Total Recall

My Unbelievably True Life Story

By: Arnold Schwarzenegger

Narrated by: Stephen Lang, Arnold Schwarzenegger

In his signature larger-than-life style, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s memoiris a revealing self-portrait of his illustrious, controversial, and truly unique life.

The greatest immigrant success story of our time. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s story is unique—and uniquely entertaining—and he tells it brilliantly in these pages.

He was born in a year of famine in a small Austrian town, the son of an austere police chief. He dreamed of moving to America to become a bodybuilding champion and a movie star. By the age of twenty-one, he was living in Los Angeles and had been crowned Mr. Universe. Within five years, he had learned English and become the greatest bodybuilder in the world. Within ten years, he had earned his college degree and was a millionaire from his business enterprises in real estate, landscaping, and bodybuilding. He was also the winner of a Golden Globe Award for his debut as a dramatic actor in Stay Hungry. Within twenty years, he was the world’s biggest movie star, the husband of Maria Shriver, and an emerging Republican leader who was part of the Kennedy family. Thirty-six years after coming to America, the man once known by fellow body­builders as the Austrian Oak was elected governor of California.

Now, with raw honesty and insight, he tells the story of his life in his own voice. Here is Arnold, with total recall.

A modern day renaissance man

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a prime example of someone whose focus and determination set him apart from other people. Athlete, businessman, actor, public servant, philanthropist...the list goes on and on. He embodies so many qualities that I find admirable. I grew up watching his celebrity rise through movies and then peak as governor of California. I always wondered what kind of man could go to a foreign country without speaking the language and become so successful. The book provided insight into his motivations, ambition and intelligence. I found his life story fascinating, although I think there were times he did not give us the whole story. Some may fault him for his foibles and peccadilloes, but who among us is perfect in thought and deed? In fact, I believe his weaknesses make him easier to relate to. I highly recommend this autobiography from a truly exceptional modern renaissance man.

Oustanding. Inspiring.

What did you love best about Total Recall?

It was impossible to stop listening. His story is simply awesome.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Total Recall?

His bodybuilding years were great.

What about Stephen Lang and Arnold Schwarzenegger ’s performance did you like?

It really did not feel like i was listening to someone else than Arnold. His tone was great.

Any additional comments?

Best bio sofar.

Inspiring but feels like things are missing.

A great listen that can really get you inspired to get up and go but feel like some stuff were omitted until he had to fess up to something. Maybe that's how it is and his life really is unbelievable. Another thing is only first and last chapters are narrirated by Arnold. In any case, to me it was definitly a worthwhile listen that I would recommend.

Never would've thought

I never would've thought that I'd read and really enjoy Arnold's book this much or learn so much about him. People think Arnold got everything handed to him, or I did at least but after listening to this book, it truly shows the uphill battles that he faced throughout his life. This is truly an inspirational story and I have more respect for Arnold than I did before listening to the book. I've always been a fan but he is now a role model.

"It's not a tumor"

I'm an Arnold fan as an actor and growing up I loved reading about his rise in bodybuilding. What an interesting story of how he traversed so many different obstacles and made so many opportunities. He had his flaws, but who doesn't? An inspiring read if you look at it from the right perspective. It's not an in-depth analysis on his political career...