The Time of My Life

by Patrick Swayze

The Time of My Life [Paperback] Swayze, Patrick and Niemi, Lisa

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Memoir, Autobiography, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Inspirational

247 pages, Paperback

First published May 8, 2007

About the author

Patrick Wayne Swayze was an American actor, dancer and singer-songwriter. He was best-known for his roles as romantic leading men in the films Dirty Dancing and Ghost and as Orry Main in the North and South television miniseries. He was listed by People magazine as its "Sexiest Man Alive" in 1991.

Diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer in January 2008, Swayze told Barbara Walters a year later that he was "kicking it". However, he died from the disease on September 14, 2009. His last role was the lead in an A&E TV series, The Beast, which premiered on January 15, 2009. However, due to a prolonged decline in health, Swayze was unable to promote the series, and on June 15, 2009, Entertainment Tonight reported that the show had been canceled.

Reviews

[Buggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opening Line: “In late December 2007, life was looking pretty good.”

This was one of the better biographies I’ve read, and I kick myself now for putting it off for so long. However like a lot of people my age (40ish) who grew up watching and swooning over Patrick Swayze I felt I had to give myself time to get over his death before I was ready to read about his life. In my day he was just IT, that’s right “The sexiest man alive” (according to 1991’s People magazine) Actually I still have trouble believing that he’s gone, probably because he was just bigger than life in his movies, so vibrant and energetic and indestructible (Yes even in Ghost)

Ultimately I needn’t to have worried because this was not a sad memoir and Patrick’s battle with cancer takes up very little page space, this is about his life. With a ton of personal photos it becomes evident right off that this was a man that lived a full and adventurous life (outside of being a movie star) Patrick or “Buddy” as his family called him was also lucky enough to meet his lifelong love Lisa at the age of 19 (she was just 15) and spend 30+ years with his best friend. He experienced more in his 57 years than most of us can only dream of, but still…

I guess you could say I grew up with Patrick Swayze (again it’s a 40’s thing) so over the years I’ve managed to see most of his movies. This made reading his book super interesting, getting the behind the scenes info from all my favorites including; North & South, Uncommon Valour, Red Dawn, The Outsiders, Point Break, Roadhouse and of course Ghost and Dirty Dancing (which is actually my least favourite).

Born in Houston, the son of a champion rodeo cowboy and a choreographer Patrick inherited both of his parent’s passions equally. He was a star football player and aspired to be an Olympic gymnast before a serious knee injury sidelined those dreams. He continued to dance however, eventually moving to New York City where he landed a spot in the second company of the Joffrey Ballet. He married the girl he’d met at his mother’s dance studio in 1975 but for a long time felt like he didn’t deserve Lisa and that he loved her more than she loved him. (Aww) Sidelined by knee operations Patrick was finally forced to quit ballet (he counts this of as one of his lifelong regrets) and instead focused on acting. Moving to LA he and Lisa experienced some very lean years, working as carpenters at one point and surviving on peanut butter and oranges that grew in their backyard.

Swayze had to work for every role that he received (for some reason this surprised me) and had a hard time overcoming the dancer turned actor image. He was also a perfectionist and very insecure which must have made trying to “sell” yourself in auditions a nightmare and probably what led to his later battles with alcohol and depression. Their lives changed ridiculously when he skyrocketed to fame with his iconic roles in Dirty Dancing and Ghost yet through it all he and Lisa were a team. I had always been curious why they never had children and they describe it as missing their window after a miscarriage left them devastated. Patrick suffered some serious brushes with death, breaking both legs in a horse vs. tree collision and suffering hypoxia and crash landing his plane (yes he had his pilot’s license). Through it all Patrick continued to be cowboy (raising and showing Arabians) and to dance.

As Patrick describes his life throughout this book, I noticed that in every single instance he says "we" it is never "I" which made me realize just how incredibly joined he was to Lisa. I wish her the best. Sigh…
4.5

[Miss Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this biography. I fell for Mr. Swayze as a teen when he popped on my TV screen for a week as Orry Maine in North and South. I’d seen his work prior, in movies like The Outsiders, and Red Dawn, but it wasn’t until the TV mini-series did he catch this young girl’s heart.

For those that may be put off reading this because they fear it will be too sad, do not fear. This is well written book that I feel really shows how much he really lived his life to the fullest. There is an intro written by him, and also a section by his wife Lisa, which were written just a few months prior to his death.

Of all of the things I learned about Swayze from this book, the main thing that shines through the most is that this man was a fighter. If he set a goal for himself, there was nothing that was going to stand in is way to reach it. I really admire that.

Some facts I found interesting:

• His family called him ‘Buddy’
• Being from Texas, he aspired to be a pro-football player until career ending injury in HS
• He trained seriously for the men’s Olympic gymnastic team – another injury prevented this
• His mother was a very well known choreographer, and he trained as a dancer under her; he also dreamed of being a ballet dancer in New York. He did make a prestigious company, but his knee injury prevented him from staying
• He worked a long time on Broadway as Danny Zuko in Grease prior to the movie coming out
• He desperately wanted the role of Bud Davis in Urban Cowboy, but Travolta got it. Swayze felt the role was made for him. (another of my guilty pleasure movies)
• He had to really sell himself in auditions for every role he ever received because he had a hard time overcoming the image of ‘dancer turned actor’.
• He was actually very insecure and wanted to be liked by everybody
• He and his wife worked as carpenters during down periods in their careers. They did most of all of the renovation work on their ranch
• He and his wife had a hand in rewriting the scripts for most of his movies
• They lost a baby early Lisa’s pregnancy; this shattered them, and then they missed their window to have children. He mentions at the end of the book this was a regret now as he is leaving Lisa.
• He absolutely hated the line “Nobody puts Baby in a corner”. But later he realized how well it worked in the movie. He later said “No one put’s Patrick’s pancreas in a corner’ during his battle.

Random thoughts: I never really got into Dirty Dancing, which seems funny because most women will say right away that that is their favorite Swayze role. However, I have a tie between North and South and the awesomely cheesy Roadhouse. I have seen Roadhouse at least 20 times, and I will watch it twenty more times. I absolutely love his character, Dalton.
This is a quick read, and I encourage all fans to read it. It was not a tearjerker, in my opinion.

[C. (Comment, never msg). · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some knew Patrick Swayze from his early work: everyone did by 1987. A campy musical became a cultural phenomenon. I recall the night I heard of him, clearly. I was babysitting for two Sisters, who gushed through the door with these words: “Move over, Corey Hart, after you see Patrick Swayze”! I remain Corey’s fan but saw what they meant and know its double soundtrack by heart. The “Dirty Dancing” triple threat was not half of it. I am awed by the couple I befriended in their autobiography!

“Ghost” is one of my favourite films of all time! Paranormal mysteries that are not horror, are too rare. The film is gripping but funny, winning Whoopi Goldberg the first black woman’s Oscar in 50 years. Emotionally high: everyone cries at the penny sliding up the door, to prove Sam is real. A guy friend was as teary as me, in the theatre!

I clued into on how unique Patrick was in Rob Lowe’s autobiography. I devoured each of their books in two days. Rob’s jaw fell, at him acing every skill imaginable. “The Time Of My Life”, co-written with his 34-year wife Lisa Niemi, definitely stunned me. It came out two weeks after he went to Heaven: September 14, 2009.

Patrick married Lisa in 1975 when she was 19 and he, 22! These animal-lovers drove from New York to Los Angeles with their two kitties and grieved for a dog like any relative. They were equestrians with dream ranch homes. Patrick pursued professionally: ballet, gymnastics, horse-riding, scriptwriting, acting, aviation, song-writing, singing, guitar, ice-skating, hockey, roller-skating, football, and when they needed money.... woodworking. Patrick valued calm fans with whom he could have sincere words.

Besides “Last Dance” directed by Lisa in my city, Winnipeg; his heart went into “City Of Joy”. It lost audiences for being released during the L.A. riots of 1992. Preparing for it with director Roland Joffé, they worked nonstop at a clinic in India with lepers. It should win awards. Patrick reached for the moon in everything. He did his fight scenes in “Roadhouse” and danced ballet for years, with a knee damaged in football. He finished a television series, “The Beast”, despite battling pancreatic cancer. We must take cues from loved-ones and strive for the best in our lives!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea that Patrick Swayze had done so much in his life. I always loved him because "Dirty Dancing" is one of my favorite movies and I love "Ghost" and "Point Break" as well. Of course, I knew that he was an actor and a dancer, but I had no idea that he was so talented in so many other areas. I will discuss some of these further, under the spoiler section, so you can skip them if you would like.

One thing that really resonated with me was his obvious love for his wife. In this era of marriages lasting no time (especially celebrity weddings), it's nice to read about one that lasted well over 30 years. I also appreciate the fact that he seemed to include his wife in everything and saw her as an equal, even professionally, even though she never really quite achieved the fame that he did. She was still very talented in her own right, and that wasn't lost on him.

*Spoiler*
This book begins with Patrick's cancer diagnosis. It was really sad to read about how he was fighting for his life while he was writing this book. The parts about his optimism and his will to live were the hardest to read, considering the reader already knows the outcome. I am really glad that this book did not end with a followup by his wife about his death, though. I believe this book was released around the same time he died, so that was a big possibility. However, I am glad that he did decide to write this book.

It's sad to learn that knee injuries took so much away from him in his life. I recently tore a ligament in my knee and that has temporarily changed my life, and quite dramatically, I might add. I couldn't imagine tearing all of the ligaments completely in two, like he did. And more than once. It was very difficult for me to read this part of the book. Although, he rehabbed it over and over and went through several surgeries and other procedures, his knee problems endured. Regardless, look what a great dancer and talent he was despite all of his pain. The knee injuries happened long before we knew him as Johnny Castle from "Dirty Dancing." I think that speaks a lot about the type of person he was.

He ponders in the book about what his legacy will be, if anything. I feel that determination and flexibility are his legacy. When he suffered his many injuries, he never gave up. He adjusted his dreams and goals many times to suit his capabilities. Although he lost his dream of a football scholarship, then his Olympic hopes and then his professional dancing career, he revised his dreams and perservered. And what a great actor he made because of this. He had this great ability to accept things that I think many of us could learn a lot from.

This book made me like him so much more and I am so glad that I read it. In my opinion, the world lost a remarkable man when it lost Patrick Swayze.

[Becky R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always loved Patrick Swayze and his work, loved his passion for life, and loved his absolute dedication to the people closest to him. To me, he was a wonderful, surprising man of conviction in an industry that often lack such qualities.

Having said that, and knowing some of his background already, I was so touched to learn more about his life. In his autobiography, The Time of My Life, Patrick Swayze reveals many of what he felt were vulnerable aspect of his character, which included his need to master whatever skill he attempted (feeling that he always had to be good at whatever he did), his abiding love for his wife Lisa (which he revealed he always felt she wasn't as in to him as he was into her, which he later learned was totally wrong), and his deep pain over losing a much loved father and its effects on him. I was moved to hear about his vulnerable moments, to hear how he faced them, and even how he overcame the problems he developed with alcohol as he dealt with his pain. To me, Patrick Swayze's life is a real testament to the ups and downs of any person's life, and how we can approach them.

As I knew heading into his life story, I also knew that the book was completed shortly before his death in September of last year. Patrick Swayze's battle with pancreatic cancer was known from the beginning, and seems to float over the book as you read, making you think, "Just give it all you've got!" From this, I mean that I kept thinking that had he known, how would he have changed things? I think we all would just say to ourselves, to dig deep and give life all you have.

It seemed to me, that in the end, Patrick Swayze honored his own life and what he had accomplished through the way he battled cancer. Cancer will never define him, but strangely shed a light on all the good he had done, and reminded us all of how important it is to reach for happiness each and every day.

In synopsis, I highly recommend The Time of My Life. Listen, I'm the first person to run from stories of cancer or dogs (you know...because they always die!), but this autobiography was really moving. Like any human story, it reminded me how precious life is, and even how precious we are as individuals. The walk-away message of this book is varied, and I can say that I have thought about many different aspects of my own life since reading his autobiography. All I can say is, that as a fan, but more as a fellow human being, his life touched mine for good.

[K.D. Absolutely · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally read books early in the morning. I think it has something to do with my age. Old people, this includes me, need lesser hours of sleep than younger people. However, there are exceptions. My wife and I are of the same age but she still sleeps a lot. When I read early in the morning, she is normally enjoying her blissful sleep.

I finished this book the other morning but I did not have the energy to write this review. Not that it was a bad book and I did not have anything to say about it. However, this book really touched the core of my heart - in a sad way. I was in bed when I finally finished this. I turned my head to my sleeping wife and starred at her peaceful face, gently reached out for her hand and held it for several minutes. No reason in particular. There were neither sweet nor romantic sexy-time thoughts going on in my mind. I just wanted to feel her hand without any intention of waking her or disturbing her sleep. Married people, those who for many years have been sharing beds with their partners, know this: you can touch and kiss your partner without waking them up. You can get up and go to the toilet without them knowing. It’s as if your partner is already used to your daily routines and your bed habits. Even my wife is already used to have my reading lights on sometimes the whole night without being bothered by it.

I started reading this book on September 14, 2011, exactly two years after Patrick Swayze (1952-2009) died of stage IV pancreatic cancer. Although I watched the 1990’s Oscar-nominated film Ghost starring him, Demi Moore and Whoopie Goldberg, I am not his fan. In fact, I think that was the only movie of him that I saw. Wait, I also saw Pointbreak (1991) but the reason was the young Keanu Reeves and not him and that was after I saw and liked the Matrix series on video.

However, this book can be appreciated by anyone – fans or otherwise. Yes, it is a sad book but more than the cancer aspect of it, the book presents the strong marriage-bond of Patrick and Lisa. They have been married for 33 years prior to Patrick’s death, they are childless but they still love and adore each other. The narration is told in first person with Patrick and Lisa alternating and their words for each other are very moving and inspiring. They are like two people who are really meant for each other. I felt sad not because Patrick had to go but I felt sad more for a beautiful marriage to come to an end.

The reason why I did not really feel sad for Patrick’s death is that we are all going to die someday and so it is a reality that we have to face. Swayze was 58 when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He died just a year after at the same age his father (heart attack) died too. Incidentally, his father’s death in 1982 (Patrick was 30) devastated him and he became alcoholic. His sister Vicky committed suicide through drug overdose in 1994 (Patrick was 42) and this opened his eyes to seek medical treatment to his alcoholism. Patrick loved life and he made sure he lived it to the fullest. He and Lisa are both achievers and talented people and I know that they both have no regrets about the way their lives went. More than lives being well-spent though, I’d rally more for love well-given and love well-shared. Very few marriages or unions among showbiz couples last that long and they deserve appreciation for having survived all the temptations proliferating in show business.

[Amy Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always thought Swayze was a wonderful actor and someone who unjustly was viewed as a hunky fluff actor. He wasn't given near enough roles throughout his life that truly allowed him to shine for the artist that he was. Don't get me wrong, I still love "Dirty Dancing," and I think "Ghost" was one of the best films ever made. The latter film was one of the few in which he truly got to exhibit his talent for drama. This book was very disheartening. When he wrote it with the help of his wife, Lisa, he was pretty set on continuing the fight. He was absolutely dedicated and optimistic that he could beat the cancer. That's why it's so sad to read this book after he's already gone. I'd never realized how much he struggled throughout his entire life. I didn't know that family tragedies, insecurity and stress had driven him to years of alcoholism. He'd always managed to keep pretty private. I had always respected and admired his relationship with his wife. He and Lisa were one of the only Hollywood couples that hadn't self-destructed after a year or two. Their marriage is truly something to look up to. Although I've always respected Swayze, I respect him even more after reading this autobiography. Definitely recommend for fans of Swayze or fans of the genre.

[Faith Spinks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirty Dancing was the reason I was a Patrick Swayze fan - like so many others of my age. I just loved that film and Patrick Swayze was definitely a big part of that for me. I knew of, and had seen some of the other things he had been in but had never really realised the extent to which he really lived his life.

The book is well written and gives you a glimpse of the real person behind the fame. A man who has his struggles, a man who does everything pushing himself as hard as he can, and a man who truly loves his wife. Patrick Swayze eventually lost his battle with pancreatic cancer and it seems so unfair given how hard he fought right to the end, but at the same time this book shows a life lived in full.

I'll definitely be looking out for some of the flims Patrick worked on and shared about in this book. And I'm sure that watching anything with Patrick Swayze in again will never be quite the same having seen something of the man behind the screen. I expect it will be even better.

[Cece · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had this book quite some time as I could never read it due to his passing back in 2009. He has literally been one of my favorite all time actors and entertainers. I was aware of his dancing background but there were so many more aspects of his life that was shared. You know it’s really difficult to try to rate a biography and write a review on a book whose author is no longer with us. So you will have to decide if you want to read. I love the simplistic and straightforward writing style, wasn’t stuffy or flowery. He was much more special and tough than anyone could have known. It’s quite surreal to learn he passed just a few months after this was written. May all who read this be inspired to live to the fullest each day and give 110 % on all that we do so we can all say we have had the time of our lives ❤️

[Unsolved ☕︎ Mystery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick Swayze was a jack of all trades. I don't think there was anything this guy could not do.
He was an actor, a singer and a dancer just to name only three.
He had hobbies such as riding horses, enjoying the great outdoors, and flying his small airplane.

He cheated death numerous times in his life because he was so fearless.
Sadly in 2009, Patrick died at the age of 57 from pancreatic cancer.

If Patrick had lived, he would have went on to do more great and wonderful things. Dance on, Patrick!

[~☆~Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating details about his life so I enjoyed it very much.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been meaning to read this book for years but just never got around to it. I grew up with Dirty Dancing, Red Dawn, The Outsiders, and Roadhouse so I was definitely a Patrick Swayze fan. I was upset by his cancer diagnosis and eventual death, but it wasn't until a few years ago when a friend of mine was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that I realized just what that diagnosis had meant for him.

What I liked most about this book is that is focuses on his early life and his career up to his diagnosis. I didn't realize that Swayze had danced ballet professionally, though I knew he was a dancer. I enjoyed reading about his experiences while working and why he chose to make the films he did. He definitely wasn't as prolific as some actors and it's because he make movies he really believed in, even if they weren't mega blockbusters. He could have made many more movies if he had allowed himself to be typecast but he really didn't want that. He liked to make different kinds of films to stretch his abilities and to learn new things.

I also enjoyed reading about his relationship with his wife. They had their problems but they worked things out together through it all. In a time when a lot of Hollywood marriages don't last more than a few years, it's refreshing to read about a couple who truly loved, respected, and supported each other.

I have always enjoyed memoirs and autobiographies. Call it my nosy nature but I like the behind the scenes info people share about their lives that I wouldn't otherwise get to know. I would have liked a bit more background on his family and I certainly felt that the loss of their baby could have gotten more than a couple of paragraphs but I imagine that even all those years later, it must have been incredibly difficult to write about.

Overall, I'm glad I read the book but it makes me sad too, to think of the loss of such a talented man, gone much too soon.

[Mary Bronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word I was bawling by the end of this book. Patrick Swayze has been one of my favorite actors since I saw The Outsiders, Dirty Dancing, and Ghost. When I heard he had cancer it broke my heart. He was such a talented actor. I remember after hearing the news of his passing I watch those movies. Starting with The Outsiders. Reading about his life and how full it was with all its ups and downs broke my heart. I never really knew how passionate he was about dance especially ballet. And his marriage to Lisa is incredible. They met as teenagers and were married for 34 years. In today's society we read about how when there is the slight trouble in marriage people usually get divorced but that is not the case with Patrick and Lisa. They actually worked their problems out and talked about the troubles they were having. They never once gave up on their troubles. RIP Patrick Swayze. You will never be forgotten. Thanks for bringing your talent for the world to see. You will forever be missed.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

My opinion:
I like everyone else fell head over heel's in love with Patrick Swayze and I was so excited when finding this book in a charity shop.....
Then I started reading it and it made me very angry, he made me very angry!
I don't know if I read it wrong but to me it sounded like he forced his wife to marry him. He was a very insecure man with a very pushy mother who made his insecurities worse.
I did finish the book and the ending was pretty sad how he was always talking about fighting the cancer and surviving.
I finished reading this book anyway, I felt very sad and sorry for Lisa her own career was over shadowed by him and his career the book left me wanting to know more about Lisa not Patrick.
My illusions about him are well and truly shattered he was a self obsessed, ignorant insecure man.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was truly amazed by Patrick Swayze life and talent. I listened to the audiobook read by Patrick, he brought so much to his own story with his wonderful deep voice. I made the mistake by googling him and saw the last photos of him, heart wrenching to say the least. My father died of cancer and I have seen how gaunt a person gets at the very end but I wasn't prepared to see Patrick Swayze as a walking sick old man. A beautiful book, sad but beautiful.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick Swayze has been my favorite actor since I was 12. I was sad and scared when I heard of his cancer diagnosis, and heartbroken when I learned of his death. Reading his book was like meeting him and learning who he really was. This book is like a gift from Patrick himself to his family, friends and fans, and I'm grateful to him and Lisa for writing it. I recommend it to all of his fans.

[Melissa T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very easy to read. It had a nice balance of Patrick Swayze's personal and professional lives, which is nice because some of the autobiographies I've read lately have seemed too heavy on the personal life and not enough of the professional life. Call me crazy, but when I read an autobiography of someone famous I like to read about them both as a famous individual and as a real person.

The writing style in this was so easygoing. It was refreshing. I don't know if this makes the most sense, but one thing I've noticed is that many people write the same way that they talk, or in the same way that there personality seems to tend toward. In Patrick Swayze's case, this book was a nice mixture of macho straightforwardness and a gentle kind of depth and insight. Swayze even described himself as being a tough guy, yet sensitive, and it shows through not only in the work and roles he chose but in his writing style as well. I enjoyed that the chapters were in a chronological order of his life and career, and that he chose to write about not only his blockbuster films but also his lesser known pictures as well.

I like the fact that Swayze was also willing to talk about the darker points in his life in a realistic way. He didn't sugarcoat them or brush them off. He took responsibility for himself and his actions. And sometimes, even though he knew better, he made the same mistakes twice. It shows how much work it can be to really change yourself and your circumstances, and that as a people we are always working to improve ourselves.
I also was really happy that he kept up the same style and attitude throughout the book. This came out well after his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer, and I know at the time this was released many people thought it would focus on his battle with cancer or be some kind of tell all specifically focusing on the later portion of his life and I was pleasantly surprised that it was nothing like that. He does mention the cancer in brief sections, in the prologue once in the middle section and for a few pages at the end, but it's all relevant and not overdone.

I really wished I had gotten to this sooner, but am now very glad to have read it.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sure we've all seen some of Patrick's movies, but I had no idea he'd started out as a gymnast/ballet dancer/singer/musician, and all at a high level, before we saw him in the movies.

I was very surprised at his low level of self esteem, which slid into depression and drinking at some stages of his life. Luckily for him his wife was not only gorgeous and talented, but also loved him throughout their 34 years of marriage.

We are all definitely a product of our families and upbringing, whether for good or not so good, and that is demonstrated throughout this book. Patrick credits his parents for much of his success, both on and off screen, as well as Lisa, for keeping him balanced.

A very touching personal look at a life well lived.

[Xanthi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can’t say I’m a big fan of this actor but recently my boyfriend’s mother lent me the DVD of Dirty Dancing and my curiosity was piqued so she lent me this book. (Yes she is a big fan.)
Not all that well written but interesting enough. I have to admit that watching the film and reading this book were experiences tinged with sadness because of his passing at a relative young age. I wondered how someone so fit and active ended up so sick. Well, the clues came later in the book - almost as a passing mention, really.
All in all he sounded like he was a driven, decent guy though I cringed over the whole calf roping business. Yes, I know he was from Texas and he idolised his late father who was a cowboy but seriously? Public lynching of baby animals for entertainment is not cool.

[Kristy Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a die hard Dirty Dancing fan I was itching to read this book and for me it did not disappoint.

I absolutely loved reading a story about an everyday person who worked hard, fell in love and succeeded in his achievements without sacrificing his relationships or values. Yes, he did have some low points (which is only human) but he learnt from them and didn't let them define him.

Such a beautiful love story and a great insight into Patrick Swayze life.

[Shopen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Когато съобщиха за смъртта му, дъщеря ми /беше още малка/ каза: " О, боже мой, всички мъже, за които исках да се омъжа, вече умряха!"
Патрик беше съвършен на екрана!
А от автобиографията му разбираме на каква цена!
Истински артист, с много таланти и воля да ги реализира.
Колко жалко, че животът е толкова кратък!
Дори и да има прераждане, всичко изчезва със смъртта и няма и следа от предишното в новия живот.

[Diane]

It's always sad to read a book written by someone who has long since passed away. Patrick Swayze ended this memoir shortly before his passing in 2009. He was still optimistic and ready to fight his pancreatic cancer with every ounce he had left. Deep down he knew the end was near which is why he wanted to tell his story. I can't say I really knew much about Swayze despite having watched his films for the last 34 years. After reading this memoir I'm not sure how much more I really do know. I wish this could have been a tad more in depth and detailed. I feel like it quickly jumped from movie to movie with no break in between about his own life. What I did learn is that Patrick Swayze was much like his character Bodhi from Point Break. He was a pure adrenaline junkie! He loved to take risks and take action in anyway possible. He was a dancer, gymnast, ballet artist, actor, singer, horse rider, football star, husband, teen idol, and so much more. He couldn't keep still even when he suffered tremendous injuries repeatedly. I have to admire his will to live. I don't mean just survive, but actually living life to the very fullest. It made his early end all the more tragic because he was someone who genuinely got the most out of life and he was the last person who deserved to have it taken away.

I've followed his career since 1983's The Outsiders. I've always found him magnetic to watch. He's a physical actor, but he has a tenderness about him. He can kick ass in Roadhouse and make me cry in Ghost. He was versatile and it was important for him to take on various roles and not be pigeonholed into a teen idol. Sure he's most well known for his dreamy romantic roles in Dirty Dancing and Ghost, but I think one of his best performances was in the miniseries North & South. It's not overlooked due to it's popularity at the time, but he's not always recognized for it either. He really enjoyed working on the character of Orry Main and it shows.

As we descend up on the 30th anniversary of Dirty Dancing I look back with sadness that he's no longer around. No doubt he would still be dancing until a ripe old age if he could. He starred in so many of my favorite films so he's always on my tv screen in one way or another and he won't soon be forgotten. The Time of My Life is quick enjoyable read that gives us an inside peek into Swayze's life, but I'm still left with wanting to know more. Perhaps I wasn't meant to.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buch 1/10 "The Time of My Life" von Patrick Swayze und Lisa Niemi

Die Autobiographie des Schauspielers und Tänzers. Von seiner texanischen Kindheit mit der fordernden Mutter, von Schulraufereien weil er als Junge Ballet tanzte, von High School Football, von beruflichen Anfangsschwierigkeiten, dann die Erfolge, Berühmtheit, Abstürze, Alkoholexzesse und immer an seiner Seite seine Frau Lisa.
Ehrlich und sympathisch erzählt Patrick Swayze. Seiner tödlichen Krankheit widmet er die Einleitung und ca 10 Seiten am Ende des Buchs, ansonsten handelt das Buch von seinem LEBEN.
Für eine Biographie las es sich wirklich gut.

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hi

Very sad reading this book, and knowing the person writing the book had passed away already, before the book was finished.

He tells his story from the heart, with honesty and feeling.

Their love for each other from such a young age.

The detail of the making of Dirty Dancing.

A great read.

[Hasna · Rating 3 out of 5]

"One of the hardest things to realize is that taking responsibility is not the same thing as taking on guilt and blame. Saying “this is my fault” isn’t taking responsibility; it’s passing judgment on yourself. And taking responsibility means being aware of it and taking steps to curb it."

I am not a fan of Patrick Swayze. Haven't seen his movies much. But I enjoyed reading this memoir.
I really loved the parts where he shared behind the scenes of making of "Dirty dancing" and "Ghost".
Patrick Swayze was a full of life person. He died at the age of 57, but he lived his life to the fullest.
And one person I thoroughly admired is Lisa Niemi Swayze. She is one incredible, courageous woman. The way she supported Swayze through and through touched my heart.

3.5 stars.

[Melissa Coffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick wrote this book as he was battling cancer and passed away shortly after he finished it. It’s a beautiful love story and he had a fascinating life, and it’s just heartbreaking to hear him read this book knowing he passed shortly after reading it. It’s a great book. I really enjoyed it!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1984 I watched a movie called Red Dawn starring Patrick Swayze and I developed an instant crush. Three years later came Dirty Dancing and my crush turned to full on LUST! Patrick Swayze was the sexiest man alive as far as I was concerned. I've lost count as to how many times I've seen that movie, not to mention how many times I wished I could be Jennifer Grey for five minutes! When I heard about his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, I was heartbroken. Having lost a friend to this brutal form of cancer very quickly, I understood immediately how bad this was.

I knew he and wife, Lisa Niemi were in the process of writing a book about his life and I decided when I discovered Patrick himself would be narrating the audio version, that's what I wanted. I'm not a big audiobook user, but in this case, for me, it was the only way to experience this book. And I'm so glad I did. Having Patrick narrate this book makes it a more intimate and personal experience because you feel like he's talking directly to you. Obviously, you lose the benefit of any photos in the book, but that isn't a big deal for me. Even during some really bad days while recording this book, his voice is even, strong and sexy as ever.

The start of The Time of My Life is Patrick explaining how he came to realize something was not right with his health and how it changed his life. Then, it's Lisa's turn to explain how that realization effected her. I believe, in the printed version, that is the prologue.

Patrick then starts telling his story from 1970 when he was a high school athlete, dancer and gymnast. He chronicles his career and personal accomplishments he and Lisa shared along with some really tough times in his personal life. It becomes obvious pretty early on how fierce his competitive nature was and how much he loved striving to be the best at whatever he put his mind to. But it was also clear that dancing was his first love. With a mother like Patsy Swayze, a very respected dancer, choreographer and teacher, it was inevitable he become an accomplished dancer in his own rite.

Although I've read a few reviews that felt the book is more of a rundown of his movie career than the story of his life, I feel differently. It's quite clear that for Patrick and Lisa, their movies and dancing were their life. They worked hard as a team on every endeavor they attempted and they gave each project 110 percent. This book shows that Patrick lived an extremely full life doing exactly the things he loved to do. He did have passions other than acting and dancing as well. He also loved horses and flying airplanes and therefore became an accomplished rider and pilot.

If there is one message that I will take away from this book, it is to live life to the fullest each and every day. That's what Patrick did. He wasn't afraid to tackle anything. He had incredible drive and it's that drive that enabled him to fight pancreatic cancer as hard as he did.

This book was very inspirational and interesting and I recommend it for fans of Patrick Swayze. In fact, if you get the chance to listen to the audio book, it will be even better, hearing Patrick in his own words and voice.

[Stephanie Burkhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Authors Patrick Swayze and his wife, Lisa Niemi share their thoughts, life, and love in a bittersweet and poignant memoir with "The Time of my Life." Written before he died, Swayze shares the many insights he learned living life and the hardest battle he ever fought - pancreatic cancer.

The novel opens with a prologue. One section is written by Swayze, the other by Niemi. Immediately, the love Swayze has for his wife shines through. She is the force behind him, his guiding star, the wind beneath his wings. It is a true testament to the power of love that Swayze and Niemi were married over 33 years.

Swayze was a man that attracted fans of all kinds, but his beginnings were humble. Raised in Texas, his father taught him that a real man can be tough and gentle. Patrick grew up taking dance and doing gymnastics. An accident at a high school football game blows out his knee.

Despite this setback, Patrick pursues gymnastics and dance until his knee forces him to purse something else - acting.

Patrick and Lisa marry early in their lives, in 1975. They go through many ups and downs. What is so heart warming to discover is how supportive Lisa is of Patrick. They move to Hollywood and work hard to make ends meet. Finally, Patrick is cast in a movie. As his work is recognized, he continues to get jobs. His most memorable ones include Dirty Dancing, North and South, and Ghost.

Patrick takes the death of his father hard and begins to drink. His drinking will haunt him and his relationships the rest of his life.

After overcoming poverty and rising to stardom, Swayze must now tackle the biggest challenge of his life - pancreatic cancer. His fearless attitude is an inspiration to all.

Swayze and Niemi write in a style that's easy to read and understand. They story flows well and the reader can connect to Swayze as if he's a fun-loving brother.

Swayze's passion for life shines in the pages. He grew up in an everyday home and married his sweetheart. He barely made it to New York, but all the hard work paid off when Swayze was recognized in Hollywood.

Niemi's love and support is an inspiration as well. She earned credits in dancing, directing, and writing, but never found the breakout role that Patrick did.
"The Time of my Life" is an exciting memoir of Swayze's life, career, and love. You can't put it down! A must read for Swayze fans.

[Roset Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of this book is hard to listen to since I just finished Worth Fighting For and knew the pain and fatigue that Patrick Swayze was feeling when he recorded the beginning of the book. It made it bittersweet to know he was in pain but it seemed that reliving his childhood and early years with his wife revived his spirit which helped his pain diminish. I loved hearing his talk about his early films. It was like reliving my early teenage years again! I had forgotten how vital a force he was during those formative years. The Outsiders was the first movie that really spoke to me. Who could forget Red Dawn and making someone drinking the blood of his first deer!?! North and South??? I don't think I missed an episode, even part III, which was pushing my attention span and dedication to its limit. And then we move onto to probably my favorite movies of Patrick's: Point Break. I loved his character Bodie and his lust for live and the extremes he would go to live life on the edge.
I hated to hear about his struggles in life: His knee injury really hurt his chances in life, but in a strange way, lead him to the be an actor. The drinking binges that was a result of his father dying, but kept reappearing whenever life became difficult. His dissolution of his own thought that the most depressed people he knew where ones who didn't know how to move on when a goal was not met, or even worse, was met and then didn't know where to go from there. And then his fight with cancer. He fought for so long! 21 months with pancreatic cancer is an amazing battle! Sure he lost the fight, but his perseverance to LIVE was astounding and wonderful to listen to.

[Aurora Fitzrovia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obwohl ich normalerweise keine Biographien lese, musste ich bei Herrn Swayze eine Ausnahme machen und ich habe es sehr, sehr gerne gelesen.
Ich fand es gut, dass sich nur der Anfang und das letzte Kapitel mit seiner Krebserkrankung beschäftigen, und man ansonsten die Chance bekommt, den Schauspieler selbst kennen zu lernen, seine Familie und kurze Einblicke in sein gesamtes Leben haben konnte, zumindest soweit es auf 250 Seiten ging. Ich hatte den Eindruck, dass Patrick Swayze locker noch mehr Seiten mit seinem Leben hätte füllen können. Besonders toll, fand ich die Entwicklung der Beziehung zwischen Patrick und Lisa <3
Ein großartiger Mann und ein wirklich toller Schauspieler, der leider viel zu früh von uns gehen musste :(