Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son

Hartwarming and Captivating but Fix the Audio!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'm still listening to this book, but I already know I will recommend it to others. It would be a great gift for someone on Father's Day. The relationship between Martin and Emilio isn't perfect, but touching and inspiring in it's honesty and sincerity. The stories they tell are interesting, and have kept me entertained along my long commute. I am happy to get back into the car each time to hear what is coming next.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son?

The retelling of the filming of Martin's character Tom jumping into the river was fabulous. Of course I was also waiting anxiously to hear about the filming of Apocalypse Now and that didn't disappoint.

Any additional comments?

I agree with the other comments about the editing. There are numerous places where a few words or a whole sentence is repeated. "Heart attacks are something that happen to grandparents... Heart attacks are something that happen to grandparents..." At first I thought it might be purposeful to emphasize a point, but then the second and third time it was obviously a mistake. I would have wondered if it were my device, but others are reporting it also. FIX IT!

I should also say that without a fix, although it's distracting, it's not so bad that I would avoid the book all together. It should be fixed, however, as it just doesn't seem appropriate to have something out there that needs editing. It's a shame to have such a great performance scared in that way.

31 of 32 people found this review helpful

Great collaboration by Martin & Emilio!

Would you consider the audio edition of Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but since Martin and Emilio narrated it themselves, it made it much more meaningful (and that was the primary reason I bought the audiobook)

Who was your favorite character and why?

Loved hearing about the early days of both Martin and Emilio - I had no idea about their younger years

What about Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez ’s performance did you like?

Great to hear it in their own voices. Please note that there is no "gossip" in this book (no wild stories about Charlie Sheen, etc).

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not an extreme reaction, but a better understanding of these two and their outlook and relationship - very interesting and thoughtful

Any additional comments?

Agree with other reviewers that the audio quality was only adequate/kind of poor (several spots where lines were repeated, wish there would have been a pause at the end of the book, etc).

20 of 23 people found this review helpful

Audio editing very disappointing

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. I enjoyed the story and the strong feeling of family. Often we feel that celebrities are brats but I felt that these two men were honest, hard working guys who were very dedicated to strong family values.

Any additional comments?

The story was told well enough by both parties but the editing of the audio production was very poor. There were countless times when lines were repeated throughout the story telling which really interrupted the flow and enjoyment of the book. Don't you have "Proof Listeners"? The story telling encouraged me to go out and buy the video of The Way ... and I'm probably seriously considering undertaking The Pilgrimage next year.

17 of 20 people found this review helpful

A Joyous Treat

What a captivating listen! And a joy to listen in on a father and son journey that is told in such a courageously honest and captivating way. A treat to hear the same event told from each other's perspective. And inspiring to hear from two men in the public eye who struggle to conduct themselves with honour and integrity in our times, when it is often easier and more lucrative to do otherwise. Many thanks for a great piece of work that I enjoyed immensely.

12 of 14 people found this review helpful

Father & Son journey beautifully written/narrated!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I think anytime you have the opportunity to listen to an autobiography from the author(s) themselves it adds to the intimacy of the story.

What did you like best about this story?

I was touched by their raw honesty and the candid portrayal of the complexity of their relationship. I was most struck by Mr. Sheen's personal journey and growth and WHAT A SPECTACULAR WIFE he is married to...she is clearly the glue of their family!!!

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

I generally listen to audio books while walking the dog and enjoying the peacefulness of the outdoors.

Any additional comments?

I have to admit that I had not heard of the movie The Way prior to listening to this audio book but I made a point of watching while I was still in the middle of the book. It was an enjoyable movie and made more meaningful with the "behind the scene" commentary by both Martin and Emilio. I will also make a point of watching Apocalypse Now.

Lastly, hearing of the vineyards in Emilio's back yard, I want to get my hands on a bottle of his Pinot Noir!!! ;)

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Good memoir of a Father and Son

One of my secret pleasures is the celebrity biography, and here we get two for the price of one. I've been a Martin Sheen fan from "The Final Countdown" when I was eleven to the President Bartlett on "The West Wing". Since I was a teenager in the eighties, I'm very familiar with the work of Emilio Estevez. I was impressed at how self-aware these guys are, and their love for each other is obviously strong. I've seen a lot of criticism about the spiritual aspects (or not) of the book, but that's really not a big part of it. It's mostly a (surprisingly earnest) memoir by two actors about their careers and growing as father and son.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

This Could Be a Movie

What made the experience of listening to Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son the most enjoyable?

Hearing the voices of the authors. They both have remarkable, soothing voices.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son?

The making of The Way. This was peppered throughout the book but I love hearing about Martin Sheen walking with a 70 pound backpack and about the gypsy scene and many other scene along the walk. And the descriptions about his father. Loved the way he mimics his father's accent.

Which character – as performed by Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez – was your favorite?

Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez.

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

Yes. At the same time I wanted to savor this book. It was almost like Father Knows Best with many flaws.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

An Honest Peek into This Famous Family's Life

I always liked the Estevez family, Emilio in particular, and learned a lot about them in this book. This is an honest, often raw, account of their family life over the years, and it makes me appreciate them so much more. They are just a normal family with a lot of the same ups and downs as everyone else. I was left feeling like we were almost friends, who had a deep conversation over dinner and some Pinot. It is definitely worth the listen.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

So much more than a memoir of fame!

What made the experience of listening to Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son the most enjoyable?

I love the movie "The Way" that Emilio and Martin made together...this book is a wonderful inside view of that journey...but so much more! It is a sharing of a truly unique and loving family that has not only survived Hollywood...but gained great wisdom that has enabled them to thrive in so many ways. Very inspiring!

What other book might you compare Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son to and why?

The Camino by Shirley MacLaine. She also courageously bares her soul and shares her transformative life experiences and wisdom.

Have you listened to any of Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I will in the future.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The commitment that Martin Sheen and his life-long marriage partner Janet Templeton have sustained in the raising of their four children and in the inclusion of their children's ex-spouses to create a strong sense of family for all their grandchildren. The sign on the entrance to their home reads something like..."All are welcome...leave your conflicts at the door." Bravo!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

What an entertaining story about a father and son!

Would you listen to Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son again? Why?

Yes I would but I usually only read books once but maybe in time I would again

What other book might you compare Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son to and why?

Rob Lowe's "Stories I only tell my friends" although his is not with his family it is about the same era and times.

Which character – as performed by Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez – was your favorite?

I love the way they sound so much alike at times it is like the same person reading the book all the way through....I do think Martin Sheen should do more books I enjoy the way he reads

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were quite a few and from both of them

Any additional comments?

If you love memoirs this is definitely one you should read

7 of 9 people found this review helpful