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.

It was interesting to read about the variety of roles he played as well as learning about the process of creating those roles.

I'd call myself a casual Bryan Cranston Fan. Only knowing his work through Seinfeld ( Dr. Whatley), and as LBJ in All The Way, Sneaky Pete on Amazon, Plus most recently as Your Honor On Showtime. ( Truly Must See and Binge Worthy) I did not watch Breaking Bad or Malcom In the Middle, yet after reading this Memoir/Journal , Life Skills book, They are in my que to watch. From the go, I must tell you he is on my bucket list to meet, yes the book was that raw, true and insightful. Mr. Cranston took , zero shortcuts, was not born with a silver spoon, was handed nothing, the man you've watched and seen for decades, Earned everything. Not wanting to spoil anything, but read how he, hired, practiced , learned some tricks of the trade to land that one commercial. His brilliance in whistling...and the dividends that paid . He also is not a glory seeker nor does he break his arm, patting himself on the back , he credits , writers , agents, electricians, grips and staff for any and all ideas they shared to help/assist him nail a scene. There also is zero sugar coating, he calls out people that were less than kind. Even his 12-15 hour days on soap operas , he shares such details, things you may not catch as a casual viewer to make our watching experience perfect ( LIGHTSWITCH ) will take on a whole new meaning. So How did I decide to buy it. One I did not know it existed until I saw it on the Desk of one of the producers of the Rich Eisen Show. ( Picture Above) Then once seeing it I glanced at Amazon to read the reviews, when your Ex-Wife writes you a 5 star review, its got to be worth a read, This was one of those, I cannot put it down books , read it in 6 days, and Mr. Cranston expanded my mind with at least one to two new words , per chapter to increase my knowledge and vocabulary And when your done reading this gem, watch him in Your Honor and Sneaky Pete

'A Life in Parts' is a fascinating, engrossing and entertaining read from Bryan Cranston about his life up until his stage show about LBJ. It covers his early life, an epic road trip with his brother, both his marriages, his acting career and more besides and has some wonderful insights into how he approaches life and his acting roles. A large proportion of the latter part of this book covers Breaking Bad, which is to be expected considering it is the role he is best known for, although I knew him best for his role as Hal (in Malcolm in the Middle) which he does cover, but which left me wanting a little more detail on. Bryan really describes well how life events have shaped his acting and world view and it was so fascinating to read of an event early in his life and then see how he used it at a later point to act a particular emotion. This book is invaluable for students of acting, but is also great if you are a fan of his work, or acting in general. It is written with humility, honesty and humour and you are left with an even greater appreciation for Bryan's acting work, as well as for him as a person. I don't know if this was ghost written or not, but it was extremely easy to read and kept me up late reading it over a few days. Highly recommended and worth every 5 star review it gets.

Che dire , l'autobiografia di uno dei migliori attori esistenti. Non avevo dubbi sulla qualità del libro il quale all'interno comincia con una parte significativa di Breaking bad. Successivamente si parla della sua famiglia e di varie persone importanti della sua vita , passando per la sua vita scolastica , l'inizio della sua carriera per arrivare al personaggio di Hal (Malcom in the middle) e la sua interpretazione migliore ovvero Walter white. (Vi sono alcune chicche come foto , statistiche , e parte della scenografia di un episodio particolare). Un libro godibile che aiuterà a conoscere ancora di più Bryan.

A great read. I picked it up because I was a big fan of Breaking... well who isn't. The book is a window into the life and arc of an actor who is evidently passionate about his work. How do some actors do such a masterful job of portraying characters so vividly? How do they seem to come out of nowhere? (Short answer: They don't. The output you see is often the result of decades of working on roles of all kinds and improving their craft) How are their tears so real, their laughter so heartfelt? How could it be all an act. Is it really an act? You'll find one master's candid and often funny answers to these questions.

Really enjoyed reading this book. His life is interesting and the writing keeps you wanting to hear more. Highly recommend it.

Un livre incroyable rempli du réalité, humilité et passion.