. Especially with an avenging Robert Downey Jr. set to play Doctor Doom, to go along with his iconic Iron Man, classic character, in the new Russo Bros 'Avengers: Doomsday' movie. Well, for the 411 on all that, and the 'All That I Got Is You' (featuring Mary J. Blige) rapper's behind the scene's story from his cameo in said Marvel movie that was left on the cutting room floor, pick up Dennis Coles AKA Ghostface Killah's new amazing autobiography 'Rise Of A Killah: My Life In The Wu-Tang' for this Cole world.

Following the Toney Starks, that even RDL recognizes as the original, 'Iron Man' ('True Reflections From The Soul of the Wu-Tang Clan') book and his 'Cell Block Z' graphic novel comes this 'Rise' with its own comic-book interlude. Chapters curated with some of the realest ish he ever wrote in Wu logo yellow, this biography that is laid out like an unauthorized book is the real deal. It's the perfect accompaniment to his Wu-Tang brother Raekwon's own bold and beautiful book 'From Staircase To Stage: The Story Of Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan' like Ghost was to the Chef's cooked classic like 'Only Built 4 Cuban Lynx' (so much so, it could have been a collaborative album like the latest Jay Electronica with Jay-Z). And my brother, who gracefully got this biography for my birthday (thank you, G), tells me in that book, Rae talks about how 'Face would still carry half-eaten sandwiches around with him, even as a millionaire, because he was brought up not to waste food. Because as mountaintop high as you get, you never know where your next meal is really coming from.

Now, hot off the heels off his May album, 'Set The Tone: Guns & Roses', comes this big, brash book in the same month (sorry for the delay, but my birthday's not in May, and it takes a minute to read). One that opens with the poverty, but the love, that Dennis grew up with. When you read all about the pure reverence for his grandmother, it will make you, I assume, being part of the generation that grew up with the Wu that was "for the children" like ODB said, want to make some grandkids...STAT. There's some uncomfortable home truths that follow about the 'Bulletproof Wallets' rapper's criminal past, that's as real and raw as it gets...but at last he's honest. What's even more uncomfortable is the pain he had to go through losing two brothers to muscular dystrophy. But once you get to the closing chapters, converted to Islam, you'll feel healed by his new outlook on the world, even one at war where he details the raw reactions to what happened to George Floyd ("better let your kids watch that so they can know what's going on in the world today") and countless more to this day, as Black Lives STILL Matter.

After the Tearz that come from the start of the book, comes the bookending joy and pain, that is such as life itself. But between all that, we get tales from The W like 'The Manual'. 'The Pretty Toney' even breaks down his Eagle on the writs, bathrobe style, with more suits than Stark. All before, in contrast, playing down the prolific nature of his Def Jam run. But 'The Pretty Toney LP', 'Fishscale', 'More Fish', 'The Big Doe Rehab', 'Ghostdini: Wizard Of Poetry In Emerald City' and the 'Apollo Kids' over six years, before '36 Seasons' begs to differ. And that's without mentioning the '718' Theodore Unit mixtape. Iconic and incredible, like the 'Wu-Massacre' (with Raekwon and Method Man), 'Wu Block' (with The L.O.X. and D-Block's Sheek Louch), Adraine Yonge (the 'Twelve Reasons To Die' series) and BADBADNOTGOOD collaborations ('Sour Soul'), amongst others. Giving us the Mary J. Blige on the vaulted 'Supreme Clientele 2' sequel that may be Blockchained. Not to forget the absolutely amazing 100 plus albums from Wu-Tang artists (he ends the book with an epic take on each one of his brethren), or the only Clan you should follow's affiliates. Ghostface is right to say they're rap's Rolling Stones, they've killed it, like he has this book. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

More Reading From The Book Of Rhymes: Raekwon 'From Staircase To Stage: The Story Of Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan', Ghostface Killah 'Cell Block Z', Ghostface Killah 'Iron Man: True Reflections From The Soul of the Wu-Tang Clan'.

REVIEW: HARUKI MURAKAMI - NOVELIST AS A VOCATION

4/5

On Writing.

Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami is set to return to the literary world again this April, just in time for the cherry blossom of Sakura season. But westerners be advised, there's no word on the English version of his new novel 'The City and its Uncertain Walls' as yet. All as we await second-names like Rubin and Gabriel. Our angels that ensure we don't become Bill Murray in Park Hyatt translation with shades of Scarlet.

Soon we will be reunited with Murakami, like his radio show clothing at Uniqlo, for his first novel in six years. The '1Q84' magnum-opus like 'Killing Commendatore' (this new one is over 1000 pages too) came out in 2017, and we must be out of our pandemic minds if it's really been that long. To tide us over at least we have the short-stories of 'First Person Singular'. Remembering that his moving stories of 'Men Without Woman' compelled an Oscar winning movie with one of its enthralling extracts (The Beatles titled 'Drive My Car').

Not to mention the much-anticipated 'Novelist As A Vocation' that has finally been translated for the western world. A collection of eleven essays (six previously published and five new for these pages) in an autobiographical format that serve as a guide for young aspiring writers who want to make writing novels in their own voice their vocation. All in a beautiful jacket like shopping in Ginza or on Saville Row in the U.K. Like Stephen King's 'On Writing', this is part memoir and part mentorship. 

Want to write? Then this read will show you by the book. Want to get into the mind and process of one of the world's greatest living writers? Then this is the book for you. Taking you through broad minds and all the things you wanted to know, but had no way of asking. From that first pitch sent out at a Yakult Swallows baseball game and the rounding of those bases that hit home for Haruki that he could write a novel. To the Murakami's you still see to this day on the bold-face cover-to-cover of books you find at airports and your friend's coffee table. Even in his 70s, he's still writing for the city.

Awards? He doesn't need them. He says he's the average type to still get a terrible table at a restaurant, no matter how many terrific classics he's clacked and churned out of his typewriter. Yet he's still a prized writer of prestige all around the world, even though originally being shunned in his native Japan led to a sojourn across the globe. He's a true original, who will help you find your own voice here as you wonder what to write. Introducing you to your new ally. Time, on your side like it has been for Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones for so long. Yes it is. So don't let it get its licks in any more. Take care of your body and your craft, and you too may one day be able to write an autobiography of sorts that moves more than your average memoir. Just like 'What I Think About When I Think About Running'.

Just think, this is more than what you find in a school book. These are the characters that leap off the page and will take you to your next stage. This is who you write for and moreover yourself too, because if you can't please number one first and foremost, who cares if you're on top of the New York Times Bestseller list? Reading what comes from the classic covers of The New Yorker is better anyway (wink emoji with a monocle). These stream of consciousness speech like chapters take you through Murakami's thought process with equal measures of self-deprecation and appreciation for his fans. As he opens his mental chest of drawers for what was previously 'Monkey Business', there will be times reading this where you may just wish you were reading a new novel from Murakami as you scratch your head. But that's just because of how great a writer Haruki is. Besides, his next novel is coming from the walls soon. 

Until then, it's not everyday you get to meet your heroes. And this is one you should make acquaintance with as he sits you down for a conversation over a coffee. Wrestling with 'kitchen table fiction' until it reaches your coffee table, Haruki tell us all about his influences and innovators. Ernest Hemingway, Raymond Chandler, F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan. All whilst giving us almost a dozen reasons to the rhyme of his modern day generational inspiration on paper. And even more in heart. For this we are certain. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Reading: 'First Person Singular', 'The City and its Uncertain Walls', 'Stephen King-On Writing'. 

REVIEW: VIOLA DAVIS - FINDING ME: A MEMOIR

 

4/5

How To Get Away With Your Life.

Finding yourself in this life is hard to do. Especially if you've grown-up under the hand of poverty, physical abuse, racism and sexism. From the home to Hollywood. Still 'Fences', 'How To Get Away With Murder' and 'The Woman King' actress Viola Davis has survived and strived through all this like the Queen that she is. And now living to tell a tale that's still being told, she gives us her Oprah's Book Club choice autobiography 'Finding Me: A Memoir'. Sure, this book came out in April, just as the cherry blossom was dropping. But this fall you can't find a better book (although I'll let you know about 'The Storyteller' Dave Grohl, foo fighting) under your tree come December 25th.

Besides, it's fitting right now like Viola Davis' name in an envelope. EGOT (oh hey, Legend). That's what the first African-American to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting is about to get. The Tony's for 'Fences' and again the Oscar for her Academy Award-winning adaptation of the August Wilson play with Denzel Washington. The Emmy for getting away with murder. And the Grammy to come for this amazing autobiography audiobook that has joined me on the last month of mornings after the announcement of the nominations in November. Viola Davis should read children's books. Her voice is just that important and nurturing to the right side of history we should all be getting on. 

One of the TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People and number nine on The New York Times' list of the greatest actors of the 21st century is a real hero and real human being whose superpower has headlined everything from DC pictures (the 'Suicide Squad' movies to 'Black Adam'. Still here in the major overhaul of Gunn's ownership (sorry, Supes, that sucks)), to Chadwick Boseman's last movie (Netflix's 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom'. Her show and another from August). Yet her latest ('The Woman King') of a real hero may just be her biggest and best blockbuster. We'd love an expanded epilogue reprise on this film to mark the EG(rammy)OT certification for the Queen who owns the crown like a 'Game Of Thrones'. 

But the ever versatile Viola's most powerful performance may be here in the words she wrote on her life script. Infused with an influence of inspiration and passion. As this is no act. This is the real deal like an uncompromising and unflinching Davis always is. This is real life. Real love like J. Blige. Mother Mary, how this autobiography sings to me. Give her the Grammy already. You want to peak over the 'Fences'? Know what she really thought of 'The Help'? Or the whole, I didn't 'Get Away With Murder', but if I did, here's how I'd have done it from this incredible character, always killing it with her acting? It's all here to read all about like a sandwich board. No Hollywood gossip, just love for the craft. In a world that's strangely devoid of actor autobiographies (Matthew McConaughey's 'Green Lights' of 2020 appearing to be both the most recent and first in absolute years). Musicians, sure. There's lyrics worth. But actors. Maybe they care more than that cliché that says it's all about themselves. 

Not a note of narcissism, the best book and most moving memoir since Michelle Obama's 'Becoming' (I have Barack's waiting for me when I get home this Christmas after a three-year lockdown induced wait) is all about helping others own their story and rise from all that tries to keep them down, just like the epically empowering Viola Davis has done. Want a quotable like the ones from the greatest artists and activists of our time that adorn these chapters? This whole book is full of these affirmations in black and white, like the portrait of this hardcover staring at you with the warmth of reassurance. Sure the musings of working with Meryl Streep and the memories of the late, great Philip Seymour strike a beautiful chord, no doubt. But it's no name-drop. And it's the family matters and those that stir the soul at the heart of this book and life still being lived to the upmost full. From watching her mother being beaten, to living with rats. To wishing upon the love of her life and becoming a star in the Hollywood Hills. It's all from the grace of God, who is a woman after all. One that looks like the same beautiful dark skin that was once told they wouldn't make it in this town. Right before they ran it like those old misogynistic, dinosaur notions out. This woman's work and worth is one of a warrior. You can find it in 'Me'. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Reading: 'Michelle Obama-Becoming', 'Alicia Keys-More Myself: A Journey', 'Matthew McConaughey-Green Lights'. 

REVIEW: WILL SMITH - WILL

4/5

When There's A Will.

West Philadelphia, born and raised. Will Smith doesn't have to start his autobiography this way to sell books. But I do, so f...wait a minute. I'm not Eminem. Want to know why the man who won the first rap Grammy (alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff) doesn't cuss in his raps (apart from one powerful moment with Mary J. Blige demanding 'Tell Me Why', albeit with a bleeped censor)? Want to talk about "the only reason your a## went to Miami", becoming a 'Bad Boy' and the King of the fourth of July like 'Independence Day', as this new 'Man In Black' cashed in on movies and music, sometimes at the same "here come the" damn time? Want to go for a battle of Will's when most tricks are unarmed? Or even learn why he throws up after orgasm (WHAT?!). Then pick up the Agent Smith who turned down 'The Matrix' and still became the one's memoirs for recent showbiz memory. And 'Will' yourself to read all about one of the most epic lives in all of entertainment across genres and platforms. Or listen to the audiobook accompaniment, narrated and rapped by the man himself in all its "whoo's", "haha's" and scoring sound effects. Closing with a real new rap for the record. From a Bel-Air mansion to a YouTube star in every home and all the Fresh Prince's and Big Willie's in between that had hilarious consequences for the British press and fan base. Nothing says cocky like "big d### weekend." But for all the hallmark hubris that never segues into arrogance despite his charismatic charm, Will is missing one of those from his head. 'Bad Boys', 'Independence Day', 'Men In Black', 'Enemy Of The State', ('Wild Wild West' (open bracket, we actually love it, like 'Bagger Vance'), 'Ali', the 'MIB' and 'Bad Boys' sequel (whatcha gonna do?), 'I, Robot', 'Shark Tale', 'Hitch', 'The Pursuit Of Happyness', 'I Am Legend', 'Hancock'. He may start off some chapters by listing off his decade plus reign as a Hollywood king (and that's before the music) and how much all those movies made grossly like we don't have IMDB, or he doesn't know how to read the room of who's reading his book. But believe me he's as self aware as the road leading to some of his longest highways to hell have been paved with good intentions. The central theme of 'Will' is that nothing is more important than love and family and getting and more importantly keeping both of those that are one in the same, dear reader has nothing to do with how much you make in terms of money or grand gestures (see a certain birthday gift). Even if you have the will like Smith, there needs to be a better way. 

The man that saved the world almost as many times as he saved the box office will show you the way, but you have to open that door, or in this case, turn that page. Giving you the 'Green Lights' like Matthew McConaughey's 2020 autobiography. This is akin to his good friend Tyrese Gibson's 'How To Get Out Of Your Own Way' self help or Keith B. Real of 'Big Willie Style' himself, 'Ali' cornerman Jamie Foxx also releasing a memoir of what really matters last fall with 'Act Like You Got Some Sense: And Other Things My Daughters Taught Me'. If you think you've had your fill of cinder block books, it's time to lay another brick. Save stories with the 'Ali' crew in Africa, the line learning between him and the late, great James Avery during that iconic "how come he don't want me, man" 'Fresh Prince' scene that has been meme'd and bastardised every time LeBron James fails to win a ring and the time he was so method he fell in love with Stockard Channing on the set of 'Six Degrees Of Separation'. There's not much in the way of 'Will' towards behind the scenes back-ups to those bodacious, braggadocious box-office boasts. But it's not tricking if you got it. And we are still treated to tales from the 'He's The DJ, I'm The Rapper' Jazzy Jeff days and the real reason Townes was thrown out the crib every time he rocked that gold shirt in the house. We also get inspired impressions. From grandma Gigi, to Daddio (check out his emotional tribute and life lesson that has now become a TikTok of all things for this generation on a book tour with 'When They See Us' director Ava DuVernay) and Charlie Mack ('First Out The Limo'), that we may not know personally, but feel like we do now. Not to mention the Smith family legacy the legend made like 'Dallas' years later. Talking about striving, struggling and soaring again after his first marriage with the love of his life Jada. Giving it up for her rocking heavy metal band Wicked Wisdom and the sage story behind it's skeleton key conception. All whilst getting candid about why he couldn't say a word to the late, great GOAT of rapping, the poet Tupac Shakur. 

Parents just don't understand. But the 'Girls Ain't Nothing But Trouble' rapper is trying his damndest. From the privacy of Trey Smith shunning the spotlight, to Jaden wanting emancipation after 'After Earth'. It's all part of the purist of a real happiness, no typo as this family goes and gets it...period. One of the most inspired stories being the time that Willow wanted to stop whipping her hair. No matter what Daddy or Jay-Z had to say. And just wait until you find out how this kid who now grown up gave us one of hers and last years best in 'Lately I Feel Everything' with Willow Wisdom. Lately the biggest movie star has turned into a smartphone one across all platforms. Missing out on making a killing with 'The Suicide Squad' Summer sequel smash, but instead hitting new balls towards the Academy like Wimbledon, or the US Open. Advantage, the one that used to get jiggy with it. He's also presented Netflix ('Amend: The Fight For America') and Disney + (whoever came up with the title for National Geographic's 'Welcome To Earth' deserves a raise) shows concerning life's history and nature. But through it all. Declaring bankruptcy and almost losing his family. The threat of divorce and death. Losing loved one's and blending his family, Will has always remained Will. And 'Will' will show you why. Including the closing chapters that detail his physical and metaphysical recovery to both his love and life. This is why this book can end on a literal high. Standing on the side of a helicopter about to bungee jump into the Grand Canyon, carved from water that he was once afraid of (I also can't swim, although now I need Smith's will as he can), because someone on the Internet told him too (give me a part in the next 'Bad Boy' or 'Men In Black'...hey, you can't blame a guy for trying). The same heli jump that gave us the grace of that iconic image that had Smith looking like his dearly departed Uncle Phil. Because after a life like this, you can let go and live a little. Wise in its words, chapter and verse. Vulnerable and quotable (but you need to share that for yourself) this book is the perfect guide and tell all on a life truly lived. Just like his mother who in retirement travelled the globe with James Avery's mother. One day diabetes set in and she was stuck in hospital. A couple of weeks recovery would do the trick but Caroline Bright didn't want to stop. She told them to take her leg. She was back up in no time and then a few days later an earthquake levelled the hospital she was in as so many lost their lives. "All I lost was a leg", she said. On the set of Netflix's 'Bright', finding a light in downtown Los Angeles at night for a FaceTime, director David Ayer told Will he had to call his dying Daddio...right now. The two just looked at each other on the video call for about 20 minutes in stunning silence. Nothing more needed to be said. Love was all they needed. Let that be the last word. But in epilogue, this Golden Globe winner for 'Best Actor' may just serve up doubles at the Oscar's for his biopic on the father of Venus and Serena Williams, 'King Richard' (he came close with 'Concussion'). But before we read that envelope, it's signed, sealed and delivered that when it came to his crowning year in the last one of his greatest hits, Smith also has the best book of the calendar. When there's a 'Will', there's a great read. TIM DAVID HARVEY.