It’s been a minute since I’ve talked about the books I’ve recently opened and shut. As many of you have come to know, I’m a sucker for an autography by someone famous. For me, it’s not about the cool things they’ve done post stardom, it’s about their climb and the lessons I can learn by having studied them.
First up, Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s newest title, “Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life”. I mean, how could Arnold’s life NOT be interesting? An immigrant and bodybuilder who becomes the highest paid actor in action, THEN in comedic roles, and THEN Governor of the most populous state in America.
If anyone does one of those things, they are a savant.
Having done them ALL makes Arnold a legend.
The book’s title comes from something Schwarzenegger’s father said to him as he embarked on his journey from Austria to the United States. While most of us would not be able to connect with the unlikely story of a bodybuilder turned A-list actor turned politician, the habits he talks about are as fundamental as relatable.
Most of the habits are things you’d expect from a successful person. The one I particularly enjoyed was the ability to “sell” – an idea, your vision, the ability to get something done that seems immediately unlikely or difficult. This one caught my eye because no one likes being “sold to”. And, in fact, the adjective is too often has a negative connotation. Scharzenegger’s version, though, is more about the power of advocacy – “selling” underpinned by true belief in oneself. I liked that take.
Overall, Arnold Scharzenegger’s “Be Useful” was a raw account of the building blocks of a very uniquely successful life. It was good. I don’t think, though, I’d put in on the bookshelf as a title that revolutionizes the way I think about pursuing my goals or how I teach my kids to.
My second autobiography I recently read came from SNL star Kenan Thompson called, “When I Was Your Age: Life Lessons, Funny Stories, and Questionable Parenting Advice from a Professional Clown”.
Initially, this hit my marks on all “should I read this” accounts: parenting AND autobiography of a famous person. The book, though, did little more than helped me paint a picture of how Thompson navigated Hollywood from elementary school to now. I felt that the parenting angle – other than stories of his own upbringing – fell flat for parents. Parts of the book seems repetitive, calling upon stories that had already been explained during lessons that hadn’t.
I did particularly enjoy Thompson not running away from past issues – a past personal bankruptcy or issues with his previously-plump physique. A highpoint of the book, for me, was the description of raising affluent children of color today as opposed to his modest upbringing in the Atlanta area.
All-in-all, “When I Was Your Age” wasn’t great and was not a waste of time – a quick read that brought Thompson’s lively voice into your head as I turned the pages.
I do think that my casual fandom diminished the book’s appeal for me. Maybe this is title for Thompson Super Fan Parents, and only a “ho-hum” read for me.
Whether you read these books, or not, just read! And, if you pick up either title, let me know if you agree. Or, better yet, if you don’t.
