Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Baggage
Baggage: Tales from a Fully Packed Life | Alan Cumming
9 posts | 8 read | 10 to read
"An intimate look at the making of a man, an actor, an advocateand most importantlya happy human being. A wonderful book that is funny, honest, fearless, and generous in its vulnerability." Douglas Stuart, Booker Prize-winning author of Shuggie Bain There is absolutely no logical reason why I am here. The life trajectory my nationality and class and circumstances portended for me was not even remotely close to the one I now navigate. But logic is a science and living is an art. The release I felt in writing my first memoir, Not My Fathers Son, was matched only by how my speaking out empowered so many to engage with their own trauma. I was reminded of the power of my words and the absolute duty of authenticity. But No one ever fully recovers from their past. There is no cure for it. You just learn to manage and prioritize it. I believe the second you feel you have triumphed or overcome something an abuse, an injury to the body or the mind, an addiction, a character flaw, a habit, a person you have merely decided to stop being vigilant and embraced denial as your modus operandi. And that is what this book is about, and for: to remind you not to buy in to the Hollywood ending. Ironically maybe, much of Baggage chronicles my life in Hollywood and how, since I recovered from a nervous breakdown at 28, work has repeatedly whisked me away from personal calamities to sets and stages around the world. It is also about marriage(s): starting with the break-up of my first (to a woman) and ending with the ascension to my second (to a man) with many kissed toads in between! But in everything, each failed relationship or encounter with a legend (Liza! X Men! Gore Vidal! Kubrick! Spice Girls!), in every bad decision or moment of sensual joy I have endeavored to show what I have learned and how Ive become who I am today: a happy, flawed, vulnerable, fearless middle-aged man, with a lot of baggage.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
review
Kristy_K
post image
Mehso-so

A memoir focusing largely on Cumming‘s time as an actor (on stage and film). I preferred Not My Father's Son to this one, but I still found some of his stories insightful or humorous.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

review
booklover3258
post image
Pickpick

My review of this book can be found on my YouTube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/tqV8kjuU7ZA

Enjoy!

43 likes1 stack add
review
Hooked_on_books
post image
Pickpick

Absolutely fabulous! I really enjoyed Cumming‘s previous memoir, and this is an incredible follow up. This one isn‘t as heavy and showcases Alan‘s incredible wit. I chuckled my way through it. Audio is definitely the way to go on this one—his delivery of his writing is *chef‘s kiss*.

Nutmegnc I‘ve got it in my TBR. Moving it up to the top!! 2y
Cinfhen Oh, good to know!! It‘s in my Audible library waiting for me!! 2y
mcctrish Stacking this!! I loved his first ❤️❤️ 2y
60 likes4 stack adds3 comments
review
Jeg
post image
Pickpick

Loved this book. He has packed so much in his life —so far. Glad it popped up at the library. I‘m a recent fan and was unaware of how many things he has played in.

review
CarolynM
post image
Pickpick

Not so much memoir as a collection of stories about some of the best and worst times in Alan Cumming's adult life, both personal and professional. Although he writes well I suspect you need to be a fan to really enjoy it. I am a fan so it's a definite pick for me.

Cathythoughts Lovely picture. Background material👌 2y
CarolynM @Cathythoughts Thank you, it's my dress🙂 2y
47 likes2 comments
review
JoyBlue
post image
Pickpick

Alan Cumming‘s latest memoir is a treat (mostly)! If you‘re his fan, or even just a movie/TV/theatre fan, give it a try. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#baggage-tales-from-a-fully-packed-li...

CarolynM I saw this in the bookshop last week and put it straight on my Christmas list🙂 Glad to know you enjoyed it. 2y
JoyBlue @CarolynM I hope you get it, and that you enjoy it! 💙 2y
42 likes3 stack adds2 comments
blurb
Andrea313
post image

Just started this and already loving it! Alan Cumming is one of my favorite performers and also seems like an all-around lovely person. I had a few opportunities in my teens to meet him at theatre stage doors and he was always incredibly kind and engaging to a nerdy kid who was SO! EXCITED! to talk theatre with an idol. I appreciate his honesty about mental health, and am also eager to hear his stories from Hamlet, Cabaret, Design For Living, etc.

blurb
Andrea313
post image

Two books that I'm excitedly anticipating! #PublishedIn2021 @Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Eggs They both look great 👍🏼 2y
MatchlessMarie Been dying for that sequel to come out 2y
19 likes1 stack add2 comments