In his signature larger-than-life style, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Total Recall is a revealing self-portrait of his illustrious, controversial, and truly unique life.
The greatest immigrant success story of our time.
His story is unique, and uniquely entertaining, and he tells it brilliantly in these pages.
He was born in a year of famine, in a small Austrian town, the son of an austere police chief. He dreamed of moving to America to become a bodybuilding champion and a movie star.
By the age of twenty-one, he was living in Los Angeles and had been crowned Mr. Universe.
Within five years, he had learned English and become the greatest bodybuilder in the world.
Within ten years, he had earned his college degree and was a millionaire from his business enterprises in real estate, landscaping, and bodybuilding. He was also the winner of a Golden Globe Award for his debut as a dramatic actor in Stay Hungry.
Within twenty years, he was the world’s biggest movie star, the husband of Maria Shriver, and an emerging Republican leader who was part of the Kennedy family.
Thirty-six years after coming to America, the man once known by fellow bodybuilders as the Austrian Oak was elected governor of California, the seventh largest economy in the world.
He led the state through a budget crisis, natural disasters, and political turmoil, working across party lines for a better environment, election reforms, and bipartisan solutions.
With Maria Shriver, he raised four fantastic children. In the wake of a scandal he brought upon himself, he tried to keep his family together.
Until now, he has never told the full story of his life, in his own voice.
Here is Arnold, with total recall.
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"This book was highly entertaining, up until the political chapters came into play. I found myself actually dreading having to pick up the book and suffer through a bunch of political talk that I don't care about and don't even understand more than half of it. So for about six straight chapters, I would reluctantly pick up the book and try to get through them every couple of days. Then came the last chapter, "Arnold's Rules", which I honestly found to be sort of obnoxious and drawn out. Therefore, I had trouble getting through the last couple hundred pages of the book. But to be fair, the beginning-to-mid sections and the honesty of "The Secret" chapter (pretty obvious what that was about) somehow made up for all of that. Still a very good and surprisingly well-written autobiography. Recommended to fans of Arnold's and those who are interested in learning about his life and film career; and of course people who don't mind plenty of political aspects."
— Ryan (4 out of 5 stars)
“Austrian-born Arnold Schwarzenegger requires no introduction, but his candid autobiography proves that there was still much that we didn't know about the iconic California ‘Governator,’ action movie star, body builder and weight lifter. A new view of a determined, ambitious man.”
— Barnes & Nobel, editorial review" This book is a view into the grueling yet glorious grind that true success implies. It illustrates the importance of recognizing one's true vocations early on, and not letting go of them despite any adversity until it becomes an addiction. Be passionate, persistant yet aware enough of what really comes naturally to you, and you won't be able to avoid benefitting, one way or another. "
— Charlie, 3/18/2024" Amazing story of connecting body n mind! Inspiration overflown! "
— Ayesh, 2/13/2014" Nearly done with Arnold's new memoir. The book is a combination press release/love letter to Arnold from Arnold intended to be overheard by Maria Shriver, their kids, and conservative voters. My prediction, having read about 550 of the 650 incredibly tame pages is that he is not done running for office. He will almost certainly be back. "
— Craig, 2/7/2014" I grew up on Schwarzenegger's movies. Every summer, there was always a new one to see, along side the latest Stallone or Bruce Willis flick. Then he ran for Governor of the state I used to live in, and I actually voted for him during the recall of Pete Wilson. When I saw this, I had to pick it up, cause the guy has done some great things in his life, and to think that he came to America with nothing from his home in Austria. However, I only got about 75 pages into this book, before I realized that he actually goes another 100 in explaining his body-building life, something which I couldn't care less about. So, I cheated and skipped ahead to get to where he was going for his first big movie in Conan. That is the part of his life that I wanted to start at, and learn how he did what he did to get where he is today. Despite the cliche's of his movies, and all the macho stuff he does in them, he is a really intelligent man, who is driven to always do better than he did before. Say what you want about his recent tabloid b.s. with his divorce from Shriver, but from what I have read so far, and seen of him talking, he is a man who cares deeply about his former wife and family, despite his stupid ass mistakes. To see him writing about when he met Shriver and her Kennedy family, you can tell the guy was in love with her, and prizes his children. The only reason I am giving this book 3 stars is because, to me, so many pages are wasted on the body-building. If you are into that, then you will completely love this book. If you just want to know about his time in movies on, skip ahead. "
— Brandon, 1/25/2014" A very good book that helps show how an immigrant can become one of the best bodybuilders and movie actors ever. His story is very inspirational and very motivating. It went into good detail on his movie roles and how he trained for them. The book kept the later political years to a minimum and mostly detailed the movie years that we all remember Arnold from. "
— Primetime, 1/21/2014" He wrote it like he was having a conversation with you. I like that he didn't always make himself look good. He is a great story teller! "
— William, 1/10/2014" Good book for Arnie fans. He definitely doesn't lack self confidence. "
— Joea, 1/8/2014" Fascinating really enjoyed the book there's a lot mire to the man than meets the eye "
— Gordon, 1/7/2014" Definitely a quick read. Provided the background and the fire that propelled Arnold through his life. "
— Deborah, 1/7/2014" I yawned through the body-building beginning but still respected his plan as it developed into becoming a movie star (I was riveted at this part!) and then onto becoming governor. Excellent read and I think every reader can take something away from this book. "
— Denise, 1/5/2014" It was ok. A majority of the book felt like it was on his bodybuilding days and I guess I was hoping to hear more about his Hollywood days. Very interesting guy though to know where he started and how far he succeeded. "
— Phil, 9/21/2013" Found it interesting to read about his life and where he came from. I was not a fan of his nor have I seen many of his movies but I found the book to be well written and it kept my attention from start to finish. "
— Marisa, 9/12/2013" I really enjoyed reading this book because everybody knows Arnold but I was interesting in knowing more things about his live. The way he deals with difficult times or the way he sees life, with optimism and work above all. "
— Babieca, 8/16/2013" Surprisingly pretty good. He has lived a very interesting life. I kept hearing Arnold's voice in my head as I read it. It made it that much better. "
— Jimmy, 7/15/2013" A good book to read. A well written book. I liked it alot. "
— Darren, 6/29/2013" Good... Probably glossed over the whole cheating thing too much. "
— Steve, 5/26/2013" Loved parts about the body building and movies and his private life, politics and the middle was a tad boring for me. Overall a good read though. "
— James, 5/18/2013" I am a fan of Arnold. While this book was wordy at times, it was still an interesting look at Arnold's live. I never knew that he was such a business man. It is also interesting to see how driven Arnold is and how he practices everything. "
— Debra, 3/29/2013" badass "
— Tilman, 3/9/2013" Arnold is a true character. Love him or hate him, his life has been a fascinating adventure. I enjoyed his unmeasurable bravado in this book, and came away rather impressed with all he's accomplished. Easy, fun read. "
— Erik, 3/4/2013" Enjoyed 80% of Arnies book. Full of tales from his Hollywood years plus interesting insights into the man in general. The politics towards the end bored me a bit but in fairness it was a huge part of his life. The mans a legend and a role model to all. Great book. "
— Dave, 2/28/2013" respect "
— Svit647, 1/9/2013" Too much ego. That's all I have to say. "
— Audrey, 1/7/2013" Very interesting but I wish it had been narrated by Conan O'Brien in his awesome Schwarzenegger voice. I would have given it 5 stars for that. :) "
— Coydog, 10/9/2012Arnold Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-born bodybuilder, actor, businessman, philanthropist, bestselling author, and politician. He served as the thirty-eighth governor of California.
Stephen Lang is a Tony Award–nominated actor who has made a name for himself on stages both at home and abroad. Perhaps most well-known for his role in James Cameron’s Avatar, his other film credits include The Men Who Stare at Goats, Public Enemies, Tombstone, and many more.