Rupert: Just Being Me

by Rupert Boneham, Lester T. Shane

Have you wondered how Rupert, star of the CBS Television Series Survivor, became so loved and successful? It all started long, long ago….. Just Being Me is the true story of Rupert Boneham. You’ll be mesmerized by his life and how it so closely reflects his time "on the island." Rupert grew up in Central Indiana and always had a love for nature. From his time as a young child to his early years as an adult, Rupert has seen the ups and downs of life. Those experiences are what shaped Rupert’s character, making him the fan favorite on All-Stars. After being voted off the show, Rupert garnered 38 million votes, making him the most popular player in the history of the show! Rupert wasn’t done after leaving the island. Long before he was on TV, Rupert Boneham had made a commitment to help underprivileged teens in his community. His stardom helped him to further fund his not-for-profit group, Rupert’s Kids, where the mission is "to empower youth to discover their inner strengths, and to realize their own self worth and their value to society." Rupert continues to have a presence on TV with guest appearances on The Early Show, Regis and Kelly, and The Damon Waynes Show. Rupert, along with writer Lester Thomas Shane will tell his story in a compelling way that make you long for more.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2007

Reviews

[Audrey Gabrielli · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Survivor mega-fan, I devoured this in one sitting. The book doesn’t talk about Survivor but rather takes you on the wild and deeply tragic ride of Rupert’s life prior to meeting his wife and being on the show and tells the fallout (good and bad) after rising to his sort of fame.
There are some odd jumps and holes in places, but I’m sure it is a result of the way the book was written and Rupert’s needs for privacy in some matters.

[Kristin Dahlman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing about Survivor, most likely due to production and not his fault. This is really a product of its time, since it was published in 2006/2007. Rupert on Survivor has no aged the best and hearing some behind the scenes stuff and the show, makes me thing that this might not be the whole truth. His version of it maybe, but not the whole truth.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I figured this would be something I would have to slug through in order to get it finished, but it was actually quite entertaining! It's hard to say how much of this book is actually true, of course, but it was much more well-written and interesting than I expected.

[Ashley Penaloza · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you not love it?

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the lack of details about "Survivor" it is a solid autobiography

Published in 2007 by Life Press

Rupert Boneham is one of the few bonafide celebrities to have come from the "Survivor" television show. Rupert tells about his difficult family life growing up in Kokomo, Indiana, his difficulties as a young man struggling with alcohol, drugs, tricky female relationships and his own desire for an instant family. However, through it all that big heart of his shines through and the reader is rooting for him to find his way.

Despite his gruff and bearlike appearance, this book confirms that the attribute that we loved him for on Survivor was no act - this man is a Teddy Bear with a heart as big as all outdoors.

Most enjoyable is Rupert's discussion of helping troubled teens. Even at his lowest, Rupert helped out kids - often his program was their last chance to stay out of jail. Rupert proudly details some of his successes and acknowledges that some kids need "a thousand strikes" before they get it figured out.

You know how people say that if they won a million dollars they'd help out this charity or do something to help make things better?...

Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2012/...

[Mcmonster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant suprise. I was expecting a superficial explanation of Rupert Boneham's time on SURVIVOR, but I was pleased to find out that it dove deep into the past of Rupert. This biography unearths the troubled past that shaped the Rupert that lies behind the pirate beard. I would recommend this for anyone who is interested in Rupert or his organization, Rupert's kids.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rupert is one of the best people to ever play Survivor and seems like a great person in general. A sad story at times with numerous hardships, which make me like him even more. Great quick book on one of the OG greats. Arrrrgggghhhh!