A Book A Week

With the multitude of streaming services each vying for our attention through various content, it seems that the days of a smash box office hit driven by a Hollywood superstar are beyond us. Yes, the Marvel movies still make a ton of cash and capture the cultural zeitgeist, but I'd argue the draw of those films stem more from our connections to the characters and stories than being drawn to seeing a particular actor or actress. It wasn't too long ago that audiences rushed to their local cinema to see the latest movie to feature a specific star. Nobody in recent history put "butts in seats" like actor and musician Will Smith. In his self-titled memoir, Will looks back on his humble beginning, extraordinary rise to fame, and the family he's built through it all. 

At a young age, Will learned the power of hard work and perseverance. While most kids his age would spend their spare time playing with friends and goofing around, Will and his brother were tasked with work around the house. Specifically, their father had them build a brick wall, a job that took months to complete. Finishing the monumental task taught them the value of committing to doing something the right way and seeing it through. This lesson would stick with will as he began his career in hip-hop, starred in a hit sitcom, and set out to become the biggest movie star in the world. 

Smith achieved his goals through grit, determination, natural charisma, and a bit of good luck. He recalls an impromptu audition for the starring role of The Fresh Prince of Bellaire that took place at the home of legendary producer Quincy Jones during one of his star-studded parties. In front of other Hollywood heavyweights including Stephen Spielberg, Will successfully completed the audition that would make him a household name for the rest of his life. From there, he strategically crafted a career based upon acting in the kinds of films he knew would make him a star. Along with his trusted advisors and confidants, he achieved everything he set out to. 

There's no denying the professional achievements of Will Smith. He will go down in history as one of the most bankable stars to ever grace the screen. His memoir has no shortage of stories about how he achieved such great heights. Even the most casual Will Smith fan will connect to his anecdotes of finding his fame. What sets Will apart, however, is the vulnerability with which he approaches looking back on his personal life. He lays everything out for us to see here. Will was drawn to providing a perfect life for his wife and children, a task made only more complex amongst his high-profile career. He celebrates the successes but is equally introspective about all of the times he got it wrong.  Despite the pride he takes in the family that he's built, I got the sense that he's haunted by his personal missteps. 

The cover for Will is one of the most eye-catching pieces of art that I've ever seen. Despite my desire to own a hardcover copy, I opted to listen to the author narrate his book via audiobook. It plays like a full-on production that features recordings of his music and clips from his acting career. Normally I listen to audiobooks at a 1.7x speed, but I absorbed this one at the intended pace, savoring each moment. Smith's affability combines with his skills as a seasoned storyteller into a work that is as entertaining as it is moving. It works as a retrospective on an extraordinary first chapter in Will's career. With a Best Actor Oscar nomination again this year, Smith is proving that he's only getting started. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2022, 8)