Book cover of Greenlights

Book description

From the Academy Award (R)-winning actor, an unconventional memoir filled with raucous stories, outlaw wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction.

I've been in this life for fifty years, been trying to work out its riddle for forty-two, and been keeping diaries of clues to…

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Why read it?

6 authors picked Greenlights as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I enjoyed Matthew McConaughey's lively audiobook read from his audiobiography. He has quite the story and it was a fun, light read I enjoyed as I wind down before bed. I appreciated his humor and original story that helps me understand his life a bit better.

This might seem like a random suggestion, but I read this book in two days. It opened my eyes to living a joyful life full of greenlights. A greenlight is being kind to our future selves. Seeing the things in our lives confirms we’re on the right path.

I loved it because it really helps you listen to your intuition and connect your heart and your head without fear of judgment.

From Nicole's list on teach you how to tell your own story.

I started reading the book and then switched to listening to the audio version. Thanks to Matthew’s vocal passion and conviction, the book sprang to life as a powerful insight into a personal belief system that has kept him “just keep livin’.”

Having worked with him, I know he always keeps things professional and close to the vest, and it moved me to see him opening up about the struggles he faces.

If you love Greenlights...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Matthew McConaughey, the globally recognized actor shares his life story and provides many valuable lessons learned along the way that all of us can apply to our own lives.

Most inspiring for today’s Gen Z students and those who may be stuck in their careers is his storytelling about his pursuit of acting and his failures and successes that empowered him to consistently innovate and transform.  

This book is a must if you are going through a divorce. When you go through a divorce, a lot of times you are confused as to what is the right path forward. What’s next? Am I making the right decisions? Matthew’s simple analogy of Greenlights really gives hope for the possibilities ahead. Life and love aren’t over after divorce. The uplifting message hit close to home for me and I re-read this book often and keep quotes handy to constantly remind myself that opportunities will present themselves. 

From Lauren's list on if you’re going through a divorce.

This is the best book I have read on how to live your life without regrets. It’s all about making mistakes and moving on, which are two things that inventors must embrace. Along your journey to commercializing your invention, making mistakes is inevitable, so getting comfortable with moving on quickly is key. That said, you don’t have to make every mistake yourself. You can and should learn from experts.

From Stephen's list on for inventors with big ideas.

If you love Greenlights...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

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