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John Barrowman Memoirs #1
Anything Goes
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.
256 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2008
76 people are currently reading
3009 people want to read
About the author
John Barrowman
71 books910 followersJohn Barrowman was born in Scotland, and moved to Illinois when he was eight years old. He is bi-dialectal, doing much of his stage and acting work in his American accent, but speaking with family in his Scottish accent.
He moved back to Britain in 1989 when he was hired to play the lead in Anything Goes. He took on a number of West End roles, including the leads in Sunset Boulevard and Miss Saigon and a dramatic play entitled Rope, while working as a children's television presenter and came back to America briefly to work on short lived shows such as Central Park West and Titans. He then bounced around Broadway, West End and the LA Stage for a number of years before moving back to Britain permanently. He won the role of Captain Jack Harkness in the new Doctor Who series and went on to star as Captain Jack in its adult spin-off Torchwood.
John married Scott Gill, his partner of fifteen years, in December 2006.
He moved back to Britain in 1989 when he was hired to play the lead in Anything Goes. He took on a number of West End roles, including the leads in Sunset Boulevard and Miss Saigon and a dramatic play entitled Rope, while working as a children's television presenter and came back to America briefly to work on short lived shows such as Central Park West and Titans. He then bounced around Broadway, West End and the LA Stage for a number of years before moving back to Britain permanently. He won the role of Captain Jack Harkness in the new Doctor Who series and went on to star as Captain Jack in its adult spin-off Torchwood.
John married Scott Gill, his partner of fifteen years, in December 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
February 9, 2008
Reasons to listen to John Barrowman read his autobiography:
He laughs.
He sings.
He does funny voices.
He does his own Scottish accent.
He gets emotional.
It's a very anecdotal book, and it's lovely to hear him tell these stories himself. The audio book is abridged and I do plan to read the complete hard copy version, but this reading is delightful.
He laughs.
He sings.
He does funny voices.
He does his own Scottish accent.
He gets emotional.
It's a very anecdotal book, and it's lovely to hear him tell these stories himself. The audio book is abridged and I do plan to read the complete hard copy version, but this reading is delightful.
November 4, 2015
1st read: March 8th-10th, 2014
Re-read: November 2015
---
Author's acknowledgements:
I've always thought people would find a lot more pleasure in their daily routines if they burst into song at significant moments. So, if you're reading this while travelling on the Tube, standing at a bus stop, queuing at your local bookstore, or even sitting on the loo, don't resist the urge.
As Mama Rose famously said in the musical Gypsy: 'Sing Out Louise!'
To be honest, here's what I really hope - that by arranging the book in this way, you'll feel as if you and I are lounging in our pyjamas on the couch in my Cardiff living room, sharing a bottle of champagne or a pot of tea, with music on in the background, having a blether and a laugh about my life so far.
And it does feel like that :) Just as great the second time around... John's music always puts me in a better mood and this book has done same.
John is so at ease in his own skin and a genuinely good person. This comes across throughout the whole book, there's a comfortable feeling while you are reading this:)
"I couldn't wait to get my hands on the wheel. Eve Myles, who plays Gwen, thought she'd picked the short straw with this new arrangement, though. She doesn't like it when I drive too fast--but they, it's TV. It needs to look good. Plus, scaring the hell out of her is a side benefit."
"My good friend Martin Marquez played Moonface Martin, and he and I used to have farting contests during this scene. We're both pros--at acting and farting-- so it was always a fight (or a fart) to the finish. During the scene when Billy Crocker sings 'All Through the Night' and Moonface sings 'Be like the Bluebird', Martin and I would try to get in as many farts as possible during the other's number."
Quite a few of his stories had me laughing just as before, re-read my favorites a couple times before moving on:).
I highly recommend checking out his music, he has a gorgeous voice and a great charisma on stage... I hope I have the privilege of seeing him perform one day.
Re-read: November 2015
---
Author's acknowledgements:
I've always thought people would find a lot more pleasure in their daily routines if they burst into song at significant moments. So, if you're reading this while travelling on the Tube, standing at a bus stop, queuing at your local bookstore, or even sitting on the loo, don't resist the urge.
As Mama Rose famously said in the musical Gypsy: 'Sing Out Louise!'
To be honest, here's what I really hope - that by arranging the book in this way, you'll feel as if you and I are lounging in our pyjamas on the couch in my Cardiff living room, sharing a bottle of champagne or a pot of tea, with music on in the background, having a blether and a laugh about my life so far.
And it does feel like that :) Just as great the second time around... John's music always puts me in a better mood and this book has done same.
John is so at ease in his own skin and a genuinely good person. This comes across throughout the whole book, there's a comfortable feeling while you are reading this:)
"I couldn't wait to get my hands on the wheel. Eve Myles, who plays Gwen, thought she'd picked the short straw with this new arrangement, though. She doesn't like it when I drive too fast--but they, it's TV. It needs to look good. Plus, scaring the hell out of her is a side benefit."
"My good friend Martin Marquez played Moonface Martin, and he and I used to have farting contests during this scene. We're both pros--at acting and farting-- so it was always a fight (or a fart) to the finish. During the scene when Billy Crocker sings 'All Through the Night' and Moonface sings 'Be like the Bluebird', Martin and I would try to get in as many farts as possible during the other's number."
Quite a few of his stories had me laughing just as before, re-read my favorites a couple times before moving on:).
I highly recommend checking out his music, he has a gorgeous voice and a great charisma on stage... I hope I have the privilege of seeing him perform one day.
November 18, 2018
Purchased this during a book signing at Boarders (I miss that shop) back in February 2008 (according to google).
I managed to get Barrowman to sign my Torchwood boxset too!
The autobiography was everything that I’d expected it to be, a really fun read with the humour you’d expect.
I managed to get Barrowman to sign my Torchwood boxset too!
The autobiography was everything that I’d expected it to be, a really fun read with the humour you’d expect.
March 28, 2008
What can you say about John Barrowman that he doesn't say himself? Nothing. The man is shameless - but in the best possible way ever.
For those of you not familiar with John Barrowman, he is a Broadway musical star, a TV star, a frequent talk show guest (in the UK) and an all around amazing talent. His autobiography reads like a list of "fun things you should try". Really. I think he's embraced every aspect of his field and tried to do each and every one of them well.
I was moved by his story, his determination and honesty. I wish I lived my life as fully and as well as he does.
From his beginnings in a nice family in Scotland to working in Hollywood where he was told he was "too straight" for the role of Will in Will & Grace, to becoming the iconic Captain Jack Harkness in Torchwood, Barrowman has made great choices in his career. As a gay man and actor he is very outspoken and not afraid to be who he is at all times. I was very impressed by his stories and his sense of humor. I would say everyone should read this book, it's amazing. And so is he.
For those of you not familiar with John Barrowman, he is a Broadway musical star, a TV star, a frequent talk show guest (in the UK) and an all around amazing talent. His autobiography reads like a list of "fun things you should try". Really. I think he's embraced every aspect of his field and tried to do each and every one of them well.
I was moved by his story, his determination and honesty. I wish I lived my life as fully and as well as he does.
From his beginnings in a nice family in Scotland to working in Hollywood where he was told he was "too straight" for the role of Will in Will & Grace, to becoming the iconic Captain Jack Harkness in Torchwood, Barrowman has made great choices in his career. As a gay man and actor he is very outspoken and not afraid to be who he is at all times. I was very impressed by his stories and his sense of humor. I would say everyone should read this book, it's amazing. And so is he.
March 26, 2011
The Book Report: The life and times of fabulous Captain Jack Harkness, I mean I mean JOHN BARROWMAN of course I do, silly me to get the two confused, he of the TV show Torchwood, in all his dimpled and smiling glory. With butt shots. Two.
My Review: One knows what one is getting with celebrity memoirs, right? Whitewash, excuses, justifications, and a little catty score-settling. It takes a pretty damned big ego to write an "autobiography" (which this ain't, it's a memoir) in the first place; to do it before the age of sixty is, well, it's a bit uppish.
Yeah, so what, pretty people get to do what they want. And Barrowman is nothing if not pretty. Very pretty. Very very pretty. That he is also a talented actor, a fine musical-theatre singer, and a high-maintenance mess of a man makes it all the more fun that he didn't wait to write the book (with his sister, Carole). He takes it upon himself to tell us the tale of what brought Clan Barrowman from Glasgow to Illinois, what made the clan tick, and what happened as a result of this daring and quite unsettling move, made in the Malaise Years of the middle 1970s.
Wait. Make that, he tells us the tale of what happened to John of the Clan Barrowman. This is a book that relentlessly focuses on John Barrowman, contextualizing his life with the necessary information, but skimping on the lives and times of the other people in his orbit. Quite forgivable in a memoir; less so in an autobiography, which is more about the life-and-times, less about the lifestyle.
He's not forthcoming with details of his personal life, eg what his feelings were, what his thoughts were, around his coming out. He doesn't fail to mention them, understand; it's simply that, as is the gentleman's privilege, he goes very soft-focus and moves on quickly from the topic. He writes his most passionate, his most emotional, and his most harrowing stuff when he writes about the descent of a friend into madness. It's an amazing, painful, and quite wonderful passage in the book. It brings into stark relief, though, the absence of these very qualities in some other passages in his life that could have used the same treatment.
That criticism aside, I would recommend the book to most all gay guys because here, gents, here is someone whose joie de vivre and whose enthusiasm for his work have led him down some fascinating garden paths, all the while declining to be stereotyped. It's a very instructive path he's on, for the most of us who aren't in the least famous or likely to get there. It's good to see someone skiing ahead on the trail, hollering back, "there's a crevasse over here, don't go there!" every so often. Good on him that he chose to do it. Good for us that it is, on balance, a fun book to read.
The butt shots don't hurt.
My Review: One knows what one is getting with celebrity memoirs, right? Whitewash, excuses, justifications, and a little catty score-settling. It takes a pretty damned big ego to write an "autobiography" (which this ain't, it's a memoir) in the first place; to do it before the age of sixty is, well, it's a bit uppish.
Yeah, so what, pretty people get to do what they want. And Barrowman is nothing if not pretty. Very pretty. Very very pretty. That he is also a talented actor, a fine musical-theatre singer, and a high-maintenance mess of a man makes it all the more fun that he didn't wait to write the book (with his sister, Carole). He takes it upon himself to tell us the tale of what brought Clan Barrowman from Glasgow to Illinois, what made the clan tick, and what happened as a result of this daring and quite unsettling move, made in the Malaise Years of the middle 1970s.
Wait. Make that, he tells us the tale of what happened to John of the Clan Barrowman. This is a book that relentlessly focuses on John Barrowman, contextualizing his life with the necessary information, but skimping on the lives and times of the other people in his orbit. Quite forgivable in a memoir; less so in an autobiography, which is more about the life-and-times, less about the lifestyle.
He's not forthcoming with details of his personal life, eg what his feelings were, what his thoughts were, around his coming out. He doesn't fail to mention them, understand; it's simply that, as is the gentleman's privilege, he goes very soft-focus and moves on quickly from the topic. He writes his most passionate, his most emotional, and his most harrowing stuff when he writes about the descent of a friend into madness. It's an amazing, painful, and quite wonderful passage in the book. It brings into stark relief, though, the absence of these very qualities in some other passages in his life that could have used the same treatment.
That criticism aside, I would recommend the book to most all gay guys because here, gents, here is someone whose joie de vivre and whose enthusiasm for his work have led him down some fascinating garden paths, all the while declining to be stereotyped. It's a very instructive path he's on, for the most of us who aren't in the least famous or likely to get there. It's good to see someone skiing ahead on the trail, hollering back, "there's a crevasse over here, don't go there!" every so often. Good on him that he chose to do it. Good for us that it is, on balance, a fun book to read.
The butt shots don't hurt.
Want to read
February 18, 2015John Barrowman napsal autobiografii?
JOHN BARROWMAN napsal AUTOBIOGRAFII?
A já TO nečetla? Ohohohó!
(Můj duševní stav momentálně odpovídá rozvařené okurce)
JOHN BARROWMAN napsal AUTOBIOGRAFII?
A já TO nečetla? Ohohohó!
(Můj duševní stav momentálně odpovídá rozvařené okurce)
January 23, 2020
I love this guy. He's sooooo funny. I'd give anything to have the kind of childhood/family he has. They sound amazing in everything. And what a guy to come from that and what he's done.
I came in late on John. Unlike probably 90% of his fans, I've never watched Doctor Who - nor Torchwood. I know I'm one of the few who hasn't. I'm actually a fan because of Arrow. Even though he's the bad guy (and I'm usually a good guy type), he's got such personality and charisma. Not to mention he's hot as hell. He's actually "my type" to a T - strong chiseled good looks, a 'butt' chin as a bonus; he can sing and he's gay... all things I've always been attracted to my entire life. LOL. Now, I find out he's HILARIOUS too. He's just the whole package!!
I wanna be adopted by him and his family!
I came in late on John. Unlike probably 90% of his fans, I've never watched Doctor Who - nor Torchwood. I know I'm one of the few who hasn't. I'm actually a fan because of Arrow. Even though he's the bad guy (and I'm usually a good guy type), he's got such personality and charisma. Not to mention he's hot as hell. He's actually "my type" to a T - strong chiseled good looks, a 'butt' chin as a bonus; he can sing and he's gay... all things I've always been attracted to my entire life. LOL. Now, I find out he's HILARIOUS too. He's just the whole package!!
I wanna be adopted by him and his family!
November 18, 2014
Entertaining memoirs.
To me though, Barrowman seemed a bit full of himself. Most of us are. It's just some people wear it much more prominently on their sleeves.
There's a lot of talk about Barrowman's handsomeness, his talent, how wonderfully fun he is, the famous people he's known and met, and the expensive things he's bought and experienced. But I found him most endearing when he talked about his poop accidents and farting.
I also liked the bits about his superstitions. And his coming out story was quite poignant.
One pet peeve I must mention: People calling an experience "humbling" when in reality it's the kind of thing that would make your head swell.
Barrowman does this when he talks about getting fan mail. How does that humble you? At best, it doesn't make your head swell and you take it in stride. But to make you humble?
To me humbling would be standing in a room with people who you realize are much more talented than you.
I am humbled when I read JK Rowling's work. VERY humbled. If I get compliments or other such kudos, I'm not going to be humbled. I'm going to feel all cocky...at least for a few minutes.
To me though, Barrowman seemed a bit full of himself. Most of us are. It's just some people wear it much more prominently on their sleeves.
There's a lot of talk about Barrowman's handsomeness, his talent, how wonderfully fun he is, the famous people he's known and met, and the expensive things he's bought and experienced. But I found him most endearing when he talked about his poop accidents and farting.
I also liked the bits about his superstitions. And his coming out story was quite poignant.
One pet peeve I must mention: People calling an experience "humbling" when in reality it's the kind of thing that would make your head swell.
Barrowman does this when he talks about getting fan mail. How does that humble you? At best, it doesn't make your head swell and you take it in stride. But to make you humble?
To me humbling would be standing in a room with people who you realize are much more talented than you.
I am humbled when I read JK Rowling's work. VERY humbled. If I get compliments or other such kudos, I'm not going to be humbled. I'm going to feel all cocky...at least for a few minutes.
May 3, 2021
I love this book! Such a great read!
May 11, 2021
Once upon a time, I sat down to watch the first season of this millenium's Doctor Who and was introduced to the awesomeness that is Captain Jack Harkness. By extension, I was also introduced to the awesomeness of John Barrowman. Is it humanly possible to not adore this guy? I sincerely doubt it. This first autobiography of his, covering his life until the height of Torchwood fame in 2008, provided plenty of charming, gossipy fun - not that I expected anything less.
November 19, 2018
I'm a big fan of John Barrowman and this memoir let me see a little bit more into his life. His sense of humor and wit is all throughout the book. His love of musical theater and paying it back is also great.
February 8, 2019
Loved it!
December 20, 2008
John Barrowman's a hoot. Sure it may have a touch of self-aggrandizement, but so does my blog. That's the balance between autobiography and regular biography - one-perspective best-light autobiography, or dry, impersonal 3rd party bio. Which would I rather? The one with the most life.
John's a pleasure to listen to (which is why I got the audiobook, even though it was abridged), and I sensed a wonderful concern for his family. Even though he may have highlighted the best times, and left out the struggles (in this book), you can tell he's as hardworking as any out there, ready to learn something new at the drop of a hat. I'm afraid it'll sound like a backhanded compliment to say that he's humble after his own fashion, but sincerely, after listening to this it just cemented the idea that John Barrowman is someone I'd like to have tea with.
John's a pleasure to listen to (which is why I got the audiobook, even though it was abridged), and I sensed a wonderful concern for his family. Even though he may have highlighted the best times, and left out the struggles (in this book), you can tell he's as hardworking as any out there, ready to learn something new at the drop of a hat. I'm afraid it'll sound like a backhanded compliment to say that he's humble after his own fashion, but sincerely, after listening to this it just cemented the idea that John Barrowman is someone I'd like to have tea with.
March 7, 2022
John Barrowman is very good looking and sings well, which is just as well because I don’t think I’d have been interested in reading this to the end otherwise. His story is interesting enough, but his limitations as a writer show through when he explains that he visited the Dome on the Rock, which he helpfully explains is “an Islamic temple in Jerusalem”. And the constant footnotes are amusing enough to begin with but the joke wears thin after twenty pages. Especially when he points out he has taught you a new word like triptych. 1
But he’s talented, good-looking, wealthy beyond measure (as he tells us in the book) so he doesn’t need to write well, even with his sister’s help.
1 No, he hadn’t.
But he’s talented, good-looking, wealthy beyond measure (as he tells us in the book) so he doesn’t need to write well, even with his sister’s help.
1 No, he hadn’t.
January 22, 2011
Re-reading this about a year after I first got into this man and his work, the book probably impressed me more than before. Part of this had to do with the fact that I now know nearly everyone & the works he mentions, which helps drive this book home just that bit more.
John (or actually his sister, Carole) writes easily, with wit and charm. She really makes the autobiography come to life in what definitely sounds like John speaking. He just tells these funny stories about his life. And what a life he's had. John's had some of the best adventures and if you're even slightly interested in what he's done, you'll probably end up liking/loving this book.
John (or actually his sister, Carole) writes easily, with wit and charm. She really makes the autobiography come to life in what definitely sounds like John speaking. He just tells these funny stories about his life. And what a life he's had. John's had some of the best adventures and if you're even slightly interested in what he's done, you'll probably end up liking/loving this book.
July 8, 2016
I don't know what I was expecting when I picked up this book but it certainly wasn't this. This book is cleverly written, amusing, heart tugging and wonderful.
John Barrowman is charming, outrageous and possibly certifiable in someways, all of which show up in this book. I loved learning the stories about his earlier life, his relationship with Scott, his wonderful bond with his nieces and nephews and his reaction when he first got the role on Torchwood. He isn't one to mince words, and will call a person out on their shit, but yet he remains respectful while doing so.
Although this isn't the most grammatically written book, the way in which it is written is honest. It is real.
John Barrowman is charming, outrageous and possibly certifiable in someways, all of which show up in this book. I loved learning the stories about his earlier life, his relationship with Scott, his wonderful bond with his nieces and nephews and his reaction when he first got the role on Torchwood. He isn't one to mince words, and will call a person out on their shit, but yet he remains respectful while doing so.
Although this isn't the most grammatically written book, the way in which it is written is honest. It is real.
October 15, 2016
Lots of grins & laughs in this book. I have a deep love for Glasgow, so the description of the early part of his life in that city and the Glaswegian expressions that persist through the rest of the book were probably my favorite things. I'm also fond of the musical Anything Goes, so the fact that John has been in it so many times is delightful.
Edited to add: this book is heavy on his musical theatre experiences and lighter on his TV & film work. One of the reasons I enjoyed reading it so much. YMMV.
Edited to add: this book is heavy on his musical theatre experiences and lighter on his TV & film work. One of the reasons I enjoyed reading it so much. YMMV.
July 14, 2010
I gained a greater respect for the amazing actor, and I love him a bit more. This book had me laughing out loud quite a few times; it was as entertaining as he is and very inspiring. If you're a fan, or even just beginning to be one, this is definitely worth a read!
February 25, 2019
Spend some time learning about the wonderful John Barrowman.
From his childhood with his loving family.
His time on the stage and in television.
General life stories that are fun and amazing (much like the man himself).
If you didn't love him before, you will now. Welcome to the life of Barrowman (shakes fist).
From his childhood with his loving family.
His time on the stage and in television.
General life stories that are fun and amazing (much like the man himself).
If you didn't love him before, you will now. Welcome to the life of Barrowman (shakes fist).
May 13, 2013
I thoroughly enjoy John Barrowman's performance as the dashing and handsome Captain Jack Harkness of Doctor Who and Torchwood so when I stumbled across this memoir I thought, what the hell. I have no obsessive love of Barrowman but he seems to have an engaging personality. So....
This book was written collaboratively with Carole Barrowman, John's sister. Each chapter is a song from a musical that represents a particular time in Barrowman's life. The book is arranged thematically rather than chronologically so that, as Barrowman writes, "you'll feel as if you and I are lounging in our pyjamas on the couch in my Cardiff living room, sharing a bottle of champagne or a pot of tea, with the music on in the background, having a blether and a laugh about my life so far" (9). I'm not sure what a "blether" is (I figure it's something like a chat), but I congratulate him on being successful with this mission. The writing, while far from brilliant, is chatty and conversational and gossipy and it's just fun reading. He really is talking to the reader as if you are his best new buddy and he's telling you all his secrets. Sometimes though the switch from one life story to another is abrupt and leads to confusion (how old is John now? Is he still in college? Where does he live now?) because the stories really are just thrown together. The footnotes are annoying because they are often unnecessary and could have be included in the body of the text. Footnotes are a pain in the ass to look up in an ebook because I can't just "flip" from my current page to the back of the book and then flip back. On my Nook (first generation, non-touch screen) I couldn't touch the number and have the note appear; I had to search for that section or scroll to the back of the book, read a footnote that often said something like: "Don't worry about that now. I'll tell you later" and then scroll back. It was just as labor-intensive on my phone, even with the touch screen. I soon stopped reading them because they often weren't that important. There's also an index, which I find odd (it's a cheesy memoir, not a book about World War II with lots of facts and dates and names). There are pictures, which is nice. I love pictures. I had to switch to my phone to look at them so I could see them in color. There are two of John barring his ass (which is something he likes to do a lot) and yes, his ass is just as lovely as you think it is.
I get the sense that John Barrowman is a thrill-taker, loves to perform and be the center of attention (well, he is an actor; they do love to be loved) and has a wicked sense of humor. He wants to live life to its fullest and doesn't seem to worry too much about what the future will bring. His tales of travels and the famous people he's met have just the hint of bragging, but much of the time he seems bemused and delighted that he's been this successful. I laugh a little because he does love to mention how handsome he is. Yes, yes, John Barrowman, you are very pretty, which is why you don't do anything for me; pretty men are high-maintenance men and I don't find that appealing. Overall though Barrowman loves his family and for a busy actor he spends a lot of time with his them. I like that. I also like his "this is who I am, love me or not" personality.
The only disappointment I have with this memoir is the lack of Doctor Who and Torchwood behind-the-scenes details. There is a second memoir so I presume he saved those juicy nuggets for that book, which I may or may not read. However, if you are fan of John Barrowman and want to know a little about him, this is a perfectly silly memoir to read.
This book was written collaboratively with Carole Barrowman, John's sister. Each chapter is a song from a musical that represents a particular time in Barrowman's life. The book is arranged thematically rather than chronologically so that, as Barrowman writes, "you'll feel as if you and I are lounging in our pyjamas on the couch in my Cardiff living room, sharing a bottle of champagne or a pot of tea, with the music on in the background, having a blether and a laugh about my life so far" (9). I'm not sure what a "blether" is (I figure it's something like a chat), but I congratulate him on being successful with this mission. The writing, while far from brilliant, is chatty and conversational and gossipy and it's just fun reading. He really is talking to the reader as if you are his best new buddy and he's telling you all his secrets. Sometimes though the switch from one life story to another is abrupt and leads to confusion (how old is John now? Is he still in college? Where does he live now?) because the stories really are just thrown together. The footnotes are annoying because they are often unnecessary and could have be included in the body of the text. Footnotes are a pain in the ass to look up in an ebook because I can't just "flip" from my current page to the back of the book and then flip back. On my Nook (first generation, non-touch screen) I couldn't touch the number and have the note appear; I had to search for that section or scroll to the back of the book, read a footnote that often said something like: "Don't worry about that now. I'll tell you later" and then scroll back. It was just as labor-intensive on my phone, even with the touch screen. I soon stopped reading them because they often weren't that important. There's also an index, which I find odd (it's a cheesy memoir, not a book about World War II with lots of facts and dates and names). There are pictures, which is nice. I love pictures. I had to switch to my phone to look at them so I could see them in color. There are two of John barring his ass (which is something he likes to do a lot) and yes, his ass is just as lovely as you think it is.
I get the sense that John Barrowman is a thrill-taker, loves to perform and be the center of attention (well, he is an actor; they do love to be loved) and has a wicked sense of humor. He wants to live life to its fullest and doesn't seem to worry too much about what the future will bring. His tales of travels and the famous people he's met have just the hint of bragging, but much of the time he seems bemused and delighted that he's been this successful. I laugh a little because he does love to mention how handsome he is. Yes, yes, John Barrowman, you are very pretty, which is why you don't do anything for me; pretty men are high-maintenance men and I don't find that appealing. Overall though Barrowman loves his family and for a busy actor he spends a lot of time with his them. I like that. I also like his "this is who I am, love me or not" personality.
The only disappointment I have with this memoir is the lack of Doctor Who and Torchwood behind-the-scenes details. There is a second memoir so I presume he saved those juicy nuggets for that book, which I may or may not read. However, if you are fan of John Barrowman and want to know a little about him, this is a perfectly silly memoir to read.
February 8, 2008
John Barrowman, how are you so awesome? It surprises no one that I had mad love for this book. It was extraordinarily funny in many places. He has a great sense of humor as well as a great ability to laugh at himself - I wager that most people, let alone famous people, would not tell some of the embarrassing stories that he had no problem sharing. It was dishy, gossipy, with mentions of backstage shenanigans at Who and Torchwood, but it was also introspective without being navel-gazey. A hard line to follow.
He warned on the first page that this was not a linear book, and boy was that right. But the timeline of his roles and jobs in the back were an enormous help for keeping track of what was happening when. He gets extra bonus points for the use of footnotes, because footnotes are awesome. Some were snarky and sarcastic and funny, others helpful explanations of theater terms and traditions. Some seemed like they were comments in response to a question about a line (to Carole?), which was fun. He wrote that he wanted it to seem like he and the reader were hanging out together, talking about his life, and that's exactly how the book reads.
So, basically, this took us from when he was born (as the child from hell) through the filming of Torchwood series 2. We heard about his family, his friends, details about his time around Chicago, an entire chapter about a friend who died with no recognition, how he met Scott (intertwined with a story of how they nearly died near the Donner pass, how he met Scott's parents, and their civil union ceremony), plus info on how he became a stage star, how things work in his field, kissing Gareth, playing with Eve, and his celebrity interactions. With a bunch of private pictures that were fun to see.
I'm not a star biography person. I don't like knowing too much about actors/singers/celebrities I like - for one, it's too invasive and hits my privacy squick level quickly. Second, and selfishly, 99% of the time, they don't live up to my expectations. They end up being stupid, idiots or think better of themselves than is warranted. This is one of the very few whose interviews I can read and watch without cringing and still respect him after. I was really pleased to see that this still holds through after reading this book.
One thing, though - he and Carole said that there were five events that he told her that made her blush, because there are things sisters should not know. I can only think of one! I wonder what the others were. Relatedly, exactly how flexible do you have to be to have sex hanging from a tree? Hmm. It warrants further pondering. If you need me, I'll just be in my bunk.
He warned on the first page that this was not a linear book, and boy was that right. But the timeline of his roles and jobs in the back were an enormous help for keeping track of what was happening when. He gets extra bonus points for the use of footnotes, because footnotes are awesome. Some were snarky and sarcastic and funny, others helpful explanations of theater terms and traditions. Some seemed like they were comments in response to a question about a line (to Carole?), which was fun. He wrote that he wanted it to seem like he and the reader were hanging out together, talking about his life, and that's exactly how the book reads.
So, basically, this took us from when he was born (as the child from hell) through the filming of Torchwood series 2. We heard about his family, his friends, details about his time around Chicago, an entire chapter about a friend who died with no recognition, how he met Scott (intertwined with a story of how they nearly died near the Donner pass, how he met Scott's parents, and their civil union ceremony), plus info on how he became a stage star, how things work in his field, kissing Gareth, playing with Eve, and his celebrity interactions. With a bunch of private pictures that were fun to see.
I'm not a star biography person. I don't like knowing too much about actors/singers/celebrities I like - for one, it's too invasive and hits my privacy squick level quickly. Second, and selfishly, 99% of the time, they don't live up to my expectations. They end up being stupid, idiots or think better of themselves than is warranted. This is one of the very few whose interviews I can read and watch without cringing and still respect him after. I was really pleased to see that this still holds through after reading this book.
One thing, though - he and Carole said that there were five events that he told her that made her blush, because there are things sisters should not know. I can only think of one! I wonder what the others were. Relatedly, exactly how flexible do you have to be to have sex hanging from a tree? Hmm. It warrants further pondering. If you need me, I'll just be in my bunk.
August 19, 2015
My Grade = 88% - B+
Found this in a London Thrift Shop for 4 BPS ($7.00) a few years ago.
Wow! This book hit me on so many different levels that I can't believe it!
I first encountered John Barrowman in 1989 when I saw his performance as Billy Crocker in Cole Porter's Anything Goes at the Prince Edward Theatre on Shafterbury Avenue in London.
I bumped into him a few days later at Old Compton's Pub on Compton Street just a few days later. On stage he was a husky, virile, highly masculine stud. At Old Compton's, he was a screaming, nelly queen, but still gorgeous.
Not long after, I was at Dress Circle on Upper Monmouth St, near Seven Dials - a shop that sold only Show Tunes CDs and Memorabilia. I heard a magnificent male voice bursting out show tunes on the store's system, asked who was singing, and bought the CD. (And bought another on each of my once or twice yearly London trips.
Ironically, I did not connect the Anything Goes actor with the name on the CDs.
It wasn't until I saw the Doctor Who spin-off, Torchwood, that I realized that this John Barrowman was the John Barrowman of my CDs.
(The name just never registered). He, of course played the Omni-sexual Captain Jack Harkness in several Season One and three Season Three Series episodes of Doctor Who.
Also, ironically, today's re-run, Utopia, was the first episode to feature his name as a by-line in the opening credits. I just read his excitement at having this feat occur about an hour ago. Another irony is that I also just read about his American high school friend, Anthony Rapp whose song A Book Report on Peter Rabbit from You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown is currently on the media player in my car.
John Barrowman is currently featured on the current hit series Arrow.
I have friends who are his neighbors in London's Chelsea neighborhood.
It is tremendously rich and amazing at how many times I've felt a connection with shows, actors, songs, food, as I read this book. Frequently, as he left a theatre and walked down the streets, I could follow his progress in my head.
By the way, John was born a Glaswegian (I love that word - from Glasgow, Scotland) who was raised in America and returned to Britain for his college education.
Found this in a London Thrift Shop for 4 BPS ($7.00) a few years ago.
Wow! This book hit me on so many different levels that I can't believe it!
I first encountered John Barrowman in 1989 when I saw his performance as Billy Crocker in Cole Porter's Anything Goes at the Prince Edward Theatre on Shafterbury Avenue in London.
I bumped into him a few days later at Old Compton's Pub on Compton Street just a few days later. On stage he was a husky, virile, highly masculine stud. At Old Compton's, he was a screaming, nelly queen, but still gorgeous.
Not long after, I was at Dress Circle on Upper Monmouth St, near Seven Dials - a shop that sold only Show Tunes CDs and Memorabilia. I heard a magnificent male voice bursting out show tunes on the store's system, asked who was singing, and bought the CD. (And bought another on each of my once or twice yearly London trips.
Ironically, I did not connect the Anything Goes actor with the name on the CDs.
It wasn't until I saw the Doctor Who spin-off, Torchwood, that I realized that this John Barrowman was the John Barrowman of my CDs.
(The name just never registered). He, of course played the Omni-sexual Captain Jack Harkness in several Season One and three Season Three Series episodes of Doctor Who.
Also, ironically, today's re-run, Utopia, was the first episode to feature his name as a by-line in the opening credits. I just read his excitement at having this feat occur about an hour ago. Another irony is that I also just read about his American high school friend, Anthony Rapp whose song A Book Report on Peter Rabbit from You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown is currently on the media player in my car.
John Barrowman is currently featured on the current hit series Arrow.
I have friends who are his neighbors in London's Chelsea neighborhood.
It is tremendously rich and amazing at how many times I've felt a connection with shows, actors, songs, food, as I read this book. Frequently, as he left a theatre and walked down the streets, I could follow his progress in my head.
By the way, John was born a Glaswegian (I love that word - from Glasgow, Scotland) who was raised in America and returned to Britain for his college education.
March 25, 2017
An autobiography of the star of Torchwood and the West End theater in London. I was expecting to enjoy the book as I love to read and adore biographies in particular, but I didn't expect what I got from this book. The set up of John's reminisces give you the impression that you are sitting in his living room listening to the man's stories.
I found myself laughing uncontrollably at certain sections, snickering at others, and going "ahhhh" once in a while. I do recommend that you do not read this book in public. Between the snarky footnotes and the hilarious stories, you'll soon find yourself getting strange glances from strangers who will soon be moving farther and farther away from you.
John is anything but shy and is willing to tell stories on himself without shame and just a tad of embarrassment. He speaks about his life as a child with his strange, loving and wonderful family, how his career started, and his adventures therein. For those who are Doctor Who or Torchwood fans, here are just a few stories. My understanding is that his followup book, I Am What I Am will have more. I'll soon find out, I have that one as well.
I found myself laughing uncontrollably at certain sections, snickering at others, and going "ahhhh" once in a while. I do recommend that you do not read this book in public. Between the snarky footnotes and the hilarious stories, you'll soon find yourself getting strange glances from strangers who will soon be moving farther and farther away from you.
John is anything but shy and is willing to tell stories on himself without shame and just a tad of embarrassment. He speaks about his life as a child with his strange, loving and wonderful family, how his career started, and his adventures therein. For those who are Doctor Who or Torchwood fans, here are just a few stories. My understanding is that his followup book, I Am What I Am will have more. I'll soon find out, I have that one as well.
April 23, 2014
This book was my first autobiography that I have ever read and I really enjoyed reading it. The reason why I have chosen John Barrowman is because I am a huge fan of his work where it started from Doctor Who; this autobiography covered his career path. It talked about how he got into singing, theater and acting. What I really enjoyed about this autobiography it was funny and what I loved about him, he mentioned everything and didn’t leave any details out, such as names. I really can’t wait to read his second autobiography, which is called I Am What I Am.
June 3, 2009
Good, sort-of-clean fun.
This book reads like I imagine a long, somewhat tipsy conversation over a marathon evening with John would go. It's a little all over the place, being organized thematically rather than chronologically.
Cheeky, brash, fun, and completely honest about being happy with his life, which is pretty darned good. John is a natural storyteller. A ripping set of yarns about a guy who is clearly in love with his life and his work.
I really enjoyed it!
This book reads like I imagine a long, somewhat tipsy conversation over a marathon evening with John would go. It's a little all over the place, being organized thematically rather than chronologically.
Cheeky, brash, fun, and completely honest about being happy with his life, which is pretty darned good. John is a natural storyteller. A ripping set of yarns about a guy who is clearly in love with his life and his work.
I really enjoyed it!
November 1, 2013
I liked John Barrowman in Torchwood, so when I found this in a second-hand bookstore for a good price, I decided to give it a go. It's about what one would expect from something like this. Barrowman comes across a tad too self-celebratory, but he leavens it occasionally with a bit of humility and humor. What was most impressive is how an openly gay actor can be successful these days with relatively few career speed-bumps.
November 8, 2013
Wow. This is the first autobiography I have ever read and wow is all I can say. I've seen John Barrowman in Doctor Who (Captain Jack is a wonderful character) and I follow the man in twitter but I learned so much about Barrowman from this book.. And while I've been reading this I've also been listening him singing. He has an amazing voice. I'm in love.
January 8, 2013
While I loved John Barrowman's character Captain Jack, I thought his memoir was an over the top opportunity for John to name drop and talk about his love of himself, wonderful voice and good looks. It was quirky and entertaining at times, but over all long and boring.
August 4, 2008
Not the best writing ever, but not bad either. A very conversational tale of an interesting life (so far...)
March 4, 2016
A riveting read with all of Mr.Barrowman's quick witted humor and love for life within it.
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