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Life in Parts
Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
A poignant, intimate, funny, inspiring memoir both a coming-of-age story and a meditation on creativity, devotion, and craft from Bryan Cranston, beloved and acclaimed star of one of history s most successful TV shows, "Breaking Bad." Bryan Cranston landed his first role at seven, when his father, a struggling actor and director, cast him in a United Way commercial. Soon, Bryan was haunting the local movie theater, memorizing and reenacting favorite scenes with his older brother. Acting was clearly the boy s destiny until one day his father disappeared. Suddenly, destiny took a back seat to survival. Seeking something more stable, perhaps subconsciously trying to distance himself from his absent father, Cranston decided on a career in law enforcement. But then, a young man on a classic cross-country motorcycle trip, Cranston one day found himself stranded at a rest area in the Blue Ridge Mountains. To pass the time he read a tattered copy of "Hedda Gabler," and in a flash he found himself face-to-face once again with his original calling. Suddenly he thought: "This "was what he wanted to do, what he would do, with the rest of his life. Act. In his riveting memoir, "A Life in Parts," Cranston traces his zigzag journey from his chaotic childhood to his dramatic epiphany, and beyond, to mega-stardom and a cult-like following, by vividly revisiting the many parts he s played, on camera (astronaut, dentist, detective, candy bar spokesperson, President of the United States, etc.) and off (paperboy, farmhand, security guard, dating consultant, murder suspect, dock loader, son, brother, lover, husband, father). With great humor, and much humility, Cranston chronicles his unlikely rise from a soap opera regular, trying to learn the ropes and the politics of show business on the fly, to a recurring spot as Tim Whatley on "Seinfeld, "finding himself an indelible part of popular culture. He recalls his run as the well-meaning goofball, Hal, on "Malcolm in the Middle," proving to writers and fans that he was willing to do anything, "anything," for a laugh, and he gives a bracing account of his challenging run on Broadway as President Lyndon Johnson, pushing himself to the limit as he prepared, physically and mentally, for a tour de force that would win him a Tony, to go along with his four Emmys. Of course, Cranston dives deep into the grittiest, most fascinating details of his greatest role, explaining how he searched inward for the personal darkness that would help him create one of the most riveting performances ever captured on screen: Walter White, chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin. Discussing his failures as few men do, describing his work as few actors can, Cranston has much to say about innate talent, its benefits, challenges, and proper maintenance, but ultimately "A Life in Parts" is about the necessity and transformative power of hard work."
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Erin.Elizabeth10
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

I liked this memoir! I‘m continuing my reading theme this year of memoirs, and still enjoying it! I have not seen Breaking Bad, but I still really enjoyed learning about his life and work. What I‘m discovering is that it‘s still worthwhile to read memoirs of people even if you aren‘t super familiar with them.

Suet624 Yes! Agreed! 2y
12 likes1 comment
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HoneyBeeLee
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

If you are a fan of Malcom in the Middle and Breaking Bad this is the book for you! This was a quick read and very entertaining. Bryan Cranston has had a wide range of roles through out his career and just to learn more about what got him into acting and the life had growing up was really eye opening. He‘s work as a police man, rode his motorcycle cross country and been a person of interest in a murder investigation.

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Smartypants
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

I love Walter White and I love Bryan Cranston. This was a great memoir of his life. I loved the stories he shared and that it didn‘t take a chronological approach necessarily. Good job! #walterwhite

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booklover3258
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2ESdxPEgjc

Enjoy!

23 likes2 stack adds
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vumblereads
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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I thought this was interesting. It‘s an article about the most famous book set in every state. Here‘s the link: https://www.businessinsider.com/most-famous-book-set-in-every-state-2016-11

TheBookAddict Why sure I‘ll read this interesting article even though it‘s way past my bedtime. Don‘t mind if I do. 🙂 4y
suzie.reads This is a really interesting article and great for #ReadtheUSA2020 4y
vumblereads @suzie.reads I agree! 4y
BookwormM Looks interesting 4y
65 likes5 comments
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Clwojick
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

THIS ONE WAS SOOOO GOOD! I have the physical book as well, but I devoured the audiobook since his voice is so soothing 😍#summersendreadathon I‘m somewhere past the 65hour mark, but I forgot to check before I left for work this morning.

ShananigansReads His voice is very soothing. 5y
MyNamesParadise I listened to the audiobook too and it was so good! His voice is amazing. 5y
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cherinium
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
Pickpick

A fairly enjoyable memoir. There were a few LOL moments and a lot of waxing on about his philosophies on life and on the art of acting. I would not recommend this for anyone that would be bothered by spoilers for Breaking Bad, as several plot points are discussed throughout. #memoir #celebrity #audiobook

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Red.Reads
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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I'm a bit obsessed with #audiobooks, this is just some of my #Audible collection!
They do give you a different experience than reading a book, but I have physical or e-copies of some of these books too. I loved listening to Bryan Cranston's 'A Life in Parts', & I must have listened to 11/22/63 (Stephen King) at least 7 times now!
I sometimes wonder whether I have too many books, is that even possible?..

@24in48 #24in48 #readathon #hour12challenge

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Reagan
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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It‘s hard to choose a cat picture so here are 75% of my house panthers for #petsandrecs (top down: Dieter, MacGruber, Whiskers) and the tagged book is my favourite audiobook. I could listen to Bryan Cranston talk forever. Plus Malcolm in the Middle! @Clwojick

Clwojick I have the physical copy of that book! Haven‘t read it yet, but I could just imagine the audiobook! His voice is so soothing. 🙌🏻 And I love your house panthers! I can‘t believe you named one MacGruber 😂😂😂 My husband will be so jealous! 5y
wanderinglynn How pretty! All that fur-baby love. ❤️🐱 5y
Victoriahoperose I loved this audiobook. My husband and I just watched The Upside and loved it. If you like Bryan Cranston, you should watch it! 5y
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Soubhiville I adore that you have multiple solid black kitties! They‘re gorgeous ❤️ 5y
Reagan @Soubhiville @wanderinglynn thank you! Clearly I have a terrible weakness for black cats, the missing one is also black 😬 @Victoriahoperose I have it on hold at the library! I just love him, such a versatile actor. @Clwojick such a fascinating guy, I was surprised how much I liked the book. She was supposed to be Hans Gruber but her personality was much more MacGruber 😂 (edited) 5y
Lauram Oh my goodness. This picture! #goals 5y
rretzler 😻 5y
36 likes7 comments
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Kboltz
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

If you loved Breaking Bad then you will enjoy reading this. Fast reading and great insight on him and his character Walter White😎

Victoriahoperose Loved this one! 5y
9 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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rather_be_reading
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

Great book. When I read it I could just picture his voice. I was a big fan of Breaking Bad and Malcolm in the Middle when I was younger. I didnt think it was as funny as everyone said it was. Loved learning about his path to acting though. Recommend.

Victoriahoperose Loved this one too! I did this on audio and it was really great 😊 5y
rather_be_reading @Victoriahoperose ive heard great thinga abt the audio book 5y
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rather_be_reading
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Ahhhh sweet Friday has come!!

WhatWouldJaneDo I didn't know he'd written a book! Can't believe I missed that one. 5y
rather_be_reading @WhatWouldJaneDo yep!! its a few years old!! 5y
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rather_be_reading
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Book 14 of 2019

vivastory I saw him when this was released. It was pretty amazing. 5y
Rachel_nyc I love him and really enjoyed this book. It was a rare audiobook for me since I wanted to hear him narrate. 5y
rather_be_reading @vivastory thats awesome! 5y
rather_be_reading @Rachel_nyc ive heard the audiobook is fantastic! 5y
66 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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britt_brooke
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Mehso-so

⭐️⭐️⭐️ If, like me, you are/were thinking of finally watching Breaking Bad, then don‘t read this. 😆 I knew he‘d discuss his character Walter White, and the show as a whole, but I didn‘t expect details of very pivotal moments. Major spoilers. No need to watch now. Oh well. Otherwise, it was a decent celebrity memoir focusing mostly on roles, but also delving into familial matters. I enjoyed his narration.

CoverToCoverGirl How disappointing about the spoilers! 🤭🤨☹️ 5y
britt_brooke @CoverToCoverGirl I know! I was kind of pissed, but I guess I should‘ve known better. 😕 5y
SageLaruta I could never get into the show, but I'm interested in how the story plays out. I will definitely give this a go! 5y
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britt_brooke @SageLaruta 👍🏻👍🏻 5y
Slajaunie I can‘t watch that show. A teacher willingly entering the drug world makes me sick. 5y
ofbooksandme Oh so sorry about the spoilers, Breaking Bad is one of the most brilliant shows I've ever seen. Characters, plot, acting and directing are all superb. 5y
britt_brooke @Slajaunie It‘s a truly messed up concept. I actually had a teacher who sold marijuana to students. This was back in the late 90s. Disgusting. And this story is exponentially worse. 5y
Readerann So funny I should read your post now. I started listening to this audiobook last night, but then stopped because I decided I should probably watch Breaking Bad first. Sounds like I made the right decision! 5y
britt_brooke @Readerann Too funny! Good timing. 5y
NatalieR Good to know about the spoilers. Thanks for the heads up. I‘ve been wanting to watch Breaking Bad for a very long time. 5y
britt_brooke @NatalieR Definitely skip - or wait on - the book! 5y
sammisho Breaking Bad is such a good show! I would still recommend watching. Sucks about the spoilers though! 5y
britt_brooke @ofbooksandme @sammisho I‘d totally watch it except now I know that certain characters die and how. Seems pointless unfortunately. But it‘s okay. 5y
ofbooksandme @britt_brooke I think it still works. Because Walter's horrible journey is still so worth it. You have to love hateful characters, though hahaha 5y
britt_brooke @ofbooksandme Thanks ... I do like unlikeable characters sometimes. 5y
cherinium I loved Breaking Bad. I'll definitely have to check out this book. 5y
britt_brooke @cherinium 👍🏻👍🏻 5y
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triplem80
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

I'm generally not a fan of audiobooks (too hard to stay focused), but I don't mind a good celebrity memoir read by the author...and overall, I enjoyed this one.

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Victoriahoperose
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

I loved Breaking Bad and truly believe it is the best show that has ever been put on TV. So, this book really grabbed my interest. But, it wasn‘t only that. Cranston really talks about playing roles and becoming the roles which I found fascinating and so genuine. I loved this book.

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KellyHunsakerReads
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Bryan‘s short chapters/stories are fun, sweet, voyeuristic.... #audiobook

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JennyM
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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2 | #SeptemberDanes

Walt and Jessie were so #GoodTogether, until they weren‘t.

If you enjoyed the show, you might like Brian Cranston‘s memoir - it‘s an interesting read.

Tashreads One of the best shows ever! 6y
Cinfhen Good one💖 6y
MStew Love this show!!!!! Favorite 😃👌😍 6y
Kalalalatja Great pick! I‘ll have to listen to Cranston‘s memoir 👍 6y
Cathythoughts I‘ve never watched this show & I believe it‘s great. ... I‘m too busy reading... I must watch some of these great shows 👍🏻❤️ 6y
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JimmyK
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
Pickpick

Inspiring and captivating!

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Suet624
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Mehso-so

It was fine as an audio. Wouldn‘t have held my interest if I were reading it.

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KimHM
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

This book is obviously going to appeal to fans of Breaking Bad, but it‘s also good for creatives of all types, because Cranston never had an easy path and he benefitted from lots of luck—both good and bad. A solid 🌟🌟🌟🌟

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KimHM
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Bargain books 📚❤️📚💚📚💙!!!!

21 likes1 stack add
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facemagoo
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
Pickpick

Loved this!! I listened to the audio book which I HIGHLY recommend. Bryan Cranston's voice and delivery is amazing and the stories he tells are interesting, inspiring, and truly unique.

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Wife
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

I really like memoirs. Great delivery and interesting. My husband (not an audiobook fan 😐) even said that he enjoyed the portions he heard. I definitely recommend the audio version for this one. Walter, I mean Bryan 😉, does talk about acting in Breaking Bad.

Simona Off the topic - Vickie, my #bookmarkswap package was delivered to ‘PONTIAC MI DISTRIBUTION CENTER, Departed USPS Regional Facility‘ on December 21st, and since 22 has status ‘On its way to Saint Claire SHO‘. I don‘t know how delivery is organized in the US, but I find this odd and too long. Can I send you a tracking number so you can check what‘s happening? 6y
Wife @simona Yes. Please send tracking information. The holiday may have caused some delay. I‘m concerned about the package I sent to you. I was told that I can‘t track after it gets to U.S. customs. I really hope it gets to you. 😟 6y
Simona I left you the tracking number in your email box on your Goodreads account. 😘 6y
Wife @Simona I gave a quick try to track with the number at USPS site without success. I will go into to post office on Tuesday or Wednesday (I work the next 5 days) and ask in person. I‘ll keep my fingers crossed 🤞🏻 that both of us get the packages soon. 6y
Simona Vickie, your package is arrived 👍and unfortunately, I will be at home tomorrow☹️ ... but my niece have read me everything what is written on the envelope, and their is no doubt that the package is from you😘. Thank you❣️And about my package - please, please check the status of the package on https://www.17track.net/en The path of the package is described in details , and I think the USPS is the problem😠 6y
67 likes3 stack adds5 comments
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vivastory
Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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This one is for @monalyisha & the other rabbit owners of Litsy.
#bunniesoflitsy

LeahBergen 😂😂 6y
lauren.lerner Who knew I had so much in common with Bryan Cranston? 😂 6y
MayginReads 😆 6y
monalyisha That‘s so nice. I love it! Thanks for noticing. 🤗 6y
RohitSawant 😂😂 6y
68 likes5 comments
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Eggs
Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Cranston's story from childhood to post-Breaking Bad

abbsinwonderland I love him! As an actor and person. I have yet to read any of his books, but they're on my TBR! 💜😆📚 6y
Eggs @abbsinwonderland He is an amazing actor/thinker 6y
Tamra He was excellent in Breaking Bad! But, I don‘t know anything about him as person. 6y
Eggs @Tamra I think you'd enjoy this book😊 6y
17 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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Clwojick
Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Found some great books today at the thrift store for 50 cents today. But this was the one I was most excited for! Nolan's a huge Breaking Bad fan, and we're both fans of Malcolm in the Middle. Can't wait to read this one. ❤️

Photo 1/3
#thriftstorefinds #B1G1 #saleday

Linear He will always be Malcolm's dad in my eyes 6y
TheBookStacker I love him! 6y
TricksyTails ♥️♥️♥️ 6y
84 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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Dolly
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

Bryan seems to write honestly and with much humor. There are some laugh out loud moments along with some critical comments about other actors. His brief encounter with Alfred Hitchcock was hilarious as he narrated it. He doesn't hold back telling of some shameful behavior growing up. Enjoyable certainly but I got the idea he is a difficult person to work with

39 likes4 stack adds
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AMVP
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

Finished the last 100 pages in a #barnesandnoble on my break, with the previous 80 tackled yesterday evening. If the fleet readability of the last 2/3rds compared to the first are any indication, certain parts of a person's life are just more interesting than others (my harsh but honest explanation for struggling with memoirs in general). I long expected to rank this a "so-so," but the rebound in quality later on really saves it.

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TheWordJar
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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1. Last vacation-Chicago. Spent some time frolicking in the face fountains in Millennium Park
2. Favorite comfort meal-Lasagna
3. Bucket list destination-Antarctica and Croatia
4. Tagged book and a few others
5. All the books in all the forms!! 📚🎧📱

#humpdaypost

Bookishgal71 Darn! You're my pen pal and I'm only an hour from Chicago! 7y
TheWordJar @Bookishgal71 I just sent you an email, Pen Pal! I can't wait to find out where. I lived in the suburbs for 15 years. 7y
Suet624 Croatia... I hope to get there too. 💕 6y
56 likes3 comments
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TheWordJar
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Between a migraine that has raged for the better part of this week and the general state of affairs, I had to take a break. But this arrived today and I could not be happier...I've waited for months for this library hold! I've enjoyed many of Bryan Cranston's characters, and it's a delight to listen to his narration.

monkeygirlsmama Hope you are feeling better. ((Hugs)) 7y
HippieChickHomeschool I really enjoyed this myself, and he has a lovely voice. I hope you feel better soon! 7y
See All 8 Comments
DebinHawaii Hope you feel better soon! 🤕💜 7y
AmandaL Feel better! 7y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I hope you feel better soon!!! 😘 7y
minkyb Hope this helps you to feel better. 7y
Lmstraubie Hope you're feeling better! 7y
55 likes1 stack add8 comments
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Stephykitten
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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I'm so glad I decided to pick up Bryan Cranston's memoir--loving his sense of humor 📓😉

britt_brooke 😆 7y
ruthemmielang I love him! He seems like a genuinely nice guy 7y
Stephykitten @ruthemmielang you'd love his book. He is an awesome storyteller and doesn't hold back with the embarrassing teenager stuff 😆 7y
ruthemmielang @Stephykitten Haha awesome 😆 7y
34 likes4 comments
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leftoverjen
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

Enjoyed this look into the life and mind of one of my favourite actors #BryanCranston #aLifeinParts

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LauraKath
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Started this one on a walk with Ginger today. I HAVE READ SO MANY BOOKS lately. I just need time to sit here, and tell you all about it. For now, I can say that I would go through this whole book, even if it was bad, just because I love to listen to his voice 😂😂😂😂 #NoShame #BeaglesOfLitsy #ReadingCompanions #Audiobooks

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MatchlessMarie
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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It was hard to choose so few!
#jubilantjuly #bestreadsof2017sofar

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alanacristin
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

So this trip to Hawaii for Golden Week wasn't the tan on a beach with a book kinda trip but I did finish up this audiobook during the early mornings waking up before the dudes and getting everything ready for the day 😂🌞🌊 Cranston did a fabulous job voicing his memoir though occasionally it feels like he's acting his life and you begin to question what's reality. His youthful sneaky adventures are hilarious. #mommyreads #audiobook #memoir

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HippieChickHomeschool
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

I never watched Malcolm in the Middle, and I couldn't make it to the end of Breaking Bad, but I really enjoyed this memoir! (P.S. His narration is very nice)

25 likes2 stack adds
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Dasuse
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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So glad that my library has this on audio via Overdrive. My listen while cleaning the house is ready!!

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myers85
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

Cranston's autobiography gives a great insight into how he's shaped his performances over the years, highlighting how talented he actually is. The book details the incredibly interesting life he's led, including his pre-acting years. Never boring, the only criticism is that it's too short - at only 270 pages you can tell he's skipped a few years. I'd have loved some more anecdotes. However, it's still a very fun, easy and inspiring read.

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myers85
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Only 60 pages in and already Bryan Cranston has shown he's had a very varied life. This chapter on him being ordained was particularly amusing!

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myers85
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Started reading this at the weekend. Very good so far. I'm a massive Breaking Bad fan but also loved his much different role on Malcolm in the Middle. Shockingly, this is the first nonfiction book I've read since 2015. Seems 2016 was a year of novels for me.

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heyitsMacall
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

What a wonderful telling of the human experience. I would love to listen to Bryan Cranston tell me any kind of story. I appreciated the format of the book; it was easy to read.
Bookmark compliments of @Clarissa

MyNamesParadise I listened to the audiobook and his voice added so much depth!! I loved it! 7y
BookishBlonde12 So good!! 7y
rather_be_reading love his character on the back! mine didnt have that 😢 5y
heyitsMacall @rather_be_reading oh weird! There must be different dust covers 5y
42 likes1 stack add4 comments
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heyitsMacall
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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ElizabethAndino
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Pickpick

I adored this audio. It's a wonderful story.

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ElizabethAndino
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Been waiting on this one for awhile!!! Can't wait to hear Mr. white narrate this!

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myers85
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Late Christmas gift received today. Cranston has always appeared to be a very entertaining and intelligent man so I think I'll enjoy this.

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kendrastephaniekaryn
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Mehso-so

First of all, I'm a huge Cranston fan. I think of him as a father figure. I enjoyed this audiobook, especially the parts about Breaking Bad and Malcolm in the Middle. Unfortunately, I can't quite "pick" it because it felt a little disorganized in the beginning, but I really recommend this for anyone who enjoys Bryan's body of work. The audio version is narrated by the author himself, which really adds to the story.

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kendrastephaniekaryn
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Bryan Cranston is one of my favourite actors. I'm loving this audiobook, made even better by Bryan's narration. #audible #audiobook

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derekinreallife
A Life in Parts | Bryan Cranston
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Mehso-so

Enjoyed parts of it. Some were more fascinating than others, but it seemed that Cranston glazed over what could have been more compelling stories. Also, the last chapter seemed a bit out of place like there should have been more.