Brat

An '80s Story

By: Andrew McCarthy

Narrated by: Andrew McCarthy

Length: 4 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Fans of Patti Smith's Just Kids and Rob Lowe's Stories I Only Tell My Friends will love this beautifully written, entertaining, and emotionally honest memoir by an actor, director, and author who found his start as an '80s Brat-Pack member.

Most people know Andrew McCarthy from his movie roles in Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo's Fire, Weekend at Bernie's, and Less Than Zero, and as a charter member of Hollywood's Brat Pack. That iconic group of ingenues and heartthrobs included Rob Lowe, Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, and Demi Moore, and has come to represent both a genre of film and an era of pop culture.

In his memoir Brat: An '80s Story, McCarthy focuses his gaze on that singular moment in time. The result is a revealing look at coming of age in a maelstrom, reckoning with conflicted ambition, innocence, addiction, and masculinity. New York City of the 1980s is brought to vivid life in this book, from scoring loose joints in Washington Square Park to skipping school in favor of the dark revival houses of the Village where he fell in love with the movies that would change his life.

Filled with personal revelations of innocence lost to heady days in Hollywood with John Hughes and an iconic cast of characters, Brat is a surprising and intimate story of an outsider caught up in a most unwitting success.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Andrew McCarthy (P)2021 Grand Central Publishing

Critic reviews

"This is not some memoir written by an actor who fancies himself a world traveler. McCarthy really is a world traveler - and a damned fine writer, too.... To readers who think, 'Andrew McCarthy? Really?' the answer is a resounding and emphatic yes. Really." (Booklist)

"Rarely have I seen the male psyche explored with such honesty and vulnerability. This is the story of a son, a father, a brother, a husband, a man who finds the courage not only to face himself, but to reveal himself, and, in so doing, illuminates something about what it is to be human, fully alive, and awake." (Dani Shapiro, author of Devotion)

Exactly What I Expected

I wish I had time to pen a longer review but I’d I don’t write down my immediate thoughts just after concluding the audio book I know life will inevitably get in the way.

Have always been a fan of McCarthy’s acting. Even amongst the actual‘brat pack stars, my eyes and ears were always drawn to McCarthy, who was the only one of the bunch who seemed to be playing himself in terms of his gestures and how he engaged the camera.

Thank goodness lended his own voice to the narration. I think that made a big difference in how his story landed to the ear and mind. It allowed your mind to visualize his journey.

Great, easy listen with not a hint of embellishment. In fact, it seems somehow that he may have left some things on the proverbial (audio) cutting room floor. Perhaps not. Either way, I highly recommend this autobiography to those who enjoy hearing of one’s life journey, and who dare to think those on the big screen are somehow not as human as ourself.

my favorite

thank you for giving your fans a glimpse of your life. You were always my favorite/crush actor of my teen years in the heart of the 80s as I grew into an adult. very well done.

Excellent

I love Andrew McCarthy and his style. His life and his view was very captivating. I really enjoyed his story and it being told by his voice! Loved it!

Great listen!

Waited for this one after listening to both Rob Lowe books and it was worth it

Love that he reads his own story and someone else

Love his movies and glad he made it through all the tough times ❤️

Absolutely loved it

Loved it! Andrew tells his story in a way that makes you feel like you've lived it with him.

Now I know why he was my crush

Andrew McCarthy was so much like me I giving him a person decent human being. Bravo I cried at the end so much I can relate.

So honest to his listeners

I just love hearing his voice. To tell the inside story of his life and films is so interesting to those of us coming of age during his early career. I for for one loved his crazy eyes. I loved his honesty in getting sober. I love his work. I thought weekend at Bernie's was so funny, I almost hurt myself. I loved the music tracks to the movies he was in(80's). I am glad you got over your fear. Thanks for your book Andrew.

Enjoyable

I loved this book. Thoughtfully chosen, delicious words were used to describe the actors story. I was back on time and told background information on one of my favorite actors.Even as a young teenage girl, I always identified with Andrew McCarthy’s characters. I understood his vulnerabilities and his story spoke to me.

Enjoyable!

I like to read of reflections on the past. I am a part of the generation that hails the 80s as the best times of life. We all stumbled a bit, but we are brighter for it. Shining on also is Andrew McCarthy!

Didn’t want it to end

Engaging, well written and great narration by Andrew. Fun inside look into the life of a reluctant movie star. Can’t wait to see the documentary.