Charismatic subject makes for great reading

What a man! I listen to a lot of biographies and loved hearing the details of Paul Newman's life and learning what a nonconformist he was. It was so captivating that I think I listened to the whole thing in 2 days. Well written and read--the icing on the cake.

4 people found this helpful

Not Enough About the Movies Newman Was In

Would you try another book from Shawn Levy and/or Marc Cashman?

Perhaps.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

For 17 hrs worth of listening I would have expected more treatment of the movies that Newman appeared in. In some instances there is barely a paragraph or two discussing such movies as The Long Hot Summer, or Cool Hand Luke. Very disappointing for a movie buff when hardly any of the material focuses on Newman's appearance and performance in these seminal pictures.

Sure, there's plenty of time spent on his personal life, association with The Actor's Studio, his relationship with Joan, etc. But what about his movies! Perhaps I'm spoiled by biographies like the recent John Wayne by Scott Eyman which not only details Wayne's personal life but spent a great deal of time on the pictures that Wayne made, his relationship with the various directors he worked with, and the movie making process. The Wayne biography would spend upwards of 20, 30, or 40 mins on one picture alone. In the Newman bio we're lucky to get 5-10 mins discussion an important film like The Hustler.

Why no in-depth look at the pictures Newman appeared in? Surely more time could have been spent researching & interviewing actors, production staff, directors, and studio execs.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Marc Cashman?

Depends. Not my favorite voice for an audiobook.

Do you think Paul Newman needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Not sure what it would be except for a more in-depth rewrite to include details regarding the films that Newman appeared in.

3 people found this helpful

A little dry

I'm a big Paul Newman fan but I found this book to be a little on the dry side. Reciting movie plots by rote can get tiresome after a while but I did learn a little about the man. Not a bad read but a little disappointing.

5 people found this helpful

Paul Newman, a Great American

Excellent writing about a wonderful American philanthropist...a true hero, if only there were more of us like him

Very enjoyable.

I loved Paul Newman, my favorite actor, since AI was a little girl (I am 70 now). it was great to hang out with him in this way. very good presentation.

Painfully boring

There is no way PN's life could have been boring and clinical. It's a shameful accomplishment that the author made it so in this book.
Don't waste your time, money, or Audible point.
Can I get a refund?

What's not to love about Paul Newman

Would you listen to Paul Newman again? Why?

Maybe. His life was very interesting and the relationships he had with people, also made it fun to listen to, but it could have been edited down a bit.

What other book might you compare Paul Newman to and why?

Can't think of one

What does Marc Cashman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Good narrator

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

Nothing extreme, but it did make me laugh and tear up at times.

Any additional comments?

Good Bio on Paul. A bit surprise there wasn't more about his relationship with
Robert Redford. Thought they were really close and were more involved in each other lives. I think there should have been more about their relationship.

Loved Paul & the book

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

Yes anyone who enjoyed the man & his work will love the stories.

What did you like best about this story?

The stories about a very talented good man.

What does Marc Cashman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He read it and it seemed like he knew Mr. Newman

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

This was my first audio book what a way to begin!

Well done.

A wonderful journey and true insight into the life of a very private-very public person. When done read Hotchners book "Paul and Me"...a very nice follow up.

Paul Newman: the man

Superb! Revealing! Heartwarming! Words can't describe how much I enjoyed reading about the man behind the celebrity. what an extraordinary man. Not perfect but,close enough. I admire his love for his wife and family,although sometimes strained;like all families. "It was a privilege to read "