Want a book to make you smile, lift your spirits & prompt you to get the most from your life?
Fiona Staunton • February 2, 2021
I have just finished to listening to Greenlights from Matthew McConaughey
For the past few weeks, every time I head for my walk, I listen to Matthew McConaughey on Audible reading his book Green light. I like when the author reads the book and in this instance it works very well, his voice and accent are easy to listen to. During these challenging times of Covid 19 lockdown I would recommend this book. It is easy to dip in and out of, while you mightn't relate to all the stories there is lots to make you smile & encourage you to reflect on your life, that some things aren't that bad and to get the most out of it.
He is a fantastic story teller. This book takes you through his life (including his dreams!) to date. He intermingles bumper stickers, precepts and poems throughout the book. He focuses on how to get a green light from situations or experiences, life is much easier with a string of green lights. A green light is McConaughey’s way of knowing that whatever decision he’s making is the right one, and that he should forge ahead.
These are some of the stories that have stuck with me from the book.
His parents, married 3 times, divorced twice - to the same people!!
The treehouse several stories high he headed off daily on his own to build and then moved away, never to see it again.
He talks about wet dreams that helped guide his life. One was actually in a hotel in Dublin! One was sitting on a front porch watching cars rock up for his 88th birthday," Twenty-two vehicles. Twenty-two women. Eighty-eight children. The women were not there to see a man they had ever married, they were there to see a man they loved and the father of their children. The children were there to see their dad". He then leads into the story of how he met Camilla and how they have kids and got married.
His story about his time in Australia and the unfair exchange he had, the loneliness and how he got himself out of the situation.
His father giving their pet parrot CPR having found it in the toilet!
His stories about getting into character for any of his roles and how he chose the roles he did.
McConaughey's mom also helped him win a poetry contest when he was a child by using plagiarism. "Do you understand the poem? Do you like the poem? Then it's yours," recited McConaughey, recalling his mother's words.
While I listened on Audible, it might be nice to read the book and take away some of the bumper stickers for another day!
Have you read it?
What parts stand out for you?
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