Making It So

A Memoir

By: Patrick Stewart

Narrated by: Patrick Stewart

Length: 18 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

THE NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER

The long-awaited memoir from iconic, beloved actor and living legend Sir Patrick Stewart!

From his acclaimed stage triumphs to his legendary onscreen work in the Star Trek and X-Men franchises, Sir Patrick Stewart has captivated audiences around the world and across multiple generations with his indelible command of stage and screen. Now, he presents his long-awaited memoir, Making It So, a revealing portrait of an artist whose astonishing life—from his humble beginnings in Yorkshire, England, to the heights of Hollywood and worldwide acclaim—proves a story as exuberant, definitive, and enduring as the author himself.

©2023 Patrick Stewart (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

“I read this book in a state of wonder, not just for the author’s gifts as a nuanced storyteller and sharp observer, but for those other remarkable gifts, of intelligence, sensitivity, wit, intuition, self-awareness, and élan that were bestowed on him when he came into the world—all of which he has freely shared with us so long and so beautifully; and finished reading in a state of deep gratitude for the gifts, and the gift, of Patrick Stewart.” —Michael Chabon

“Patrick’s early life is a Dickensian tale of domestic violence and misfortune, transformed by chance and some good folk into the actor internationally admired and loved. He writes as well as he acts, with insight, truth, and passion. Another Stewart Triumph!” —Sir Ian McKellen

“There is so much to say about Sir Patrick. He is an amazing actor, great to look at, really funny, and up for anything. He is a kind man…compassionate and sensitive….but, as you will find when you read the book, his greatest asset as a human being is the fact that he is so completely and unapologetically himself.” —Whoopi Goldberg

Sir Patrick Stewart's story telling

He totally opened up about his life and experiences in such an honest and humble manner.

I’m a bigger fan than ever.

This is the memoir of a man who found his calling early on. Its a beautiful display of family, environment, community , schooling, and the experiences, all forming the actor he was meant to be. Wonderful tales of vividly described memories. The man’s memory is astounding. He painted his life in this book as expertly as he crafts the characters he has portrayed over 70 years. Loved it all!

Love it!

Great insight into this wonderful actor’s life. Told with candor and much humor. And read by a wonderful Shakespearean actor! Who could ask for more?

What a great read!!

I didn’t know a book was in the works. And when I saw it, I immediately picked it up. Just one problem, I couldn’t put it back down. From his youth and on, Patrick Stuart has lead a very interesting life. From his roles in theatre to his Encounter at Far point and beyond. If you are a fan of Star Trek, you’re going to love the stories on now “Sir Patrick’s” origins a, and life long passion of theatre.

An incredible journey

Loved listening to him read Shakespeare during the pandemic. Love Star Trek, so this was a great combination of hearing him tell his story & learning about the threatre scene in the UK and little cool stories about the roles he played throughout his life.

Fabulous!

An amazing rags to riches story! Never did I imagine the battles the real Picard went through to achieve his goals. It makes me appreciate his contribution to TV and film all the more! And of course only Sir Patrick Himself could properly tell his tale. My favorite part, without spoilers, "You Can Drive My Car".

Fresh Eyes

Listening to Patrick Stewart tell his life's story was a thrill for this TNG fan! Each time I watch TNG now, I see it with fresh eyes. Thank you for sharing, Sir Patrick!

Engage!

What an amazing life of this iconic soul among us. His descriptions of life in his youth had me remembering my own upbringing. Lower middle-class, simple, work ethic-based existence. Struggling to find a place knowing that place is not where you are at.

It always saddens me, however, at the high price that the incredibly successful people pay in their personal lives. Estranged ex-wives, children, and other family members.

I enjoyed the performance immensely!

Engaging, Thoughtful, Earnest, Flawed Man.

How could I give fewer than five stars to a Starfleet Admiral and sonnet-reading social media icon?

Sir Patrick Stewart’s heartfelt appraisal of his “peripatetic life of an actor” left me with so many questions about his career on stages and screens. I know he couldn’t possibly cover it all, but I’d love to have heard more about the different companies of actors with whom he worked. He clearly enjoyed working in an ensemble cast.

I’m glad the author read his own book. With his narration I got a better understanding of the different British dialects he describes (RP, Broad Yorkshire, etc.).

Stewart shares more details about his personal life than I had expected, but the self-disclosure did not detract from the narrative about his professional life. Rather, the two threads (private and public life) were thoughtfully interwoven.

The author has my gratitude for his efforts to keep Shakespeare alive in my generation, while also being willing to sit in a tub as a lobster and spread mirth around the world.

“Spoilers”:
Picard (third and final season)

A must-listen

I was already anticipating listening to this book, being a huge fan of Patrick Stewart. It has exceeded my expectations, being one of the most delightful experiences I’ve ever had in an audio book and maybe in entertainment. You feel like you’re by a fireside listening to Sir Patrick weave his story, and I have found myself smiling throughout the entire piece, when I wasn’t tearing up. I don’t know how he does it, but you feel like you’re part of a conversation. It’s well-written and above all beautifully read. Do yourself a favor and get lost in this one!