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Summary

In this remarkable dual memoir, film legend Martin Sheen and accomplished actor/filmmaker Emilio Estevez recount their lives as father and son. In alternating chapters—and in voices that are as eloquent as they are different—they narrate stories spanning more than 50 years of family history, and reflect on their journeys into two different kinds of faith.

At 21, still a struggling actor living hand to mouth, Martin and his wife, Janet, welcomed their firstborn, Emilio, an experience of profound joy for the young couple, who soon had three more children: Ramon, Charlie, and Rene. As Martin’s career moved from stage to screen, the family moved from New York City to Malibu, while traveling together to film locations around the world, from Mexico for Catch-22 to Colorado for Badlands to the Philippines for the legendary Apocalypse Now shoot.

As the firstborn, Emilio had a special relationship with Martin: They often mirrored each other’s passions and sometimes clashed in their differences. After Martin and Emilio traveled together to India for the movie Gandhi, each felt the beginnings of a spiritual awakening that soon led Martin back to his Catholic roots, and eventually led both men to Spain, from where Martin’s father had emigrated to the United States.

Along the famed Camino de Santiago pilgrimage path, Emilio directed Martin in their acclaimed film, The Way, bringing three generations of Estevez men together in the region of Spain where Martin’s father was born, and near where Emilio’s own son had moved to marry and live.

With vivid, behind-the-scenes anecdotes of this multitalented father’s and son’s work with other notable actors and directors, Along the Way is a striking, stirring, funny story—a family saga that listeners will recognize as universal in its rebellions and regrets, aspirations and triumphs. Strikingly candid, searchingly honest, and full of the immediacy and warmth that can only be added by the authors reading their story in their own voices, this heartfelt portrait reveals two strong-minded, admirable men of many important roles, perhaps the greatest of which are as father and son.
©2012 Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez (P)2012 Audible, Inc.
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What listeners say about Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Mr
  • Mr
  • 14-06-12

Excellent

I bought this on a whim, usually using audible for business or sports downloads. However, I found it fascinating. Sometimes I suspect it is a bit sanitised and thoughts are stated with the benefit of hindsight, but I found it thoroughly fascinating. I suprised myself that after a while I was more interested in Emilio's sections but all was totally absorbing.

If I had to be critical then I would say that I was slightly disappointed that there was not anything about Martin Sheen's time fiming The West Wing. But the book is about the relationship between father and son so maybe nothing interesting was happening at this time!

I would probaby give this book a 4.5 stars but as that is not an option I'd rather round up than down. In my opinion this audible book is well worth a listen.

15 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Ian Rowbottom

No West Wing!

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

This is a really interesting book however it’s really odd that Martin Sheen only mentions The West Wing in passing. I think it's fair to say that the two roles he is most known for are Captain Benjamin Willard in Apocalypse Now and President Josiah Bartlet in The West Wing but the book barely mentions The West Wing however about a quarter of the book is about Apocalypse Now. Shame it would have been good to hear about that part of his career as well.

3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Profile Image for J. Kelly

Brilliant!

Where does Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of the best audiobooks I have listened to and I listen a lot! Fascinating and incisive, the story is told with humour and absolute honesty!
Both father and son pull their audience into their account of their lives - so interesting to hear two sides of the same story. They are both actors - they know how to deliver their narrative with humour and intertest in their voices.
I can't recommend this highly enough

Who was your favorite character and why?

It is a double memoir - I like them both equally

3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for paul

Honest and Personal

I found this to be honest and quietly inspirational. Thank you x

1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Profile Image for Robert H

Beautiful Audio Book

Beautiful Audio Book on a turbulent but loving father and son relationship. So much depth and heartfelt emotion went in to this book. Highly recommended.

1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Profile Image for spencear

Actor's tales to tell

Where does Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a great listen and having the narration split between father and son gave the book a depth and the real feeling of the relationship between these two men.

What did you like best about this story?

The book chronicles the experience of working on the film 'The Way' directed by Emilio Estevez and staring his father Martin Sheen. As a film fan i was very interested in the behind the scenes aspects of the book. But this is so much more then that, as the family ties are tested through their working relationship.

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

This is the first audio work i have had a chance to listen by ether of these performer's. But as a big fan for their work and having really enjoyed the film 'The Way', it was a joy to hear the two men at the centre of the production talking about it. I'm not sure that i would have had the same experience reading the book for myself.

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

I went away from this experience having laughed, cried and with regained appreciation for the bond between father and son who love each other.

Any additional comments?

I recommend this book to anyone who loves the process of movie making and or just want to feel good about the relationship between fathers and sons.

1 person found this helpful

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Profile Image for Iain

A wonderful book about a father & son.

This book is a wonderful read about the personal and professional relationships between father and son Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez.

It follows their life and careers as they recall stories of the highs and lows with some very entertaining moments along the way.

The only omission is there's no talk about Martin's role as Jed Bartlet in 'The West Wing' but there is certainly enough here to make it worth your while, from Martin's early life growing up and becoming a father to onset stories about the famous filming of 'Apocalypse Now' to their most recent collaboration 'The Way'

This book comes to life having these two men reading it, it's simply a must read for anyone with an interest in them or their work.

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Lsta

A different approach

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I seem to be listening to a lot of autobiographies, but this one was slightly different. As a mother it was interesting to hear about the father/son dynamic and I will be recommending this to my husband. A bit sentimental at times, but I think that is due to the natural personality of the authors and I found them both very likeable, honest and endearing characters. I think I am going to have to watch the film now!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Steven Castle

A must to listen to

This audio book is a must to listen to,a great insight into the estevez family.

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for R
  • R
  • 29-05-12

Nece

Nice book. Pleasant enough. No mention of the Mighty Ducks but the Appcalypse Now chapters most interesting out of the lot.

2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • CyndiLooWho
  • 24-05-12

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.

44 people found this helpful

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  • Stephanie E. O'Neill
  • 14-01-16

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.

6 people found this helpful

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  • Stephanie
  • 23-05-12

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).

23 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Fiona
  • Fiona
  • 15-05-12

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.

22 people found this helpful

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  • karltonwrites
  • 28-06-12

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.

10 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Profile Image for Beverley
  • Beverley
  • 12-05-12

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.

15 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for DFW
  • DFW
  • 25-09-17

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.

4 people found this helpful

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  • Beth
  • 14-12-15

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!!! ;)

4 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for KJFDDS
  • KJFDDS
  • 01-03-13

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 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Alana
  • Alana
  • 03-07-12

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

8 people found this helpful