Nevertheless

A Memoir

By: Alec Baldwin

Narrated by: Alec Baldwin

Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

One of the most accomplished and outspoken actors today chronicles the highs and lows of his life in this beautifully written, candid memoir.

Over the past three decades, Alec Baldwin has established himself as one of Hollywood's most gifted, hilarious, and controversial leading men. From his work in popular movies, including Beetlejuice, Working Girl, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Cooler, and Martin Scorsese's The Departed, to his role as Jack Donaghy on Tina Fey's irreverent series 30 Rock - for which he won two Emmys, three Golden Globes, and seven Screen Actors Guild Awards - and as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, he's both a household name and a deeply respected actor.

In Nevertheless, Baldwin transcends his public persona, making public facets of his life he has long kept private. In this honest, affecting memoir, he introduces us to the Long Island child who felt burdened by his family's financial strains and his parents' unhappy marriage; the Washington, DC, college student gearing up for a career in politics; the self-named "Love Taxi" who helped friends solve their romantic problems while neglecting his own; the young soap actor learning from giants of the theatre; the addict drawn to drugs and alcohol who struggles with sobriety; the husband and father who acknowledges his failings and battles to overcome them; and the consummate professional for whom the work is everything. Throughout Nevertheless, one constant emerges: the fearlessness that defines and drives Baldwin's life.

Told with his signature candor, astute observational savvy, and devastating wit, Nevertheless reveals an Alec Baldwin we have never fully seen before.

©2017 Alec Baldwin (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Who knew Alec could write?

I saw Alec Baldwin on a morning talk show discussing his book. I'm not a huge fan, but I thought I would give it a try. I'm glad I did! Wow, I had no idea that Alec Baldwin had such a talent for writing. This is a beautifully written memoir. I was hooked from the first sentence and binge-listened through the weekend.

Baldwin's narration gives his story an intimate feel, like you're his new best friend who he's sharing his life story and secrets with. I also have some new respect for this actor, who I had categorized as an arrogant hot head based on tabloid reports. There's some real substance behind the sandy voice and wicked grin.

Beautifully and brutally honest

This book was beautifully written and brutally honest. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it.

Nevertheless is something different!

Would you listen to Nevertheless again? Why?

I would definitely listen to this audiobook again because I really enjoyed it. I like Alec Baldwin's acting performances, so I am interested. I think he has a great voice, and he's funny. I like his humor. This is not your typical biography because Alec Baldwin is not your typical man. I love his sharing of his ups and downs, his journey. He seems to be at a point in his life when he sees the big picture and can be honest with us. Listening to this book felt like having an honest soul-searching conversation with an old friend. He has done something unique here. I'm so glad that he read it for the audiobook! Well done Alec!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Nevertheless?

There are many memorable moments of Nevertheless, so it is difficult to pick just one. I appreciated his honesty regarding his start in life: his parents, siblings, his motivations. Of course, we all want to hear about other stars or particular directors, yet throughout his story, he always brings his attention back to what he was looking for in acting, projects, and people--to learn to be better, to always improve. My favorite sections were his imitations which are sprinkled throughout, some of the best ones are in the next to last chapter near the end. He's a great mimic as we have all seen. I enjoyed his accents, his curse words, particularly the British ones. I laughed out loud and shed a tear or two. It was quite moving in an unexpected way. I love, love, love the movie The Edge that he did with Anthony Hopkins; so I was hooked on that part. He is not afraid to call out producers when they're wrong.

What about Alec Baldwin’s performance did you like?

I like that it was an intimate performance of a sort--he shares everything with his listeners. Previously, I had enjoyed listening to a few shows he has hosted on the radio--especially the classical music one in New York, so I believe his voice has some qualities that resonate with an audience, a terrific voice! He mimics so well, has great timing, makes people laugh. His voice sounds like chocolatey-velvety-whiskey-smooth and a little gruff, just enough. He uses down to earth language, some great quotations from wonderful writers, and he uncannily anticipates questions his audience might have and answers them. What more could you want?

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did want to take this audiobook in pieces; however, I listened to most of it, slept a little (fell asleep while listening to it), then finished it up in the morning with my coffee. I was sad when it ended; it was as if he'd been a guest in my house who I knew I would miss when he went. Thankfully, I can listen to it again and again. He drew me into his story; I felt compelled to stay and listen. Having it on the Kindle and being able to revisit it is wonderful because it is a very rich story with so many points it can be a challenge to take it all in in one sitting. It is something to savor and reflect on.

Any additional comments?

This couldn't have been easy to write or read out loud for him. There are tough parts. Who wants to rake up personal struggles again for strangers? What I admire is that he takes those on and discusses those for his readers/listeners. He is no coward avoiding the pain of revisiting some stupid moments. Haven't we all been there? In addition, he gives some great advice. I commend him for having the huevos--I have read other actors' books who just avoid writing or speaking about any problems they had, leaving me disappointed. He won't do that: he is a brave, happy, realistic man bearing his beautiful soul. I am thrilled that he got that second chance at happiness in his life that so many do not. What's wonderful about this actor, is that he appreciates it. For that I respect him greatly! Get it, read it, listen to it--you'll be glad you did.

Great reader! Story's not bad either

Alec Baldwin. Pronounces. Every. Word. And I love him for it. His story is very relatable, and he's practically public property at this point, so it's interesting to see where he came from. I will happily buy his other books.

Loved it

I enjoyed my time listening to this fascinating memoir. He is always fearless in his opinions. It is fun to hear his take on the politics in his industry.

And I Loved Him!

But this book made me never want to hear his voice ever again. His story is very unremarkable. Well his family is a great story, growing up, his brothers. His relationship with his dad was sweet. But he is so self important I couldn’t even finish. I got the feeling all along he felt he was doing us a favor. I was disappointed he seemed like such a hustler in his early days. Hanging out with powerful, gay casting agents who fell in love with him. Still considering them his best friends. It all made me feel he used a lot of people along the way. He really seems to think he’s a far better actor than he is. Just so self congratulatory and snobbish! Over compensating for things that are obvious once you read book. I would rather read about his brothers. Even Stephen!!!!

Wrote for Money

Would you try another book from Alec Baldwin and/or Alec Baldwin?

Probably not

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Part's of the book had some interesting parts, but in the opening lines of the book Alec said he did this for money. Kind of turned off from that point on.

so good! Great from start to finish

I've been reading a lot of memoirs autobiographies and Alec Baldwin's and Brian Cranston's book have been the best ones so far and it is gives you a personal look in to their lives. It humanizes them in a way youre not used to as you see them superficially so often. It's Truly an honor to hear their stories.

Alec is great!!!

Mr. Baldwin as such it enjoyable voice for listening. His tone is good. Cause it makes it much more enjoyable to have the reader and the author as one. Mr. Baldwin speaks honestly. I enjoyed his description of Harrison Ford.

Glued to the "pages" of this audiobook

Let me say up front that I am a fan. I have enjoyed Alec as both a serious, dramatic artist as well as in his comedic offerings. So maybe, by some standards, he has only to open his mouth to speak and I'm in!

Nevertheless, I love this memoir! I love his reading of it and his raw honesty within. He tells the stories that I think people want to hear with candid directness and self-reflection. He does not shy away, rather he goes boldly forward seeming to discover himself more deeply as he does. For this I respect him.

As a result of his genuine, public vulnerability, I like him more. I felt a kinship with him and his story. I am more of a fan. I am cheering more for his success. Go Alec! Glad you found the happiness you desired.