“Greenlights” Review

Matthew McConaughey, an Oscar-winning actor and philanthropist, has become an author with his 2020 book “Greenlights,” an inspiring memoir about his life and wisdom that he’s accumulated over time.

Memoirs never struck me as my go-to book genre. However, after reading one book, I have completely changed and am now obsessed with memoirs written by my favorite people. That book was Matthew McConaughey’s “Greenlights” which is an exceptional memoir full of wisdom and entertainment. 

Compiled from diaries and writings that the Oscar-winning actor compiled over his life, McConaughey showcases his life and what led him to becoming the successful actor that we all know. If you want to hear about his process and how he has approached some of his most iconic characters, you’re going to get it but over half of the book is all about Matthew McConaughey’s childhood until he got his big break in Richard Linklater’s “Dazed and Confused.”

This portion of the book is my favorite as it depicts the loving but rough environment that he grew up in. These parts really emphasize tough love and the relationship McConaughey has with his parents and siblings is wonderful. Some of these stories remind me of the stories my dad would tell me about my grandfather and great-grandfather, specifically how my dad is lucky to be alive after all of the crazy stuff they all did. 

If you think you know McConaughey’s story, this book will change that. So many of his stories are incredible and show his commitment to everything that he does. One year, he went on a study abroad experience in Australia and spent a good portion of that time living with a crazy family. Any person might get out of there the first week, but he spent six months there before living with another family. You gotta give McConaughey credit, he doesn’t back down easily. 

Matthew McConaughey’s writing perfectly exudes all of the passion he has for life. His writing will inspire you and make you feel rejuvenated.

When the book does venture into McConaughey’s acting career, it’s fascinating as he reveals his process. There’s an entire section where he talks about playing Wooderson in “Dazed and Confused” and how he came up with the iconic line “alright, alright, alright.” Knowing that it wasn’t just a throwaway line and that McConaughey thought really hard about it makes me respect him all the more as an actor. Especially considering that he did the movie when he was a junior in college. 

But throughout the entire book, whether he’s talking about his childhood or how he went down to 135 pounds for “Dallas Buyers Club,” there’s a real feeling of wisdom. Matthew McConaughey isn’t just bragging about his laurels, he’s imparting his knowledge of what he’s experienced and how it’s led him to this state. The reason he calls the book “Greenlights” is because he’s encountered so many important moments that let him go further than he thought possible. He encountered times where he was allowed to take a leap into unknown territory. He’s always seemed like a very relatable man who’s found happiness as a well-regarded actor and this book cements that.

McConaughey’s prose is endlessly readable. It feels less like dictation and more like a natural conversation McConaughey is having with you. Of course, you are too fascinated to say anything back to him. Some books you can enjoy but find so overwhelming that you can only reread them once or twice. I can see myself rereading this book multiple times every year because this memoir makes me want to be a better man. This is a man looking at his life and career fondly while also remembering the terrible times that formed him and uplifting some parts of his career that people scorn at like his stretch of romantic comedies. 

Since reading this book, I have been looking at memoirs differently because it’s not just celebrities trying to cash in on their lives. Many of them have something interesting to say and a unique way of looking at things. If you’re looking for a book that goes beyond the conventions of memoir and actually has something to say about life and how it should be dealt with, “Greenlights” is something you should pursue. It’s a fascinating read which will cause you to look inside yourself and wonder, “what are some greenlights I should follow?”