Life Itself

A Memoir

By: Roger Ebert

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

"I believe that if, at the end, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn't always know this, and am happy I lived long enough to find it out."
—from Life Itself

Roger Ebert is the best-known film critic of our time. He has been reviewing films for the Chicago Sun-Times since 1967, and was the first film critic ever to win a Pulitzer Prize. He has appeared on television for four decades, including 23 years as cohost of Siskel & Ebert at the Movies.

In 2006, complications from thyroid cancer treatment resulted in the loss of his ability to eat, drink, or speak. But with the loss of his voice, Ebert has only become a more prolific and influential writer. And now, for the first time, he tells the full, dramatic story of his life and career.

Roger Ebert's journalism carried him on a path far from his nearly idyllic childhood in Urbana, Illinois. It is a journey that began as a reporter for his local daily, and took him to Chicago, where he was unexpectedly given the job of film critic for the Sun-Times, launching a lifetime's adventures.

In this candid, personal history, Ebert chronicles it all: his loves, losses, and obsessions; his struggle and recovery from alcoholism; his marriage; his politics; and his spiritual beliefs. He writes about his years at the Sun-Times, his colorful newspaper friends, and his life-changing collaboration with Gene Siskel. He remembers his friendships with Studs Terkel, Mike Royko, Oprah Winfrey, and Russ Meyer (for whom he wrote Beyond the Valley of the Dolls and an ill-fated Sex Pistols movie). He shares his insights into movie stars and directors like John Wayne, Werner Herzog, and Martin Scorsese.

This is a story that only Roger Ebert could tell. Filled with the same deep insight, dry wit, and sharp observations that his readers have long cherished, this is more than a memoir-it is a singular, warm-hearted, inspiring look at life itself.

©2011 Roger Ebert (P)2011 Hachette Audio

An Owner's Manual for Living a Fulfilled Life

Roger Ebert might just have been the happiest man alive – I know that’s not true, but it may be close. He’s either the greatest liar or luckiest man who ever lived; I believe the later.

He shares with us his life – though he doesn’t pat himself on the back for doing some of it right or wallow in misery for the things he did wrong (particularly alcoholism) – he really does celebrate all of it in these pages. I sincerely thank him for that.

This is a book that clearly demonstrates that it’s the little things in a life that make it grand – he spends more time telling us about his inability to rid himself of a single one of the books he’s owned in his life than he does aggrandizing the life of the most celebrated movie critic ever.

He shares the love he had for the people in his life – the newspaper friends, his parents, and his beloved wife. He shares the joy he felt in revisiting the little places he had found and loved in cities around the world. He shares the wonder found in books, movies, and life in general.

This really is a book that makes me want to be a better person – and one that shows me the way to go about it. I can’t recommend it more enthusiastically. Listen to it twice.

Not what I had in mind..

This is a memoir of his life that takes you back into the 60's, which is difficult for me to relate with. I was looking for more movie review related stories but this was not that sort of book.. my bad.

One and a half thumbs up

This wasnt an incredibly in depth memoir but some of the Hollywood Elite stories made this a mostly fun and entertaining listen. John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, and others kept it interesting. Edward Herrman did a fantastic job with the narration. A light take on the life and career of one of the most famous movie critics in american media history.

this book demonstrates the key role of the reader

Would you consider the audio edition of Life Itself to be better than the print version?

Absolutely. I am sure if I had read the book,the long lists of names and places would have been cumbersome. What brought this book to live esd Edward Herrmann's pitch-perfect reading.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the stories and reference to movies and Ebert's positive attitude, but was carried me away into the story was Edward Herrmann. It was both calm and restrained and yet full of warmth and emotion.

What does Edward Herrmann bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Uh, everything. Intelligence, feeling, drama - this dude is one of the great readers

Any additional comments?

did I mention how impressive Edward Herrmann was?

Enjoyable autobiography

What did you love best about Life Itself?

Some people earn the right to tell their story, and Roger Ebert certainly has. He does not brag or name drop; he remains in awe of his circumstance. He tells intersting and funny stories about the movie industry and theh people he grew close to.

What did you like best about this story?

Roger is down to earth. He reveals himself in an honest way.

Surprisingly good read

What did you love best about Life Itself?

I found the book really brought me into his world and the times he grew up in. It was really great to listen to all the stories behind the movies, actors, and directors. If you are a movie buff, you'll like this aspect of the book.I also liked that he never pulled any punches. He tells it, warts and all.

What does Edward Herrmann bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I found the narrator was just about perfect. His tone and cadence were bang on, and did not distract in any way.

Any additional comments?

It gave me a better understanding of the life of one of my favorite tv personalities. I also appreciate that even without the ability to speak, he is still connecting with his fan base in a great way.

The Newspaper Business in Chicago

I mentally noted chapter 13 for when I began to get really interested in this book. Once I got past childhood and into Roger getting his first job, this really picked up for me. Given Roger's lifetime of watching movies, it was interesting to hear his opinions on film and about all the experiences he's had talking with filmmakers and actors. Lots of excellent travel stories related to film festivals.

Oh yeah! Getting started in TV was also a great story. Roger's wife Chaz is an inspiration. What an amazing woman.

My favorite audio book of all time!

What did you love best about Life Itself?

Edward Herrman's narration.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Roger Ebert's stories are charming.

Any additional comments?

Since the stories are non-linear, I am never bored by this book. I find the narration and story cadence to be soothing, I have listed to this three times already!

A wonderful memoir beautifully told

A lovely telling of Ebert's life well lived. He made the most of his time, even after cancer took its toll. I knew of him only as the nerdy guy on the movie–review shows (Siskel was much more interesting) but now appreciate all that was behind the figure on the screen. I wish I could have known him.

Absorbing memoir, wonderful narration

Roger Ebert has astonishing recall, memorably evoking his childhood, his career, the people he has met, his alcoholism, his marriage to the spectacular Chaz, and his current doings. This is a warm and humorous (yes, I laughed out loud) story that has its serious side. It also boasts an excellent performance by Edward Herrmann, who often sounds a lot like the people whose conversations with Ebert he is portraying. I really enjoyed this.