The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man: A Memoir

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER: The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man: A Memoir. There's a lot to discuss about the greatest movie star of the last 75 years: his traumatic childhood, his career, his drinking, his thoughts about Marlon Brando, James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, John Huston, his greatest roles, acting, his intimate relationship with Joanne Woodward, his fears, passions, and joys. Throughout the book, Joanne Woodward, George Roy Hill, Tom Cruise, Elia Kazan, and many others share their thoughts and comments.

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: TIME and Vanity Fair.

"Newman at his best…with his self-aware persona, storied marriage and generous charitable activities…this rich book somehow imbues his characters’ pain and joy with fresh technicolor." —The Wall Street Journal

An extraordinary project was started by Paul Newman and his closest friend, Stewart Stern, in 1986. Stuart was to compile an oral history, interviewing Newman's family, friends, and those who worked closely with him. Newman would then speak with Stewart and explain his side of the story. The only requirement was that anyone speaking on the record be completely truthful. In addition, Newman himself had to comply with that stipulation. Over the course of five years, the project was completed.
 
Based on thousands of pages of transcripts, the result is an extraordinary memoir. One of the most moving parts of the book is his relationship with Joanne Woodward-their love for each other, his dependence on her, and the way she shaped him intellectually, emotionally, and sexually.
 
This book is as revelatory as it is introspective, as personal and analytical, as loving and tender as it is complex and profound at times.