From his Glaswegian childhood and American adolescence to his starring role in the Doctor Who spinoff Torchwood, this memoir traces the life and career of actor John Barrowman. John made a name for himself with remarkable West End achievements, including an Olivier Award nomination and success in the movies The Producers and De-Lovely. Television success was also assured when Torchwood won a Best Drama BAFTA. John also lays bare his personal life: his emigration as a child, coming out to his family, turning down a job at Disney, and his civil partnership with long-term partner Scott Gill. Revelatory and insightful, told with real heart and characteristic Barrowman charm, this is a wonderful tale of how one boy achieved his dreams.
Anything Goes Just a book written by an un-famous comedian (not at where I live) hoping to get people's acceptance on his homosexuality. There is nothing much exciting in this book, it is very similar like the others' gay autobiography.
Funny and Informative John Barrowman's autobiography is a pleasant chat with a friend peppered with stories from an interesting life. After finishing the book I felt I had some insight into his life and understanding what motivated Mr. Barrowman. I recommend this book for a good read. It gives you insight of how one makes it in the world of Musical Theater and how charm and talent leads to success in acting.
Charming and funny book I didn't expect much from this book - who writes his life story when he's just pushing 40? But this is a fun and funny, stream of consciousness autobiography, roped into some order by his coauthor sister, complete with humorous/explanatory footnoted asides (well, his sister IS an English professor) and lots of great photos of wee John from childhood on up and his beloved and wacky extended family and friends, productions he was in, up to present day Captain Jack on 'Torchwood.' It's written for a British audience, but anyone on either side of the Atlantic would enjoy it. I laughed out loud at several of his stories of various theatrical escapades and disasters. Not surprisingly, the story is just like the actor seems - what you see is what you get - funny, exuberant, charming, a bit naughty, and full of life.
Anything Goes --- and does I got turned on to John Barrowman last year after discovering Torchwood. I find it refreshing, in this day and age, to come across someone who is living his life to the fullest, no apologies, no regrets.
The book gives us a brief overview of what seems to be, his very charmed life. I am sure he has had much more grief and frustration in his 40 years then the book lets on, but maybe that's left for another book. (And according to Carole, they are in talks to do another one)
He gives us tales of his growing up in Scotland and later spending his formative years in Illinois, becoming an American boy. He returns to the UK for schooling and gets his big break, starring in a big West End show. Charmed indeed.
The love he has for his family and partner is evident throughout the book. I had the pleasure of talking to his mother and father at a booksigning in Milwaukee and they were absolutely charming people who are so proud of their son.
It's a really quick read and you will find yourself laughing out loud at some of his stories and sniffling at others. I enjoyed the audio version too as it's kind of fun listening to him talk about his life, almost like you're sitting there and he's talking to you personally. Plenty of great pictures too. So, if you're just discovering John or just want to know more about him, it's a great place to start.
(I have to admit though, I hate the cover photo.)
Charming from start to finish! I actually listened to the audiobook version, read very entertainingly by John Barrowman himself. I can't say whether the book benefits from a slight abridgment, but I suspect it benefits quite a bit by the addition of John Barrowman's always charming delivery. I smiled all the way through, laughed aloud in places, and found myself touched in more. Besides the look into his life thus far (his coming out tale, for example), the book serves as good introduction to the hard work a professional entertainer has in store for themselves before reaching success (or at least steady employment!) Talent - something John has in almost unfair spades - and looks, another thing John can't truthfully deny he possesses - are not enough. He details the work he put in, the learning he had to do (and his gratitude to his many teachers), as well as his trials (amusing to hear how he didn't get a part he wasn't considered 'gay enough' for) on the long yet interesting road to Doctor Who, Torchwood and becoming a National Treasure. There's also a smattering of fun "behind the scenes" Doctor Who and Torchwood stories for fans like me!
Anything Goes Trivia
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