Paul Newman: A Life

1. I found the author to use an exceptional vocabulary. That started out to be a good thing but over time got in the way of the topic.2. The author skipped around from not only one time period to the next in the space of minutes, but he would skip around as many as 50 years in the space of minutes. This made it difficult to understand and to relate to Newman's development and growth which seemed to be the authors main theme.3. The author could have made a reference to another book that told the story of how the "Hole in the Wall" idea was conceived and developed. This organization was the most important thing Newman ever did.4. Newman himself, was a staunch Democrat and the Democrats stand for having the government provide for all needs of all people. So what does Newman do? He starts a business with profits going to his charities. This is a Republican profile. This corporation hired people, paid health insurance, vacations etc. I do not know whether it pays corporate income taxes as I do not know if is classified as a none profit organization. The corporation also plows back profits into the company to develop and sell more product thus making more money. If the company is a for profit company therefore paying corporate taxes and corporate taxes are raised, the ability to distribute income to the needy will fall as net after taxes fall. One thing is for sure and that is there is no government involved in managing the corporation therefor no government waste. Newman went to corporations to discuss his program to them. The difference between the 2 types of corporations is that one has investors who risked their own funds into the corporation and deserve a return on their investment. Newman decided he had enough money of his own that he did not need a return on investment. That was very generous of him. His family have benefitted as several of them are employed and manage the business. The point being is that if all of the Democratic multi millionaires would invest their money into creating businesses that would make money to support their special interest group, there would be no need for the government getting involved in all of these costly government misrun enterprises. In fact, if all of us Americans would just donate to our favorite charity instead of wasting money giving it to politicians to run for public office, we would not need all of this caustic debate, wasted tax dollars and congress could complete their business in about 4 weeks a year and then they could go home and earn a living doing whatever their talents are good for. Making a profit or solving problems are not part of that equation.5. Newman simply did not learn from his business success and translate that back into his political beliefs. He had a huge chance to champion free enterprise and he did just the opposite. It was just like the many bomb movies he made and the mistakes he made not making the movies he passed up on.TG

A vivid account of one of the more memorable lives led in late 20th century America. Paul Newman proved that he was a man of substance and great generosity who truly extended himself to improve the lives of others.The author goes into great detail about Newman’s origins and early life. As a life long Cleveland area resident I can attest to the accuracy of his descriptions of Shaker Heights and the area in general.In the author’s hands it is fascinating to watch Newman transtion through his war service in the Navy to Kenyon College and thence to a renowned career as an actor. I didn’t realize the extent of his work on stage, and on television.I found the discussion of his auto racing revealing. He was acknowledged and acclaimed as a consummate professional whose skills were genuine. He thrived in a demanding environment based on demonstrated ability. I think this compensated him for his acting career where a certain amount of illusion is always present.I met him briefly once. I found him to be gracious and cordial and surprisingly smaller than I expected physically. No matter. The book makes clear that in every important respect he was a giant.Mr. Newman is quoted as saying that one of the anguishes of his life is that his father died thinking of him as a ne'er do well.If Arthur Newman Sr. had had the opportunity to read this book he certainly wouldn’t think so.Highly recommended.

Loved the book and would buy books rather then kindle anytime

I never knew that Paul Newman had been married once before his storied romance and marriage to Joanne Woodward - until now. I never knew that Paul Newman had a son that died tragically young - until now. I never knew that the storybook marriage that seemed rock-solid once had a major crack in it in the form of a fairly serious affair - until now. I knew that Paul Newman liked his beer, but not to the full extent as he apparently did - until now. I new Paul Newman was generous towards worthy causes - but just how incredibly generous I never knew...until now. I learned alot in the reading of this book. Shawn Levy's new biography of the incredible Mr. Newman is an informative read. It is swiftly paced (except for a little too much detail regarding the actor's passion for racing - but...given that he spent so much of his life pursuing racing, perhaps the details are appropriate.) If anything, the book moves along at too quick a speed. Don't expect any detailed analysis on the making of the movies, for example. Marlon Brando is mentioned as meeting Mr. Newman a number of times, yet there is no information as to what they thought of one another, how they got along. (Newman was compared to Brando in the '50's and some reviewers even felt he looked like him!)And Paul Newman's final days are rather quickly recounted; as a matter-of-fact, we never learn anything of wife Joanne Woodward's reaction to his demise. But these small points aside, if you wish to learn much more than you may presently know about Paul Newman, give this book a read. I enjoyed it. It could have been more, but what there is of it is pretty darn good. And I'll say it again: Paul Newman's legacy - apart from a handful of really wonderful films - will be his genuine generosity and true compassion for the charities he not only gave to but also created. He was a beautiful man on the outside, yes, but all the more beautiful inside for his gift of giving.

When I was in high school, teenage girls would often debate about who was more attractive: Paul Newman or Steve McQueen. It was sort of like having a 'favourite Beatle'. Were you a McQueen girl or a Newman girl? For the record, Steve was my heart throb of choice! However, Paul Newman's iconic films dominated my teenage years and I recall so clearly going to see Hud, Harper, Cool Hand Luke, Winning, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof... the list goes on and on. And, of course, everyone's favourite - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. This engaging biography tells Paul's life story very well. The author is clearly a big fan, but also doesn't pull any punches and reveals the actor's surprising infidelity whilst married to Joanne Woodward - one of Hollywood's longest, most successful marriages. And it is clear that Paul Newman drank a lot of beer - crates and gallons of beer. My goodness he looked good on it! The author actually describes Paul as a 'functioning alcoholic'. Paul was a complex guy from a middle class Jewish family in Cleveland who attended two prestigious colleges and studied at the famed Actors Studio in New York. Like many celebrities, Newman found fame to be an uncomfortable burden and sought a refuge from the madness by establishing a tranquil home in faraway rural Connecticut. In mid-life he found a passion for motor sport, eventually becoming a serious competitor in both domestic and international races. When he had amassed more money than he needed, Newman turned his attention to various charitable causes - including the development of his salad dressing business, with all profits going to charity. This is a fascinating 'warts and all' story of a Hollywood legend - highly recommended.

What a tedious, self indulgent book this is, well the half that I read before giving up. Complete factual overload, most of which is irrelevant padding and at times you actually forget this a book about the great man himself.

A terrific read, couldn't put it down.

Enjoyed reading Paul Newmans life story and commentary by his friends.

I love Paul Newman he is amazing person and a great actor I love this book it's all about him I recommend this book to anyone