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Will Audiobook
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(4.91) - 11 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The instant #1 New York Times bestseller!
“It's the best memoir I've ever read.” —Oprah Winfrey
“Will Smith isn't holding back in his bravely inspiring new memoir . . . An ultimately heartwarming read, Will provides a humane glimpse of the man behind the actor, producer and musician, as he bares all his insecurities and trauma.” —USA Today
Winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Achievement
One of the most dynamic and globally recognized entertainment forces of our time opens up fully about his life, in a brave and inspiring book that traces his learning curve to a place where outer success, inner happiness, and human connection are aligned. Along the way, Will tells the story in full of one of the most amazing rides through the worlds of music and film that anyone has ever had.
Will Smith’s transformation from a West Philadelphia kid to one of the biggest rap stars of his era, and then one of the biggest movie stars in Hollywood history, is an epic tale—but it’s only half the story.
Will Smith thought, with good reason, that he had won at life: not only was his own success unparalleled, his whole family was at the pinnacle of the entertainment world. Only they didn't see it that way: they felt more like star performers in his circus, a seven-days-a-week job they hadn't signed up for. It turned out Will Smith's education wasn't nearly over.
This memoir is the product of a profound journey of self-knowledge, a reckoning with all that your will can get you and all that it can leave behind. Written with the help of Mark Manson, author of the multi-million-copy bestseller The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Will is the story of how one person mastered his own emotions, written in a way that can help everyone else do the same. Few of us will know the pressure of performing on the world's biggest stages for the highest of stakes, but we can all understand that the fuel that works for one stage of our journey might have to be changed if we want to make it all the way home. The combination of genuine wisdom of universal value and a life story that is preposterously entertaining, even astonishing, puts Will the book, like its author, in a category by itself.
*This audiobook includes a downloadable PDF of music credits.
Download and start listening now!
"Just like the man himself, this audio book is deep, moving, intelligent, self-reflective and fun. I bought it just to hear Will read it and I was not disappointed. He is at once brash and braggadocios while still facing this deepest wounds and taking us along on his path to self-realization. You will cry, you will laugh and you will dance. Worth the time and the money. "
— Colleen Lake (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“It’s the best memoir I’ve ever read.”
— Oprah Winfrey, media star and New York Times bestselling author -
“His delivery is spot on, with masterful imitations of family members, friends, and colleagues. Musical interludes and background music create a soundscape from which epiphanies burst brilliantly. Smith’s autobiography is a hero myth for readers seeking self-awareness.”
— BookPage (starred audio review) -
“Will Smith isn't holding back in his bravely inspiring new memoir…An ultimately heartwarming read, Will provides a humane glimpse of the man behind the actor, producer, and musician, as he bares all his insecurities and trauma.”
— USA Today -
“An absolutely entertaining treat…filled with laugh out loud, nostalgic references alongside poignant, powerful, relatable life and career lessons…We often think of leaders as successful, powerful…[and] Smith reminds us that the best leaders are really vulnerable, relatable and teachable.”
— Forbes -
“Will Smith tells all in this memoir…His charisma comes through as he narrates the various lessons he has learned from these myriad experiences. Fans will enjoy the lighthearted moments and appreciate the intimacy of the deeper revelations…Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
— AudioFile -
Many people can live a really fantastic life. Many people can write a great book. There are few people I think who can translate a fantastic life into a fantastic book. . . . It’s raw. . . . one of the most anticipated yet unexpected memoirs that has ever come out.
— Trevor Noah, The Daily Show -
The guy you think you know is just a fantasy. . . . With a new book . . . [Will Smith] is finally ready to introduce himself. . . . It is a 400-page page turner.
— T.J. Holmes, Good Morning America -
It shows every high, every low, and the sheer will it took you to become who you are. . . . I love the book. It’s fantastic.
— Jimmy Fallon, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon -
This book doesn’t waste any time. . . . Like a lot of families, mine included, we talk about nothing. You took the carpet, you shook it, you beat it with a broom, you let it all out. . . . The book is so good.
— Hoda Kotb, TODAY with Hoda and Jenna -
Will is not just a gift for the reader but an absolutely entertaining treat as well. . . . It’s filled with laugh out loud, nostalgic references alongside poignant, powerful, relatable life and career lessons. . . . While we often think of leaders as successful, powerful . . . and oftentimes rich, Smith reminds us that the best leaders are really vulnerable, relatable and teachable.
— Forbes -
Will Smith isn't holding back in his bravely inspiring new memoir . . . An ultimately heartwarming read, Will provides a humane glimpse of the man behind the actor, producer and musician, as he bares all his insecurities and trauma.
— USA Today -
“The real Smith, the one that yells, cries, experiences heartbreak, is much more interesting. Early on, his act gives way to images of unhealthy relationship patterns marked by people pleasing and insecurity. Elsewhere, Will rewards music fans with memories of hip-hop’s early days, when getting a song played on the radio was a crowning achievement and selling rap albums was almost inconceivable.
— Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Awards
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A #1 New York Times bestseller
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A #1 Amazon bestseller
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A Barnes & Noble bestseller
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A #1 New York Times Bestseller in Audio
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Winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award
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A BookPage Top Pick of Best Road Trip Audiobooks
Will Listener Reviews
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Christina Jefferson, 5/27/2025
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sheppy Bill, 3/20/2024
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Daryl, 5/7/2023
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1/4/2023
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EE Deltin, 5/27/2022
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Kathleen Murphy, 5/11/2022
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" I did not want it to end. Thank you Will for giving us such an insightful and delightful look into your life, your family, trials, strengths and weaknesses. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and even more so because you narrated it. By the way I was one of those 40 year old women saying how good you looked in Bad Boys. BRAVO!!! "
— Angela Kemp, 3/21/2022 -
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2/8/2022
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" This book has received a lot of hype and I must say unlike most things in life this book actually exceeds the hype. The narration was awesome, and the story itself was intriguing. I would 1000% recommend to any avid book reader or fan of Will Smith. "
— Oliver Grant, 1/10/2022 -
" Will Smith continues to showcase his mastery of human emotional connection with this incredibly transparent and inspirational tale of his highest highs and lowest lows. Phenomenal "
— Cap Hill, 12/21/2021