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Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son
In this remarkable dual memoir, film legend Martin Sheen and his accomplished actor/director son Emilio Estevez share the stories of their lives while charting a spiritual journey through the Spain of their ancestors.
In this remarkable dual memoir, film legend Martin Sheen and accomplished actor/filmmaker Emilio Estevez recount their lives as father and son. In alternating chapters—and in voices that are as eloquent as they are different—they tell stories spanning more than fifty years of family history, and reflect on their journeys into two different kinds of faith.
At twenty-one, still a struggling actor living hand to mouth, Martin and his wife, Janet, welcomed their firstborn, Emilio, an experience of profound joy for the young couple, who soon had three more Ramon, Charlie, and Renée. As Martin’s career moved from stage to screen, the family moved from New York City to Malibu, while traveling together to film locations around the world, from Mexico for Catch-22 to Colorado for Badlands to the Philippines for the legendary Apocalypse Now shoot. As the firstborn, Emilio had a special relationship with They often mirrored each other’s passions and sometimes clashed in their differences. After Martin and Emilio traveled together to India for the movie Gandhi, each felt the beginnings of a spiritual awakening that soon led Martin back to his Catholic roots, and eventually led both men to Spain, from where Martin’s father had emigrated to the United States. Along the famed Camino de Santiago pilgrimage path, Emilio directed Martin in their acclaimed film, The Way, bringing three generations of Estevez men together in the region of Spain where Martin’s father was born, and near where Emilio’s own son had moved to marry and live.
With vivid, behind-the-scenes anecdotes of this multitalented father’s and son’s work with other notable actors and directors, Along the Way is a striking, stirring, funny story—a family saga that readers will recognize as universal in its rebellions and regrets, aspirations and triumphs. Strikingly candid, searchingly honest, this heartfelt portrait reveals two strong-minded, admirable men of many important roles, perhaps the greatest of which are as fathers and sons.
In this remarkable dual memoir, film legend Martin Sheen and accomplished actor/filmmaker Emilio Estevez recount their lives as father and son. In alternating chapters—and in voices that are as eloquent as they are different—they tell stories spanning more than fifty years of family history, and reflect on their journeys into two different kinds of faith.
At twenty-one, still a struggling actor living hand to mouth, Martin and his wife, Janet, welcomed their firstborn, Emilio, an experience of profound joy for the young couple, who soon had three more Ramon, Charlie, and Renée. As Martin’s career moved from stage to screen, the family moved from New York City to Malibu, while traveling together to film locations around the world, from Mexico for Catch-22 to Colorado for Badlands to the Philippines for the legendary Apocalypse Now shoot. As the firstborn, Emilio had a special relationship with They often mirrored each other’s passions and sometimes clashed in their differences. After Martin and Emilio traveled together to India for the movie Gandhi, each felt the beginnings of a spiritual awakening that soon led Martin back to his Catholic roots, and eventually led both men to Spain, from where Martin’s father had emigrated to the United States. Along the famed Camino de Santiago pilgrimage path, Emilio directed Martin in their acclaimed film, The Way, bringing three generations of Estevez men together in the region of Spain where Martin’s father was born, and near where Emilio’s own son had moved to marry and live.
With vivid, behind-the-scenes anecdotes of this multitalented father’s and son’s work with other notable actors and directors, Along the Way is a striking, stirring, funny story—a family saga that readers will recognize as universal in its rebellions and regrets, aspirations and triumphs. Strikingly candid, searchingly honest, this heartfelt portrait reveals two strong-minded, admirable men of many important roles, perhaps the greatest of which are as fathers and sons.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
95 people are currently reading
2572 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews
July 19, 2012
My husband and I watched "The Way" and really liked the movie...lo and behold, the next morning this book was calling my name from the library shelves. I didn't even know they had written this biography/autobiography together. I'm not normally a non-fiction reader, but I'm trying to branch out these days. I really enjoyed this book! I like how both of their memoirs are preserved and entwined. The back and forth voices aren't too much. I was glad to have seen the movie, so that I could better appreciate the story of the filming. I'm not much of a celebrity gossip follower, but I thought I knew the basics of these two actors. Instead, I learned a great deal about them and their amazing adventures. I don't agree with all of their choices in life, but I was very impressed with their honesty and openness in the book. Well done.
July 23, 2025
interesting dual autobiography of father and son discussing life and acting
May 24, 2012
Ramon (Martin Sheen) and Emilio Estevez have written a poignant joint-memoir that grew, seemingly organically, out of the movie they made together along the Camino de Santiago in Spain - the Estevez written/directed "The Way". The result explains the history of the Estevez clan's transformation from working class Dayton, OH to the theaters of New York to, eventually, Hollywood. The story is as surprising as it is inspirational - but the history is not all moonlight and roses. Sheen drags Emilio around the world and back again, often breaking down, and struggling with alcohol addiction and spirituality. Sheen never saw himself as a star, from the beginning needing to take the next job in order to keep his family fed and clothed. When Emilio becomes a star in his own right, largely on his own merit, he falls into the same trap as his father - needing to bring up young kids while attempting to navigate a budding Hollywood career. Instead of choosing a role, eventually the roles choose you. (Read: D2 - The Mighty Ducks).
Through it all the story of the making of The Way is interspersed with the interconnected life stories of both father and son. It is here where we see the fully formed characters, now generally triumphant over most of their lives' various, substantial hurdles, successful and in tune with the professional status they have achieved. Though the West Wing is not mentioned, what is not said is implied: Martin Sheen found his comfort zone - and what is said, his conversion to AA and his rediscovery of his father's Catholicism, backs this up. Emilio Estevez, upon making The Way, had transformed himself from Brat-Packer to a successful independent film writer, director and producer of deeply personal stories.
A deeply moving memoir that certainly could include more, but ultimately satisfies.
Through it all the story of the making of The Way is interspersed with the interconnected life stories of both father and son. It is here where we see the fully formed characters, now generally triumphant over most of their lives' various, substantial hurdles, successful and in tune with the professional status they have achieved. Though the West Wing is not mentioned, what is not said is implied: Martin Sheen found his comfort zone - and what is said, his conversion to AA and his rediscovery of his father's Catholicism, backs this up. Emilio Estevez, upon making The Way, had transformed himself from Brat-Packer to a successful independent film writer, director and producer of deeply personal stories.
A deeply moving memoir that certainly could include more, but ultimately satisfies.
August 9, 2016
Absolutely fantastic memoir and companion to a beautiful film! Amazing writing, revelations, and insights. One of my favourite parts is Martin saying "I've known Emilio all my life". All the travel stories and all the bits about other actors and people in the business are really enlightening and fascinating, while the constant self-awareness, groundedness, and solidity of the two men are admirable and inspiring.
I wish there was at least a single photo of Janet included, but I guess for privacy reasons it wasn't possible. It seems like she held the family together on so many occasions, and she documented so many of the family moments that were included for us to glimpse, it just feels like she is left out, and on the sidelines, and yet has such a strong presence in the book and in their lives.
I'm so glad I read this book; it has contributed to both my knowledge base and helping me to be a more aware -and for lack of a more apt word- better human being. I really feel this, having found many stories and passages to have been very profound. I was not a particular fan of either actor before, and I obviously can't relate to the father/son relationship either, but I was impressed and inspired by Martin and Emilio on a basic human level. And for that I'm grateful to them.
I was extremely impressed by Martin's human rights involvement, and his anguish over Bobby Kennedy. And Emilio - I loved that he felt protective towards his mom and dad and always tried to take care of them and the family. Their artistic talent and achievements are the icing on the cake.
I wish there was at least a single photo of Janet included, but I guess for privacy reasons it wasn't possible. It seems like she held the family together on so many occasions, and she documented so many of the family moments that were included for us to glimpse, it just feels like she is left out, and on the sidelines, and yet has such a strong presence in the book and in their lives.
I'm so glad I read this book; it has contributed to both my knowledge base and helping me to be a more aware -and for lack of a more apt word- better human being. I really feel this, having found many stories and passages to have been very profound. I was not a particular fan of either actor before, and I obviously can't relate to the father/son relationship either, but I was impressed and inspired by Martin and Emilio on a basic human level. And for that I'm grateful to them.
I was extremely impressed by Martin's human rights involvement, and his anguish over Bobby Kennedy. And Emilio - I loved that he felt protective towards his mom and dad and always tried to take care of them and the family. Their artistic talent and achievements are the icing on the cake.
March 17, 2013
I liked the idea from the start.Have never read a 'co-written' bio. Although it had a ghost writer (Hope Edelman,),both their thoughts and personalities come through strongly.As a Father,I found it painful to read at times,as the Father /Son relationship is universal. And has been since the stone age.Martin comes across as a very emotional man,who didn't have the career he should have had.mainly because he wouldn't play the 'Hollywood Game'.He was his own worst enemy,I feel,who blamed everyone else (from the bottom of a bottle),finally finding himself in Catholicism.Emilio comes across as more level headed and at times becomes the 'Father figure'.(A little patronising from my view)These two obviously love each other deeply.Two quotes stand out.Martin,when asked about Emilio says "I've known him all my life".When asked,"don't you mean you've known him all HIS life?". Sheen replies,"No,I've known him all MY life. He was always THERE"...And Emilio's final comment at the books end,while thanking people."And of course,first and foremost,my dad.Ramon.Otherwise known as Martin.The man who for so many years walked ahead of me,who briefly walked a separate path,and who now walks at my side." The book is heartfelt and deeply personal.But also inspiring and a terrific 'read'..
January 29, 2022
What an interesting and a somewhat heartfelt memoir of a journey of a father and a son, through life, through their hollywood dreams. They seem to have put in their raw emotions and even their vulnerable side in this book when it comes to their relationship with each other, and their hopes and the highs and lows of a career so fragile that demands constant work, networking and public attention.
Though Martin Sheen began this career from scratch, made a name on his own in hollywood without any Godfather and created a legacy for his children to follow in his footsteps, which somewhat did turn out advantageous to them indeed, still Emilio mostly chose his own paths independently and ventured into territories in hollywood that were unfamiliar to his father too.
But what impressed me was the fact that how they both have stayed grounded for the most part and deeply attached to their roots from Spain and Ireland despite being miles away from them.
This was my first celeb memoir read, and I never thought that I'd be sucked into it, as mostly I'm not much into celebrity culture and hardly watch movies now (though a big MCU fan, they're my only must watch movies presently 😁).
But this memoir is not about celebrity culture. It's about the hardships Estevez family endured and the preserverence they had to make that journey with each other as a family. This is the journey of a father and son that's a worthy read indeed.
Though Martin Sheen began this career from scratch, made a name on his own in hollywood without any Godfather and created a legacy for his children to follow in his footsteps, which somewhat did turn out advantageous to them indeed, still Emilio mostly chose his own paths independently and ventured into territories in hollywood that were unfamiliar to his father too.
But what impressed me was the fact that how they both have stayed grounded for the most part and deeply attached to their roots from Spain and Ireland despite being miles away from them.
This was my first celeb memoir read, and I never thought that I'd be sucked into it, as mostly I'm not much into celebrity culture and hardly watch movies now (though a big MCU fan, they're my only must watch movies presently 😁).
But this memoir is not about celebrity culture. It's about the hardships Estevez family endured and the preserverence they had to make that journey with each other as a family. This is the journey of a father and son that's a worthy read indeed.
July 25, 2012
Couldn't put it down! First of all — it's one of a kind: a father/son memoir jointly written. Second — what lives they've lived! What stories, what struggle, what love! Just absolutely unflinchingly (as the LA Times says) in its honesty — and as a result, incredibly inspiring and moving. It in itself should be a movie! Now I want to go back a re-watch a whole bunch of their films, knowing the backstories.
Also, it is paced alongside the making of the movie "The Way" — the most recent father/son collaboration between Martin and Emilio that takes place along the famed Camino de Santiago in Spain - a pilgrimage, a father/son story itself, and a film I loved and highly recommend.
This memoir is also the artist's way — a story of a father, an artist, who passed on ethics, courage, and a deep love for family to his son. Anyone who saw Martin Sheen's episode of "Who Do You Think You Are," where he explores his Spanish and Irish heritages, will also recognize some of the story that's expanded upon here. Because this is also, inevitably, a story of grandfathers and grandmothers too. Of how fathers teach their sons, in one way or another. It's a story of a semi-nomadic artists' life, a family who travels as much as possible with their father's work and locations, and who have incredible experiences, bonding, fighting and loving because of it. It's a story of the struggling artist doing what's necessary to survive financially and still be true to an artists calling, and keeping his family close. It's a story of rebellions within and without the family — refusing to kowtow to sycophantic Hollywood "friendships" and insisting on forging friendships of integrity and value beyond the next job.
From harrowing tales in the Philippines during the filming of Apocalypse Now, to the recent father/son collaboration along the Camino de Santiago — a tale of spiritual transformation through this centuries-old pilgrimage in the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain and France, this is a spell-binding feat of story-telling. Rarely do we get such strength, loyalty and love lasting lifetimes coming out of Hollywood.
Thank you Martin & Emilio for the experience, strength and hope shared here. Many blessing wished for the Sheen/Estevez's.
Also, it is paced alongside the making of the movie "The Way" — the most recent father/son collaboration between Martin and Emilio that takes place along the famed Camino de Santiago in Spain - a pilgrimage, a father/son story itself, and a film I loved and highly recommend.
This memoir is also the artist's way — a story of a father, an artist, who passed on ethics, courage, and a deep love for family to his son. Anyone who saw Martin Sheen's episode of "Who Do You Think You Are," where he explores his Spanish and Irish heritages, will also recognize some of the story that's expanded upon here. Because this is also, inevitably, a story of grandfathers and grandmothers too. Of how fathers teach their sons, in one way or another. It's a story of a semi-nomadic artists' life, a family who travels as much as possible with their father's work and locations, and who have incredible experiences, bonding, fighting and loving because of it. It's a story of the struggling artist doing what's necessary to survive financially and still be true to an artists calling, and keeping his family close. It's a story of rebellions within and without the family — refusing to kowtow to sycophantic Hollywood "friendships" and insisting on forging friendships of integrity and value beyond the next job.
From harrowing tales in the Philippines during the filming of Apocalypse Now, to the recent father/son collaboration along the Camino de Santiago — a tale of spiritual transformation through this centuries-old pilgrimage in the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain and France, this is a spell-binding feat of story-telling. Rarely do we get such strength, loyalty and love lasting lifetimes coming out of Hollywood.
Thank you Martin & Emilio for the experience, strength and hope shared here. Many blessing wished for the Sheen/Estevez's.
August 20, 2012
In spring 2009, I walked the Way (The Camino, a pilgrimage from Roncesvalles to Santiago de Compostella - about 1000 kilometers in about 40 days - 5 mountain ranges.) I scattered my son's ashes along the way. This was a pilgrimage of gratitude for me. In the fall Martin Sheen and Emilio Estavez made their film ("The Way")about the Camino. The story is about a father who finds himself unexpectedly walking the camino and as he walks, he comes to terms with his son's life choices. He scatters the sons' ashes along the way. The book contains background on the film - it is not really about the film, but is the memoir of a father and son. But, of course I bought the boo and enjoyed the parts about the making of the film.
January 10, 2013
Another strong 3.5. I was surprised by this audio book, narrated in alternating chapters by Martin Sheen and his son Emilio Esteves. It is a surprisingly thoughtful narrative about family, in particular fathers and sons. It is both personal and specific and universal, as Esteves says in the end. I don't know that I would have read a text copy, but I highly recommend the audio.
October 19, 2019
This was not only a delightful insight into one of Entertainment's favourite families, but wonderful in it's own right as a look at life from he perspective of a father and a son. Martin Sheen's awareness of what it takes to raise a son to manhood was wonderful. So many times I had to stop and re-read parts just to let them sink in. I love this and will re-read it in the future.
August 22, 2016
More meaningful to the authors than the reader.
April 8, 2020
I listened to this audible book that was performed by the father and son authors. I mostly chose it because I have seen Martin Sheen as a current day peace activist who has embraced civil disobedience. He has been the modern day peace and justice activist as Joan Baez has been in the past. I wondered what he would have to say.
I was A little bit disappointed in the book because I thought it did not go as deep as I thought it could go. I have this possibly incorrect attitude about actors as people who are good about pretending to be people who they are not. Of course actors probably also Believe that when they are successful in becoming a character it is because they have found the reality of that character within themselves. The father and son in this book suggest that.
The family includes multiple well-known male actors. There is no evidence given that any of them ever under took or received any formal training. The father suggests he knew at a very young age he would be an actor and just became one. It seems that they just all learned by doing. And although I think the sons may deny it, their way was greased by the presence of a famous father.
I did not find many a-ha moments in the story and not even so much that I found a specially intriguing. The phrase silver spoon is mentioned toward the end of the book and its presence denied. There is quite a bit of illusion to being struggling actors. Even after Martin had a significant role in his first Broadway play, he seems to tell us A story of ongoing struggle.
As I see people who are obviously successful in their careers and financially well off, I always wonder what they are doing to make the world a better place. I hoped to have more of a sense about that from this book but I am sorry to say that I didn’t see evidence of it written out in the pages of the book.
It was interesting to read Martin Sheen talking about convincing his son that he should not change his name even though he as the father had changed his name. He claimed that that change was something that he wished he could reverse but that now that he was so well known he could not do that. That’s his story and I guess he’s sticking with it even though Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali might have a different opinion about the ability to make such A change.
This father and son who have both apparently written a lot of successful stage and screen presentations needed to hire a ghost writer to do this book. It was certainly written quite acceptably. But I did think it lacked the depth that could have been present and people who like to portray how they represent characters on the screen with considerable intensity. There were occasions where both father and son told the story of a particular incident from their individual points of view. That was interesting.
Occasionally of a book or movie there is a reprise of the people in the story and where they are today and what happened to him after the end of the story as presented. Sometimes that summary can be presented by and impartial viewer. That would be an interesting addition to this book which was published 8 years ago.
There are issues of alcoholism and spirituality that were presented here that could be plumbed to a much greater depth. There was a great emphasis of the importance of family and the mystery of how things may be passed down from one generation to the next well-beyond hair and I color. This is a family of actors.
I was A little bit disappointed in the book because I thought it did not go as deep as I thought it could go. I have this possibly incorrect attitude about actors as people who are good about pretending to be people who they are not. Of course actors probably also Believe that when they are successful in becoming a character it is because they have found the reality of that character within themselves. The father and son in this book suggest that.
The family includes multiple well-known male actors. There is no evidence given that any of them ever under took or received any formal training. The father suggests he knew at a very young age he would be an actor and just became one. It seems that they just all learned by doing. And although I think the sons may deny it, their way was greased by the presence of a famous father.
I did not find many a-ha moments in the story and not even so much that I found a specially intriguing. The phrase silver spoon is mentioned toward the end of the book and its presence denied. There is quite a bit of illusion to being struggling actors. Even after Martin had a significant role in his first Broadway play, he seems to tell us A story of ongoing struggle.
As I see people who are obviously successful in their careers and financially well off, I always wonder what they are doing to make the world a better place. I hoped to have more of a sense about that from this book but I am sorry to say that I didn’t see evidence of it written out in the pages of the book.
It was interesting to read Martin Sheen talking about convincing his son that he should not change his name even though he as the father had changed his name. He claimed that that change was something that he wished he could reverse but that now that he was so well known he could not do that. That’s his story and I guess he’s sticking with it even though Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali might have a different opinion about the ability to make such A change.
This father and son who have both apparently written a lot of successful stage and screen presentations needed to hire a ghost writer to do this book. It was certainly written quite acceptably. But I did think it lacked the depth that could have been present and people who like to portray how they represent characters on the screen with considerable intensity. There were occasions where both father and son told the story of a particular incident from their individual points of view. That was interesting.
Occasionally of a book or movie there is a reprise of the people in the story and where they are today and what happened to him after the end of the story as presented. Sometimes that summary can be presented by and impartial viewer. That would be an interesting addition to this book which was published 8 years ago.
There are issues of alcoholism and spirituality that were presented here that could be plumbed to a much greater depth. There was a great emphasis of the importance of family and the mystery of how things may be passed down from one generation to the next well-beyond hair and I color. This is a family of actors.
January 30, 2022
The title is a take on a film the two authors made about a man who walks the Camino in Spain. I was hoping this book had more about the Camino (one of my passions) but it occupied only about 5% of the book. Fans of these two will enjoy their well written life stories and background details about many of the films they made.
6/10
6/10
November 7, 2023
I enjoyed following the journey of father and son (as well as two other generations) through life and their travels on the Camino. There’s a lot of familial history, which was fascinating to me, as well as great anecdotes and advice on parenting and life in general. I love being able to see their journey from two points of view and having both of them read it in the audio was an added bonus.
July 31, 2012
Amazing story of father and son. Ramón Antonio Gerardo Estévez AKA Martin Sheen and son Emilio Estévez take you on a journey through their lives. I was never a hard core fan of any of the Sheen/Estevez clan until this book. WOW! What a life young Emilio and the rest of his brothers and sister lived. They were jet-setting all around the world while their father Ramon (Martin) was on location filming movies.
It is written in a way where the father reflects on a time period and then Emilio does the same. You get to hear both sides and how Marin felt when Emilio was coming into his own and how Emilio felt during the same time. Fame, travel, and money notwithstanding, I find parallels in mine and Emilio's life.
Amazingly, his youth in Malibu was surrounded by the up and comers Rob Lowe, Sean and Chris Penn, Robert Downey Jr that lived on Emilio's block and they grew up together. Also during the casting for The Outsiders, Tom Cruz lives with the Estevez/Sheen family.
I found myself re-watching Apocalypse Now, Bad Lands, and The Outsiders with an entirely different view of the movie. Knowing some "insider" information gives you perspective on the films. I plan to watch "The Way" which inspired this book.
What a great book for any father to read. I have already started putting certain things into practice with my kids.
Highly Recommended.
It is written in a way where the father reflects on a time period and then Emilio does the same. You get to hear both sides and how Marin felt when Emilio was coming into his own and how Emilio felt during the same time. Fame, travel, and money notwithstanding, I find parallels in mine and Emilio's life.
Amazingly, his youth in Malibu was surrounded by the up and comers Rob Lowe, Sean and Chris Penn, Robert Downey Jr that lived on Emilio's block and they grew up together. Also during the casting for The Outsiders, Tom Cruz lives with the Estevez/Sheen family.
I found myself re-watching Apocalypse Now, Bad Lands, and The Outsiders with an entirely different view of the movie. Knowing some "insider" information gives you perspective on the films. I plan to watch "The Way" which inspired this book.
What a great book for any father to read. I have already started putting certain things into practice with my kids.
Highly Recommended.
May 20, 2012
I've read a number of (auto)biographies in the past year or two, many of them celebrities from the 1980's that I "grew up with". The draw for Along the Way though was not particularly Brat Packer Emilio Estevez but his famous father, Martin Sheen, an actor I will always love, and think of, as President Jed Bartlet of The West Wing. The book traces their lives and careers with intermissions of a sort in the present day as they filmed The Way together in Spain along the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. I was very touched by their father-son relationship and their journeys through life, both individually and as a team. Although many of their professional milestones were touched on, sometimes in depth (such as Martin's breakout film Apocalypse Now and, of course, The Way), the story was really about their personal journeys, learning about family and faith.
June 23, 2013
I loved this book for its honesty and good storytelling. A combined autobiography of Emilio Estevez and his father, Martin Sheen, it is an honest portrayal of the struggles and success story of their bond. It left me wanting to know more about the other children, Charlie, Ramon and Renee, and I hope they will also tell their story. I need to again watch the movie The Way as I now have insight into some of the dynamics behind the story and production.
July 5, 2020
Along The Way By Martin Sheen & Emilio Estevez ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (audiobook version)
Aside from the fact these two have the most soothing voices and I could listen to them read the ingredients needed to make paint, this book was really beautiful.
Both talked about some important films that ment something to each of them but ultimately this is really about a father and his first son, and the evolution of their relationship.
Aside from the fact these two have the most soothing voices and I could listen to them read the ingredients needed to make paint, this book was really beautiful.
Both talked about some important films that ment something to each of them but ultimately this is really about a father and his first son, and the evolution of their relationship.
September 1, 2016
I love the Sheen family. And I really enjoyed this book. I've learned a lot of things about the two men. And it seems that the bond between them is very strong.
August 4, 2019
A lovely look into Martin Sheen's and Emilio Estevez's personal lives and their relationship as father and son. The audiobook, read by the two, gave it an extra flair. If you're looking for dirt, look elsewhere, the two are very aware of not steering into other family problems (not their stories to tell) but if you like celebrity memoirs, this one comes across as sincere and unique.
March 1, 2022
I like it. Admittedly, I was far more taken with Martin's struggles and honesty than with Emilio's. I loved hearing Martin talk about his father, his struggles, his spirituality, and his shortcomings. This book was written 10 years ago and a lot has changed for them but I'm now off to watch The Way.
December 23, 2019
I enjoyed this but that may be because I walked The Way and was just wanting to hear others' experiences of it. I enjoyed hearing about the filming of the movie but the focus of the book was definitely more about Emilio and Martin's relationship and how that has evolved over the years. I think this would be a wonderful book for most men to read, especially new fathers who are looking for guidance in raising their children. Martin was very young when Emilio (his oldest) was born - as was Emilio when his children were born - and you can tell they both had a lot of growing up to do. I appreciate how honest Martin and Emilio both were.
August 26, 2024
Really good read. Interesting stories about their films and family life.
August 25, 2025
An extra star, so six in total, for being able to listen to 'Jed Bartlet' narrate half the story.
February 5, 2013
I recently enjoyed the film "The Way" about a pilgrimage by a grieving father on Spain's El Camino de Santiago, so when I saw the book Along the Way on the library's Book to Film shelf I knew it was my next read. It's a memoir written jointly by Martin Sheen and his oldest son, Emilio Estevez. They both starred in the film for which Estevez also wrote the script and directed. The two of them alternate chapters in the book, which is very personal, humorous, and quite moving, and it's not just about the making of the film together.
Sheen, born Ramon Antonio Gerardo Estevez, is a man I've long admired for his acting talent but also for his peace and social justice work. But, like all of us, he's had his struggles not only as an actor trying to support a family of four in his early career, but also personal battles with alcohol and anger (not unlike some of Charlie Sheen's troubles). Nevertheless, he and his wife Janet, an artist, have been married for 50 years. When the children were young, the family traveled with Martin to various locations around the world. One of the shocking stories was of Janet shaking out the bedding in Mexico before the children climbed into bed; she was looking for scorpions!
Emilio kept the family's name as a film-maker, director, and actor; by the time he came along perhaps our society was less prejudicial. His stories of his career, his early and unplanned parenthood, his relationship with his dad with whom he attended a Robert Bly men's group weekend, and his planting of a vineyard in his front yard in Malibu also makes interesting reading.
In the center of the book are photos of the family, including paternal grandfather, Francisco Estevez Martinez of the Galicia region of northern Spain. Emilio shares this at the end of the book:
"Our family is not unique in terms of dealing with alcoholism or competition or arguments about faith. But we may be unique at least by Hollywood standards, in that we're still together. So many families around us have fragmented and dismissed and abandoned one another. That's something my father has never done. He always hung in there, with each one of us through everything we've faced, and he always finds the will to forgive. That, I think, is his greatest lesson of all."
Sheen, born Ramon Antonio Gerardo Estevez, is a man I've long admired for his acting talent but also for his peace and social justice work. But, like all of us, he's had his struggles not only as an actor trying to support a family of four in his early career, but also personal battles with alcohol and anger (not unlike some of Charlie Sheen's troubles). Nevertheless, he and his wife Janet, an artist, have been married for 50 years. When the children were young, the family traveled with Martin to various locations around the world. One of the shocking stories was of Janet shaking out the bedding in Mexico before the children climbed into bed; she was looking for scorpions!
Emilio kept the family's name as a film-maker, director, and actor; by the time he came along perhaps our society was less prejudicial. His stories of his career, his early and unplanned parenthood, his relationship with his dad with whom he attended a Robert Bly men's group weekend, and his planting of a vineyard in his front yard in Malibu also makes interesting reading.
In the center of the book are photos of the family, including paternal grandfather, Francisco Estevez Martinez of the Galicia region of northern Spain. Emilio shares this at the end of the book:
"Our family is not unique in terms of dealing with alcoholism or competition or arguments about faith. But we may be unique at least by Hollywood standards, in that we're still together. So many families around us have fragmented and dismissed and abandoned one another. That's something my father has never done. He always hung in there, with each one of us through everything we've faced, and he always finds the will to forgive. That, I think, is his greatest lesson of all."
September 6, 2012
Martin Sheen has been an idol of mine since I was 13 and learned of his work with social justice issues. I am always excited to read anything about him...even better that this is partly written by him.
(top paragraph written before I read the book)
Okay...so if you are either a Martin Sheen or Emilio Estevez fan you will probably enjoy this book. If you enjoy hearing about what goes on during movie productions you also will probably enjoy this. If none of this applies to you, this book might not be your cup of tea.
As stated before, I am a big Martin Sheen fan...this book doesn't always show him in the best light, but I give him high marks for honesty. I enjoyed reading the stories he and Emilio told and learning a bit of both of their histories. I enjoyed the last 1/4 of the book the most b/c it got into an era (the 80's through today) that I can remember and have seen many of the shows talked about during that time. There were lines in the book that really resonated with me...but overall there was just something that didn't grab me in a way where I want to say to others - oh my goodness, read this book! Maybe it was the writing style, maybe it was what they chose to share and not share, I don't know. Part of my problem might just be how much I respect Martin Sheen and how much I really wanted this to be such an awesome book...my expectations were too high.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read for me and it was interesting to see Martin Sheen's faults, and how honest he and Emilio were about these faults, b/c I think it humanizes him even more for me.
(top paragraph written before I read the book)
Okay...so if you are either a Martin Sheen or Emilio Estevez fan you will probably enjoy this book. If you enjoy hearing about what goes on during movie productions you also will probably enjoy this. If none of this applies to you, this book might not be your cup of tea.
As stated before, I am a big Martin Sheen fan...this book doesn't always show him in the best light, but I give him high marks for honesty. I enjoyed reading the stories he and Emilio told and learning a bit of both of their histories. I enjoyed the last 1/4 of the book the most b/c it got into an era (the 80's through today) that I can remember and have seen many of the shows talked about during that time. There were lines in the book that really resonated with me...but overall there was just something that didn't grab me in a way where I want to say to others - oh my goodness, read this book! Maybe it was the writing style, maybe it was what they chose to share and not share, I don't know. Part of my problem might just be how much I respect Martin Sheen and how much I really wanted this to be such an awesome book...my expectations were too high.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read for me and it was interesting to see Martin Sheen's faults, and how honest he and Emilio were about these faults, b/c I think it humanizes him even more for me.
September 23, 2013
Martin and Emilio share their history of family and their relationship as father and son. Along the way they share both their individual foibles as well as the relational struggles and celebrations. The book came about from the movie Emilio wrote and Martin stars in, The Way, which if you haven't seen do NOW! Martin shares his father's love and sacrifice, his alcoholism, early family struggles, acting timeline, and his love and passion in trying to keep the family near. Emilio shares his acting struggles and youthful mistakes, his mentors, bonding with his dad, and how his life as evolved into living his dream. Along the way each share a loving spiritual depth both individually and as family.
Some of my favorite lines about their family -
You are NOT disposable.
We can't get along without YOU.
Our concept of community is shaped by our family. If you ever get to the Kingdom alone, there is but one question. "Where are the others?" We are so made that we must travel alone, yet we can not do so without community. No one can live our lives for us or carry our inner burdens. We come to know ourselves only through the compassion to others. I may not feel your pain or understand your situation, but I will stay with you so you will never feel alone or forgotten. This is the most basic form of community and the simplest form of love.
Some of my favorite lines about their family -
You are NOT disposable.
We can't get along without YOU.
Our concept of community is shaped by our family. If you ever get to the Kingdom alone, there is but one question. "Where are the others?" We are so made that we must travel alone, yet we can not do so without community. No one can live our lives for us or carry our inner burdens. We come to know ourselves only through the compassion to others. I may not feel your pain or understand your situation, but I will stay with you so you will never feel alone or forgotten. This is the most basic form of community and the simplest form of love.
May 5, 2021
I typically love memoirs and eagerly began reading this after a friend loaned it to me. As a fan of Martin Sheen, mostly from his West Wing days and his work as as a social activist. Other than Estevez’s roles in The Breakfast Club and the Mighty Ducks, I really wasn’t invested in his career. Plus, I had read another book about the Way by Graeme Simsione.
While the dual authorship was intriguing as it gave voice to both men and their take on their shared profession, the overall impression was underwhelming. Not because of bad writing, but false pretenses. The book contained minimal information about El Camino and the effort it takes to complete it. Additionally, I came to realize that for most of his life he was a despicable parent and just a shade above as a husband and human being. Unfortunately, his son Emilio seems to have learned his “ adulting” skills from Dad.
The moral of the story: if you want to read a good book about the El Camino, pick another one. If you want to have the truth about an iconic Hollywood family, pick this one.
While the dual authorship was intriguing as it gave voice to both men and their take on their shared profession, the overall impression was underwhelming. Not because of bad writing, but false pretenses. The book contained minimal information about El Camino and the effort it takes to complete it. Additionally, I came to realize that for most of his life he was a despicable parent and just a shade above as a husband and human being. Unfortunately, his son Emilio seems to have learned his “ adulting” skills from Dad.
The moral of the story: if you want to read a good book about the El Camino, pick another one. If you want to have the truth about an iconic Hollywood family, pick this one.
August 27, 2024
Like most of us who so enjoyed Martin Sheen as President Bartlet on The West Wing, I enjoy any movie that features Martin Sheen as a good guy. I found this book after watching The Way at a film festival. The DVD promoted Along the Way, a dual memoir by the star of the film and his son, Emilio Estevez, the director, as well as Off the Road, by Jack Hitt, the original story on which the film was based. I have enjoyed all three. The best part of all is that I now feel that I have backpacked for 500 miles from France to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, without the blisters or loss of privacy. Rent The Way just for the scene with the swinging silver incense burner in the Cathedral of Saint James (Santiago). Along the Way tells extensive family history, but I most enjoyed the highlights of making the film. This is a trio of enjoyment, each one adds to the others.
September 14, 2012
It was good. Dragged a bit at the end, especially Emilio's chapters--perhaps because he's still only middle-aged and there's less closure for him to round out the book with. Not that Martin's on his death bed or anything, but his chapters had more experience (including a longer experience with personal wisdom and peace) to offer and so his story comes full circle and feels more emotionally satisfying by the end. Emilio's last chapters (especially the one on the Iron John/Robert Bly workshop he attended and the family trip he took with his kids) feel a little more unresolved--which is understandable given his age. Maybe he and his son should write another dual/father-son memoir once his son is middle-aged and Emilio is old.
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