Will

By: Will Smith, Mark Manson

Narrated by: Will Smith

The instant #1 New York Times bestseller!

“It's the best memoir I've ever read.” —Oprah Winfrey

“Will Smith isn't holding back in his bravely inspiring new memoir . . . An ultimately heartwarming read, Will provides a humane glimpse of the man behind the actor, producer and musician, as he bares all his insecurities and trauma.” —USA Today

Winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Achievement

One of the most dynamic and globally recognized entertainment forces of our time opens up fully about his life, in a brave and inspiring book that traces his learning curve to a place where outer success, inner happiness, and human connection are aligned. Along the way, Will tells the story in full of one of the most amazing rides through the worlds of music and film that anyone has ever had.

Will Smith’s transformation from a West Philadelphia kid to one of the biggest rap stars of his era, and then one of the biggest movie stars in Hollywood history, is an epic tale—but it’s only half the story.

Will Smith thought, with good reason, that he had won at life: not only was his own success unparalleled, his whole family was at the pinnacle of the entertainment world. Only they didn't see it that way: they felt more like star performers in his circus, a seven-days-a-week job they hadn't signed up for. It turned out Will Smith's education wasn't nearly over.

This memoir is the product of a profound journey of self-knowledge, a reckoning with all that your will can get you and all that it can leave behind. Written with the help of Mark Manson, author of the multi-million-copy bestseller The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Will is the story of how one person mastered his own emotions, written in a way that can help everyone else do the same. Few of us will know the pressure of performing on the world's biggest stages for the highest of stakes, but we can all understand that the fuel that works for one stage of our journey might have to be changed if we want to make it all the way home. The combination of genuine wisdom of universal value and a life story that is preposterously entertaining, even astonishing, puts Will the book, like its author, in a category by itself.

*This audiobook includes a downloadable PDF of music credits.

Critic reviews

“Many people can live a really fantastic life. Many people can write a great book. There are few people I think who can translate a fantastic life into a fantastic book. . . . It’s raw. . . . one of the most anticipated yet unexpected memoirs that has ever come out.” —Trevor Noah, The Daily Show

“The guy you think you know is just a fantasy. . . . With a new book . . . [Will Smith] is finally ready to introduce himself. . . . It is a 400-page page turner.” —T.J. Holmes, Good Morning America

“It shows every high, every low, and the sheer will it took you to become who you are. . . . I love the book. It’s fantastic.” —Jimmy Fallon, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

“This book doesn’t waste any time. . . . Like a lot of families, mine included, we talk about nothing. You took the carpet, you shook it, you beat it with a broom, you let it all out. . . . The book is so good.” —Hoda Kotb, TODAY with Hoda and Jenna

“Will is not just a gift for the reader but an absolutely entertaining treat as well. . . . It’s filled with laugh out loud, nostalgic references alongside poignant, powerful, relatable life and career lessons. . . . While we often think of leaders as successful, powerful . . . and oftentimes rich, Smith reminds us that the best leaders are really vulnerable, relatable and teachable.” —Forbes

“Will Smith isn't holding back in his bravely inspiring new memoir . . . An ultimately heartwarming read, Will provides a humane glimpse of the man behind the actor, producer and musician, as he bares all his insecurities and trauma.” —USA Today

“The real Smith, the one that yells, cries, experiences heartbreak, is much more interesting. Early on, his act gives way to images of unhealthy relationship patterns marked by people pleasing and insecurity. Elsewhere, Will rewards music fans with memories of hip-hop’s early days, when getting a song played on the radio was a crowning achievement and selling rap albums was almost inconceivable.” —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

5+ Stars

Will Smith is one of my favorite actors. This book is too good to stop listening to. Heavily recommended listen.

Honest…

…account from a person that had every incentive to tell a much more manicured story. The lessons are so human, and hearing it in Will’s voice make it seem even more so. If you’re a student of human nature, psychology, sociology, and/or self discovery, consider giving this title a listen. Will Smith is simultaneously like no one ever and just like all of us.

The Will Smith you expect…AND THEN SOME!

Im so happy I chose the Audio Version of this book. The production with the music included really elevated the experience. My favorite part was seeing Will’s journey towards self awareness after seeing him cling so fondly to the ego that drove the building of his empire.
Its the paradigm of “both things can be true” that really drew me in. I can be the relentless hardest working person on the planet but I can also be the gentle giant that is aware of my feelings and how that plays into my overall life experience.
Bravo Will!

Awespiring !

One fact I love most is that Will himself is reading which gives you more feeling of listening to him as if he’s speaking to you about his own story. The many words and stories shared in this book had me deep in thought of a lot of my own life and also a curious look into his. Love it !

Pure audio art

This was one of the best audiobooks I've ever heard in my entire life. The pure attention to detail was without measure. I laughed I cried I enjoyed this autobiography so much. Thank you for all the lessons that was shared here!