Will

By: Will Smith, Mark Manson

Narrated by: Will Smith

The instant #1 New York Times bestseller!

“It's the best memoir I've ever read.” —Oprah Winfrey

“Will Smith isn't holding back in his bravely inspiring new memoir . . . An ultimately heartwarming read, Will provides a humane glimpse of the man behind the actor, producer and musician, as he bares all his insecurities and trauma.” —USA Today

Winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Achievement

One of the most dynamic and globally recognized entertainment forces of our time opens up fully about his life, in a brave and inspiring book that traces his learning curve to a place where outer success, inner happiness, and human connection are aligned. Along the way, Will tells the story in full of one of the most amazing rides through the worlds of music and film that anyone has ever had.

Will Smith’s transformation from a West Philadelphia kid to one of the biggest rap stars of his era, and then one of the biggest movie stars in Hollywood history, is an epic tale—but it’s only half the story.

Will Smith thought, with good reason, that he had won at life: not only was his own success unparalleled, his whole family was at the pinnacle of the entertainment world. Only they didn't see it that way: they felt more like star performers in his circus, a seven-days-a-week job they hadn't signed up for. It turned out Will Smith's education wasn't nearly over.

This memoir is the product of a profound journey of self-knowledge, a reckoning with all that your will can get you and all that it can leave behind. Written with the help of Mark Manson, author of the multi-million-copy bestseller The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Will is the story of how one person mastered his own emotions, written in a way that can help everyone else do the same. Few of us will know the pressure of performing on the world's biggest stages for the highest of stakes, but we can all understand that the fuel that works for one stage of our journey might have to be changed if we want to make it all the way home. The combination of genuine wisdom of universal value and a life story that is preposterously entertaining, even astonishing, puts Will the book, like its author, in a category by itself.

*This audiobook includes a downloadable PDF of music credits.

Critic reviews

“Many people can live a really fantastic life. Many people can write a great book. There are few people I think who can translate a fantastic life into a fantastic book. . . . It’s raw. . . . one of the most anticipated yet unexpected memoirs that has ever come out.” —Trevor Noah, The Daily Show

“The guy you think you know is just a fantasy. . . . With a new book . . . [Will Smith] is finally ready to introduce himself. . . . It is a 400-page page turner.” —T.J. Holmes, Good Morning America

“It shows every high, every low, and the sheer will it took you to become who you are. . . . I love the book. It’s fantastic.” —Jimmy Fallon, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

“This book doesn’t waste any time. . . . Like a lot of families, mine included, we talk about nothing. You took the carpet, you shook it, you beat it with a broom, you let it all out. . . . The book is so good.” —Hoda Kotb, TODAY with Hoda and Jenna

“Will is not just a gift for the reader but an absolutely entertaining treat as well. . . . It’s filled with laugh out loud, nostalgic references alongside poignant, powerful, relatable life and career lessons. . . . While we often think of leaders as successful, powerful . . . and oftentimes rich, Smith reminds us that the best leaders are really vulnerable, relatable and teachable.” —Forbes

“Will Smith isn't holding back in his bravely inspiring new memoir . . . An ultimately heartwarming read, Will provides a humane glimpse of the man behind the actor, producer and musician, as he bares all his insecurities and trauma.” —USA Today

“The real Smith, the one that yells, cries, experiences heartbreak, is much more interesting. Early on, his act gives way to images of unhealthy relationship patterns marked by people pleasing and insecurity. Elsewhere, Will rewards music fans with memories of hip-hop’s early days, when getting a song played on the radio was a crowning achievement and selling rap albums was almost inconceivable.” —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

I’m am transformed!

This is the very first time in my life that I am writing a review! I’m 33 years old. Since 2018 I have listened to over 100 audio books and this by far was the best/ most entertaining audio book I have EVER listened to. I feel so honored and grateful to be able to write a review for this book. This Audio was cleverly put together and has had a profound effect on me over the last 3 days. Will gave his all to this book. I can tell he wanted it to be GREAT! I can tell he wanted it to be the BEST! All I can say Mr. Smith is that this was the best! The energy and countless hours you put into making this book is felt to depths of my soul! Thank you!

Amazing

this book is a life legend story. this is and eye opening book.i love it

Wow! This is a mic drop of a memoir! BRAVO will.

The best memoir I’ve read. This is my first review here. I never give reviews. I always think that what I have to say to doesn’t matter. But this is my way of my standing ovation…I don’t even do that much either.
This memoir entertains, made me laugh, made me me question my own belief system, examine examine my soul, inspires and provides wisdom about life and happiness.
Thank you Will for being brave to share your life authentically. You opened your soul through your precise articulation of your thoughts, feelings and experiences. You’re an amazing human.

Will is a GREAT story teller!!

I’m not keen on autobiographies but this was AWESOME!! To hear someone I grew up watching my whole life and hear of his normal struggles, made me like him even more! Great depiction of his life events, musical interludes, and overall performance. Phenomenal!! Really really wonderful audiobook!

I love Will Smith even more now

I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve learned… I’ve been inspired…. and I absolutely intend to listen to it a second time when I finish the last hour. I promise you won’t regret getting this one!

WILL

PHENOMENAL read/listen!
Soon as this came out I grabbed it immediately! It is a great read, funny, inspirational, deep, loving, vulnerable, and he drops countless gems. It goes to show you that even some of the greats that have done it in a major way are flawed. He has been able to manifest A LOT with actions rooted in fear..I’m happy and excited to see what he creates with his actions starting from a place of love.
Thanks Will. 🤙🏾

Truly eye opening

This book gave us a true look in the mind of Will Smith . The ups the downs the good and the bad . It was motivating and thought provoking .

Great book

The book is great-Charlie Mack voice .. Will smith did a great job telling his story, I've been a fan since the early 90s and hearing him walk me through his life is very fulfilling. The book is good, I am sure he left a lot of other personal stories out but I feel I can understand him, as a man and father, better now.

Amazing

I loved this book. I’ve always been a fan of Will Smith. He’s always done things in a way that brought all people in to his humor and genuineness. I love him more now. I am a white, 60 year old woman whose entire family has served and so have I. I understand his father’s militaristic look at life. I have so much more respect for his journey and how he turned his struggles into gold. But mainly how he has chosen to live authentically. Truly an example for all colors, creeds, religions. Read this book!

extraordinary

I loved this book! Will Smith wonderful actor and outstanding story teller! Thank you for sharing all that you did! Loved that you included the Will Remix at the end! Keep on going Fresh Prince!