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An Improvised Life: A Memoir Audiobook
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(3.08) - 140 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In this insightful memoir, Oscar-winning actor Alan Arkin reflects back on finding his place as an actor and on what theater—specifically the improvisational sort—has taught him about the craft and life.
Alan Arkin knew he was going to be an actor from the age of five. From this early age, he recognized that “every film I saw, every play, every piece of music fed an unquenchable need to turn myself into something other than what I was.”
An Improvised Life is Arkin’s wise and unpretentious recollection of the process, artistic and personal, of becoming an actor and a revealing look into the creative mind of one of the best practitioners on the stage and screen. Arkin, in a manner that is direct, down-to-earth, accessible, and articulate, reveals not just insights about himself but truths for the rest of us about our sense of self, our work, and our relationships with others.
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"I love this audio books so much it's in fact the only one I choose to hear. I love him as a person, love him as an actor, love him like grandpa figure, I want to hear this again because when I thought I was at my lowest point in my life I heard this again and again for days and weeks, oh sir thank you for that and I feel like I am in the same position or even worse than that point now and it's not better to know that the person you're looking up to is gone for now I really hope I can meet you there somewhere. Rest in peace sir;"
— Fia (5 out of 5 stars)
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“[A] wealth of wisdom.”
— New York Post -
“As narrated by Arkin, this memoir is ideal fare for those considering an acting career as well as for those already starting out on that path. Arkin brings a subtle element of pizzazz to his work….[and] reveals himself as a truly fine teacher.”
— AudioFile -
“A profoundly honest and revelatory reckoning of an artistic and personal awakening…All artists would benefit from Arkin’s accrued insights and wisdom.”
— Library Journal (starred review) -
“[A] perfectly calibrated memoir…Actors of all levels and film and theater buffs will appreciate Arkin’s candid discussion of the creative process both from an acting and a directing perspective.”
— Booklist (starred review) -
“A welcome window into the mind of an artist…[An] engaging and instructive book.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“The author illustrates the principles of his acting philosophy with a wealth of concrete details taken directly from his experience, resulting in a coherent and provocative manifesto…Less a celebrity memoir than a serious consideration of the principles of acting and improvisation.”
— Kirkus Reviews
An Improvised Life Listener Reviews
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" Some gems of wisdom for improvisers. "
— Leiran, 12/31/2013 -
" A brief memoir, focusing on the professional aspects of his career. If I were still an improvisor, I would probably give this another star, but that is not meant to be. "
— Sarah, 12/29/2013 -
" Wonderful and easy read. Inspirational and instructive without trying to be. The musings of a true humanitarian. "
— Amber, 12/16/2013 -
" OK. but not great. There are much better memoirs out, so I wouldn't recommend this one. I had hoped it would be more interesting. He's a great actor, but not a great writer. "
— Alice, 11/15/2013 -
" Fascinating -- made me want to re-watch all his movies, especially The In-Laws. Very introspective, a little more new-age than I would have expected. "
— Gretchen, 11/15/2013 -
" This was an intriguing read. I found his stories far more interesting than his later life 'improv lesson' stuff. The real boon of this book was that the audiobook I listened to was read by Alan Arkin himself. There's something about his voice that makes almost anything interesting. "
— David, 11/10/2013 -
" SUMMER READING CLUB: "After hearing Mr. Arkin on radio, I thought the book would be interesting. It was. But there are lots of other finer memoirs out there..." -Alice Kintisch "
— Valley, 8/18/2013 -
" Really pleasantly surprised. Not at all what I expected! Arkin came across very wise and reflective. Definitely enjoyed the book. "
— Rachel, 5/20/2013 -
" Loved what Alan wrote about his acting and technique and how he wrote it. Also really enjoyed his reading of the audio book version. Would've liked to have found out a bit more about him and his life. But then I'm just a nosey guy I guess "
— Kevin, 12/11/2012 -
" A true glimpse in the acting style of a great legend. An advocate of improv style makes anyone think they should at least try it once. The author is honest about how his legend gets in the way when he teaches classes. "
— Jean, 11/12/2012 -
" This is a great short read for actors and directors alike. Alan Arkin tells the story of his life and his art in an entertaining way that still maintains a level of education that I found to be very helpful. "
— Natalie, 9/23/2012 -
" Was different then I expected. But he had a lot of good things to say. And I learned a lot about how he got into show biz and being an actor! "
— Holly, 9/21/2012 -
" Grumpy and defensive when discussing Hollywood + difficulties starting, but the second half of the book turns inspirational/educational when Arkin focuses on his improv weekend workshops and the lessons he learns. "
— Michelledenisenorton, 4/12/2012 -
" This was interesting - the way he talks about acting was hard for me to comprehend but I respect it. "
— Amanda, 12/23/2011 -
" A brief memoir, focusing on the professional aspects of his career. If I were still an improvisor, I would probably give this another star, but that is not meant to be. "
— Sarah, 5/2/2011 -
" Wonderful and easy read. Inspirational and instructive without trying to be. The musings of a true humanitarian. "
— Amber, 3/13/2011 -
" Fascinating -- made me want to re-watch all his movies, especially The In-Laws. Very introspective, a little more new-age than I would have expected. "
— Gretchen, 2/19/2011
About Alan Arkin
Alan Arkin (1934–2023) was an award–winning actor as well as a distinguished director, musician, and author. In the more than eighty films over the course of his forty-plus years in Hollywood, he starred in very wide-ranging roles that earned him both critical and popular acclaim. His awards include an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and a Golden Globe Award. For his work on television, he received six Primetime Emmy Award nominations, and for his work on Broadway, he received a Tony Award.