by Roger Ebert
First published 2011
Roger Ebert opens his life story in Urbana, Illinois, where his childhood set the stage for an unexpected career path. The future Pulitzer Prize winning critic began as a local newspaper reporter before landing at the Chicago Sun-Times in 1967. Ebert reveals his personal struggles with alcoholism, his recovery, and his marriage. He details his television partnership with Gene Siskel that lasted twenty-three years and made them household names. The memoir explores his friendships with figures like Studs Terkel, Mike Royko, and Oprah Winfrey, plus his surprising Hollywood connections, including writing Beyond the Valley of the Dolls for Russ Meyer. Ebert candidly discusses his 2006 battle with thyroid cancer complications that cost him his ability to speak, eat, or drink. Rather than ending his influence, this loss transformed him into a more prolific writer. He shares encounters with movie stars and directors from John Wayne to Martin Scorsese. At its heart, this memoir captures Ebert's philosophy that our purpose is contributing joy to the world and making others happier.
Genres: biography, autobiography, memoir, non-fiction, biography-memoir
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: memoir, personal-journey
Setting: Chicago, Illinois, Urbana
Period: 1967, 2006
436 pages · Hardcover · Grand Central Publishing
Content warnings: addiction