F*ck It, I'll Start Tomorrow: A True Story

by Action Bronson, Bonnie Stephens (Photographer)

An entirely original and empowering memoir meets self-help guide from the bestselling author, rapper, artist, and chef Action Bronson

From the New York Times bestselling author, chef-turned-rapper, and host of Viceland’s F*ck, That’s Delicious and The Untitled Action Bronson Show, F*ck It, I’ll Start Tomorrow is a brutally honest memoir about struggles with weight, food addiction, and the journey to self-acceptance. In his signature voice, Action Bronson shares all that he’s learned in the past decade to help you help yourself. This isn’t a road map to attaining a so-called perfect body. Instead, Bronson will share his journey to find confidence, keep the negative vibes at bay, stay sane, chill out, and not look in the mirror hoping to see anyone but yourself. F*ck It, I’ll Start Tomorrow is not about losing weight—it’s about being and feeling excellent regardless of your size or shape. It’s about living f*cking healthy, period.

 

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Self Help, Music, Autobiography, Personal Growth

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Ariyan Arslani, better known by the stage name Action Bronson, is an American rapper, reality television star, author, and talk show host. In August 2012, he signed to Warner Bros. Records, but was later moved to Atlantic Records' imprint, Vice Records

Reviews

[Ryan Berger · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, let me just say that I adore Action Bronson with my entire heart. He is a citizen of the world, a great rapper, and tries to milk every last drop of life he can in a way that inspires me in the most unlikely of ways. I also find AB incredibly funny and entertaining. If for whatever reason you're picking this book up and *not* a fan already, you will probably not be swayed.

It was enjoyable enough. There were plenty of stories that I hadn't heard before. AB bares his soul in ways that I wasn't expecting. Most good memoirs should make you feel like you know somebody better, but I feel like I know AB, the unfinished product of a man still battling with himself in a way that you don't see in most autobiographical settings. I know the man better, not just the legend.

I could and would likely listen to half (or fully) stoned Bronsonisms for hours on end, but even I found the rambling to be annoying at times. Choosing which paragraphs and thoughts will be footnotes and which will go on for pages at a time feels entirely random. It is utter chaos at all times. Ideas come up out of nowhere and die just as quickly. It's completely unfiltered. In fairness, I don't think I'd trade clarity for something less genuine and "presented" to me. I'm glad we got this version of Bronson.

Will this book change your life? Most likely, no. Which is a shame, because I really thought a true renaissance man would be able to communicate just how he does it in a way that will inspire me, but AB is one-of-one, and the moral of this tale is that you have to find your own way. Find your own movement. Nobody else's will do.

I'd draw blood for this man. I don't know if I'd read another attempt at writing.

[Erin Finnerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action Bronson is one of my guys. I lived alone for the first time in ten years for a few months before I moved to LA, I was lonely, stressed about selling my house and during this period I got hella sick and also busted my face open wiping out on the sidewalk. It was bad times but my ritual every day was to come home and make a beyond burger with cheese no bun and read a little bit from one of his two other books over dinner. Ac feels like an old friend and I wish I had this book back then. I laughed so hard at this one line and I kept rereading it and laughing harder and harder every time, I had to stop the cycle so I could go to bed. There’s good stories and meaningful honest content here, in particular for those of us with complicated relationships with food and our bodies. Health is wealth.

[Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great collection of stories for anyone who is a fan. They’re entertaining and written well.

This unbiased review is based on a copy won through Goodreads giveaways.

[Sher Ferguson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think you'd have to be a fan of the author before reading this book. I didn't realize he was a minor celebrity (chef, rapper). But this book reads as if he talked to a friend or into a tape recorder for hours on end - there's no structure and a lot of run-on sentences. I'm sure there will be some who don't agree with me, but the author came across as misogynistic and self-absorbed. I didn't need to know how much weed he smokes on a daily basis, or how strong he believes he is.

[chantel nouseforaname · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really fucks with Action Bronson. Like, I really just find him intriguing. I can’t even articulate all the reasons why. Maybe it’s his Ghostface sounding voice, that speaks to me. AB has done some unsavoury things in the past, but which of our rhymesayers haven’t?

This book was interesting.. it had a little bit of everything… memoir, self-help guide, deep reflections, odd tales of smoking hash and being SA’d by a camp counsellor. A story that I felt was dealt with in a way that I really didn’t, like but I understand because sometimes I feel like that’s how men are, which my spirit really hates.

I really like the keep-going/NY/keep-making-things-happen kinda mentality. I’ve experienced that so I respect that perspective. I wish AB all the best and hope he finds his way everyday. He ain’t doing half bad and I’m gonna read whatever he puts out next for the hell of it.

[Brian Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Action Bronson. The first 140 pages of the books felt like reading stories from his past, but in almost lyrical way that felt like one long album. There is a 9 page section about him eating ice cream.

The culmination in the last section of the book wraps up nicely, especially if you know about the ups and downs that Action has gone through.

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Action Bronson is a phenomenal rapper and a terrible author

The only positive thing I'll say about this book is it's an authentic representation of the author who wrote. It's written in a style that feels like you're sitting next to Action Bronson at a bar sharing a drink and he's telling you his life story.

The problem with that is, it reads like he's had one too many drinks and the book is rambling mess. There's little reason to why he jumps from one subject to another and makes the most mundane points about life. I'm not mad I bought or read the book because Action seems like a genuine person and he's definitely a unique character, but if you're expecting a well written autobiography or an inspirational self help book which this book tries to be both, this isn't the book for you.

[Josh Bokor · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny, introspective, motivational book from the Queens-based chef turned rapper Action Bronson. It's part memoir, part short storytelling, part self help, part stream of consciousness while also being surprisingly enlightening. I enjoyed it. It's interesting reading about his perspective on his family heritage, life in NY, overeating, steroid usage, working out, cooking, being creative, putting a positive impact on others, and living life to the fullest.

[Alexpaps1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Action for so long that it would have been impossible for me to not adore this book

[Elliot Bulmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love fuck that’s delicious so it’s no surprise the way he describes the food is the best part of this book. Just seems to ramble at random for half the time. The back end is really quite good and brings it all together though

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many people might listen to Action Bronson’s rap and think the guy is insane or a certain type of person. In reality, the guy is a genius. A down to earth, old soul who just wants to live life, be happy, and unleash his full potential.

Reading this book made me feel better about myself; it made me feel calm and at ease, as if I could feel the essence and breath action wanted you to feel reading this book. I feel like I have traveled with him, eaten the foods he’s eaten, had his experiences, and now, I can learn from them as he did. His ideas are incredibly motivating, and make me want to unleash my full potential as well.

I used to think a lot about life and death and who I want to be, what kind of person I aspire to be. I want to do good and feel good, and Action makes me feel like this is possible. It is comforting knowing that he is out there also, thinking these thoughts, but also rooting for my and your success too, even if he doesn’t know it.

[Johnathan Linn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy Action’s music, he’s a funny and entertaining guy. This book started out good but chapter 1 was this books ceiling. I was limping to the end of this book, just wanting it to be over. There is some good advice and funny stories in this book but it is like 85% rambling nonsense that has you asking “what is this even about”?

[Mandy Hazen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I knew who action Bronson was. I did not. This book shows his colorful life and all he has gone through and is now looking forward to. It is a page turner from beginning to end. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicolette Lombardo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think action Bronson is one of the coolest people to ever live I just think this book was really badly written or I should have been really high reading it. Would have SLAPPED on audible with him narrating it though.

[Haley Hills · Rating 3 out of 5]

no idea who this guy is. pete davidson vibes

[CaseyReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book. The writer worked well with Action Bronson to create vivid stories.

[Michael Sprague · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly sure what I just read. I was slightly confused entering this book as to if this was an autobiography or a biography. Turns out it’s pretty much neither. Not sure who actually wrote this book but it was in first person. The best description I can give to what this book is- imagine reading an interview, but without getting to read the questions.
It was fun/funny to read and I did enjoy it. It’s pretty hilarious thinking about him just sitting down telling someone these stories or just typing these down himself. Just there going off on anecdotes/tangents one after the other.
I have to start with the title of the book: F*ck It, I’ll start tomorrow. I always think it’s funny when things throw the asterisks on the vowels of curse words. Like ooo we’re trying to be edgy, but not pushing the proverbial envelope, or in this case book cover, too much. We need to start a #freethevowels movement. But fine I get it. There may be some rule/law or something. Plus with how much AB seems to love the word fuck, I don’t imagine this was his call.
Keeping all of that in mind, the book has a chapter called Fuck It I’ll Start Tomorrow. Spelled out. Gotta be a publicist thing that the title needed asterisked. I would say he probably would say something like fuck it I don’t care. It was kind of like when they say the name of a movie in the movie, except it was on top of every page for like 15 pages. Top of the left page with asterisk, top of the right page without.
My favorite chapter by far was a chapter titled after a story he has, that he decides not to tell us, or the author, if there is one. He sets up the story and then just goes nah I’m not telling that. Seems like an easy edit out. But nope, it very much made the final cut. I respect the move though, it keeps the people wanting more, maybe a sequel: fuck it I’ll start it next week- is coming soon?
There did seem to be a much more free flowing, borderline improvisational tone to this whole book compared to anything else I’ve read. Another example of this is a story he told about having a friend growing up that was in the Olympics… or was an alternate for them. He knew his name and didn’t look it up… it’s very easy to do that but he just doesn’t care about that for this book. I really feels like he just used speech to text for this whole book.
I’m also convinced that he dropped a mid book ad on us. He might be sponsored by bounty. He was talking about blotting his pizza to make it healthier and just for no reason said “I always use bounty it’s the quicker picker upper.”
I did learn some things from this book for sure, and he had some good perspectives/lessons on life things. For one I was 27 years and 140ish days old when Action Bronson taught me that it’s ‘nip it in the bud’ and not ‘nip it in the butt.’
One of my favorite lines he said in the book was about people making fun of you: “You got to just remember they’ll laugh but it’ll be okay. Sometimes shit’s just funny. “ He also talked about confidence: “To be confident you literally have to know yourself.” Good way of thinking about that.
He had a lot of funny things to say about food, as he is a chef and a *self described* large person. My favorite:
“All those salad bowl places the thin people eat at? Personalizing your salad is such an asshole, pompous thing to do. I can only imagine that people who go in there, they don’t like food. It’s like a rabbit dispensary of little fucking food pellets to a little hamster in the fucking glass box. Come into the glass box and get your little pellets. And there’s always, like steps: step one pick your bowl, step two would you like mesclun or mixed greens, step three go fuck yourself.”
I know he’s not DJ Khalid but I’m going to hit you with anotha one: “At that point I was thinking it’s all good as long as you drink a lot of water, as in you could then eat anything. Almost. You’re not gonna fucking eat foie gras and kfc double downs all day and drink a lot of water and then be all good. No, you’re gonna die.”
If this book was a breakfast food it would be a Bavarian cream filled donut. It’s enjoyable but not particularly substantive. You may approach it expecting it to be a jelly filled donut, but it ends up being different. Delicious and convenient, an easy on the palate food item, but not a full meal. It does give you joy however, and that brings along with it some sense of perspective and self reflection. As long as you only have one from time to time it can be a beneficial start to a Sunday.
Big props to me for ordering a book for August in July and not half way through the month I need to read it in. So I have a pretty awesome one coming up soon with another creative mind.
The word of the book is yenta (n) originating from 20th century Yiddish, meaning a woman who is a gossip or busybody.

[Conor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autobiographies come in a variety of different styles. Some aim to educate you on a certain topic that the author cares deeply about, with their life’s story merely acting as a vessel for that moral. Others are nothing more of a self-lauding session with no morsel of advice or ending that’s tied up nice and sweet. Action Bronson’s Fuck It. I’ll Do It Tomorrow is neither of these things. Rather, it’s more of an identity introspective tell-all in the background of a view of how to live a quality life. Having done so much in his life already - a stellar music career, award-winning TV shows and movies, and an ever-present love for all things food - AB is able to break down the most essential core of his being, that which just festers a love and zest for life. I really enjoyed how he was able to reflect on his writing over the course of the book itself, culminating early in the pandemic. As a fellow husky dude myself, his musings on weight loss and overall health challenges struck a resonating chord with me too. His straightforwardness about his upbringing and “take-no-shit” attitude towards negativities in his life is also extremely insightful and appreciated. Overall, this book reads exactly as what you would expect from Action Bronson, one that offers a sense of relief, a shared love of community, and a love of life that can be rivaled by no one.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a delightful read. I am 100% convinced that he actually wrote 0 of it and just basically told this in one sitting to the co-author who basically tried to write down as much of his rants as possible, and it really works. It's like sitting and shooting the shit with this guy who tells you everything about his crazy life. I only watched a little bit of this TV shows but I don't think you need to watch them to get a sense for what kind of person he is. Highly recommended both for the levity, the serious parts, and the nostalgia for 1990s New York.

[Matt S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like Action should replace Richard Attenborough. Once you hear his voice, its a wrap, you hear him in your head, narrating his book. He writes how he speaks, you hear his unique New York cadence and word choice.

Aside from that, this is an amazing book recapping Action's youth. His stories are so relatable, his feelings, his perspective, its really funny and humbling. This is 100% worth the price of admission and acts as a wonderful compliment to F*@K, That's Delicious - which is an absolute must watch if you enjoy food television.

[Alexandra Aramburu · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you don’t already like Action Bronson, reading this book probably won’t make you a fan. While he did get more raw and real towards the end, this book is pretty much one giant, crazy, random rant. It was entertaining and hilarious and I was able to connect to it in more ways than one, so I’m giving his effort at writing 3.5 stars.

[Shawn Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you know Action Bronson (he’s the man!) you’ll enjoy this book. If you’ve never heard of him, you’ll probably question why you’re reading 180 pages of sporadic thoughts.

I’ve always loved how funny Action can be, as well as very serious. He brings humor to all situations, and that shines through in this memoir.

[Sidni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this! Got sent to me in the mail by mistake so of course after I returned it I was intrigued and got it from the library and glad I did! Funny and relatable and a quick read! Good advice throughout as well.

[Tyler]

hmm. i read this after reading fuck that’s delicious the cookbook as literature and this is like the worse version of that. and so much more boringer. i do recommend the cookbook as literature though!

[Chris Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this way more motivational than every other stereotypical ‘inspiring’ non-fic I’ve read.

This was also written exactly as I hoped it would be, in Action Bronson’s crazy, funny, poetic tone of voice.

[Tesia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
Execution in my opinion could have been a lot better, I felt like it was all over the place

[Connor Magary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humorous and inspiring. U can tell it’s Bronson just speaking and someone prob typed it up. Really brought me back to the ancient aliens watch parties. Dude lives by his own rules. Gotta go make a Swiss roll bye doge

[Alexander Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening look at Action Bronsons' life, and inspiring mentality.

[Peter Vecchio · Rating 5 out of 5]

F*ck it, good book

[Tyler Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Haven’t read in over 10 years. My buddy gave me this book after i played a lot of Bam bam in the work truck. So i have it a go. Very relatable , easy to read.