I bought the audio version of Charlie’s new book, “The Book of Sheen: A Memoir” for myself and Richard for Christmas. While the book wasn’t everything we’d hoped for (because of some of the things he left out), Charlie narrated the book and had us laughing at least a couple of times during nearly every chapter. And that’s entertainment enough from the Platoon, Wall Street, Ferris Bueller, Two and a Half Men, and Anger Management actor (and one of two famous actor sons of Martin Sheen).
Charlie offers a fairly unvarnished account of his Hollywood career, in chronilogical order by year and movie (and TV series), his drug and alcohol fueled wild lifestyle, in and out of rehab drug addiction (especially crack cocaine), and marital difficulties. But along the way, Charlie recounts his many paths to sobriety, and the by the end, the birth and love for his children. He discussed a few of his famous friends (Chris Penn, Chad Lowe, and Nicholas Cage), those stories were probably worth the read alone. And as well, we get a glimpse into the high life and personal battles a celebrity encounters when it comes to sex addiction and financial extortion that ensues. In particular I smiled when Charlie discussed how he came to know the notorious Heidi Fleiss, The Hollywood Madame.
The book was fast paced. Richard and I would listen to two to four chapters a night. Charlie read fast while providing the best narration (unless that was the editing), and he impressed us with his acumen and use of the English language (Props to his writing skills for sure). It surprised me to learn he’d ever had an issue with stuttering. I guess it goes to figure, not everyone who makes it big for speaking/acting can speak perfectly. Note: I provide a link to a recent interview of Charlie and Tucker Carlson at the end of this review, and you’ll note Charlie does stutter several times during that. To me, it just makes Charlie more human and relatable–no one should feel “less than” for stuttering.
Richard and I found Charlie’s memoir quite the entertaining read, though at times it felt more like Charlie was baring his soul than offering a book for his fans. By that I mean, I don’t think he was asking, “What would my fans want to hear from me”? I think he’d kept notes during times of his life where he wrestled with bigger questions. He certainly seems to be a deep thinker, especially on the subjects he discusses in the Tucker interview. His book recounts times of partying and yes, he names several people, though after naming them, he uses initials and one just has to keep following along.
We didn’t know Testosterone (excessive amounts) could do such things to a person. Wow, Charlie!
I didn’t need to know the names of many of the girls Charlie kept company with / slept with, but maybe he wanted to give them credit. Or perhaps Charlie was bragging a bit too, but I’m not a guy so I didn’t take it that way. Richard didn’t seem to mind Charlie’s recollections. LOL At least Charlie gave his ex-wives credit too, for all they tried to do to help him and all the help they continue to give to their shared children.
We both really appreciated all the love and care Charlie took at the beginning of the book to explain his parents’ backgrounds and even speak about his dad’s career. My mom and dad always liked Martin Sheen’s movies.
I had hoped to hear more in the book about Charlie’s performance in Major League, one of my favorite Charlie movies, especially since he was such a great baseball player and fan of the sport. Even Google has this to say about Charlie’s baseball past, “Charlie Sheen’s baseball connection involves playing high school ball, famously portraying pitcher Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn in Major League, his deep fandom for the Cincinnati Reds, and a notable obsession with collecting priceless MLB memorabilia, including the infamous “Mookie Ball” from the 1986 World Series, plus once buying thousands of seats at an Angels game hoping to catch a home run.”
Richard had hoped Charlie would mention driving out to Reno in his Testarossa with a stopover at Whiskey Creek in Bishop, CA. At least Richard got to meet Charlie back then. Probably in between one of many rehab visits of Charlie’s. And for the record, we’re very happy that Charlie finally got clean and has stayed clean for, as of now, 8 years.
Charlie on Tucker
Charlie had us laughing even while discussing his book with Tucker Carlson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2T5ZNdsQrU
Integrating the Spirals
I’m encouraging those “over 60” to open to lifelong learning (observe and gently question their pre-conceived beliefs, aka ‘Programming’), become more aware of their thoughts and emotions, consistently move their bodies (too many are stuck in their heads and physically unhealthy), become strong, and resilient in spirit, soul, mind, body. And to question EVERYTHING!
Link to my YouTube channel where you can see the videos: https://youtube.com/@spiralsister
Yours in consciousness-expansion as we evolve and revolve during our mystical awakening. All while doing-my-egoless-best, to take you on a limitless, spiraling thought ride to better health, through doing more with ease, to help us sustain the JOY in our lives! (With lots of Gratitude throughout.)
Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.
About us
My husband is an award-winning illustrator, plus he’s a seasoned guitarist, bass player, and songwriter (with over 400 original songs). You can view some of his artwork and listen to many of his songs at: https://www.youtube.com/user/richardmurrey
Here’s a video of us performing on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/416711742?ref=fb-share
My books on Amazon
I have four books on Amazon. The two most recent are: Have Yourself a Wholly Vibrant Life: Reversing Asthma and Other Chronic Illness Naturally and Blue Eyes: Ethereal Messages of Connection.
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Integrating the Spirals 