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Brat: An '80s Story
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Memoir & Autobiography (2021)Most people know Andrew McCarthy from his movie roles in Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo's Fire, Weekend at Bernie's, and Less than Zero, and as a charter member of Hollywood's Brat Pack. That iconic group of ingenues and heartthrobs included Rob Lowe, Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, and Demi Moore, and has come to represent both a genre of film and an era of pop culture.
In his memoir Brat: An '80s Story, McCarthy focuses his gaze on that singular moment in time. The result is a revealing look at coming of age in a maelstrom, reckoning with conflicted ambition, innocence, addiction, and masculinity. New York City of the 1980s is brought to vivid life in these pages, from scoring loose joints in Washington Square Park to skipping school in favor of the dark revival houses of the Village where he fell in love with the movies that would change his life. Filled with personal revelations of innocence lost to heady days in Hollywood with John Hughes and an iconic cast of characters, Brat is a surprising and intimate story of an outsider caught up in a most unwitting success.
In his memoir Brat: An '80s Story, McCarthy focuses his gaze on that singular moment in time. The result is a revealing look at coming of age in a maelstrom, reckoning with conflicted ambition, innocence, addiction, and masculinity. New York City of the 1980s is brought to vivid life in these pages, from scoring loose joints in Washington Square Park to skipping school in favor of the dark revival houses of the Village where he fell in love with the movies that would change his life. Filled with personal revelations of innocence lost to heady days in Hollywood with John Hughes and an iconic cast of characters, Brat is a surprising and intimate story of an outsider caught up in a most unwitting success.
5 pages, Audiobook
First published May 11, 2021
1137 people are currently reading
17687 people want to read
About the author
Andrew McCarthy
31 books734 followersAndrew McCarthy is a director, an award winning travel writer, and—of course—an actor. He made his professional début at 19 in Class, and has appeared in dozens of films, including such iconic movies as Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo’s Fire, Less Then Zero, and cult favorites Weekend At Bernie’s and Mannequin.
He has starred on Broadway and on television, most recently appearing in The Family, on ABC. McCarthy is also a highly regarded television director; having helmed Orange is the New Black, The Blacklist, Grace and Frankie, and many others.
Simultaneously, McCarthy is an award winning travel writer. He is an editor-at-large at National Geographic Traveler, and has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic, Travel+Leisure, AFAR, Men’s Journal, Bon Appetit, and many others. He has received six Lowell Thomas awards, and been named Travel Journalist of the Year by The Society of American Travel Writers.
His travel memoir, THE LONGEST WAY HOME, became a New York Times Best Seller, and the Financial Times of London named it one of the Best Books of the year. He served as guest editor for the prestigious Best American Travel series in 2015.
His debut novel, JUST FLY AWAY, will be published by Algonquin in the spring of 2017.
McCarthy lives in New York City.
He has starred on Broadway and on television, most recently appearing in The Family, on ABC. McCarthy is also a highly regarded television director; having helmed Orange is the New Black, The Blacklist, Grace and Frankie, and many others.
Simultaneously, McCarthy is an award winning travel writer. He is an editor-at-large at National Geographic Traveler, and has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic, Travel+Leisure, AFAR, Men’s Journal, Bon Appetit, and many others. He has received six Lowell Thomas awards, and been named Travel Journalist of the Year by The Society of American Travel Writers.
His travel memoir, THE LONGEST WAY HOME, became a New York Times Best Seller, and the Financial Times of London named it one of the Best Books of the year. He served as guest editor for the prestigious Best American Travel series in 2015.
His debut novel, JUST FLY AWAY, will be published by Algonquin in the spring of 2017.
McCarthy lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,876 reviews
August 30, 2021
The quiet “It Boy” for nerd girls of a certain generation wrote a little memoir, and I’ve had a lovely parade down nostalgia lane since starting it.
Brat: An ‘80s Story could win a truth in advertising award for its spot-on title. Clearly it’s a not-so-subtle nod to Andrew McCarthy’s association with the “Brat Pack” moniker given to his cohort, but it also hones in on the time period of focus. This is not his full life story. It’s a reflection back on his acting days during the glorious Greed decade.
Want to know what New York acting classes were like back then? He’s got you covered. How did he land his most notorious roles? You’ll get the details. Care to find out what he’s been doing since then? Not gonna happen.
He also doesn’t spill much Tab… er, tea, about his costars. You get a taste, but it’s not a very juicy one. If you’re just in the mood for gossip, that itch ain’t gonna be scratched.
Brat gets a positive 3.5 stars from me and will be catalogued in my mind as “totally fine.” I just couldn’t rate it as highly as Rob Lowe’s surprisingly wonderful Stories I Only Tell My Friends. Now that’s a hidden gem I hope more people will discover, especially in the audiobook format that features his absolutely delightful narration.
Andrew McCarthy does the narration for An ‘80s Story too, which is also 100% fine. Does putting it that way make me a Brat?
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
Brat: An ‘80s Story could win a truth in advertising award for its spot-on title. Clearly it’s a not-so-subtle nod to Andrew McCarthy’s association with the “Brat Pack” moniker given to his cohort, but it also hones in on the time period of focus. This is not his full life story. It’s a reflection back on his acting days during the glorious Greed decade.
Want to know what New York acting classes were like back then? He’s got you covered. How did he land his most notorious roles? You’ll get the details. Care to find out what he’s been doing since then? Not gonna happen.
He also doesn’t spill much Tab… er, tea, about his costars. You get a taste, but it’s not a very juicy one. If you’re just in the mood for gossip, that itch ain’t gonna be scratched.
Brat gets a positive 3.5 stars from me and will be catalogued in my mind as “totally fine.” I just couldn’t rate it as highly as Rob Lowe’s surprisingly wonderful Stories I Only Tell My Friends. Now that’s a hidden gem I hope more people will discover, especially in the audiobook format that features his absolutely delightful narration.
Andrew McCarthy does the narration for An ‘80s Story too, which is also 100% fine. Does putting it that way make me a Brat?
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
August 24, 2021
Brat: An Eighties Story by Andrew McCarthy is a 2021 Grand Central Publication.
Growin' up, you don't see the writing on the wall
Passin' by, movin' straight ahead, you knew it all
But maybe sometime if you feel the pain
You'll find you're all alone, everything has changed
I was just a little bit outside the targeted audience for some of McCarthy’s films in the 80s- but not by much- so I could still easily relate. Of all the ‘Brats’, McCarthy was my favorite. I thought he was so adorable. I never knew much about him personally, as he wasn’t quite as flamboyant as some of his peers, who knew how to work the system to keep themselves in the public eye as long as possible.
I confess, I haven’t thought of Andrew in a long while- although it does seem he keeps busy, directing, and writing, and works steadily as an actor. When I saw this book at the library, I put a hold on it immediately. I was dying to trip down memory lane, and hopefully, get a little glimpse of what McCarthy was like in his private life.
The first thing you might want to know is that this book is not a full-on memoir- it really does stick, almost exclusively, to the 80s decade. Andrew doesn’t get into his romantic entanglements, etc., but he does share some personal issues, including his complicated relationship with his father, and his struggles with alcohol and anxiety.
The book begins with a very brief outline of his early life and when and how he decided he wanted to be an actor. From there, McCarthy takes us on his journey through awkward auditions, excellent connections, and some pure luck that propelled him to stardom as well as a few odd reminisces, about one or two one-off chance encounters with famous people -Maybe a little 'slice of life' Hollywood style.
Andrew has real talent, but I get the impression that fame was uncomfortable for him- he seems reserved, maybe a little introverted, and didn’t seem to care for the politics, or the some of the sheer shallowness of being a celebrity- but of course, he enjoyed the attention paid him by beautiful women. Ha! (Though he knew his celebrity was a big part of that attention.)
It was nice to revisit the eighties, to get an up-close look at how someone like Andrew, who didn’t grow up in the Hollywood circle, depending on his talent and determination, making an impression on some key people in the industry which helped to establish him as a respected, popular, and skilled young actor.
His stories are funny and witty- told in low-key, self-deprecating tone- at times. Sometimes I thought even Andrew was marveling at some of his unique experiences and by how things clicked into place.
The book also has a bittersweet quality to it, a poignancy that exposes McCarthy’s vulnerabilities, and at times a raw pain he stoically attempts to contain-even now.
This short book is hardly a definitive memoir of McCarthy’s life, but it centers on the area of his life people will be the most curious about- and it did bring back some nice memories, favorite movie quotes and scenes, while a stellar soundtrack runs in the back of my mind...
Overall, this is a very nice memoir-interesting, though a bit mild-mannered. If you liked McCarthy before, you’ll still like him after you read this book- and you might respect him even more.
I need you now like I need you then
You always said we'd meet again…
Growin' up, you don't see the writing on the wall
Passin' by, movin' straight ahead, you knew it all
But maybe sometime if you feel the pain
You'll find you're all alone, everything has changed
I was just a little bit outside the targeted audience for some of McCarthy’s films in the 80s- but not by much- so I could still easily relate. Of all the ‘Brats’, McCarthy was my favorite. I thought he was so adorable. I never knew much about him personally, as he wasn’t quite as flamboyant as some of his peers, who knew how to work the system to keep themselves in the public eye as long as possible.
I confess, I haven’t thought of Andrew in a long while- although it does seem he keeps busy, directing, and writing, and works steadily as an actor. When I saw this book at the library, I put a hold on it immediately. I was dying to trip down memory lane, and hopefully, get a little glimpse of what McCarthy was like in his private life.
The first thing you might want to know is that this book is not a full-on memoir- it really does stick, almost exclusively, to the 80s decade. Andrew doesn’t get into his romantic entanglements, etc., but he does share some personal issues, including his complicated relationship with his father, and his struggles with alcohol and anxiety.
The book begins with a very brief outline of his early life and when and how he decided he wanted to be an actor. From there, McCarthy takes us on his journey through awkward auditions, excellent connections, and some pure luck that propelled him to stardom as well as a few odd reminisces, about one or two one-off chance encounters with famous people -Maybe a little 'slice of life' Hollywood style.
Andrew has real talent, but I get the impression that fame was uncomfortable for him- he seems reserved, maybe a little introverted, and didn’t seem to care for the politics, or the some of the sheer shallowness of being a celebrity- but of course, he enjoyed the attention paid him by beautiful women. Ha! (Though he knew his celebrity was a big part of that attention.)
It was nice to revisit the eighties, to get an up-close look at how someone like Andrew, who didn’t grow up in the Hollywood circle, depending on his talent and determination, making an impression on some key people in the industry which helped to establish him as a respected, popular, and skilled young actor.
His stories are funny and witty- told in low-key, self-deprecating tone- at times. Sometimes I thought even Andrew was marveling at some of his unique experiences and by how things clicked into place.
The book also has a bittersweet quality to it, a poignancy that exposes McCarthy’s vulnerabilities, and at times a raw pain he stoically attempts to contain-even now.
This short book is hardly a definitive memoir of McCarthy’s life, but it centers on the area of his life people will be the most curious about- and it did bring back some nice memories, favorite movie quotes and scenes, while a stellar soundtrack runs in the back of my mind...
Overall, this is a very nice memoir-interesting, though a bit mild-mannered. If you liked McCarthy before, you’ll still like him after you read this book- and you might respect him even more.
I need you now like I need you then
You always said we'd meet again…
March 5, 2022
Just scraping in as a Gen X, I was a young teen in the early 90s and watching Mannequin, St. Elmo's Fire, Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles etc over and over was a big part of my youth.
When I saw that Andrew McCarthy had a memoir coming out about his experiences making some of these movies, I had to read it. Brat: an 80s story by Andrew McCarthy is beautifully written, entertaining, and an emotionally honest memoir by an actor, director, and author who found his start as an 80s Hollywood Brat pack member. That iconic group of actors that included Rob Lowe, Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, and Demi Moore, and has come to represent both a genre of film and an era of pop culture.
Andrew McCarthy is an anomaly for the generation he influenced. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his story.
When I saw that Andrew McCarthy had a memoir coming out about his experiences making some of these movies, I had to read it. Brat: an 80s story by Andrew McCarthy is beautifully written, entertaining, and an emotionally honest memoir by an actor, director, and author who found his start as an 80s Hollywood Brat pack member. That iconic group of actors that included Rob Lowe, Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, and Demi Moore, and has come to represent both a genre of film and an era of pop culture.
Andrew McCarthy is an anomaly for the generation he influenced. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his story.
May 2, 2025
Last night when I finally settled down in my comfy bed with the Mister lightly snoring next to me (if it’s a good book I can tune him out— a few decades of practice) and decided that a dark mystery or thriller (my two unfinished choices on my kindle) might not be the best books for inducing inner peace and quiet, so I opened a new book.
Andrew McCarthy’s ‘80s memoir was due back to the library in a few days so I figured I’d read about some idyllic upper middle class childhood and be lulled to sleep.
Apologies to McCarthy aside, it was no patrician upbringing despite the private schooling— in fact, a few hours later as I was shocked to learn I’d just finished the last page, I realized that like so many Brat Pack fans, I really got him wrong.
First, I’ll say this, he’s a great writer who did a marvelous job giving this Gen Xer a view from behind those Hollywood curtains. And I enjoyed wandering with he and his friends around the old NYC neighborhoods and haunts I knew from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, having grown up in nearby CT.
The smooth writing, slightly self-deprecating but mostly just honest, went down easy. I found myself relating to him and understood better what I myself had seen in him while watching his most well-known movies. Insecure, yet oddly undeterred at such a young age; self-conscious and introverted, good looking but not in the typical ‘80s mode (Tom Cruise as well as Rob Lowe and other young actors) and quite frankly, one of the luckiest guys around.
Despite naïveté, lack of bravado and little camera training, fame (and maybe fortune, but no spoilers here) found him. He credits various individuals for taking chances or seeing something others didn’t. I loved the theatre coaches and director stories— after a bit of a start and stop, he and the 80s cruised along.
By decade’s end, as he was finding his own sense of worth, Hollywood fame (not to be interchanged with personal success) waned quickly for McCarthy and a whole generation of young actors left behind in the ‘80s.
Yes, Pretty in Pink is a movie I watch every few years, and just a few years younger than McCarthy, I remember chick chatter about which St Elmo’s Fire character was boyfriend material— and “Kevin”was my choice then, and this 50-something chick would still choose Kevin, as portrayed by McCarthy. He was the sensitive guy who wore his boyish good looks (his pix would “totally” be next to that phrase in a dictionary— and yeah, see what I did there?) as easy as those sweaters carelessly tied around his neck.
Molly Ringwald had it right when she described him after a seemingly bland audition. Want to know what she said? Read this book!!
If you grew up in the 80s, watched all those pastel-flavored teen movies or still jam to Simple Minds, OMD, or Talking Heads—I think the teen or 20-something buried within will appreciate a smart, mostly pretense-free look back at free falling into fame and managing to survive by (literally in McCarthy’s case) walking out on your own!
PS- what I left out is the guy never feels sorry for himself— he sobered up, matured, and then quietly carved a solid career in an industry that rarely let actors change, grow up or walk away.
(Reviewed 9/3/21)
Andrew McCarthy’s ‘80s memoir was due back to the library in a few days so I figured I’d read about some idyllic upper middle class childhood and be lulled to sleep.
Apologies to McCarthy aside, it was no patrician upbringing despite the private schooling— in fact, a few hours later as I was shocked to learn I’d just finished the last page, I realized that like so many Brat Pack fans, I really got him wrong.
First, I’ll say this, he’s a great writer who did a marvelous job giving this Gen Xer a view from behind those Hollywood curtains. And I enjoyed wandering with he and his friends around the old NYC neighborhoods and haunts I knew from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, having grown up in nearby CT.
The smooth writing, slightly self-deprecating but mostly just honest, went down easy. I found myself relating to him and understood better what I myself had seen in him while watching his most well-known movies. Insecure, yet oddly undeterred at such a young age; self-conscious and introverted, good looking but not in the typical ‘80s mode (Tom Cruise as well as Rob Lowe and other young actors) and quite frankly, one of the luckiest guys around.
Despite naïveté, lack of bravado and little camera training, fame (and maybe fortune, but no spoilers here) found him. He credits various individuals for taking chances or seeing something others didn’t. I loved the theatre coaches and director stories— after a bit of a start and stop, he and the 80s cruised along.
By decade’s end, as he was finding his own sense of worth, Hollywood fame (not to be interchanged with personal success) waned quickly for McCarthy and a whole generation of young actors left behind in the ‘80s.
Yes, Pretty in Pink is a movie I watch every few years, and just a few years younger than McCarthy, I remember chick chatter about which St Elmo’s Fire character was boyfriend material— and “Kevin”was my choice then, and this 50-something chick would still choose Kevin, as portrayed by McCarthy. He was the sensitive guy who wore his boyish good looks (his pix would “totally” be next to that phrase in a dictionary— and yeah, see what I did there?) as easy as those sweaters carelessly tied around his neck.
Molly Ringwald had it right when she described him after a seemingly bland audition. Want to know what she said? Read this book!!
If you grew up in the 80s, watched all those pastel-flavored teen movies or still jam to Simple Minds, OMD, or Talking Heads—I think the teen or 20-something buried within will appreciate a smart, mostly pretense-free look back at free falling into fame and managing to survive by (literally in McCarthy’s case) walking out on your own!
PS- what I left out is the guy never feels sorry for himself— he sobered up, matured, and then quietly carved a solid career in an industry that rarely let actors change, grow up or walk away.
(Reviewed 9/3/21)
March 15, 2021
The Short of It:
This is probably the first time I’ve ever found myself completely enamored by a memoir.
The Rest of It:
Most people know who he is. Andrew McCarthy did many films, perhaps not all of them successful but films like Pretty in Pink, Mannequin, St. Elmo’s Fire and Weekend at Bernie’s were surprisingly successful and seemed to make him a household name. My favorite film Less Than Zero, is oddly enough, not McCarthy’s favorite by far. From the title, you would think that much of this book is about the 80’s and yes, there’s plenty of that decade covered in this book but it’s more about how the term “brat pack” made and broke, what was a very vulnerable kid just trying to find himself.
The push-pull nature of McCarthy’s story is so readable. He was given some breaks but never felt that he belonged. His insecurity about who he was or who he was being asked to portray, caused him a great deal of nervousness and anxiety. He would often self-sabotage himself by consuming too much drink, and later drugs. The substance abuse only masking his insecurities for the moment.
Anyone who has ever doubted themselves can relate to his story. There’s a raw, vulnerability here which I always felt came through his characters too. This is not a story about Hollywood and all of its glitz and glam and it’s not about what we all perceived to be wild success. This is a story about a young man struggling to find a place for himself in the world.
What I really loved about this book is that it so delicately balances what we expect from him, and what he needed to share with readers. He includes plenty of information about each of his films and how they came to be. He also includes a lot on the business of acting itself, which is why I am handing this copy over to my daughter for her to read. But in addition to all of that, he tells us about his family, introduces us to the people who made an impact on him along the way, and what he’s learned from it all.
I’ve read McCarthy before and he’s quite a good writer but he really outdid himself with this one. If you ever wondered what happened to him after the 80’s, you might recall some TV shows he was in and his directorial work for the very popular Orange is the New Black series on Netflix. In my mind, he has had a very successful film career but with this book, I feel that he’s firmly planted his shoes into writing and I hope that’s the case because I would love to read more from him.
For more reviews, visit my blog: Book Chatter.
May 18, 2021
What 80's kid didn't love the brat pack? This book will take you down memory lane while showing you a seedy behind-the-scenes look at all your favorites.
I grew up watching Andrew McCarthy and really loved hearing his story and that he came out all of it to a good place. I loved his sincerity and sense of humor.
I grew up watching Andrew McCarthy and really loved hearing his story and that he came out all of it to a good place. I loved his sincerity and sense of humor.
September 29, 2021
Brat: An '80s Story
contains Andrew McCarthy's recollections of his acting heyday in 1980s films.
I went to high school in the mid-1980s. (Whatever. Be nice to the old guy or get off my lawn.) Pop culture in the 80s was great—while some of the movies and TV shows look colossally bad now, a lot of them have sustained their charm and bring back so many memories. (I even remember with whom I saw certain movies back in the day.)
I first noticed Andrew McCarthy in the movie Class , which wasn’t very good, but Rob Lowe was in it, and long before I understood why I was obsessed with him (still am, cough), I had to watch everything he was in. Anyway, I remember McCarthy was almost an anti-hunk, and he had the most expressive eyes I’d ever seen on an actor.
McCarthy went on to star in two of my most favorite 80s movies— Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo’s Fire —as well as Mannequin , Less Than Zero , and that crazy movie, Weekend at Bernie's . It was during that time he got lumped into the group of young actors called “The Brat Pack.” (Ironically, he didn't even attend the event at which a few of his acting peers merited that nickname.)
In Brat , McCarthy recounts how his career started and touches on the movies he’s most known for. It’s not a tell-all by any means and he doesn’t trash anyone, but I really enjoyed his memories of that time and place. He also talks about family problems and his struggles with alcoholism, particularly during that time in his life.
And there even were a few things I didn’t know—that he was offered the lead in Some Kind of Wonderful and turned it down, and that John Hughes showed him the script for Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and McCarthy expressed interest, but nothing came of it.
The fact is, McCarthy is a good writer. He’s written a travel memoir which I loved and a YA novel I’ve not read yet, so this was enjoyable for more than the sense of nostalgia it gave me. So many of the actors from that time period are still acting (at least periodically), so it’s fun to see how far they’ve come.
I know there are some of you who have never heard of him or his movies. Humor me and don’t make me feel decrepit, okay?
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
I went to high school in the mid-1980s. (Whatever. Be nice to the old guy or get off my lawn.) Pop culture in the 80s was great—while some of the movies and TV shows look colossally bad now, a lot of them have sustained their charm and bring back so many memories. (I even remember with whom I saw certain movies back in the day.)
I first noticed Andrew McCarthy in the movie Class , which wasn’t very good, but Rob Lowe was in it, and long before I understood why I was obsessed with him (still am, cough), I had to watch everything he was in. Anyway, I remember McCarthy was almost an anti-hunk, and he had the most expressive eyes I’d ever seen on an actor.
McCarthy went on to star in two of my most favorite 80s movies— Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo’s Fire —as well as Mannequin , Less Than Zero , and that crazy movie, Weekend at Bernie's . It was during that time he got lumped into the group of young actors called “The Brat Pack.” (Ironically, he didn't even attend the event at which a few of his acting peers merited that nickname.)
In Brat , McCarthy recounts how his career started and touches on the movies he’s most known for. It’s not a tell-all by any means and he doesn’t trash anyone, but I really enjoyed his memories of that time and place. He also talks about family problems and his struggles with alcoholism, particularly during that time in his life.
And there even were a few things I didn’t know—that he was offered the lead in Some Kind of Wonderful and turned it down, and that John Hughes showed him the script for Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and McCarthy expressed interest, but nothing came of it.
The fact is, McCarthy is a good writer. He’s written a travel memoir which I loved and a YA novel I’ve not read yet, so this was enjoyable for more than the sense of nostalgia it gave me. So many of the actors from that time period are still acting (at least periodically), so it’s fun to see how far they’ve come.
I know there are some of you who have never heard of him or his movies. Humor me and don’t make me feel decrepit, okay?
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
March 24, 2021
I think Andrew McCarthy may be too much of a gentleman to talk out of school about other actors whose paths he has crossed over the years. Unfortunately, that makes for a boring book. I always suspected that his aloof presence on screen came from a place of anxiety or a feeling of “not fitting in” and it seems that it was. So no news there either.
April 16, 2021
As a young adult, I admired Andrew McCarthy ever since his first movie, Class. I might have even had a crush on him at that time in the the 80’s. How can you not adore his boyish charm and good looks? So when I saw that McCarthy had a memoir, I just had to get my greedy little hands on an early copy. I was not disappointed.
McCarthy’s memoir is a glimpse into his early life and film career. As a late bloomer, he became painfully aware of his shortcomings. But, he managed to adapt and become successful at his craft. Being that the primary focus of this memoir is McCarthy’s entrance into the filmmaking world, it was interesting to read how it all happened. As the saying goes, right place, right time. However, I would have wanted to read more about McCarthy’s entry into directing and his directorial debut.
I have yet to read McCarthy’s other written works, but if this memoir is any indication of his writing ability, I’m sure I’ll be just as impressed.
So, if you enjoy memoirs and have ever been a fan of McCarthy for his films of any of his other works, you won’t be disappointed. Five glowing stars.
I received a digital ARC from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
McCarthy’s memoir is a glimpse into his early life and film career. As a late bloomer, he became painfully aware of his shortcomings. But, he managed to adapt and become successful at his craft. Being that the primary focus of this memoir is McCarthy’s entrance into the filmmaking world, it was interesting to read how it all happened. As the saying goes, right place, right time. However, I would have wanted to read more about McCarthy’s entry into directing and his directorial debut.
I have yet to read McCarthy’s other written works, but if this memoir is any indication of his writing ability, I’m sure I’ll be just as impressed.
So, if you enjoy memoirs and have ever been a fan of McCarthy for his films of any of his other works, you won’t be disappointed. Five glowing stars.
I received a digital ARC from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
June 16, 2021
I think I was expecting a lot more background and 'behind the scenes' moments from McCarthy's classic 80's movies then what was presented here.
McCarthy is a great writer and while I enjoyed parts of this, I found the whole memoir felt rather forced, like this wasn't a story he was really wanting to tell. An interesting read but not one that I will be wanting to revisit down the road.
ARC Provided by Edelweiss
McCarthy is a great writer and while I enjoyed parts of this, I found the whole memoir felt rather forced, like this wasn't a story he was really wanting to tell. An interesting read but not one that I will be wanting to revisit down the road.
ARC Provided by Edelweiss
June 6, 2021
This was an entertaining memoir from actor Andrew McCarthy. Growing up in the 80s, I think I saw "St. Elmo's Fire" and "Pretty in Pink" about a zillion times. "Mannequin," "Less than Zero" and "Weekend at Bernie's" also were in heavy rotation on the movie channels, so I've watched those a lot, too.
I listened to this book on audio, which Andrew reads himself, and I enjoyed hearing his stories about how he got his start in acting and his early experiences in show business, plus his memories of filming some iconic movie scenes. It's a fast-paced book, but Andrew still covers a lot of material, including his problems with drinking, dysfunctional family issues, and how he became more interested in directing.
Recommended for fans of acting memoirs or 80s movies.
I listened to this book on audio, which Andrew reads himself, and I enjoyed hearing his stories about how he got his start in acting and his early experiences in show business, plus his memories of filming some iconic movie scenes. It's a fast-paced book, but Andrew still covers a lot of material, including his problems with drinking, dysfunctional family issues, and how he became more interested in directing.
Recommended for fans of acting memoirs or 80s movies.
July 13, 2024
“You said you couldn't be with someone who didn't believe in you. Well, I believed in you. I just didn't believe in me.”
Growing up in the 1980s, I had a HUGE crush on Andrew McCarthy. As a resident of one of the Chicago suburbs where John Hughes filmed his infamous movies (and graduating high school with a boy in whose house it had been filmed), I felt a connection to his characters and storylines. I remember going to see Pretty in Pink at the movie theater for a friend’s birthday party when I was 10 years old like it was yesterday. McCarthy stole the show. From Pretty in Pink to St. Elmo’s Fire, Less than Zero, and Mannequin, McCarthy was the guy I wanted to choose me!
So, I was curious about the man who made my teenage heart flutter. Who is Andrew McCarthy? I listened his autobiography on audiobook, which is narrated by the author. It is a super short read at around 5 hours and can easily be finished in one sitting. When I noticed the short length, I wondered why he would only write 223 pages. Surely an actor of his caliber would have lots of stories and anecdotes!
Unfortunately, other than glossing over his alcoholism, drug abuse, and issues with his father, his life story is pretty typical of a suburban boy turned struggling actor. I found the first half of the audiobook really boring. It took about two hours for him to get his first gig and from then on I enjoyed it. It was eye opening to realize that McCarthy had an enormous amount of self-doubt even when he became a part of “The Brat Pack,” Hollywood’s ill-behaved teenage actors, synonymous with ‘80s movies.
The stories are short and the book ends a little prematurely, as I would have liked to have learned more. While I’m still a fan of the actor and his movies, I’m not sure that I would recommend this memoir.
3.25/5 stars rounded down
Growing up in the 1980s, I had a HUGE crush on Andrew McCarthy. As a resident of one of the Chicago suburbs where John Hughes filmed his infamous movies (and graduating high school with a boy in whose house it had been filmed), I felt a connection to his characters and storylines. I remember going to see Pretty in Pink at the movie theater for a friend’s birthday party when I was 10 years old like it was yesterday. McCarthy stole the show. From Pretty in Pink to St. Elmo’s Fire, Less than Zero, and Mannequin, McCarthy was the guy I wanted to choose me!
So, I was curious about the man who made my teenage heart flutter. Who is Andrew McCarthy? I listened his autobiography on audiobook, which is narrated by the author. It is a super short read at around 5 hours and can easily be finished in one sitting. When I noticed the short length, I wondered why he would only write 223 pages. Surely an actor of his caliber would have lots of stories and anecdotes!
Unfortunately, other than glossing over his alcoholism, drug abuse, and issues with his father, his life story is pretty typical of a suburban boy turned struggling actor. I found the first half of the audiobook really boring. It took about two hours for him to get his first gig and from then on I enjoyed it. It was eye opening to realize that McCarthy had an enormous amount of self-doubt even when he became a part of “The Brat Pack,” Hollywood’s ill-behaved teenage actors, synonymous with ‘80s movies.
The stories are short and the book ends a little prematurely, as I would have liked to have learned more. While I’m still a fan of the actor and his movies, I’m not sure that I would recommend this memoir.
3.25/5 stars rounded down
June 5, 2021
How good were the 80s? The music and the movies will never be as good as they were in the 80s.
One of my all time favourite movies is St Elmo’s Fire.. and amazing cast and a story that ai can watch over and over again. It was one of Andrew McCarthys first movies and I loved hearing stories about the set. Who did he get in with and who didn’t like him?
Brat is a a great walk down memory lane. I listen to this on audiobook in one day and I had to get the physical book as well for the pictures. Andrew narrates it himself and I love it when celebrities read their own books. He wanted to be an actor more than anything but he didn’t want the fame. He was definitely a reluctant star. He has had his ups and downs and talks quite openly about it all.
This is a must read for all 80s fans. What is your favourite Andrew McCarthy movie? I now want to watch a mannequin, Weekend at Bernie’s and Pretty in Pink again
One of my all time favourite movies is St Elmo’s Fire.. and amazing cast and a story that ai can watch over and over again. It was one of Andrew McCarthys first movies and I loved hearing stories about the set. Who did he get in with and who didn’t like him?
Brat is a a great walk down memory lane. I listen to this on audiobook in one day and I had to get the physical book as well for the pictures. Andrew narrates it himself and I love it when celebrities read their own books. He wanted to be an actor more than anything but he didn’t want the fame. He was definitely a reluctant star. He has had his ups and downs and talks quite openly about it all.
This is a must read for all 80s fans. What is your favourite Andrew McCarthy movie? I now want to watch a mannequin, Weekend at Bernie’s and Pretty in Pink again
October 31, 2021
I enjoyed this memoir much more than I thought I would. It was less about Hollywood and fame and more a candid portrait of a shy, sensitive young man coming of age in the 1980s and unsuccessfully trying to set himself apart from the famed Brat Pack. Having watched all the movies mentioned in the book, Pretty in Pink is a true favorite, I was interested in Mr. McCarthy's point of view. I never imagined that I'd come away with a much deeper understanding of acting, actors, and how being a celebrity at a young age can lead to loneliness and addiction.
June 11, 2021
Another Hollywood memoir from a member of the so-called Brat Pack. This one a little underwhelming. It may not be fair to compare Andrew McCarthy’s “Brat: An 80’s Story” to the two previous pack memoirs that I recently read, Demi Moore’s most excellent “Inside Out” and Rob Lowe’s stellar “Stories I Only Tell My Friends”. But if you are going to write a story about that era and you were a part of it, then you will inevitably be compared to them. It’s not a criticism of your life story, just the manner in which you decide to tell it, the effort you put into it, the extent to which you dive into the various tales you chose to write about.
It’s not that McCarthy’s story isn’t interesting, or sad at times, or even revealing of a great personal flaw or inner demon. It’s just that his memoir is light on deep dives, offers many quick glances, and seems to lack the effort and detail that could have made this book a much better overall story. In the end, that lightness affects the connection the reader feels to the overall tone. It lacks the pull factor. Not to be too harsh, but this is almost a Coles Notes memoir compared to most others from the same time period. I’m sure McCarthy had many more tales he could have written down, or provided many more tidbits and anecdotes, but instead he chose to release a light version, an “at-a-glance” approach.
I certainly do applaud the coming clean about his own personal demon or his difficult relationship with his father, as those were quickly referenced in several parts of his book, but even those could have benefited from further writing, or a stricter editorial review before publishing. Again, this book has some heart and insight, it just pales in comparison to other Brat books.
It’s not that McCarthy’s story isn’t interesting, or sad at times, or even revealing of a great personal flaw or inner demon. It’s just that his memoir is light on deep dives, offers many quick glances, and seems to lack the effort and detail that could have made this book a much better overall story. In the end, that lightness affects the connection the reader feels to the overall tone. It lacks the pull factor. Not to be too harsh, but this is almost a Coles Notes memoir compared to most others from the same time period. I’m sure McCarthy had many more tales he could have written down, or provided many more tidbits and anecdotes, but instead he chose to release a light version, an “at-a-glance” approach.
I certainly do applaud the coming clean about his own personal demon or his difficult relationship with his father, as those were quickly referenced in several parts of his book, but even those could have benefited from further writing, or a stricter editorial review before publishing. Again, this book has some heart and insight, it just pales in comparison to other Brat books.
November 19, 2022
Although I haven't seen all of the films he has been in, I think Andrew McCarthy is my favourite from the "Brat Pack" actors, and I say that as someone who has enjoyed the work of almost all of them. I suppose that actually means his characters/performances are my favourite, since prior to this book I knew little about him as person. Having enjoyed this a great deal, I would like to read his earlier book The Longest Way Home: One Man's Quest for the Courage to Settle Down. I don't think it's required reading to enjoy this one, but I liked his writing and would be happy to read more.
Andrew McCarthy was really on the fringes of the Brat Pack group (he is only mentioned once in the infamous article I think, and it was a dismissive comment by one of the other guys). However, St. Elmo's Fire was the movie that featured most of them, which is probably why he is part of my mental image of the group. He wasn't as intertwined in the actual lives of everyone else in the way the others seemed to be though. His take on this time is interesting.
“It gave me stature while diminishing me, made me a part of something even as it isolated me, gave me a platform and limited my options.”
I was surprised to learn that Pretty in Pink was made after St. Elmo's Fire. I assumed the high school set one came first! I like both movies so appreciated learning more about the making of them.
“One moment during the making of a music video for St. Elmo’s Fire, I passed Rob’s open dressing room door. He was eating a sandwich, staring at his reflection in the mirror as he ate. “Admiring yourself, Bob?” At that instant, Joel Schumacher walked past. Overhearing my remark, he quipped, “Wouldn’t you?” No one laughed harder than Rob."
June 20, 2024
(Upping my rating of this based on longevity of my appreciation - also, do watch his new 2024 Hulu documentary, Brats, if you can, as it’s very good!)
Pretty in Pink (along with Singles, later!) was my favorite and most related-to coming of age movie of all time growing up, and the illicit, slightly too-old-for-me St. Elmo’s Fire also made an impression (as referenced, in detail, in my review of Demi Moore’s autobiography!), and Mannequin was literally never not on TV for most of the entire 80s and probably even into the 90s, so natch, I snagged this (audio)book (well read by the author) as soon as I could and found it a quick and easy one-sitting listen.
Ironically, this book is really the complete opposite of being “Totally 80s!” as it’s not at all “flashy neon” (well, maybe except for the Liza Minelli segment), but rather pretty thoughtful and subdued. I really appreciated McCarthy’s introspective approach - the book had a real “inside the actor’s studio” feel to it. What has stuck with me most is McCarthy’s discussion of his young discovery of and growing appreciation for the craft of acting and the liberating function it served for him as an introverted, anxious, and uncertain kid and young adult trying to come out of his shell and cope with some toxic masculinity-oriented challenges and messaging he faced in his youth. The gift of acting, while freeing, somewhat backfired later and contributed to a resurgence of anxiety and substance use challenges (honestly and well discussed in the book) when shy, sensitive Andy unexpectedly became famous and a paparazzi target virtually overnight.
In all, though, there isn’t too much Hollywood gossip type of stuff here. McCarthy is very respectful of his colleagues and material and comes off as a nice, intelligent, observant guy, modest to borderline self-deprecating. Much of the book is about perseverance, about desperately wanting and caring to be really good at something, and working really, really hard at it, but just continuing to kinda suck at it for a long time, or at least face lots of disapproval, and maybe even some disappointment when you finally DO meet success, as you hadn’t really known what to expect - but to ultimately just keep on keeping on.
Insert favorite Pretty in Pink quote here, then go look up some old McCarthy movie clips on YouTube! Or go watch Mannequin; it’s probably still on!
Pretty in Pink (along with Singles, later!) was my favorite and most related-to coming of age movie of all time growing up, and the illicit, slightly too-old-for-me St. Elmo’s Fire also made an impression (as referenced, in detail, in my review of Demi Moore’s autobiography!), and Mannequin was literally never not on TV for most of the entire 80s and probably even into the 90s, so natch, I snagged this (audio)book (well read by the author) as soon as I could and found it a quick and easy one-sitting listen.
Ironically, this book is really the complete opposite of being “Totally 80s!” as it’s not at all “flashy neon” (well, maybe except for the Liza Minelli segment), but rather pretty thoughtful and subdued. I really appreciated McCarthy’s introspective approach - the book had a real “inside the actor’s studio” feel to it. What has stuck with me most is McCarthy’s discussion of his young discovery of and growing appreciation for the craft of acting and the liberating function it served for him as an introverted, anxious, and uncertain kid and young adult trying to come out of his shell and cope with some toxic masculinity-oriented challenges and messaging he faced in his youth. The gift of acting, while freeing, somewhat backfired later and contributed to a resurgence of anxiety and substance use challenges (honestly and well discussed in the book) when shy, sensitive Andy unexpectedly became famous and a paparazzi target virtually overnight.
In all, though, there isn’t too much Hollywood gossip type of stuff here. McCarthy is very respectful of his colleagues and material and comes off as a nice, intelligent, observant guy, modest to borderline self-deprecating. Much of the book is about perseverance, about desperately wanting and caring to be really good at something, and working really, really hard at it, but just continuing to kinda suck at it for a long time, or at least face lots of disapproval, and maybe even some disappointment when you finally DO meet success, as you hadn’t really known what to expect - but to ultimately just keep on keeping on.
Insert favorite Pretty in Pink quote here, then go look up some old McCarthy movie clips on YouTube! Or go watch Mannequin; it’s probably still on!
June 16, 2021
I grew up in the 1980s and practically devour anything pop culture related from that era. I also love reading memoirs so of course I was going to check out Andrew McCarthy's book about his life as a member of the media coined, "Brat Pack". It definitely met my expectations of being an interesting read.
The bulk of the book focuses on his acting career although he does talk about growing up in New Jersey with 3 brothers. He took acting classes at NYU and landed his first major role in the 1983 film, Class. He wasn't exactly an overnight success but within a few years he appeared in classic '80s movies like St. Elmo's Fire and Pretty in Pink. Money and fame can come at a price and during these years his drinking became a problem. Thankfully, he's been sober for decades now. A man of many talents, Andrew is an established television director and also has won several awards for his travel writing.
A reason I enjoyed reading this memoir is while you get a sense of who he is as a person, there still is a bit of mystery surrounding him as well. He didn't cover much of his romantic relationships or fatherhood but I don't consider that a bad thing. I'd imagine keeping some stuff to himself and for those who are close to him is part of the reason he comes across as a grounded individual.
On a final note, I'd be remiss not to bring up a subject I have been passionate about for years even though I'm not a diehard fan of the movie. The movie studio was 100% correct in listening to the opinions of the test audiences and reshooting the prom scenes so Andie ends up with Blane instead of Duckie. Sure, Andie and Blane most likely would not have made it a year before calling it quits but at least they had romantic chemistry. She felt no spark with her best friend, Duckie. You can't force that stuff even if we all know he would have treated her right. The Andie/Blane ending is perfect minus Andrew McCarthy's horrible wig he had to wear for the reshoots.
The bulk of the book focuses on his acting career although he does talk about growing up in New Jersey with 3 brothers. He took acting classes at NYU and landed his first major role in the 1983 film, Class. He wasn't exactly an overnight success but within a few years he appeared in classic '80s movies like St. Elmo's Fire and Pretty in Pink. Money and fame can come at a price and during these years his drinking became a problem. Thankfully, he's been sober for decades now. A man of many talents, Andrew is an established television director and also has won several awards for his travel writing.
A reason I enjoyed reading this memoir is while you get a sense of who he is as a person, there still is a bit of mystery surrounding him as well. He didn't cover much of his romantic relationships or fatherhood but I don't consider that a bad thing. I'd imagine keeping some stuff to himself and for those who are close to him is part of the reason he comes across as a grounded individual.
On a final note, I'd be remiss not to bring up a subject I have been passionate about for years even though I'm not a diehard fan of the movie. The movie studio was 100% correct in listening to the opinions of the test audiences and reshooting the prom scenes so Andie ends up with Blane instead of Duckie. Sure, Andie and Blane most likely would not have made it a year before calling it quits but at least they had romantic chemistry. She felt no spark with her best friend, Duckie. You can't force that stuff even if we all know he would have treated her right. The Andie/Blane ending is perfect minus Andrew McCarthy's horrible wig he had to wear for the reshoots.
July 31, 2021
Very little here that can count as a takeaway or insight, except perhaps for the utterly accidental nature of celebrity. Other than that, it really felt like he was writing _around_ the stuff that a reader might have come here to get or want to know a lot more about, especially those readers just wanting some inside poop on making movies and being briefly famous in the 1980s. I could have read a whole lot more about the father who mooched off him so shamelessly, please. Other than what McCarthy was paid for his first movie ($15,000 for "Class" in 1983), how much money are we talking about here?
(Also, why did it take me a month to read it? Having that problem a lot lately; starting and then setting aside.)
(Also, why did it take me a month to read it? Having that problem a lot lately; starting and then setting aside.)
May 21, 2021
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I enjoyed this book! I don’t usually read celebrity memoirs. In fact, this is the first celebrity memoir that I can remember reading even though I do occasionally pick up memoirs written by people who are not famous. I am not even sure why I was drawn to this one. I like Andrew McCarthy well enough but I wouldn’t call myself a big fan or anything. I am glad that I went with my instinct and gave this book a try.
This is a relatively short book so it was a very quick read for me. The book starts during Andrew’s childhood focusing on his journey to becoming an actor. There were photos scattered throughout the book which helped to tell this story. I felt like we really get to know him during this book while we see his acting develop. There were some lucky breaks on his path to stardom but there was also a lot of work. Andrew wasn’t always confident and was often very hard on himself.
Once he landed his first movie, extraordinary things started to happen. Some of the stories that he tells in this book were just amazing. It is kind of amazing just how lucky he was in some situations. There is no doubt that he worked incredibly hard to get where he was and it could be hard to read some of the passages about the things he did that were essentially self-sabotage. I went into the book knowing next to nothing about Andrew McCarthy and learned a lot about him in these pages.
I would recommend this book to others. I think that anyone that has seen any of his films will enjoy some of the background information presented in this book. Even if you are new to his work, I think that there is something to take away from this book. Who knows maybe I will open my mind to reading more celebrity memoirs moving forward.
I received a copy of this book from Grand Central Publishing.
Initial Thoughts
I don't think that I have ever read a celebrity memoir before but for some reason, I knew that I had to read this one just as soon as I saw it. I wouldn't consider myself a big Andrew McCarthy fan but I have enjoyed several of his movies. This was an interesting look at his life in the early stages of his career. I found it to be well-written and quite enjoyable.
I enjoyed this book! I don’t usually read celebrity memoirs. In fact, this is the first celebrity memoir that I can remember reading even though I do occasionally pick up memoirs written by people who are not famous. I am not even sure why I was drawn to this one. I like Andrew McCarthy well enough but I wouldn’t call myself a big fan or anything. I am glad that I went with my instinct and gave this book a try.
This is a relatively short book so it was a very quick read for me. The book starts during Andrew’s childhood focusing on his journey to becoming an actor. There were photos scattered throughout the book which helped to tell this story. I felt like we really get to know him during this book while we see his acting develop. There were some lucky breaks on his path to stardom but there was also a lot of work. Andrew wasn’t always confident and was often very hard on himself.
Once he landed his first movie, extraordinary things started to happen. Some of the stories that he tells in this book were just amazing. It is kind of amazing just how lucky he was in some situations. There is no doubt that he worked incredibly hard to get where he was and it could be hard to read some of the passages about the things he did that were essentially self-sabotage. I went into the book knowing next to nothing about Andrew McCarthy and learned a lot about him in these pages.
I would recommend this book to others. I think that anyone that has seen any of his films will enjoy some of the background information presented in this book. Even if you are new to his work, I think that there is something to take away from this book. Who knows maybe I will open my mind to reading more celebrity memoirs moving forward.
I received a copy of this book from Grand Central Publishing.
Initial Thoughts
I don't think that I have ever read a celebrity memoir before but for some reason, I knew that I had to read this one just as soon as I saw it. I wouldn't consider myself a big Andrew McCarthy fan but I have enjoyed several of his movies. This was an interesting look at his life in the early stages of his career. I found it to be well-written and quite enjoyable.
October 24, 2021
I enjoyed seeing into the creation of works that hold a warm place in my heart. The red-carpet-moments and namedropping bits were fun, scattered throughout these recollections. The insights into crafting a role and working as an actor- especially before a camera but also on a stage-were what made this book for me. Insights into crafting a life were more along the lines of cautionary tale. I’m sorry to learn that there was not as much joy as I had assumed in his life. I’m glad I read this. And I still love the Brat Pack.
July 8, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I always found his acting to be squishy — he was there but not there, the way he spoke seemed awkward, the way he smoked seemed phony. But I was still intrigued. His writing is so much more revelatory even though you feel his tremendous ambivalence about acting.
It’s also fascinating to hear an inside perspective of life in the fast lane during 80s Hollywood. The bars, auditions,his heavy drinking, the stars he met, the odd encounters (an evening talking late and drinking with Liza Minnelli at her home in the Hollywood hills, but no romance, no sex? What gives?)
I was relieved to learn he finally gave it up and became a fairly successful travel writer. Kudos to him for finding a way out of something that caused him so much emotional distress!
His writing is very honest and revealing and I really enjoyed reading this book.
It’s also fascinating to hear an inside perspective of life in the fast lane during 80s Hollywood. The bars, auditions,his heavy drinking, the stars he met, the odd encounters (an evening talking late and drinking with Liza Minnelli at her home in the Hollywood hills, but no romance, no sex? What gives?)
I was relieved to learn he finally gave it up and became a fairly successful travel writer. Kudos to him for finding a way out of something that caused him so much emotional distress!
His writing is very honest and revealing and I really enjoyed reading this book.
December 24, 2023
This wasn't a deep dish kinda memoir. But it wasn't exactly thin & crispy either. I guess it was more of a hand-tossed. What I mean to say is, I think Andrew McCarthy didn't want to reveal any too-personal details, and that's OK with me. I got a good feel for who he is--a sensitive guy who figured out as a kid that being an actor made him feel alive more than anything else he'd ever done, so he pursued it with singular purpose. He did reveal that he had a serious drinking problem for many years and that he is glad he sobered up. But he never went into any details about what that process was like. I think those kind of details would have made this a stronger memoir. But it's also fine just the way it is. I actually really enjoyed reading it; it was nostalgic and very sweet in spots, and was a nice escape from a lot of the heavy stuff going on in the world and in my life right now.
June 6, 2021
Oh man, I really wanted to love this one! I wanted to hear all about the era, the people, the dynamics, and he just didn’t deliver. If he didn’t want to really take us into the era, I wish he’d just written what he wanted to: about his life after, his time directing, blah blah. He can string a sentence together nicely, but the heart was missing from this one completely.
April 20, 2021
Before reading this, I had forgotten that the Brat Pack moniker was originally not meant kindly, that the young actors from all those great 80s movies were labeled and judged by that title, until eventually it turned into something more nostalgic.
I was only 3 when the 80s started, and 13 when they ended, so I was never really old enough to enjoy the 80s as a teen or young adult, but I had older brothers, so the Brat Pack movies were part of my childhood. And no other Brat Packer won my heart like Andrew McCarthy.
Rob Lowe was almost too attractive, it was intimidating, plus if St. Elmo's Fire taught me anything it was that you can't tame bad boy Rob Lowe. Judd Nelson and his nostrils intimidated me. Emilio Estevez was cute, but I thought his brother the more attractive of the siblings. John Cryer and Anthony Michael Hall were funny and sweet, but it was Andrew McCarthy and his blue peepers that appealed most to me, especially in his role of Kevin in St. Elmo's Fire.
Years ago, I got the chance to meet McCarthy at a book conference. He and Janis Ian and one of the Real Housewives of (New York? LA?) were on an audiobook panel. McCarthy was there to talk about his travel book, and I was there to bask in the glory of my favorite Brat Pack member. But you know what? Other than being aware of his fame, it turned into a really great panel, especially when he and the amazing Janis Ian (whom I'm ashamed to admit I didn't know about at the time, but you can bet I looked up immediately) fell into a really great conversation about learning how to speak like you sound to yourself. Both McCarthy and I were floored by Ian's declaration that it was possible to learn how.
When it came time for the pictures and autographs after the panel, I did get Andrew McCarthy to sign my audiobook, and took a picture of him and my friend together, but I didn't ask for a photo with him. I noticed during the panel that he didn't make a lot of eye contact when he spoke. He seemed uncomfortable with his fame. He wasn't there to talk about being an actor, his book was about travel. I didn't want to force him to hug me and smile for the camera, although he did all that with others quite gracefully.
But it was then that Andrew McCarthy the writer arrived on my radar. I was excited when he wrote a YA novel, Just Fly Away, which I liked quite a bit more than I expected. But him writing a book on his days in the Brat Pack? Yes, sign me up.
This book was not what I expected, but even from that brief meeting with McCarthy gave clues that he was never quite the Hollywood insider one might expect from being in the Brat Pack. I really enjoyed his story of his rise to fame, the way his shyness caused him to act aloof and uninterested, the way he didn't fit in, the reasons he took the roles he did, and the people he met that helped him. He is very frank in his book about his reliance and ultimate problem with alcohol.
Part funny (the wig at the end of Pretty in Pink he ended up wearing), part family tragedy (his dad's charm and swagger that breaks down to borrowing huge sums of money from his song), and part Inside the Actors Studio, McCarthy's book rings with honesty- as best as any human can do with our crazy memories. He never shies away from admitting his flaws, although he seems to treat others with a kinder gaze. I could have read hours more, but this book covers the 80s, and that's all.
I was only 3 when the 80s started, and 13 when they ended, so I was never really old enough to enjoy the 80s as a teen or young adult, but I had older brothers, so the Brat Pack movies were part of my childhood. And no other Brat Packer won my heart like Andrew McCarthy.
Rob Lowe was almost too attractive, it was intimidating, plus if St. Elmo's Fire taught me anything it was that you can't tame bad boy Rob Lowe. Judd Nelson and his nostrils intimidated me. Emilio Estevez was cute, but I thought his brother the more attractive of the siblings. John Cryer and Anthony Michael Hall were funny and sweet, but it was Andrew McCarthy and his blue peepers that appealed most to me, especially in his role of Kevin in St. Elmo's Fire.
Years ago, I got the chance to meet McCarthy at a book conference. He and Janis Ian and one of the Real Housewives of (New York? LA?) were on an audiobook panel. McCarthy was there to talk about his travel book, and I was there to bask in the glory of my favorite Brat Pack member. But you know what? Other than being aware of his fame, it turned into a really great panel, especially when he and the amazing Janis Ian (whom I'm ashamed to admit I didn't know about at the time, but you can bet I looked up immediately) fell into a really great conversation about learning how to speak like you sound to yourself. Both McCarthy and I were floored by Ian's declaration that it was possible to learn how.
When it came time for the pictures and autographs after the panel, I did get Andrew McCarthy to sign my audiobook, and took a picture of him and my friend together, but I didn't ask for a photo with him. I noticed during the panel that he didn't make a lot of eye contact when he spoke. He seemed uncomfortable with his fame. He wasn't there to talk about being an actor, his book was about travel. I didn't want to force him to hug me and smile for the camera, although he did all that with others quite gracefully.
But it was then that Andrew McCarthy the writer arrived on my radar. I was excited when he wrote a YA novel, Just Fly Away, which I liked quite a bit more than I expected. But him writing a book on his days in the Brat Pack? Yes, sign me up.
This book was not what I expected, but even from that brief meeting with McCarthy gave clues that he was never quite the Hollywood insider one might expect from being in the Brat Pack. I really enjoyed his story of his rise to fame, the way his shyness caused him to act aloof and uninterested, the way he didn't fit in, the reasons he took the roles he did, and the people he met that helped him. He is very frank in his book about his reliance and ultimate problem with alcohol.
Part funny (the wig at the end of Pretty in Pink he ended up wearing), part family tragedy (his dad's charm and swagger that breaks down to borrowing huge sums of money from his song), and part Inside the Actors Studio, McCarthy's book rings with honesty- as best as any human can do with our crazy memories. He never shies away from admitting his flaws, although he seems to treat others with a kinder gaze. I could have read hours more, but this book covers the 80s, and that's all.
June 8, 2021
The most boring biography I have ever read. No real details or information that mattered. My takes always-Andrew smoked pot, drank a lot and fell into acting and didn’t appreciate it.
May 11, 2021
Informative, interesting, and entertaining!
Brat: An ’80s Story is the honest, fascinating autobiography of Andrew McCarthy’s personal and professional successes, struggles, motivations, and accomplishments as a young actor in the early 1980s.
The writing is perceptive and genuine. And the novel is an introspective, compelling tale of one man’s life from a NY college student to the lights and fame of Hollywood in a time when high school movies aimed at teens would ultimately change pop culture forever.
Overall, Brat: An ’80s Story is a candid, intriguing, enjoyable tale by McCarthy that gives an insightful look into a talented life filled with hard work, determination, luck, and exceptional moments, but also one unfortunately often riddled with insecurity and addiction.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Brat: An ’80s Story is the honest, fascinating autobiography of Andrew McCarthy’s personal and professional successes, struggles, motivations, and accomplishments as a young actor in the early 1980s.
The writing is perceptive and genuine. And the novel is an introspective, compelling tale of one man’s life from a NY college student to the lights and fame of Hollywood in a time when high school movies aimed at teens would ultimately change pop culture forever.
Overall, Brat: An ’80s Story is a candid, intriguing, enjoyable tale by McCarthy that gives an insightful look into a talented life filled with hard work, determination, luck, and exceptional moments, but also one unfortunately often riddled with insecurity and addiction.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2021
Now I have a hankering to watch all the movies of my teen years with Andrew McCarthy in it. How different would 'Pretty in Pink' have been if a different actor played it the way it was originally written and ended?!
Andrew Mccarthy comes across as incredibly naive about how things work in the world and his place in it. Still, I am glad that he overcame the excesses of his younger years to find things that truly made him feel confident in himself and his abilities.
I really need to watch 'Weekend at Bernies' again - it has been years!
Andrew Mccarthy comes across as incredibly naive about how things work in the world and his place in it. Still, I am glad that he overcame the excesses of his younger years to find things that truly made him feel confident in himself and his abilities.
I really need to watch 'Weekend at Bernies' again - it has been years!
December 29, 2021
It seems that every time I get overly excited about a book to where I'm about to burst, I end up being let down. This is why I rarely buy books anymore and why I am eternally grateful that I didn't buy this one.
I was SO excited to read it. I waited rather impatiently for several very long months to be able to hold it in my hands. I was jumping for joy when the library notified me that it was available for pickup and although I had a bunch of other books I had planned on reading first, I decided to dive right in. I mean, Andrew McCarthy, the guy I loved so much after watching "Pretty In Pink" and "Heaven Help Us" wrote a book about being in those awesome movies! How could it not be absolutely wonderful?
Unfortunately there are a lot of ways. This book is- all right, I'll just say it- BORING.
I thought that I'd read it in one day and not want to put it down and then want to read it again. I put it down, all right. A LOT. And I was hesitant to pick it up again.
The beginning was interesting and I really liked the things he wrote about his mom and his childhood (some of which were very funny). But the turning point for me was when he talked about the first time he "almost" lost his virginity. I will never, EVER be able to get those words (or images) out my mind. I mean, seriously TMI. It made me not want to read anymore, and after I got to about page 67, I ended up skipping a large portion of it until I finally came to Page 88, where he talks about being in his first movie, "Class" with Rob Lowe"
Incidentally the talk of his movies doesn't start until page 88 with "Class " and I skipped around some more to read about "Heaven Help Us " and his other movies. Unfortunately there wasn't much to read. He says that Heaven Help Us "remains" his favorite movie (yea! It's mine too!) , but I wanted to know why. He just kind of glossed over it-and that's the way the rest of this book goes.
Sadly I didn't really learn many movie "secrets" nor does he talk much at all about his co stars-or anything much for that matter.
I did like looking at the pictures, but like I said, he doesn't elaborate on them at all. He barely touches on movies like St Elmo's Fire and the most he said about Pretty In Pink could be summed up in the first chapter, where he talks about going to the movie premiere and then sneaking out.
I can see why he avoided talking about being part of The Brat Pack for so long. Sadly, it shows. His other books are so much better.
Sorry, Andrew. Best to stick to travel writing and acting.
I was SO excited to read it. I waited rather impatiently for several very long months to be able to hold it in my hands. I was jumping for joy when the library notified me that it was available for pickup and although I had a bunch of other books I had planned on reading first, I decided to dive right in. I mean, Andrew McCarthy, the guy I loved so much after watching "Pretty In Pink" and "Heaven Help Us" wrote a book about being in those awesome movies! How could it not be absolutely wonderful?
Unfortunately there are a lot of ways. This book is- all right, I'll just say it- BORING.
I thought that I'd read it in one day and not want to put it down and then want to read it again. I put it down, all right. A LOT. And I was hesitant to pick it up again.
The beginning was interesting and I really liked the things he wrote about his mom and his childhood (some of which were very funny). But the turning point for me was when he talked about the first time he "almost" lost his virginity. I will never, EVER be able to get those words (or images) out my mind. I mean, seriously TMI. It made me not want to read anymore, and after I got to about page 67, I ended up skipping a large portion of it until I finally came to Page 88, where he talks about being in his first movie, "Class" with Rob Lowe"
Incidentally the talk of his movies doesn't start until page 88 with "Class " and I skipped around some more to read about "Heaven Help Us " and his other movies. Unfortunately there wasn't much to read. He says that Heaven Help Us "remains" his favorite movie (yea! It's mine too!) , but I wanted to know why. He just kind of glossed over it-and that's the way the rest of this book goes.
Sadly I didn't really learn many movie "secrets" nor does he talk much at all about his co stars-or anything much for that matter.
I did like looking at the pictures, but like I said, he doesn't elaborate on them at all. He barely touches on movies like St Elmo's Fire and the most he said about Pretty In Pink could be summed up in the first chapter, where he talks about going to the movie premiere and then sneaking out.
I can see why he avoided talking about being part of The Brat Pack for so long. Sadly, it shows. His other books are so much better.
Sorry, Andrew. Best to stick to travel writing and acting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2021
This was so good - he's a lovely writer, but you would have to expect it - he spent 15 years as a travel writer. He talks eloquently about a life of awkwardness, uncertainty and loneliness while making the movies that made him famous in the 80s. Very interesting to hear how he made no connection and had no lasting relationships with anyone he starred in those famous movies with.
Similar to Val Kilmer's I'm Your Huckleberry: A Memoir, McCarthy also describes in detail and across many pages his messy and complicated relationship with his father. It is that relationship that dominates the pages, as there aren't too many mentions of McCarthy's relationships or marriages inside, if at all.
Similar to Val Kilmer's I'm Your Huckleberry: A Memoir, McCarthy also describes in detail and across many pages his messy and complicated relationship with his father. It is that relationship that dominates the pages, as there aren't too many mentions of McCarthy's relationships or marriages inside, if at all.
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