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The Steps
In the fifty years since Sylvester Stallone ran up the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum, he and those steps have become symbols of resilience and determination, and have inspired millions from all over the world to pursue their dreams. In The Steps, Stallone recounts how he pursued his own dreams. A culmination of decades of reflection, Stallone shares where he came from—a difficult birth, an even more difficult childhood, years of struggle in school being misunderstood—and he explains how the real story of a successful life is built by facing, embracing, and ultimately overcoming our challenges. It’s found in the distances we are willing to go and the steps we must take to get from where we are to where we want to go.
In a narrative framed between his arrival in New York City in 1969 and the triumph of Rocky at the 1977 Academy Awards, Stallone weaves a vivid and propulsive portrait of struggle, subsistence, and ultimately success. He writes of his early days and later years, too, and the persistence, creativity, and resilience that led not only to the creation of Rocky but to a career filled with remarkably iconic roles. The Steps is a testament to Stallone’s extraordinary life and a profound meditation on the importance of vision and willpower and hard work.
In a narrative framed between his arrival in New York City in 1969 and the triumph of Rocky at the 1977 Academy Awards, Stallone weaves a vivid and propulsive portrait of struggle, subsistence, and ultimately success. He writes of his early days and later years, too, and the persistence, creativity, and resilience that led not only to the creation of Rocky but to a career filled with remarkably iconic roles. The Steps is a testament to Stallone’s extraordinary life and a profound meditation on the importance of vision and willpower and hard work.
320 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2026
About the author
Sylvester Stallone
44 books185 followersSylvester Gardenzio Stallone (July 6, 1946 - ) is an American actor, director, producer and screenwriter.
One of the biggest box office draws in the world from the '70s to the '90s, international megastar Sylvester Stallone is a global icon. He has played two characters who have become a part of the American cultural lexicon: Rocky Balboa, the boxer who overcame all odds to fight for love and glory, and John Rambo, a courageous soldier who specialized in violent rescue and revenge missions.
During the 1980s, he enjoyed phenomenal popularity and was one of the biggest movie stars in the world with the Rocky and Rambo franchises. Stallone's culturally influential films changed pop culture history and he has largely enjoyed a career on the Hollywood A list for over 30 years.
He is considered by many (including the mayor of Philadelphia) as the one who made the city of Philadelphia an international tourist attraction with the Rocky Steps. His immense popularity there has led to a statue of his Rocky character being placed permanently near the Philadelphia Museum of Art as a cultural landmark. In August 2007, a statue of Rocky was also erected in the Serbian village of Žitište. Stallone's film Rocky has also been inducted into the National Film Registry as well as having its film props placed in the Smithsonian Museum as a national treasure.
One of the biggest box office draws in the world from the '70s to the '90s, international megastar Sylvester Stallone is a global icon. He has played two characters who have become a part of the American cultural lexicon: Rocky Balboa, the boxer who overcame all odds to fight for love and glory, and John Rambo, a courageous soldier who specialized in violent rescue and revenge missions.
During the 1980s, he enjoyed phenomenal popularity and was one of the biggest movie stars in the world with the Rocky and Rambo franchises. Stallone's culturally influential films changed pop culture history and he has largely enjoyed a career on the Hollywood A list for over 30 years.
He is considered by many (including the mayor of Philadelphia) as the one who made the city of Philadelphia an international tourist attraction with the Rocky Steps. His immense popularity there has led to a statue of his Rocky character being placed permanently near the Philadelphia Museum of Art as a cultural landmark. In August 2007, a statue of Rocky was also erected in the Serbian village of Žitište. Stallone's film Rocky has also been inducted into the National Film Registry as well as having its film props placed in the Smithsonian Museum as a national treasure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 1, 2026
I’m not a huge Stallone fan. I’ve not watched any Ricky beyond the fourth, any Rambo beyond the second, or any Expendables at all. And yet I was so excited by this memoir I preordered it. I think there’s something highly interesting about Stallone the creative. From the way he talks, he clearly has grand visions about what he’s aiming for, and the fact that what makes it to screen often doesn’t reach those visions just makes his struggle and determination all the more poignant.
If you’ve seen or read any of the interviews he’s done regarding this book, you’ll know there’s a certain amount of misery porn here. Sly had two nightmare parents. And they clearly gave him both a chip on his shoulder and a desire to prove himself. He talks in this book about not dismissing those who are just average people doing their jobs, that it happened to him while working as an usher, and he swore he would never do that. He writes you need to treat everyone with respect, which is an admirable sentiment. But one of the common themes you get from reading about the man is what a nightmare he can be to the people he’s working with. He might have these high ideals (but as with his films) he doesn’t live up to them. As the adage goes – hurt people hurt people.
But this is Sly Stallone and he knows how to tell an uplifting story. It’s what we get in ROCKY, and it’s here in his life up until ROCKY wins best picture. Is it self-serving? Of course. Does he have scores to settle? Yes, and Francis Ford Coppola. Telly Savalas and Paddy Chayefsky are all on the receiving ends of jabs. Do I wish he’d stayed with his first wife, who sounds absolutely lovely? Yes, very much so. It’s a fun read, and with Bill Conti’s score swelling on the audiobook, hard not to be affected.
And it being Stallone, I look forward to the sequels.
If you’ve seen or read any of the interviews he’s done regarding this book, you’ll know there’s a certain amount of misery porn here. Sly had two nightmare parents. And they clearly gave him both a chip on his shoulder and a desire to prove himself. He talks in this book about not dismissing those who are just average people doing their jobs, that it happened to him while working as an usher, and he swore he would never do that. He writes you need to treat everyone with respect, which is an admirable sentiment. But one of the common themes you get from reading about the man is what a nightmare he can be to the people he’s working with. He might have these high ideals (but as with his films) he doesn’t live up to them. As the adage goes – hurt people hurt people.
But this is Sly Stallone and he knows how to tell an uplifting story. It’s what we get in ROCKY, and it’s here in his life up until ROCKY wins best picture. Is it self-serving? Of course. Does he have scores to settle? Yes, and Francis Ford Coppola. Telly Savalas and Paddy Chayefsky are all on the receiving ends of jabs. Do I wish he’d stayed with his first wife, who sounds absolutely lovely? Yes, very much so. It’s a fun read, and with Bill Conti’s score swelling on the audiobook, hard not to be affected.
And it being Stallone, I look forward to the sequels.
September 29, 2026
Great story of Stallone's life leading up to the release of "Rocky." Read by the author, which made it SO MUCH BETTER!
September 30, 2026
Vuoden odotetuin kirja.
Rocky teki minuun valtavan vaikutuksen. Olin päälle parikymppinen, kun katsoin ensimmäisen osan ja sen jälkeen ilmestyneet osat. Legendaarisen ensimmäisen osan lisäksi erityisen vahvasti mieleeni on jäänyt Rocky IV, jossa Rocky taistelee Ivan Dragoa vastaan.
Elokuvan soundtrack on yksi parhaista, ja etenkin Training Montage sekä koko treenikohtaus ovat jääneet lähtemättömästi mieleeni. Olen saanut valtavasti fyysistä voimaa ajatellessani niitä älyttömiä vatsalihasliikkeitä ja valmentajaa, joka huutaa Rockylle vieressä: ”No pain!”
Olen synnyttänyt neljä lasta miettimällä tätä kohtausta. Ehkä on vähän hullua rinnastaa miehen nyrkkeilymatsiin valmistautumista synnytykseen, mutta jokin siinä on vaikuttanut minuun niin valtavasti. Kun on todella kovilla, ajatus siitä, että aina vielä vähän kestää, on jäänyt pysyvästi mieleeni Rockyn kautta.
Portaat kertoo Stallonen elämästä ennen Rockya ja ensimmäisen Rocky-elokuvan synnystä. Erityisen kiinnostavaa on seurata, kuinka Stallone piti päänsä, vaikka kukaan ei halunnut häntä näyttelemään pääroolia. Hän ei suostunut myymään käsikirjoitustaan suurellakaan rahalla, koska halusi itse olla Rocky, vaikka eli samaan aikaan köyhyydessä.
Stallone on tätä kirjoittaessa 80-vuotias ja tehnyt huikean elokuvauran niin näyttelijänä kuin käsikirjoittajana. Siksi kirjan tiiviys yllätti minut. Elämästä ja urasta olisi ollut aineksia vaikka kuinka paljon pidempään teokseen, mutta nyt kaikki on puristettu todella tiukkaan pakettiin. Asioita ei juuri käsitellä laajasti, eikä Rockyn jälkeisestä urasta kerrota oikeastaan lainkaan.
Olisin siis ehdottomasti toivonut kirjalle reilusti lisää pituutta.
Mutta koska rakastan Rockya ja sillä on ollut niin suuri vaikutus omaan elämääni, annan kirjalle suorilta 5/5 – vaikka myönnän, ettei kirja itsessään ehkä ole viiden tähden kirja.
Tämä on ennen kaikkea kirja, jonka luin Rocky-fanina. Ja jos et ole Rocky-fani tai ole nähnyt elokuvia, tämä ei välttämättä anna lukijalle läheskään yhtä paljon.
Keep punching🥊
Rocky teki minuun valtavan vaikutuksen. Olin päälle parikymppinen, kun katsoin ensimmäisen osan ja sen jälkeen ilmestyneet osat. Legendaarisen ensimmäisen osan lisäksi erityisen vahvasti mieleeni on jäänyt Rocky IV, jossa Rocky taistelee Ivan Dragoa vastaan.
Elokuvan soundtrack on yksi parhaista, ja etenkin Training Montage sekä koko treenikohtaus ovat jääneet lähtemättömästi mieleeni. Olen saanut valtavasti fyysistä voimaa ajatellessani niitä älyttömiä vatsalihasliikkeitä ja valmentajaa, joka huutaa Rockylle vieressä: ”No pain!”
Olen synnyttänyt neljä lasta miettimällä tätä kohtausta. Ehkä on vähän hullua rinnastaa miehen nyrkkeilymatsiin valmistautumista synnytykseen, mutta jokin siinä on vaikuttanut minuun niin valtavasti. Kun on todella kovilla, ajatus siitä, että aina vielä vähän kestää, on jäänyt pysyvästi mieleeni Rockyn kautta.
Portaat kertoo Stallonen elämästä ennen Rockya ja ensimmäisen Rocky-elokuvan synnystä. Erityisen kiinnostavaa on seurata, kuinka Stallone piti päänsä, vaikka kukaan ei halunnut häntä näyttelemään pääroolia. Hän ei suostunut myymään käsikirjoitustaan suurellakaan rahalla, koska halusi itse olla Rocky, vaikka eli samaan aikaan köyhyydessä.
Stallone on tätä kirjoittaessa 80-vuotias ja tehnyt huikean elokuvauran niin näyttelijänä kuin käsikirjoittajana. Siksi kirjan tiiviys yllätti minut. Elämästä ja urasta olisi ollut aineksia vaikka kuinka paljon pidempään teokseen, mutta nyt kaikki on puristettu todella tiukkaan pakettiin. Asioita ei juuri käsitellä laajasti, eikä Rockyn jälkeisestä urasta kerrota oikeastaan lainkaan.
Olisin siis ehdottomasti toivonut kirjalle reilusti lisää pituutta.
Mutta koska rakastan Rockya ja sillä on ollut niin suuri vaikutus omaan elämääni, annan kirjalle suorilta 5/5 – vaikka myönnän, ettei kirja itsessään ehkä ole viiden tähden kirja.
Tämä on ennen kaikkea kirja, jonka luin Rocky-fanina. Ja jos et ole Rocky-fani tai ole nähnyt elokuvia, tämä ei välttämättä anna lukijalle läheskään yhtä paljon.
Keep punching🥊
October 4, 2026
“A journey like this, in pursuit of impossible dreams, is its own kind of fifteen-round prizefight. And like any worthy battle for dignity and respect and a better life, true victory isn't found in money or fame or awards. It's won each and every day, with the decisions we make on that journey, until we arrive at the doorway to our dreams and our destiny, and fully enter.”
TRULY INCREDIBLE, WILL READ THIS AGAIN AND AGAIN. KEEP PUNCHING
TRULY INCREDIBLE, WILL READ THIS AGAIN AND AGAIN. KEEP PUNCHING
Want to Read
July 16, 2025(Sylvester Stalone)
October 4, 2026
5+⭐️
Top read for 2026
This book was EVERYTHING!
I’ve always been a Rocky fan, so getting to hear about the struggles Sly went through before creating one of the most iconic characters in movie history was absolutely fascinating.
The persistence, determination and sheer drive it took to create Rocky is astounding. Hearing about everything he went through - the rejection, the struggles and the sacrifices - made me appreciate Rocky—and Sly—even more.
I loved this so much that I can’t wait to get the paperback for my collection.
And honestly, if you’re going to read this one, LISTEN TO THE AUDIOBOOK! 🎧 Sly narrates it himself and takes it to another level. It genuinely felt like I was sitting down having a conversation with him rather than simply listening to him tell me his story.
A massive 5+ stars from me. 🥊❤️
Highly, highly recommend!
#keeppunching
October 3, 2026
I really enjoyed The Steps and found it genuinely inspiring.
It’s much more than just the story of how Rocky was made, and I don’t think you need to be a big Rocky fan to enjoy it — although I certainly am.
What I loved most was hearing Sylvester Stallone’s own remarkable underdog story. He faced so many obstacles, setbacks and disappointments along the way, yet somehow kept going. For me, the book is really about resilience, going the distance, believing in what matters, and being willing to fight for it.
I also really liked the idea of focusing on the next step rather than being overwhelmed by the whole journey, and the reminder that being knocked down isn’t the same as being finished. Sometimes the important thing is simply getting back up and taking the next step.
It left me thinking about the things in life that are worth persevering for, even when the road is hard.
It’s much more than just the story of how Rocky was made, and I don’t think you need to be a big Rocky fan to enjoy it — although I certainly am.
What I loved most was hearing Sylvester Stallone’s own remarkable underdog story. He faced so many obstacles, setbacks and disappointments along the way, yet somehow kept going. For me, the book is really about resilience, going the distance, believing in what matters, and being willing to fight for it.
I also really liked the idea of focusing on the next step rather than being overwhelmed by the whole journey, and the reminder that being knocked down isn’t the same as being finished. Sometimes the important thing is simply getting back up and taking the next step.
It left me thinking about the things in life that are worth persevering for, even when the road is hard.
October 1, 2026
I pre-ordered this book as soon as I learned it was being released. It did not disappoint. While many authors call their books "memoirs" when they are more accurately autobiographies, this book is truly a memoir. Sly includes all and only the information that you'd want to know, culminating with the success of the first Rocky movie. He made me laugh, cry, and feel every emotion in between. Rocky spoke to me in a profound way as a child and lessons from that movie have stayed with me throughout my entire life. It was amazing to hear how it came to be from Sly's perspective and what it meant and still means to him. THANK YOU SLY for sharing your story with us. I hope you consider writing additional books!
October 2, 2026
I've known Sylvester Stallone from his movies for basically my entire life, but I really didn’t know much about the man behind them. It was really interesting learning about his life, especially his childhood and everything he went through before becoming successful.
His early life was probably the most interesting part to me. Learning where he came from and some of the struggles and setbacks he faced gives you a different perspective on the person who eventually became Rocky and one of the biggest movie stars in the world.
There were a lot of things about his life that I had never heard before. I definitely came away knowing a lot more about Stallone than just the characters and movies I’ve known him for all these years. Good book and a really interesting life story.
His early life was probably the most interesting part to me. Learning where he came from and some of the struggles and setbacks he faced gives you a different perspective on the person who eventually became Rocky and one of the biggest movie stars in the world.
There were a lot of things about his life that I had never heard before. I definitely came away knowing a lot more about Stallone than just the characters and movies I’ve known him for all these years. Good book and a really interesting life story.
October 3, 2026
Read this in one sitting—I simply could not put it down. Granted, I’m a bit biased, as I’m a big fan of the Rocky movies and originally from Philadelphia, but this book is a gem.
It covers roughly an eight-year period (1969–1977), beginning when the author arrives at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan and ending after the 1976 Academy Awards. Through tangents and flashbacks, bits and pieces of his childhood and formative years are revealed, with some of the memories he shares being positively heartbreaking.
This is a must-read for anyone who has watched and enjoyed the movie Rocky. Spoiler alert: the author states that there is a Rocky inside all of us.
5 stars.
It covers roughly an eight-year period (1969–1977), beginning when the author arrives at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan and ending after the 1976 Academy Awards. Through tangents and flashbacks, bits and pieces of his childhood and formative years are revealed, with some of the memories he shares being positively heartbreaking.
This is a must-read for anyone who has watched and enjoyed the movie Rocky. Spoiler alert: the author states that there is a Rocky inside all of us.
5 stars.
October 1, 2026
By now, the story of the making of Rocky has been told so many times that there's nothing much new to reveal. There was a documentary on Stallone's career not long ago, followed by this book, and a feature film coming soon. What would be more interesting would be for the author to trace his career after this point, when the sequels piled up and the quality went down... at least until Creed.
October 2, 2026
So many of us ignorantly refer to successful folks as 'lucky'... not appreciating the struggle, effort, or grit required to achieve such 'luck'. This book is a perfect example of this and thank God Mr. Stallone has the courage to show us the 'man behind the curtain'.
I'm forever changed, thank you for this book, sir.
I'm forever changed, thank you for this book, sir.
September 30, 2026
Fans of Rocky might enjoy the behind the scenes look at how the movie came to be, but I didn't find it that engaging. The constant jumping back and forth in time before you get to the "Rocky" part of the story is distracting.
September 30, 2026
Wow, this was brilliant!
I was undecided whether I should read the physical book or listen to the audio. Given that I had an Audible credit to use and that Sly himself was the narrator, I just had to listen to him tell his story.
There were so many insights into his life I weren't aware of, and the obstacles he overcame inspired generations.
I cannot recommend this book enough!
I was undecided whether I should read the physical book or listen to the audio. Given that I had an Audible credit to use and that Sly himself was the narrator, I just had to listen to him tell his story.
There were so many insights into his life I weren't aware of, and the obstacles he overcame inspired generations.
I cannot recommend this book enough!
October 1, 2026
Very interesting listen narrated by the author. He reveled fascinating details about his career and life. He was endearing and open. Obviously a good writer which you would not expect based on his tough personna.
October 1, 2026
OUTSTANDING!
October 4, 2026
BOOK REVIEW: THE STEPS BY SYLVESTER STALLONE
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
By Rohit Khilnani
The Steps by Sylvester Stallone is one of the most incredible and inspiring stories I have ever read.
For my generation, which grew up watching Stallone’s films through the 1980s and 1990s, he was much more than a movie star. He was an icon. Rocky, Rambo, the muscles, the attitude, the determination — if you were into bodybuilding, boxing or simply admired larger-than-life movie stars, you knew who Sylvester Stallone was.
But what makes The Steps so powerful is discovering just how unlikely that journey was.
Stallone wanted to be an actor, but at almost every step, he was told he didn't fit the job. People didn't like the way he looked. They didn't think he was right for roles. And when he started writing, he was even told that he didn't look like a writer.
Imagine being rejected not just for your talent, but for the way you look — and then being told you don't even look like the person who could write the story.
Stallone didn't give up.
He wrote Rocky and insisted on playing Rocky Balboa himself. The film went on to become one of the most iconic movies in cinema history.
Some of the details in the book make that success even more extraordinary. There was no elaborate costume department creating Rocky's look. The clothes he wore were largely what he actually had because this wasn't a big-budget production. He wasn't yet the superstar we know today. He was simply a young actor who refused to let rejection decide his future.
And then there is the story of his dog, which is one of the most emotional parts of the book. It’s a simple, deeply personal story, but it says so much about Stallone the person behind the superstar.
And then something extraordinary happened.
The man who was repeatedly told he didn't look right eventually became the face that millions of people wanted to look at.
At one point, you could walk into almost any gym in the world and find a picture of Stallone on the wall. If you were into bodybuilding, boxing or fitness, he was an inspiration. And what is fascinating is that he didn't set out to become that symbol. Life happened. The journey happened. The destiny was written one step at a time.
But The Steps isn't just about Rocky, Rambo or becoming a Hollywood superstar.
Stallone also writes about the personal side of his life — the things he didn't have, the relationships that didn't work out, the love he wanted, the family experiences he wished had been different. There is something particularly heartbreaking about knowing that someone who achieved so much didn't always have the people closest to him there to celebrate those achievements.
Even an Oscar nomination and the extraordinary success of Rocky couldn't fill every personal void.
And perhaps that's what makes the book so human.
Behind the muscles, the fame and the movie-star image is a man who was rejected, hurt, disappointed and knocked down many times — but kept getting up.
That's ultimately what The Steps is about.
Don't give up.
Don't let someone else's opinion of you become your opinion of yourself. Don't allow rejection to convince you that you don't belong. And don't assume that the people who tell you “you can't” know what your future looks like.
Stallone's life is almost the perfect example of why you should keep taking the next step even when you have no idea where it will lead.
He didn't just write this book to tell us what happened to him. He wrote it so that someone reading it might find the strength not to give up on themselves.
For anyone who grew up watching Stallone, this is a fascinating look behind the icon.
For anyone who has ever been rejected, underestimated or told they weren't good enough, it is something more.
It is a reminder.
5/5. A MUST READ.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
By Rohit Khilnani
The Steps by Sylvester Stallone is one of the most incredible and inspiring stories I have ever read.
For my generation, which grew up watching Stallone’s films through the 1980s and 1990s, he was much more than a movie star. He was an icon. Rocky, Rambo, the muscles, the attitude, the determination — if you were into bodybuilding, boxing or simply admired larger-than-life movie stars, you knew who Sylvester Stallone was.
But what makes The Steps so powerful is discovering just how unlikely that journey was.
Stallone wanted to be an actor, but at almost every step, he was told he didn't fit the job. People didn't like the way he looked. They didn't think he was right for roles. And when he started writing, he was even told that he didn't look like a writer.
Imagine being rejected not just for your talent, but for the way you look — and then being told you don't even look like the person who could write the story.
Stallone didn't give up.
He wrote Rocky and insisted on playing Rocky Balboa himself. The film went on to become one of the most iconic movies in cinema history.
Some of the details in the book make that success even more extraordinary. There was no elaborate costume department creating Rocky's look. The clothes he wore were largely what he actually had because this wasn't a big-budget production. He wasn't yet the superstar we know today. He was simply a young actor who refused to let rejection decide his future.
And then there is the story of his dog, which is one of the most emotional parts of the book. It’s a simple, deeply personal story, but it says so much about Stallone the person behind the superstar.
And then something extraordinary happened.
The man who was repeatedly told he didn't look right eventually became the face that millions of people wanted to look at.
At one point, you could walk into almost any gym in the world and find a picture of Stallone on the wall. If you were into bodybuilding, boxing or fitness, he was an inspiration. And what is fascinating is that he didn't set out to become that symbol. Life happened. The journey happened. The destiny was written one step at a time.
But The Steps isn't just about Rocky, Rambo or becoming a Hollywood superstar.
Stallone also writes about the personal side of his life — the things he didn't have, the relationships that didn't work out, the love he wanted, the family experiences he wished had been different. There is something particularly heartbreaking about knowing that someone who achieved so much didn't always have the people closest to him there to celebrate those achievements.
Even an Oscar nomination and the extraordinary success of Rocky couldn't fill every personal void.
And perhaps that's what makes the book so human.
Behind the muscles, the fame and the movie-star image is a man who was rejected, hurt, disappointed and knocked down many times — but kept getting up.
That's ultimately what The Steps is about.
Don't give up.
Don't let someone else's opinion of you become your opinion of yourself. Don't allow rejection to convince you that you don't belong. And don't assume that the people who tell you “you can't” know what your future looks like.
Stallone's life is almost the perfect example of why you should keep taking the next step even when you have no idea where it will lead.
He didn't just write this book to tell us what happened to him. He wrote it so that someone reading it might find the strength not to give up on themselves.
For anyone who grew up watching Stallone, this is a fascinating look behind the icon.
For anyone who has ever been rejected, underestimated or told they weren't good enough, it is something more.
It is a reminder.
5/5. A MUST READ.
October 2, 2026
I've been completely binge-reading The Steps: A Memoir by Sylvester Stallone over the past three days. It's a raw, incredible account of his journey to becoming a screenwriter and an actor.
I even splurged and got the audiobook too, narrated by Stallone himself. Highly recommend.
At the heart of this memoir is failure, and his path to Hollywood was filled with it. People constantly told him he didn't have what it takes, including, heartbreakingly, his own parents. One phone call with his mother, inviting her to the Oscars, broke my heart. But alongside the failure was faith in himself, learning the craft, writing, and putting himself out there again and again, no matter how many times the door closed.
A standout chapter for me was the filming of Rocky, when he had to beg the producer to let them finish the last scene. It was emotionally charged, and it jumped right off the page. The quote "I'd struggled my whole life to get here. I deserve one take," gave me goosebumps.
His writing is raw, funny, and reflective, and listening to him narrate it himself made it even more personal. He brought real inflection and emotion to every page, conversational in a way that pulled me in further.
What stayed with me most, though, is his mindset. It's not just resilience, it's his genuinely positive outlook on life, even in the face of constant rejection. "If no one was going to give me an opportunity, I knew I had to create that opportunity for myself," he writes, and that line alone is one I'll be reminding myself of whenever things get hard.
Whether you're a fan of Stallone, underdog stories, or just looking for something motivating, this one's not to be missed.
I even splurged and got the audiobook too, narrated by Stallone himself. Highly recommend.
At the heart of this memoir is failure, and his path to Hollywood was filled with it. People constantly told him he didn't have what it takes, including, heartbreakingly, his own parents. One phone call with his mother, inviting her to the Oscars, broke my heart. But alongside the failure was faith in himself, learning the craft, writing, and putting himself out there again and again, no matter how many times the door closed.
A standout chapter for me was the filming of Rocky, when he had to beg the producer to let them finish the last scene. It was emotionally charged, and it jumped right off the page. The quote "I'd struggled my whole life to get here. I deserve one take," gave me goosebumps.
His writing is raw, funny, and reflective, and listening to him narrate it himself made it even more personal. He brought real inflection and emotion to every page, conversational in a way that pulled me in further.
What stayed with me most, though, is his mindset. It's not just resilience, it's his genuinely positive outlook on life, even in the face of constant rejection. "If no one was going to give me an opportunity, I knew I had to create that opportunity for myself," he writes, and that line alone is one I'll be reminding myself of whenever things get hard.
Whether you're a fan of Stallone, underdog stories, or just looking for something motivating, this one's not to be missed.
October 3, 2026
There have been a recent plethora of cheaply made memoirs released by very old or gravely ill celebrities -- who all seem to die soon after their book release -- and I got that same feeling reading 80-year-old Stallone's memoir. I think he cranked it out for some quick cash, or to rewrite history, or to cement his legacy, while he still could.
His memoir "The Steps" is somewhere between fascinating and disappointing.
Stallone talks about things I NEVER knew. He talks about EVERYTHING that went on in his life which led up to the creation of Rocky. That alone makes this book a page-turner.
However, it got pretty disappointing when he finally got to the actual FILMING of Rocky. No mention of the pioneering Steadicam, hardly anything about Gazzo, not much about Burgess Meredith or Burt Young, nothing about how they found the sets or his grimy apartment, etc. Stallone's excuse was his memories were blurry and hazy then, but I'm calling total BS on that. He could recite verbatim pages of conversations with his wacky mother from 50 years ago so I think he was just in a hurry to finish the book.
What made me laugh was how he talked about his first wife Sasha --- all her endless assistance and suffering along with him in poverty ----- but then she disappears and the final pages show him with his current wife and kids! LOL Like, hey whoa, wait a minute, go back, what happened to Sasha?
"The Steps" is extremely interesting for details about Stallone's early life and all his struggles leading up to Rocky, but I recommend Joe Eszterhas's autobiography "Hollywood Animal" for a much more accurate glimpse into what Stallone was like AFTER.
His memoir "The Steps" is somewhere between fascinating and disappointing.
Stallone talks about things I NEVER knew. He talks about EVERYTHING that went on in his life which led up to the creation of Rocky. That alone makes this book a page-turner.
However, it got pretty disappointing when he finally got to the actual FILMING of Rocky. No mention of the pioneering Steadicam, hardly anything about Gazzo, not much about Burgess Meredith or Burt Young, nothing about how they found the sets or his grimy apartment, etc. Stallone's excuse was his memories were blurry and hazy then, but I'm calling total BS on that. He could recite verbatim pages of conversations with his wacky mother from 50 years ago so I think he was just in a hurry to finish the book.
What made me laugh was how he talked about his first wife Sasha --- all her endless assistance and suffering along with him in poverty ----- but then she disappears and the final pages show him with his current wife and kids! LOL Like, hey whoa, wait a minute, go back, what happened to Sasha?
"The Steps" is extremely interesting for details about Stallone's early life and all his struggles leading up to Rocky, but I recommend Joe Eszterhas's autobiography "Hollywood Animal" for a much more accurate glimpse into what Stallone was like AFTER.
October 4, 2026
A powerful and amazing journey
I was born in 1976, so Rocky has always been in my life. Mostly it was there by osmosis. I’d never seen any of the films all the way through. I knew Stallone fought to star in the original himself because Matt Damon and Ben Affleck did the same for Good Will Hunting. This year I watched all the Rocky movies and the Creeds and could not believe how invested I became in a fictional character’s life. I cheered for him. I cried for him. When I saw Stallone wrote a book about how he made Rocky happen, I had to read it.
If you want a salacious book about Stallone’s heyday in Hollywood, this is not for you. This is solely about his childhood, his decision to try to get a career as an actor, and the steps it took to get there. That may not sound so relatable because actors are put on these pedestals and we barely think of them as human beings. But, this is the most relatable biography I have ever read.
Stallone came from nothing, had “parents” that ignored and abused him, and only had himself to rely on. In every Rocky movie there are life lessons and motivational speeches. All were written by Stallone. This book takes all the heartache and doubt Stallone ever faced and puts them into life goals everyone can achieve. Turns out I even do the same kind of self therapy he talks about in the book. Who knew I’d have so much in common with a mega star who I’d originally thought was just an oiled up dude with muscles. He’s the most insightful person I’ve ever read and I will reread this gem again.
I was born in 1976, so Rocky has always been in my life. Mostly it was there by osmosis. I’d never seen any of the films all the way through. I knew Stallone fought to star in the original himself because Matt Damon and Ben Affleck did the same for Good Will Hunting. This year I watched all the Rocky movies and the Creeds and could not believe how invested I became in a fictional character’s life. I cheered for him. I cried for him. When I saw Stallone wrote a book about how he made Rocky happen, I had to read it.
If you want a salacious book about Stallone’s heyday in Hollywood, this is not for you. This is solely about his childhood, his decision to try to get a career as an actor, and the steps it took to get there. That may not sound so relatable because actors are put on these pedestals and we barely think of them as human beings. But, this is the most relatable biography I have ever read.
Stallone came from nothing, had “parents” that ignored and abused him, and only had himself to rely on. In every Rocky movie there are life lessons and motivational speeches. All were written by Stallone. This book takes all the heartache and doubt Stallone ever faced and puts them into life goals everyone can achieve. Turns out I even do the same kind of self therapy he talks about in the book. Who knew I’d have so much in common with a mega star who I’d originally thought was just an oiled up dude with muscles. He’s the most insightful person I’ve ever read and I will reread this gem again.
October 2, 2026
Instagram - @comewalkinmybooks
📚 book review 📚
The Steps by Sylvester Stallone
Goodreads rating - 4.66/5 ⭐️
My personal rating - 5/5 ⭐️
This is my first book by Sylvester Stallone
This book is based between 1969-1978
In this book we follow the story of a young Stallone arriving in New York with no money and one big dream.
Throughout this book we read the story of Sylvester Stallone’s beginnings. The house environment he grew up in with verbally and physically abusive parents. Leaving home for a boarding house and trying to find his own way in this world at such a young age.
We also follow his journey to Rocky. How the idea started and the struggle it took to even find someone to make the film never mind let him be in it.
It’s a story that proves if you believe in something so much you should never let it go !
My downfalls for this book would be that it’s too short 😂 I need more about all his future projects after Rocky like Rambo and the Expendables !! Come on Sly 🥹
Would I recommend this book - yes
This is a must read for all Rocky fans. Learning the story behind one of my favourite movies from the man himself is a dream come true !
Would i read this author again - yes
I need more 😂
I’m also on the hunt for a signed copy of this book ! I’ve emailed so many publishers and book stores and there’s none 😭 EBay prices are outrageous so if anyone knows of one going for a decent price please let me know !
This is my personal opinion !
📚 book review 📚
The Steps by Sylvester Stallone
Goodreads rating - 4.66/5 ⭐️
My personal rating - 5/5 ⭐️
This is my first book by Sylvester Stallone
This book is based between 1969-1978
In this book we follow the story of a young Stallone arriving in New York with no money and one big dream.
Throughout this book we read the story of Sylvester Stallone’s beginnings. The house environment he grew up in with verbally and physically abusive parents. Leaving home for a boarding house and trying to find his own way in this world at such a young age.
We also follow his journey to Rocky. How the idea started and the struggle it took to even find someone to make the film never mind let him be in it.
It’s a story that proves if you believe in something so much you should never let it go !
My downfalls for this book would be that it’s too short 😂 I need more about all his future projects after Rocky like Rambo and the Expendables !! Come on Sly 🥹
Would I recommend this book - yes
This is a must read for all Rocky fans. Learning the story behind one of my favourite movies from the man himself is a dream come true !
Would i read this author again - yes
I need more 😂
I’m also on the hunt for a signed copy of this book ! I’ve emailed so many publishers and book stores and there’s none 😭 EBay prices are outrageous so if anyone knows of one going for a decent price please let me know !
This is my personal opinion !
October 4, 2026
And how did the book get to the top of the nonfiction list? You guessed it — Frank Stallone....
Besides that and 'cup the balls', that's the first thing I thought about with respect to Sly. Then I heard the NYT Daily interview with him when the book came out and gave this a shot. It was much better than I would have thought. Of course, it's pure Rocky in memoir format, with truly terrible parenting thrown in for good measure. So yes, it was very nice in that respect. That said, his recent bio-pic is apparently only succeeding due to consciously keeping Stallone out of the process entirely, and the guy has made some, er, interesting career moves post-Rocky, good and bad. But this one was worth it.
Besides that and 'cup the balls', that's the first thing I thought about with respect to Sly. Then I heard the NYT Daily interview with him when the book came out and gave this a shot. It was much better than I would have thought. Of course, it's pure Rocky in memoir format, with truly terrible parenting thrown in for good measure. So yes, it was very nice in that respect. That said, his recent bio-pic is apparently only succeeding due to consciously keeping Stallone out of the process entirely, and the guy has made some, er, interesting career moves post-Rocky, good and bad. But this one was worth it.
October 3, 2026
I cannot recommend it enough. Stallone does a wonderful job narrating his memoir. The audiobook includes music as well. Bill Conti, the legendary composer famous for scoring Rocky collaborated with Stallone on this project. This project marks a reunion for Stallone and Conti nearly 50 years after they first worked together on Rocky.
Stallone provides a raw, honest, gritty account of his life. He did not have an easy life by any means. He is humble and self-reflective. A wonderful look into the life of Stallone. I don't think I can adequately put into words what a wonderful memoir it was. Truly one of the best I have read.
Stallone provides a raw, honest, gritty account of his life. He did not have an easy life by any means. He is humble and self-reflective. A wonderful look into the life of Stallone. I don't think I can adequately put into words what a wonderful memoir it was. Truly one of the best I have read.
October 3, 2026
Stallone is without question one of the greatest storytellers of our time. Fact.
The Steps is a must-read for any die-hard fan, especially Rocky, as the filming/release of the film ends the book.
The tension between him and his parents was powerful. However, I was disappointed that some of the other heavier and darker elements of his Sylvester's story (marriages, children, etc.) were omitted. I would've really enjoyed less of the traumatic elements of his school days for a look at these experiences.
The Steps is a must-read for any die-hard fan, especially Rocky, as the filming/release of the film ends the book.
The tension between him and his parents was powerful. However, I was disappointed that some of the other heavier and darker elements of his Sylvester's story (marriages, children, etc.) were omitted. I would've really enjoyed less of the traumatic elements of his school days for a look at these experiences.
October 2, 2026
The rating may not have been quite as high if I hadn't listened to this audiobook. Hearing this told directly from Stallone brought the story even more to life. His laughing and somber tones in certain parts really moved me. I grew up loving the movie and have ran the steps in Philadelphia. But I did not know the whole story behind the movie. I see Stallone in a whole new light now. Highly recommend this audiobook.
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October 2, 2026Eu pensei que o livro falaria mais da vida dele do que da realização de Rocky. Não é um livro ruim, mas fui ler às cegas e acabou que as minhas expectativas não condizeram com o que o livro tratava; faz parte.
Mas enfim, de forma geral foi muito interessante ler a trajetória do Sly. Fiquei com gostinho de “quero mais”
Mas enfim, de forma geral foi muito interessante ler a trajetória do Sly. Fiquei com gostinho de “quero mais”
October 3, 2026
I have to say that I’m almost always disappointed when I end up reading a memoir. This is not the case for this memoir. It is open and honest and raw and kudos to Mr. Stallone for writing such a fine book. The fact that he survived his abusive father, his distant mother, his tragic childhood and always believed in himself is truly remarkable.
October 3, 2026
Not a huge Stallone fan but I did enjoy Rocky.
I would give this 10 stars if I could. This is the most well written memoir I've ever read. I know he writes screenplays, but he should really try writing novels too. He has a gift.
I would give this 10 stars if I could. This is the most well written memoir I've ever read. I know he writes screenplays, but he should really try writing novels too. He has a gift.
October 4, 2026
I LOVE THIS MAN!!!!! Been a fan since I was 7!!! #keeppunching!!!! ROCKY IS EPIC!!! This was a REAL STORY WITH HEART! Loved this book!!!!!! Thank you Stallone for showing the world what real love, heart and perseverance looks like!!!!!
September 30, 2026
All new stories with his voice narrating. Worth it!
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