Handbook for an Unpredictable Life

How I Survived Sister Renata and My Crazy Mother, and Still Came Out Smiling (with Great Hair)

De: Rosie Perez

Narrado por: Rosie Perez

Duración: 11 h y 41 m

Resumen del Editor

Rosie Perez first caught our attention with her fierce dance in the title sequence of Do the Right Thing and has since defined herself as a funny and talented actress who broke boundaries for Latinas in the film industry. What most people would be surprised to learn is that the woman with the big, effervescent personality has a secret straight out of a Dickens novel. At the age of three, Rosie’s life was turned upside down when her mentally ill mother tore her away from the only family she knew and placed her in a Catholic children’s home in New York’s Westchester County. Thus began her crazily discombobulated childhood of being shuttled between “the Home,” where she and other kids suffered all manners of cruelty from nuns, and various relatives’ apartments in Brooklyn.

Many in her circumstances would have been defined by these harrowing experiences, but with the intense determination that became her trademark, Rosie overcame the odds and made an incredible life for herself. She brings her journey vividly to life in this memoir - from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn to her turbulent years in the Catholic home, and finally to film and TV sets and the LA and New York City hip-hop scenes of the 1980s and ‘90s.

More than a pause-resisting listen, Handbook for an Unpredictable Life is a story of survival. By turns heartbreaking and funny, it is ultimately the inspirational story of a woman who has found a hard-won place of strength and peace.

©2014 Rosie Perez (P)2014 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“I read Rosie Perez's magnificent, very real, and heart wrenching book with equal parts joy and horror--horror that the world can and routinely does inflict its terrors on its children, and joy that Rosie made it out to become not only the superior, iconographic artist she is, but the magnificent woman this book reveals her to be. Her voice is the captivating instrument here: forthright, funny, and utterly her own.” (Hilton Als, staff writer, The New Yorker)

“Rosie Perez's Handbook for an Unpredictable Life is a shockingly brave, honest book, filled with so much grace, forgiveness and humor that you feel invigorated reading it. A deeply moving story, told with unapologetic courage and heart.” (George C. Wolfe)

“Reading this story I was shaking my head in amazement that Rosie is even walking around on the earth, still smiling, let alone creating, contributing and caring about the world. I know lots of artists who had to persevere and overcome a lot to get where they got and do what they do, but Rosie takes the prize for triumph of a spirit undimmed. Charles Dickens never dreamed up a more incredible hard-knocks story.” (Edward Norton)

“Rosie Perez has written a brave, hysterical, wise and compulsively readable chronicle of growing up and surviving the dual challenges of a crazy family and crazy life in Hollywood. Like Running With Scissors before it, Handboook for an Unpredictable Life is ultimately a story of survival and will inspire us all.” (Liz Garbus)

“With refreshing candor and sass, Perez transforms the painful details of her life into an inspiring reminder that even the most unforgiving of personal circumstances can be overcome. A spunky and heartfelt memoir.” ( Kirkus)

Loved!!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This was one of the best books I read and listened to this year. Rosie Perez is one of my favorite celebrities, but it was nice to hear about her life growing up. She is such a strong woman, love her!!!

What did you like best about this story?

It showed her strength from beginning to end.

Which scene was your favorite?

When she spent time with her Father's family in Puerto Rico.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. I read the book in one day.

Love

I loved everything about this auidble!! I was amazing to hear Rosie's story and how she expressed herself. I look forward to more auidbles!

Brave woman.....so much talent!

Loved it from the first minute. Rosie Perez is a brave surviver who has the ability so make you smile with her positive attitude even when you want to cry for her.

Woah

Dang Rosie! This is one of the best stories I’ve ever had the honor of hearing. Thank you for sharing, my heart is with you all the way.
Man I don’t even know what to say other then, what a freakin’ life. Thank you for never giving up, never backing down (doing it your way), but mostly for having the courage to grow. Much love and God Bless America Two Times.

Exceptional!!!

Totally unexpected. Rosie is a phenomenal woman, one to be admired! So glad that you shared this story, it will truly help someone.

I was hesitant....

I was hesitant to start this audiobook, the blurb suggesting the level of trauma Rosie Perez had gone through let me thinking maybe another time....but I'm verrrry glad I did. Her life story is unlikely, heart wrenching and so ridiculously funny. Rosie's performance is also so genuine, sweet and incisive I found myself pausing only because I didn't want to burn through the book too quickly. If there were ever an antidote for a life of trauma, abandonment and seemingly unending pain Rosie's approach with humor, innate charisma and astounding resiliency is just that. I live a neighborhood off from her's and if I ever see Rosie Perez I'll thank her for writing this book.

inspirational

her courage to tell this story was beautiful. I admire her and love her voice

Amazing Story

Rosie Perez’ life story is both heart wrenching and inspiring. Her journey is truly a handbook for anyone going and growing through difficult circumstances. So much respect for this woman!!!

Loved it!!!

I am a huge fan of Rosie Perez!!! Awesome narration of her book! Love her voice!!!

Handbook

Where does Handbook for an Unpredictable Life rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I'd say it ranks near the top.

What aspect of Rosie Perez’s performance would you have changed?

While it's great having the author read the book, I noticed she mispronounced some words. I have noticed this with a few of my other audio books. I mean, she wrote it and she doesn't know how to say certain words? I'm sure you can get caught up in reading and it happens, but why wouldn't they start that sentence over or something? I'm sure I'm just being anal about it, but it bothers me.