Will
By Mark Manson (2020)
What the internet says
Aggregated insights from reviews and discussions across the web.
Overall reception: Mostly positive
Will Smith's memoir 'Will,' co-written with Mark Manson, has been overwhelmingly well-received since its November 2021 release, becoming an instant #1 New York Times bestseller. Readers consistently praise the book's raw honesty and vulnerability, with many noting how Smith openly discusses childhood trauma, family struggles, insecurities, and the pressures of fame. The audiobook narrated by Smith himself is particularly celebrated, with listeners describing it as feeling like an intimate conversation with the star. Oprah Winfrey called it 'the best memoir I've ever read,' and this sentiment is echoed across review platforms where readers appreciate both the entertaining Hollywood stories and the deeper life lessons woven throughout.
The collaboration with Mark Manson appears to have been effective, as reviewers note the book successfully balances entertaining anecdotes with philosophical insights about willpower, purpose, and personal growth. Common themes in positive reviews include appreciation for Smith's discussion of his relationship with his father, his marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith, parenting philosophy, and his journey from fearful child to global superstar. Critics note that the memoir doesn't shy away from difficult topics including abuse, relationship struggles, and Smith's own acknowledgment that his family felt like 'star performers in his circus.' The book has earned a 5-star rating from Good Book Fairy Reviews and widespread acclaim across multiple platforms for its combination of wisdom and entertainment value.
What readers loved
- Exceptionally honest and vulnerable storytelling that reveals insecurities, trauma, and personal struggles behind the celebrity facade
- Will Smith's audiobook narration creates an intimate, conversational experience that makes listeners feel like they're having a personal conversation
- Practical life lessons and philosophical insights about willpower, purpose, and personal growth that readers find universally applicable
- Entertaining Hollywood stories and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from music and film career that are 'preposterously entertaining'
- Thoughtful exploration of family dynamics, parenting philosophy, and marriage that provides relatable insights despite Smith's fame
- The 'brick by brick' metaphor and other concrete frameworks for approaching overwhelming challenges that readers find actionable
- Mark Manson's collaboration helps distill complex life experiences into accessible wisdom without losing Smith's authentic voice
Common critiques
- Some readers note the book was released before the 2022 Oscars incident, which may have changed public perception of Smith's self-awareness claims
- The intense focus on productivity and work ethic (working 15 extra hours per week, not caring about feelings) may feel unhealthy or unsustainable to some readers
Reviews
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