Baggage

Tales from a Fully Packed Life

By: Alan Cumming

Narrated by: Alan Cumming

*Read by Alan Cumming himself*

""An intimate look at the making of a man, an actor, an advocate—and most importantly—a happy human being. A wonderful book that is funny, honest, fearless, and generous in its vulnerability."" —Douglas Stuart, Booker Prize-winning author of Shuggie Bain

There is absolutely no logical reason why I am here. The life trajectory my nationality and class and circumstances portended for me was not even remotely close to the one I now navigate. But logic is a science and living is an art.

The release I felt in writing my first memoir, Not My Father’s Son, was matched only by how my speaking out empowered so many to engage with their own trauma. I was reminded of the power of my words and the absolute duty of authenticity.

But…

No one ever fully recovers from their past. There is no cure for it. You just learn to manage and prioritize it. I believe the second you feel you have triumphed or overcome something – an abuse, an injury to the body or the mind, an addiction, a character flaw, a habit, a person – you have merely decided to stop being vigilant and embraced denial as your modus operandi. And that is what this book is about, and for: to remind you not to buy in to the Hollywood ending.

Ironically maybe, much of Baggage chronicles my life in Hollywood and how, since I recovered from a nervous breakdown at 28, work has repeatedly whisked me away from personal calamities to sets and stages around the world. It is also about marriage(s): starting with the break-up of my first (to a woman) and ending with the ascension to my second (to a man) with many kissed toads in between! But in everything, each failed relationship or encounter with a legend (Liza! X Men! Gore Vidal! Kubrick! Spice Girls!), in every bad decision or moment of sensual joy I have endeavored to show what I have learned and how I’ve become who I am today: a happy, flawed, vulnerable, fearless middle-aged man, with a lot of baggage.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Interesting Man

I have always wondered how Alan came to honed his skills. He is both a humbled and a hard working man who is able to balance his personal life with being a celebrity.
Too much reference to Cabaret play/musical.

Wonderful!

This was an excellent book-engaging, entertaining and touching! I loved hearing all of Alan Cumming's stories about his life, loves and career. I read (listened to) his previous memoir, "Not My Father's Son" which was both heartbreaking and uplifting, but definitely a heavy book. Listening to this book is like being privy to the triumph over the hardships and being able to share in the celebration of a life hard fought for and won. Mr. Cumming is so smart, well spoken and droll-I could listen to him forever! The only up side to finishing this great book and having to leave Mr. Cumming's company is that I have his book, "You Gotta Get Bigger Dreams" all cued up and ready to go! :)

Thank you so much for sharing your story

I am so inspired after listening. I have been a fan of Alan Cumming for so long, but never really knew his story - and now I need to go get his first memoir! Sharing your journey helps me in my journey to self discovery and development. And that amazing accent. Whoa.

Thoroughly enjoyable listen.

Teary eyed and smiling

… that’s how I felt at the end of this marvelous book. I’ve listened to all Alan Cumming’s works and never cease to be truly moved. The wonderful stories and insights make it one more on that trajectory. It makes me wish I could’ve seen him on Broadway in Cabaret. Instead, I’ll rewatch “The Anniversary Party” and some of my other favorites of his I look forward to his next creative endeavors, whatever they may be. I’m so happy for him that he has found the love of his life. His husband seems like such a good man, as does he. Thank you Alan.

Loved it!

I’ve always loved him as an actor.. after listening to his story in his own glorious voice, I now also
love him as a person!