I Was Better Last Night

A Memoir

By: Harvey Fierstein

Narrated by: Harvey Fierstein

NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER • A poignant and hilarious memoir from the cultural icon, gay rights activist, and four-time Tony Award–winning actor and playwright, revealing never-before-told stories of his personal struggles and conflict, of sex and romance, and of his fabled career

Harvey Fierstein’s legendary career has transported him from community theater in Brooklyn, to the lights of Broadway, to the absurd excesses of Hollywood and back. He’s received accolades and awards for acting in and/or writing an incredible string of hit plays, films, and TV shows: Hairspray, Fiddler on the Roof, Mrs. Doubtfire, Independence Day, Cheers, La Cage Aux Folles, Torch Song Trilogy, Newsies, and Kinky Boots. While he has never shied away from the spotlight, Mr. Fierstein says that even those closest to him have never heard most of the tales—of personal struggles and conflict, of sex and romance, of his fabled career—revealed in these wildly entertaining pages.

I Was Better Last Night bares the inner life of this eccentric nonconforming child from his roots in 1952 Brooklyn, to the experimental worlds of Andy Warhol and the Theatre of the Ridiculous, to the gay rights movements of the seventies and the tumultuous AIDS crisis of the eighties, through decades of addiction, despair, and ultimate triumph.

Mr. Fierstein’s candid recollections provide a rich window into downtown New York City life, gay culture, and the evolution of theater (of which he has been a defining figure), as well as a moving account of his family’s journey of acceptance. I Was Better Last Night is filled with wisdom gained, mistakes made, and stories that come together to describe an astonishingly colorful and meaningful life. Lucky for us all, his unique and recognizable voice is as engaging, outrageously funny, and vulnerable on the page.

A Terrific Life Story

you love his work now you'll love him.
through his unique prism Harvey Fierstein strikes universal truths of growth, trials and triumphs. truly a must read.

You had to be there

One of the most enjoyable memoirs I’ve listened/read over the years. I’m a bit older than than Mr Feinstein and not from NYC, but I have lived through the eras he so acutely and humorously describes. It was always a pleasure to remember along with him. And, of course, it wouldn’t have been the same without his voice.

Thanks Harvey

Not many of our kind left in the world and you have a wonderful memory. thank you again.

Amazing listen.

Harvey is an amazing New Yorker, performer, advocate and trail blazer, story teller. Didn’t think I could love him more. True treasure. What a listen. Made my entire commute for a week a total pleasure. ❤️❤️

One of my favorite audio books

As a theater lover I found this book fascinating and informative. The narration by the author perfect.