A Life in Parts

Review by Harrison Craig, Silver Creek High School“I saw my future. I saw it so vividly it was as if I’d had a conversation with my older self. At that precise moment I conjured a credo that would guide me for the rest of my life: I will pursue something that I love-and hopefully become good at, instead of pursuing something that I’m good at-but don’t love.” This is one of the many pieces of wisdom gained through reading Bryan Cranston’s autobiography, A Life in Parts. This book tells the story of how a lost, young man goes from a soon-to-be Law Enforcement Officer to a full-fledged, hard-working actor. This is not only exhibited through his seemingly endless, extremely personal stories, but through his infinite amounts of wisdom as well. After reading this book, you will feel as if you really know Bryan Cranston. You will hurt for him, laugh with him, and possibly even cry. This book goes far beyond your standard autobiography: it’s a chance at a new connection.Though I find it difficult to say, I believe my favorite scene(s) from the book would be Bryan’s early years in life: Performing odd-jobs around the world with his brother, taking his first acting course, and even becoming a minister! His eagerness to learn, yet with no sense of direction. You get to see how he comes to find himself, and I think that’s why I find this part of the book to be so special to me. I want to be an actor one day, and to see someone share so many similarities with my own gives me the hope that, I too can become an actor one day. At one point, I had a strong interest and determination to enter the field of Law Enforcement. This book encouraged me to take a theatre course, and now my entire life has changed for the better. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, and you’ve finished reading this adventure of a book, Bryan’s words will continue to ring true. He not only shares his advice on how to be an actor, but how to enjoy and live life as well. The moral of the story is, despite of the circumstances, anything can be accomplished if you put the right amount of work into it; you have to want it. You have to be strong, ready to take the hit. But remember in doing so, to have fun. We only have a finite time on earth, and to waste your time doing something that doesn’t make you happy would be a shame, to say the least. “Finishing. I would never say again “I can’t do that.” That’s what I told myself. Never Again.” I can safely say, without a moment’s hesitation, that I found this book to be absolutely magnificent; a truly enthralling read. Nothing about this book came off to me as a drag, as everyone moment was executed with such an excitement unknown to anything else. This is a book that I believe will stand against time, capturing a nearly unforgettable piece of history. I strongly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Bryan Cranston or any of his acting works throughout time. Though, I strongly recommend this book to anyone with even the slightest interest in acting, regardless of where you are; this could change your life.

An outstanding book. A life story told in parts that make the whole of a talented actor and a caring human being. Funny, touching, heartbreaking and thought provoking, this book soothes the soul. I listened to the audiobook, which was read by the author and didn’t want this book to end, I enjoyed it so much. All the interesting jobs he had that led to his calling are shared. He has a wonderful storytelling ability. I hope he writes another book and narrators more of them. I remember the pivotal episode of the X-Files he appeared in. He took the job needing the funds, not knowing what it held for his future. From his first big part on Loving, to Malcolm in the Middle, which had watched episodes of, he shares wonderful behind the scenes stories. After Malcolm ends, Vince Gilligan, who had worked with Cranston on the X-Files, has a new idea for a show called Breaking Bad. Cranston’s performance on the X-Files stayed with Gilligan and Cranston made the role of a lifetime his own. I hadn’t watched Breaking Bad, but I enjoyed the stories about the creative process. It’s on my watch list.

an extremely fine creator of men. he is above most in his profession. just ask him.

I really enjoyed Brian Cranston’s story telling and life’s journey to stardom. A multitalented actor. This book is full of surprises and interesting stories of his life. An entertaining read and very inspiring! Just a normal human being with a dream… and wow!

I enjoyed this book and love when famous people read their own book (I had the Audible version as well). Bryan is a very down to earth person and found myself feeling glad that he got the success he worked so hard for.

I purchased "A Life in Parts" with a mixture of excitement and dread because one never knows how an author - let alone an ex-spouse - will portray certain aspects of his life. I came away with a sense of relief and confirmation that - yes, Bryan is still the Bryan I knew when our meals consisted of whatever he could bring home from his job as a waiter or the 1,000 ways of preparing the bags of zucchini his mother left on our doorstep. The book reads...like Bryan.Bryan's writing is unaffected by fame and fortune and is his own voice. He tells his story clearly, with exactly the right words for the situation and the precise amount of pages devoted to each "part" of his life. If his book seems to devote little to Breaking Bad or Malcom in the Middle, it's because those are just parts of the whole that is Bryan Cranston. The book is honest, witty, sensitive, funny, unapologetic, and heartbreaking. And that, too, is Bryan Cranston.When reading, be prepared to laugh and cry, for this is a story of a man who came from sad circumstances, made the best of what he had (incredible talent), and stayed true to his dream. The book is a fast read, but you will find yourself picking it back up and rereading parts to experience them again and again. Bryan Cranston is a man who continues to live a life in parts, and it is my privilege to have been one such part.

Bryan Cranston is truly a journeyman actor who has spent his life working as hard as he can to be good. He's not chasing fame or money and to read about THAT kind of devotion and commitment is refreshing and inspiring. Great stories, some good gossip, and really entertaining.

Un libro bastante entretenido!!!

Un livre incroyable rempli du réalité, humilité et passion.

Schönes Buch, als Fan von Bryan Cranston einfach ein unglaublich toller Einblick in sein Leben, in seine Gedanken während des Filmens und natürlich auch ein Blick hinter die Kulissen der Serien!

Lovely book, for those who loved Bryan Cranston career is a very interesting lecture! This is not only an autobiography but is also a confession, like entering in his mind and discovering how all of his best characters has been shaped. Is a very well written book. Happy for my purchase!

A fantastic read.I'm not much of a reader, I usually get distracted easily while reading novels or autobiographies but A life in parts was one of the first few books where I could not stop reading. every chapter gives you so much to think about and if you're a breaking bad superfan I recommend this book.Bryan Cranston has a beautiful way with words and that's why I never got bored while reading this.A must read for all you Bryan Cranston enthusiasts :)