Life Itself

A Memoir

By: Roger Ebert

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

A singular, warm-hearted, and inspiring look at life from beloved writer, critic, and pundit Roger Ebert—and the inspiration for the award-winning documentary.

"A captivating, moveable feast." —New York Times Book Review

"Thoughtful, entertaining, and emotional." —Entertainment Weekly

Roger Ebert was the best-known film critic of his time. He began reviewing films for the Chicago Sun-Times in1967, and was the first film critic ever to win a Pulitzer Prize. He appeared on television for four decades. In 2006, complications from thyroid cancer treatment resulted in the loss of his ability to eat, drink, or speak. But with the loss of his voice, Ebert became a more prolific and influential writer. In Life Itself he tells the full, dramatic story of his life and career.

In this candid personal history, Ebert chronicles it all: his loves, losses, and obsessions; his struggle and recovery from alcoholism; his marriage; his politics; and his spiritual beliefs. He writes about his years at the Sun-Times, his colorful newspaper friends, and his life-changing collaboration with Gene Siskel. He shares his insights into movie stars and directors like John Wayne and Martin Scorsese.

This is a story that only Roger Ebert could tell, filled with the same deep insight, dry wit, and sharp observations that his readers have long cherished,

Named one of the 100 greatest film books of all time by The Hollywood Reporter

An Owner's Manual for Living a Fulfilled Life

Roger Ebert might just have been the happiest man alive – I know that’s not true, but it may be close. He’s either the greatest liar or luckiest man who ever lived; I believe the later.

He shares with us his life – though he doesn’t pat himself on the back for doing some of it right or wallow in misery for the things he did wrong (particularly alcoholism) – he really does celebrate all of it in these pages. I sincerely thank him for that.

This is a book that clearly demonstrates that it’s the little things in a life that make it grand – he spends more time telling us about his inability to rid himself of a single one of the books he’s owned in his life than he does aggrandizing the life of the most celebrated movie critic ever.

He shares the love he had for the people in his life – the newspaper friends, his parents, and his beloved wife. He shares the joy he felt in revisiting the little places he had found and loved in cities around the world. He shares the wonder found in books, movies, and life in general.

This really is a book that makes me want to be a better person – and one that shows me the way to go about it. I can’t recommend it more enthusiastically. Listen to it twice.

Not what I had in mind..

This is a memoir of his life that takes you back into the 60's, which is difficult for me to relate with. I was looking for more movie review related stories but this was not that sort of book.. my bad.

One and a half thumbs up

This wasnt an incredibly in depth memoir but some of the Hollywood Elite stories made this a mostly fun and entertaining listen. John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, and others kept it interesting. Edward Herrman did a fantastic job with the narration. A light take on the life and career of one of the most famous movie critics in american media history.

this book demonstrates the key role of the reader

Would you consider the audio edition of Life Itself to be better than the print version?

Absolutely. I am sure if I had read the book,the long lists of names and places would have been cumbersome. What brought this book to live esd Edward Herrmann's pitch-perfect reading.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the stories and reference to movies and Ebert's positive attitude, but was carried me away into the story was Edward Herrmann. It was both calm and restrained and yet full of warmth and emotion.

What does Edward Herrmann bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Uh, everything. Intelligence, feeling, drama - this dude is one of the great readers

Any additional comments?

did I mention how impressive Edward Herrmann was?

My favorite audio book of all time!

What did you love best about Life Itself?
Edward Herrman's narration.

Who was your favorite character and why?
Roger Ebert's stories are charming.

Any additional comments?
Since the stories are non-linear, I am never bored by this book. I find the narration and story cadence to be soothing, I have listed to this three times already!