I Was Better Last Night

A Memoir

By: Harvey Fierstein

Narrated by: Harvey Fierstein

Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER • A poignant and hilarious memoir from the cultural icon, gay rights activist, and four-time Tony Award–winning actor and playwright, revealing never-before-told stories of his personal struggles and conflict, of sex and romance, and of his fabled career

Harvey Fierstein’s legendary career has transported him from community theater in Brooklyn, to the lights of Broadway, to the absurd excesses of Hollywood and back. He’s received accolades and awards for acting in and/or writing an incredible string of hit plays, films, and TV shows: Hairspray, Fiddler on the Roof, Mrs. Doubtfire, Independence Day, Cheers, La Cage Aux Folles, Torch Song Trilogy, Newsies, and Kinky Boots. While he has never shied away from the spotlight, Mr. Fierstein says that even those closest to him have never heard most of the tales—of personal struggles and conflict, of sex and romance, of his fabled career—revealed in these wildly entertaining pages.

I Was Better Last Night bares the inner life of this eccentric nonconforming child from his roots in 1952 Brooklyn, to the experimental worlds of Andy Warhol and the Theatre of the Ridiculous, to the gay rights movements of the seventies and the tumultuous AIDS crisis of the eighties, through decades of addiction, despair, and ultimate triumph.

Mr. Fierstein’s candid recollections provide a rich window into downtown New York City life, gay culture, and the evolution of theater (of which he has been a defining figure), as well as a moving account of his family’s journey of acceptance. I Was Better Last Night is filled with wisdom gained, mistakes made, and stories that come together to describe an astonishingly colorful and meaningful life. Lucky for us all, his unique and recognizable voice is as engaging, outrageously funny, and vulnerable on the page.

©2022 Harvey Fierstein (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

A New York Times Staff Critics Pick of the Year • A Best Book of the Year from Smithsonian Magazine

“A raw, funny and fabulous memoir . . . Fierstein shares his life less in conventional chapters than in colorful patches: 59 of them, stitched together with photos and a plush index. The sum of this is warm and enveloping and indeed two-sided: One is a raw, cobwebby tale of anger, hurt, indignation and pain; flip it over and you get billowing ribbons of humor, gossip and fabulous, hot-pink success . . . With a dramaturge’s expert timing, Fierstein saves the most difficult anecdote of his upbringing for near the end, like the classic 11 o’clock number in musical theater. A story about his mother’s reaction to his accidental coming-out, it’s a pin prick to the heart. Actually it makes the heart a pin cushion.” --Alexandra Jacobs, The New York Times

"I love this book. Harvey Fierstein turns a phrase into a novel and the personal into the universal. The day for this book has come." --Gloria Steinem

A treasyre

I loved the move Torch Song Trilogy when I was turned on to the movie by a now departed best friend back in 1991-92. I've seen Harvey in quite a few of his other movies as well and thought he was a real pip. He's funny, warm, honest, and open about his life and I appreciated his down to earth story telling. I'll never been a big theater fan but did a couple of high school plays for fun with friends so his stories about the theater were funny and at times a bit shocking, but understandable, too. Thank you for sharing your life with us, Harvey.

Eye Opener

Enjoyed hearing the story behind such a fantastic actor. His willingness to open up about his life and struggles is an inspiration to ANYONE. Hope this story also brings more people to the theatre so they too can experience the magic of live shows.

Road-trip with Harvey

Harvey and I just finished a roadtrip from Colorado to Illinois. As a gray, straight gramma, he was the perfect travel companion. His life experiences, read in that gravely voice, with a touch of humor and sadness at times, made for a most enjoyable listen. I only wish the trip wasn’t over. Bravo, Harvey.

Fascinating, Fabulous, Fantastic

Mr. Fierstein has a marvelous way of telling a story. His memoir is impactful, colorful, funny, and very touching. As a 33 year old gay man, I was very moved with his vivid discriptions of queer life in the 1970’s through the AIDS epidemic and it’s aftermath. Thank you Mr Fierstein for telling the story. Thank you.

Loved every minute!

A real treasure to listen to Harvey narrate his memoir. What a great and honest look at a life we’ll lived. Captivating, truth-seeking, deep and funny. A real gift.

Beautiful

I absolutely enjoyed every minute of this book. I also cried several times, still wonderful.

Intimate, Honest, Enlightening, and Fun!

Listening to this felt like chatting over coffee at a lovely cozy Cafe - no, a diner in the city. I had no idea of the vastness of his career and I'm so glad to have been given the opportunity to take a peek into this absolutely wonderful human beings' life. Thank you, Harvey. This was most enjoyable ☺️

Beautiful telling of a beautiful life

What can I say I went out of my comfort zone with this book and was enthralled by his story.

Inspiring and entertaining!

Intimate, candid, even life-changing to hear all Harvey has accomplished! Such a strong person and artist. Wonderfully read by the author. A great companion. Love!

A Heartfelt Journey of Laughter, Tears, and Resilience

I have always been a fan of Harvey F, but my admiration for him has reached new heights after diving into his life story. This captivating journey not only sheds light on who he is as an artist but also reveals the incredible resilience and nurturing he received from his friends.

Listening to Harvey F's story alongside my mom and dad was an unforgettable experience. We found ourselves laughing, crying, and being genuinely moved by the pain he endured and the triumphs he achieved. The power of his storytelling evoked a rollercoaster of emotions within us, creating a deep connection with his narrative.

Harvey F's ability to captivate an audience through his art is truly remarkable. His journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, with the right support system and unwavering determination, one can overcome any obstacle.

This experience has solidified my admiration for Harvey F and has left a lasting impact on our family. I highly recommend immersing yourself in his story, as it has the power to touch your heart, inspire, and leave you with a renewed sense of hope.