Govt Cheese

By: Steven Pressfield

Narrated by: Steven Pressfield

Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

People who have read my books, particularly “The War of Art” and its cousins, have a vague idea of the odyssey of a particular solitary guy, wracked with guilt and riven by self-doubt, as he struggles toward his destiny as a writer. But they have only the scantiest conception of the particulars of that journey.

These particulars I’m hoping may be of use to others as they wrestle with their own version of that same odyssey.

So let me try to strip it down.

Let me tell the parts I normally leave out.

©2022 Sarsaparilla Media (P)2022 Sarsaparilla Media

Critic reviews

“I LOVED IT! AND I TOOK NOTES.”—Jack Carr, #1 NYT bestselling author of the “Terminal List” series

“I WAS ACTUALLY CRYING IN THE MIDDLE...”—James Altucher, Author, Entrepreneur

“STEVEN PRESSFIELD IS A WRITING HERO. I loved the chance to see this master of story tell his own story.”—Jeff Glor, CBS News

Inspiring

Thank you Steven Pressfield for sharing your story! Love your works, always inspiring and motivating!

We long for beauty even as we swim within it

Thank you, This audiobook is to me the ingredient list that made the War of Art the recipe for creatives.

One of my favorites.

Thanks, Steve. The straight six with three on the tree took me back. Your words and thoughts always help.

Another Great Work by a great storyteller

First, full disclosure: I definitely have a strong bias when it comes to Steven Pressfield‘s work. Although I have never met him, and probably never will, I feel like he is an important teacher for me. So much of his journey, although very different from mine, resonates with me.

Having said that, in many ways, this is my favorite book so far that I have read or listened to by him (Or delivered by him. After you read this book, you’ll understand what I mean by that).

He is a superb writer, whether he’s writing fiction or nonfiction. This book for me, combines elements of both his storytelling, and his inspirational books about creativity and writing.

And since he reads it himself, and it’s his memoir, and he adds a little almost spontaneous footnotes throughout, it feels like he’s just sitting down telling us his story.

If you’re already a fan of his work like I am, this book is a must. But even if you’ve never read any of his other books, I think many people will find this entertaining and interesting, especially people who enjoy the creative process, and hearing the journey of those who have been on that road.

I will be listening to this book multiple times. I made a lot of footnotes and bookmarks in the Audible file.

I will probably also buy it as a Kindle book, and maybe also as a paper book. I have done that with Stephen King‘s On Writing. Although Stephen King is far from being one of my favorite authors (not even in my top 10), that book is one of the best books on writing that I have ever read. I got it in paper, an e-book form, and an audiobook form. And I have read it multiple times in all forms. Sometimes a book needs that. This one for me, might.

I love this book, but I love everything Steven Pressfield writes

I’m 53, I’m a painter and I’m working more than I ever have trying to get a body of work put together that can bring about a career change. I’m going to send this book to several other artist I know who are younger some my own age. I found it to be incredibly moving and very encouraging.

thank you Stephen for writing this and for your beautiful narration.

This book is a guide

I read (listened to) this book at the beginning of the next 12 months of my life. I read it just after David Goggins’ latest book, “Never Finished.” Govt Cheese gives you the hope and perspective that we all need as we work together through this beautiful earthly experience to uncover and blossom the person we are. Thank you, Steven. I appreciate your candor, hope, long suffering, and joy.

More than Government Cheese

Coulda used more government cheese, like that barefoot lady swithin’ dat mule. This guy was shifting without a clutch and I was surprised and disappointed when the ride ended so soon. Nonetheless, he did deliver.

One of the best books I've read

in the vein of On The Road, Blue Highways and Down and Out in Paris and London... and every bit as good. Beautifully written. Very economical yet evocative prose. A gripping story and many life lessons as well.

A LESSON IN PERSEVERANCE

Somehow I only heard of Steven a few weeks ago on Rich Rolls podcast. I find it so inspiring how he was so committed to his craft and would not bend to his demons or societal expectations. This is a lesson for us all. Not because he became commercially successful but due to the fact that he wasn’t going to let commercial success or anyone define who he is or what / how he would write. That said, his personal story is very entertaining and at times funny, even amazing.

Best since War of Art

Pressfield delivers the gritty and very personal stories along with his steps to success. Terrific listen.