This book is Moore's most personal to date - and will be irresistible to fans and foes alike. A sort of anti-memoir, Moore breaks the autobiographical mode while he hilariously presents 20 far-ranging, irreverant vignettes from his own life.
Moore is his own meta-Forrest Gump, as one moment he's an 11-year old boy stuck on a Senate elevator with Bobby Kennedy and the next moment he's inside the Bitburg cemetery with a dazed and confused Ronald Reagan.
Changing planes in Vienna, he escapes death at the hands of the terrorist Abu Nidal (others weren't so lucky). In search for a bag of Ruffles potato chips one day, he ends up eliminating racial discrimination at private clubs all across America. He founded his first underground newspaper in fourth grade.
He refused to be on the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite at 16 ("There's not enough Clearasil in the world for that to happen"). And he became the youngest elected official in the country at age 18 by enlisting an "army of local stoners" who had no idea what they were doing as his campaign staff.
And none of that even comes close to the night the friendly priest at the seminary decided to show him how to perform his own exorcism.
All of this is the stuff that makes for great fiction - but every one of these stories is true and from the life of one Michael Moore, a son of Flint, Michigan, who became an iconic voice for American progressives everywhere. But before that Michael Moore became the Oscar-winning filmmaker and all-round rabble rouser and thorn-in-the-side of corporate and right-wing America, there was the guy who had an uncanny knack of just showing up where history was being made. Like the night he was passing through Berlin and some crazies started chiseling on a very large wall. The next thing he knew he was on top of that wall, taunting soldiers who apparently thought he wasn't worth wasting a bullet on.
This book is a wild, revealing, take-no-prisoners ride through the early life of Michael Moore. Alternately funny, eye-opening, and moving, this is a book Michael Moore has been writing - and living - for a very long time.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.
©2011 Michael Moore (P)2011 Hachette
"So that's how he got that way"
A collection of humorous stories that provide more than a glimpse into how this filmmaker came to be. There are a lot of short "chapters" in this autobiography. Now that I have listened to them all, I wish I had rationed them out. Just like in his films, Moore's love for country and other people, albeit often exhibited in tactless fashion, shine through. Plus it is funny, I laughed out loud three times, despite well-honed skills of stifling such while sitting in the quiet car on a commuter train.
"it was a very interesting read"
I have never reviewed a book before, I like to keep my opinions to myself. Yet, I really felt the need to comment on this book. It was informative, interesting and actually very funny. Truthfully, I didn't know a lot about Michael Moore beyond the very negative things I have read about him and his movies (I have yet to see one). This book showed me a whole other side of him that I hadn't read about. Now, I'm not saying every word is factual, it's supposed to be, considering he is reading it as his life story, but who knows. It has however given me pause, to think to myself, (not that this is something my parents didn't teach me)...... be careful not to believe everything you hear, even from the government. Well, this book reminded me about that. Whether it is the government or Michael Moore's account of things, don't take anything at face value. Beyond that, I'd like to say about Michael Moore's book, it was VERY entertaining. His recollections of his life (and the stories of his ancestor's lives before him), is completely engrossing. He has a wonderful way of telling a tale and his stories about himself growing up are particularly funny. He is very quick to make fun of himself. Although he sounded like an amazingly precocious child he also lets you see what a pain in the ass he could be. If you are anything like me, you will listen to this book driving in and out of work and sometimes you will have to drive past your own house because you are not ready to turn it off.
pdbrsf
"I loved this book"
I was not a big fan of Michael Moore the person (a slob and too abrasive) before this book, but I did like several of his documentaries and I appreciated his political message on health and the war in Iraq. So, I was quite surprised to find this audiobook extremely entertaining, and I was surprised to learn what I did about his years growing up and how that shaped the person we know today. Michael Moore the person is quite different from the image we see on television, and I was very happy to dispel that image of him in my mind. He is a very misunderstood rebel in our society, and I hope this book will cause people to reconsider how they view him. The book manages to be both humorous, touching, and serious. I couldn't wait to keep listening and was sad to hear it end.
This is a great gift for teenagers too because his story will inspire them to believe they can make a difference in this world.
syboman
"Excellent Book, Moore is very entertaining."
Very Funny, great stories. Easy to listen to. Michael Moore has a fascinating life story.
political maven
"Some wonderful,inspiring stories!"
Mr. Moore did a great job expressing the details of his life....his emotion comes through so many times...talking about his mom,dad,teachers...and weaving these experiences into the history that was occuring at the time.
I loved the stories about Mike's mom.
No-this is my first audiobook by Mr. moore(I have read the hard copies in the past).Now,I want to get the other books he has written.
I tried...These are long books.Fortunately,you can stop this book without losing your place.
"HILARIOUS"
First off, Michael Moore is a GREAT narrator. It feels like a memoir should, as if he's talking conversationally with you. I'm from Moore's hometown of Davison, Michigan so my interest in this book was due to a number of reasons. The book is full of great stories and it amazes me how little Davison has changed in the decades since Moore was a child. The only thing that I found somewhat confusing was that the book is not organized in chronological order, so a story of Moore as an adult may be followed by one of his years in Catholic school. But it's easy to figure out what's going on. I laughed and I cried. And I bought the actual book for my dad for Christmas :)
Also, if you don't like Michael Moore or don't agree with his views then don't buy this book. Fair warning.
"Excellent!"
This is an excellent book for anyone to read, it gives such good insight into the live of Michael Moore...all of his trials and tribulations.
I was very impressed with Michael's determination to pursue his seat on the School Board of his local community. Really unbelieveable at the age of 18! I just love his determination to do the right thing, and not what everyone thinks should be done.
My favorite was the scene of Michael and his classmates trying to croos the boarder to Canada as a trial run to avoid being drafted.
Life in Michigan in the 60's and 70's.
Excellent reading for anyone!
"Couldn't stop listening"
I am a fan of Michael Moore but I have never seen one of his movies or read one of his books. Once I got started listening there was little stopping.
My favorite part was when he had to hire Navy Seals as body guards. When someone hires Seals you know they are in deep trouble and could be killed. Old ex-cop security was not an option.
There was not a dull moment in the book. This was unusual for me but I went back and listened to many chapters again.
"Another great book from Michael Moore"
I could not stop listening to this audio book. If you read his previous work you will love this one. If you are new to Michael: Open you heart to an emotional journey, and be ready to be captivated from the first page.
"And He can write, too?"
"Well, Who da thunk it!"
First,I will admit that I am a fan of the cinematic works of Mr. Moore, but this was quite an enjoyable "read." There are a few portions of the book that had me in tears (not the kind of thing one does riding the ol' #7 to Manhattan, but I dare you Not to be moved by the chapter when his mother passed).
His "Story" reveals many disturbing aspects of living a "Vocal" life in America.
Regrets, I'm sure he's had a few.
"But too few to mention."
An enjoyable "Read", But to those that are not "Fans" of the good Mr. Moore ....
Would it kill you to listen to a differing opinion every so often?