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Beyond the Wand
Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard | Tom Felton
105 posts | 106 read | 1 reading | 34 to read
At lunchtime we would congregate in the canteen, which was always a fun moment. There was no separation of roles. An electrician would be queuing for his lunch next to a witch and a goblin, then a cameraman, a carpenter and Hagrid. Tom Feltons adolescence was anything but ordinary. His early rise to fame in beloved films like The Borrowers catapulted him into the limelight, but nothing could prepare him for what was to come after he landed the iconic role of the Draco Malfoy, the bleached blonde villain of the Harry Potter movies. For the next ten years, he was at the center of a huge pop culture phenomenon and yet, in between filming, he would go back to being a normal teenager trying to fit into a normal school. Speaking with great candor and his signature humor, Tom shares his experience growing up as part of the wizarding world while also trying to navigate the muggle world. He tells stories from his early days in the business like his first acting gig where he was mistaken for fellow blonde child actor Macaulay Culkin and his Harry Potter audition where, in a very Draco-like move, he fudged how well he knew the books the series was based on (not at all). He reflects on his experiences working with cinematic greats such as Alan Rickman, Sir Michael Gambon, Dame Maggie Smith, and Ralph Fiennes (including that awkward Voldemort hug). And, perhaps most poignantly, he discusses the lasting relationships he made over that decade of filming, including with Emma Watson, who started out as a pesky nine-year-old whom he mocked for not knowing what a boom mic was but who soon grew into one of his dearest friends. Then, of course, there are the highs and lows of fame and navigating life after such a momentous and life-changing experience. Tom Feltons BEYOND THE WAND is an entertaining, funny, and poignant must-read for any Harry Potter fan. Prepare to meet a real-life wizard.
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jitteryjane724
Pickpick

I enjoyed this! It was very entertaining and mostly light-hearted while still addressing important issues and conveying enlightening perspectives. I have a new affection and respect for Tom after reading this book. Thanks also for clarifying the relationship with Emma!! #harrypotter #mentalhealth

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sdbruening
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sdbruening
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed listening to Tom Felton read his own book! He is very animated, does funny accents and impressions of himself and others, and is a joy to listen to. He goes through his life and acting career pre, during, and post Harry Potter. Tom struggled through some addiction and behavior issues that he is candid about. He told many stories in the form of a film script. The best story was “Don‘t tread on my fucking cloak” from Alan rickman.

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AvidReader25
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Pickpick

I‘m wary of memoirs written by young people, but this paired well with my rereading of the Harry Potter series. Read it for the onset anecdotes if you‘re a fan. He never takes himself too seriously and seems pretty grounded for someone who grew up in the spotlight. He doesn‘t pretend to be someone he‘s not. Great on audio since it‘s read by Tom Felton.

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BirdLaVie
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Pickpick

My soul didn‘t know that I needed this delightful “behind-the-music” story of Tom Felton aka Draco Malfoy! Tom is hilarious, down to earth, self-aware, grounded. He allowed listeners to peek behind the Harry Potter curtain in the most delicious, nostalgic way. I can‘t wait to re-read and then rewatch the series! 5 ⭐️ 🎧

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Kris10H
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Pickpick

This memoir is an absolute must-read for fans of the Harry Potter movies, but would also be enjoyable for those who aren't. Felton is a great storyteller, and I would recommend listening to the audiobook if possible (as I always do for memoirs) to get the full effect of his charming nature. Well done!

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AshRaye
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Pickpick

I can honestly say I had no clue what I was going into when I picked up this book. I knew next to nothing about Tom Felton, only picking this up because it was recommended to fans of Harry Potter. I loved how genuine he was as he told his story. Some things had to have been difficult to write about.

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WhatEmmReads
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Harry Potter has been a huge part of my life. I grew up with the books, loved the movies. I loved his book. I would definitely recommend it to anybody And the only reason I wanted to read his book was because I‘m a big fan of his. He has taught me what it‘s like in life, being grateful , being open, and if I struggle with stress or any problems I know how to deal with them now…

Read more at: Fiction Lux

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forestandcrow
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Pickpick

I absolutely loved this book.

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forestandcrow
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Well thats frustrating 🙃 i cannot pay 13 more on top of the 15 i already pay.

BethM How many hours are you limited to? 9mo
forestandcrow @BethM i have no idea. I didnt even know there was a limit 😂 9mo
BethM Per google 15 hours. That‘s garbage- nowhere near enough. 9mo
8 likes3 comments
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Chelsea.Poole
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Pickpick

I‘m back in my Harry Potter era thanks to my kids! I haven‘t kept up with the fandom or the actors so I was happy to listen to the audio edition of Tom Felton‘s memoir. (Tom plays Draco Malfoy in all the HP films)
I loved the behind the scenes info about being on set, meeting the kids playing the other characters, and the casting info. He touches on the family dynamics of growing up as one of 4 brothers. A bit surprising where he‘s ended up.

LinesUponAPage He's such a creative person. I've enjoyed following along on his Instagram over the years. 9mo
89 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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forestandcrow
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Excited about this audiobook

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Shannon_McKinney
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Pickpick

Interesting autobiography of Toms life during and after the Potter films. 4/5 stars ⭐️

25 likes1 stack add
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Cupcake12
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‘August‘ #12Booksof2023
A real insightful look at growing up in the public eye, being part of a global franchise and leading a normal life after Harry Potter. Lots of stories featuring celebrities, examining high and low points of Felton‘s life.

Andrew65 Excellent. 11mo
31 likes1 comment
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Bookworm54
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I am so forgetful at the minute!

This was my favourite book from January for #12BooksOf2023 ☺️

Andrew65 Great choice. 11mo
32 likes1 comment
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CrystalE02
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Pickpick

I enjoyed reading this book!! It was a great read. I have enjoyed watching Tom play Draco in the Harry Potter movies. I rated this book a 4 out of five stars.

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Victoriahoperose
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I loved this book and it was as great on audio. It was so much fun learning about Felton‘s experience in Harry Potter and finding out more about his life and work. I enjoyed his story so much and highly recommend this book.

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Cupcake12
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Talking about his life whilst growing up in the spotlight, Tom shares stories from his life on and off the big screen. He tells us about when he first met movie stars such as Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane and Jason Issacs. He goes on to share his highs and lows of being famous and moving to LA. He talks passionately about the importance of good mental health. Told with honesty, charm and wit, this is a must read for any Harry Potter fan.

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Cupcake12
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Finally arrived at my library so of course I had to borrow it. I didn‘t really like Draco as a character so hoping to find out more about the man behind the persona.

36 likes1 stack add
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AileenRR
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Pickpick

An easy listen; Tom came off as sweet and earnest ✨✨✨

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vonnie862
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Pickpick

I didn't know much about Tom at first other than him being in the Harry Potter films, so I ended up learning a lot about his life. He talked about how he started acting, his family, getting the role as Draco, filming HP, and the trying to make a life after the films. The first part of the book was ok with some humor here and there. The last few chapters were more emotional. It was nice to hear about his growth. 3.5 ⭐️

#rushathon
#bookspinbingo

41 likes1 stack add3 comments
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The.Great.Catsby
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Pickpick

I won't lie, I give all memoirs ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ just because I know it takes guts to put it all out there. But this one genuinely was good. You can see how much Tom had grown through his life.
It's easy for people to change their actions, but to change their thoughts and their minds, that takes a lot of reflection and courage.
There was also tons of great humor. This was just really good for me.

08.06.2023

vonnie862 I'm currently listening to this. 1y
The.Great.Catsby @vonnie862 are you enjoying it so far? 1y
28 likes2 comments
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Blerdgal_Fenix
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Welp — my Saturday being serenaded by Tom Felton at LeakyCon - how is your Saturday going? #pottah #potter #wizard

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peanutnine
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June Nonfiction #ReadingBracket2023
Tom's memoir was my favorite this month but didn't make it further in the bracket lol. Overall Bi has the top spot for the first half of the year. Informative, eye-opening, and still engaging

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peanutnine
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Pickpick

This was a really great memoir. Tom is so honest and down to earth about his experience growing up as a child actor. It was fun to hear about his exploits on the set of Harry Potter and his unique relationships with other actors from the cast. But it was especially moving for him to open up about his later trials with mental health and alcoholism
#Nonfiction2023 Bad Reputation @Riveted_Reader_Melissa
#Pantone2023 Gray Lilac @Clwojick

Riveted_Reader_Melissa Sounds very good, I have read this one yet. 1y
43 likes1 comment
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marleed
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Pickpick

That Tom Felton played the role of Draco Malfoy was all over knew of this actor but I added his memoir to my TBR based on Litsy love. What a good guy he is. He could have walked into life on the dark side if not for recognizing his live well-loved. …I‘m so glad I created Litsy Stacked as one of my 20 #BookSpinBingo categories. This is the third and maybe forth time it was randomly picked this year!

June #DoubleSpin Litsy Stacked

Cupcake12 I‘ve just reserved this at my local library, available in August! Hope it‘s worth the wait! 1y
persephone1408 I listened on audio and it was so good! I need to listen to Alan rickman's next. 1y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 1y
See All 6 Comments
TheAromaofBooks Also, I love that category!! 1y
marleed @Cupcake12 @persephone1408 I‘m so glad I read it. I would have let this one pass by if not for all the Litsy love! 1y
marleed @TheAromaofBooks I think it might be my favorite category because it‘s my excuse to pick a book available through Libby rather than my own shelves. My original intent was to scroll all the bottom of litsy stacked but I never get that far! 1y
67 likes1 stack add6 comments
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ncsufoxes
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Pickpick

Another audio, I enjoyed getting to listen to Tom Felton tell his story. He began acting at a young age but has remained incredibly grounded & down to earth thanks to his family. He talks about filming during HP & how he was lucky to remain unnoticed in the early years, even as an adult. He does highlight his struggles with addiction & mental health. Which he finds are important areas to be more open & honest. #bookspin book

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1y
23 likes1 comment
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mom2bugnbee
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#20in4 Day 1 = 4 hrs, 41 mins
Listened to 1 hour of The Alchemist & bailed
Started this gem because I'm a Potterhead. ☺

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Kristy_K
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Pickpick

Recommend for all HP fans, especially the audio. I found this endearing. While a lot about his Harry Potter years, Felton also talks about some of his later struggles.

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K.Wielechowski
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Pickpick

Tom Felton talks about his childhood, family, and the roles that lead to him being cast as Draco Malfoy. His stories about time on the Harry Potter set and his friendships with the other cast members were delightful. He had some rough patches in his post-HP life but it sounds like he‘s in a much better place now.

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jamield1911
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Seriously (or should I say Sirius-ly), I just love him.

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jamield1911
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Pickpick

Outstanding. ??
I don't think there is any child star more likeable and "normal" than Tom. His honesty regarding his mental health is admirable, and I loved reading his tales of trouble and mischief as a teenager.
I found myself falling a little bit in love with him whilst reading this. He's a great guy. For a Slytherin.

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booklover3258
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Pickpick

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

https://youtu.be/_SwcohlrBWE

Enjoy!

Whollybologna I enjoyed this so much when I listened to him read it. It was so cute hearing his voice break for those emotional moments 2y
46 likes1 comment
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eol
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Pickpick

I like books which normalize mental health issues—that's the first (or last, chronologically) point this book scores. The behind-the-scenes look at a different life, a different way of growing up, is another. I was honestly expecting to be more interested in the “Harry Potter” stuff; instead, this focuses on the people.

(Also, the contrast between the character he plays and Tom's on-page personality is hilarious.)

4/5

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ICantImReading
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I‘ve officially fallen a little bit in love with Tom Felton (and Draco)! Listening made me want to re-watch all of the Harry Potter movies, but I also really liked hearing about his life “Beyond the Wand” as well. Witty, nostalgic, tender, honest - just bloody brilliant! ✨🎧

marleed Oh stacked! 2y
ICantImReading @marleed I definitely recommend the audio format if you like audiobooks - he reads it himself and it adds so much! 🥰 2y
marleed @ICantImReading I just put a hold on the audiobook- my favorite way to experience a memoir! 2y
56 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Cammy1
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Pickpick

Quite enjoyed hearing Tom Felton in my ear each night as I went to sleep. His story was darker than I expected. Compelling and interesting.

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booksandsympathy
Pickpick

Listening to this on audiobook was such a wonderful experience. It was fantastic hearing Tom tell his stories; hearing the warmth in his voice when speaking of those he loves & his little chuckles at some of his own antics. He can also sound just like Robbie Coltrane. My heart smiled a little hearing that. He was so engaging. I appreciated his candidness in speaking about his mental health struggles & could definitely relate to some of them.

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Cortg
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Pickpick

Disclaimer: I have never watched a Harry Potter movie all the way through; however, my kid would binge the whole series, yearly 😆
I adored hearing Tom tell stories of his time growing up on the HP set, his shenanigans and personal stories of those he worked with. I constantly pictured a 12 yo Tom as Draco. I also loved what he shared about mental health and how open he is ❤️
#Pop23 ~a book based on a popular movie (thinking outside the box)

squirrelbrain Great outside-box-thinking! 😁 2y
37 likes1 stack add2 comments
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DogMomIrene
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Pickpick

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to Tom Felton narrate his first acting roles and many wizarding adventures. But the final chapters where he shares quite frankly his own mental health struggles really impressed me. The world could use more Toms.

Toasty_Applejack Going to try to get this today from my library 2y
DogMomIrene @Toasty_Applejack Yay! I never thought I‘d be an autobiography/memoir kind of person, but #BlameItOnLitsy has me thinking otherwise. 2y
49 likes2 comments
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booksandsympathy
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Going to start this on audiobook later today.

20 likes1 stack add
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Soubhiville
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Pickpick

Read by the author, and I loved hearing his little chuckle throughout his stories. I didn‘t know much about Tom outside the HP movies, though I have seen The Borrowers, it was around when it came out and I didn‘t know he was in it. Hearing about his life on and off sets was fun, especially his interaction with the other HP actors.

Soubhiville @TheAromaofBooks this was my April #bookspin 😁📚 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
77 likes1 stack add2 comments
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WriterAtHeart
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Pickpick

Tom Felton is a great narrator and I appreciated listening to his story!

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britt_brooke
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Slytherin and a Beavis and Butthead fan? Did we just become best friends? In addition to Felton‘s early life, there‘s a ton of wonderful on-set info and fellow cast member stories / descriptions. I don‘t think I realized just how young the stars were in the first film. Emma Watson was only nine! Thank you for being the baddie at Hogwarts.

77 likes1 stack add
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ShananigansReads
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Pickpick

I was left with the urge to rewatch the movies which will lead to wanting to reread the books and this is a slippery slope. 🤣

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JenReadsAlot
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Pickpick

Enjoyable listen. I also want to reread Harry Potter now!

Kshakal I am listening to the Harry Potter books currently… they make the drive to work so much better! 2y
JenReadsAlot @Kshakal I was actually thinking about that! I've never listened to them. 2y
Kshakal @JenReadsAlot this is my first time listening to them too! 2y
37 likes3 comments
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MissHel
Pickpick

I‘m not really into celebrity memoirs: celebrities often feel too much like a fantasy. Tom Felton, on the other hand, has told his story in a very humble, reality-based way. He feels like a person you‘d actually meet. His story wasn‘t necessarily relatable, but it was real. #pop23 #celebritymemoir

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kstadt929
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Started this audiobook last night and really enjoying it!! Loving that it is read by the author as well 🧙🏻‍♂️

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MissHel
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“Cards on the table: this is not going to be my proudest moment. In fact, my mum doesn‘t even know about this story. Sorry Mum.” #FirstLineFridays

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gossamerchild
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Pickpick

This was super charming! Loved hearing his BTS stories of Harry Potter. He seems like a fairly grounded movie star, and I'm grateful he's open about his mental health struggles. Highly recommended.

#libby #audiobook #tomfelton

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LeafingThroughLife
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Pickpick

Tom narrates his own memoir with self-deprecating humor. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories of his early acting career and the many on-set stories behind the scenes at Harry Potter. His honesty about his substance abuse and mental health problems and the stories of the people who helped him when he was hitting rock bottom put a bow on this excellent memoir. The audio was worth my long wait on the library hold list. I laughed, I cried. I loved it.