Nevertheless

A Memoir

De: Alec Baldwin

Narrado por: Alec Baldwin

One of the most accomplished and outspoken actors today chronicles the highs and lows of his life in this beautifully written, candid memoir.

Over the past three decades, Alec Baldwin has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most gifted, hilarious, and controversial leading men. From his work in popular movies, including Beetlejuice, Working Girl, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Cooler, and Martin Scorsese’s The Departed to his role as Jack Donaghy on Tina Fey’s irreverent series 30 Rock—for which he won two Emmys, three Golden Globes, and seven Screen Actors Guild Awards—and as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, he’s both a household name and a deeply respected actor.

In Nevertheless, Baldwin transcends his public persona, making public facets of his life he has long kept private. In this honest, affecting memoir, he introduces us to the Long Island child who felt burdened by his family’s financial strains and his parents’ unhappy marriage; the Washington, DC, college student gearing up for a career in politics; the self-named ""Love Taxi"" who helped friends solve their romantic problems while neglecting his own; the young soap actor learning from giants of the theatre; the addict drawn to drugs and alcohol who struggles with sobriety; the husband and father who acknowledges his failings and battles to overcome them; and the consummate professional for whom the work is everything. Throughout Nevertheless, one constant emerges: the fearlessness that defines and drives Baldwin’s life.

Told with his signature candor, astute observational savvy, and devastating wit, Nevertheless reveals an Alec Baldwin we have never fully seen before.

Who knew Alec could write?

I saw Alec Baldwin on a morning talk show discussing his book. I'm not a huge fan, but I thought I would give it a try. I'm glad I did! Wow, I had no idea that Alec Baldwin had such a talent for writing. This is a beautifully written memoir. I was hooked from the first sentence and binge-listened through the weekend.

Baldwin's narration gives his story an intimate feel, like you're his new best friend who he's sharing his life story and secrets with. I also have some new respect for this actor, who I had categorized as an arrogant hot head based on tabloid reports. There's some real substance behind the sandy voice and wicked grin.

Beautifully and brutally honest

This book was beautifully written and brutally honest. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it.

Nevertheless is something different!

Would you listen to Nevertheless again? Why?

I would definitely listen to this audiobook again because I really enjoyed it. I like Alec Baldwin's acting performances, so I am interested. I think he has a great voice, and he's funny. I like his humor. This is not your typical biography because Alec Baldwin is not your typical man. I love his sharing of his ups and downs, his journey. He seems to be at a point in his life when he sees the big picture and can be honest with us. Listening to this book felt like having an honest soul-searching conversation with an old friend. He has done something unique here. I'm so glad that he read it for the audiobook! Well done Alec!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Nevertheless?

There are many memorable moments of Nevertheless, so it is difficult to pick just one. I appreciated his honesty regarding his start in life: his parents, siblings, his motivations. Of course, we all want to hear about other stars or particular directors, yet throughout his story, he always brings his attention back to what he was looking for in acting, projects, and people--to learn to be better, to always improve. My favorite sections were his imitations which are sprinkled throughout, some of the best ones are in the next to last chapter near the end. He's a great mimic as we have all seen. I enjoyed his accents, his curse words, particularly the British ones. I laughed out loud and shed a tear or two. It was quite moving in an unexpected way. I love, love, love the movie The Edge that he did with Anthony Hopkins; so I was hooked on that part. He is not afraid to call out producers when they're wrong.

What about Alec Baldwin’s performance did you like?

I like that it was an intimate performance of a sort--he shares everything with his listeners. Previously, I had enjoyed listening to a few shows he has hosted on the radio--especially the classical music one in New York, so I believe his voice has some qualities that resonate with an audience, a terrific voice! He mimics so well, has great timing, makes people laugh. His voice sounds like chocolatey-velvety-whiskey-smooth and a little gruff, just enough. He uses down to earth language, some great quotations from wonderful writers, and he uncannily anticipates questions his audience might have and answers them. What more could you want?

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did want to take this audiobook in pieces; however, I listened to most of it, slept a little (fell asleep while listening to it), then finished it up in the morning with my coffee. I was sad when it ended; it was as if he'd been a guest in my house who I knew I would miss when he went. Thankfully, I can listen to it again and again. He drew me into his story; I felt compelled to stay and listen. Having it on the Kindle and being able to revisit it is wonderful because it is a very rich story with so many points it can be a challenge to take it all in in one sitting. It is something to savor and reflect on.

Any additional comments?

This couldn't have been easy to write or read out loud for him. There are tough parts. Who wants to rake up personal struggles again for strangers? What I admire is that he takes those on and discusses those for his readers/listeners. He is no coward avoiding the pain of revisiting some stupid moments. Haven't we all been there? In addition, he gives some great advice. I commend him for having the huevos--I have read other actors' books who just avoid writing or speaking about any problems they had, leaving me disappointed. He won't do that: he is a brave, happy, realistic man bearing his beautiful soul. I am thrilled that he got that second chance at happiness in his life that so many do not. What's wonderful about this actor, is that he appreciates it. For that I respect him greatly! Get it, read it, listen to it--you'll be glad you did.

Great reader! Story's not bad either

Alec Baldwin. Pronounces. Every. Word. And I love him for it. His story is very relatable, and he's practically public property at this point, so it's interesting to see where he came from. I will happily buy his other books.

Loved it

I enjoyed my time listening to this fascinating memoir. He is always fearless in his opinions. It is fun to hear his take on the politics in his industry.