Tag Book reviews

Andrew McCarthy: Was He Really a Brat?

Reg Spittle Leave a comment

Andrew McCarthy grew up searching for direction. He was plagued by anxiety, a lack of confidence, and bad grades in school.

Through it all, though, he sensed that he possessed a gift. It surfaced one day when he was a teen-ager, uncharacteristically putting aside his jitters and walking into a rehearsal hall at New York University. During his reading, his instincts for acting bared themselves as an unscripted performance so good that he was accepted to NYU’s acting program, provided he improve his grades and show a seriousness of purpose.

With humor and honesty, the actor and director relates a book full of revealing anecdotes in Brat: An ‘80s Story. As a teen-ager, he broke into movies in Class, with Rob Lowe and Jacqueline Bissett. He leaped to stardom in Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo’s Fire, and the hysterical Weekend at Bernie’s.

He did not consider himself one of the “brat pack” and was not close to many of his fellow actors; his self-doubt showed itself as aloofness. He lost one part after an exceptional audition with John Hughes. But, Hughes misinterpreted McCarthy’s nervous whistling as he left the room as off-putting cockiness. Hughes chose someone else.

McCarthy is an exceptional writer who has also pursued grand adventures that he describes in a captivating book, The Longest Way Home. In Walking With Sam, McCarthy brilliantly relates his walk across Spain with his son on the Camino de Santiago.

Andrew McCarthy has often not been very kind to Andrew McCarthy. But he has overcome alcoholism, performed and directed with distinction, and written several best-selling books. Now in his 60s, I hope he lives out his life with a sense of accomplishment while adding to his volumes of work.

Hoofin’ It is No. 1! Thank You, Readers!

Reg Spittle 2 Comments

My third adventure trekking book is a number-one best seller! I am so grateful to readers.

Hoofin’ It on the John Muir Trail has hovered in the top ten in several categories, but today it made the leap to the top in the Kindle walking category.

The actual sales remain modest, but Hoofin’ It has continued to find new readers since its launch in January.

I also want to send my deepest appreciation to readers who took the time to write reviews:

“This is a great read and fun story…It does exactly what a book of this type should…Makes you want to go hike it as well!”

“Hoofin’ It on the John Muir Trail lets the author do the walking while you do the gawking, imagining the splendid scenery and unmatched beauty of this special wilderness so thoroughly described. You don’t have to be a long-distance hiker or wilderness adventurer to enjoy this book.”

“Hoofin’ It is just as delightful as Reg Spittle’s first two books with a slightly different spin. I had no idea that the John Muir Trail was a difficult as it is, and if Sue and Reg found it arduous, there aren’t many of us who could accomplish it. Seeing the map day by day made each climb clear. I felt like I knew his hiking mates and especially the packers. All long-distance backpackers of a certain age should read all three of these books for confidence and inspiration. I’m looking forward to next year’s trip. Go Reg and Sue!”

“Fun read from an author in his 60’s. This was a sweet book with great characters and a different perspective.”

“Reg’s vivid prose takes the reader through strenuous climbs and risky descents, and the descriptions of the magnificent Sierra vistas will fill you with awe. Their fellow hikers and the packers that guide them become like family on the trail, and Reg details their bonding with warmth and humor. Although the book isn’t intended as a guide, there are plenty of helpful tips for prospective hikers on clothing, packing, eating and trail etiquette (including the fine art of “poop maintenance”). All in all, it’s a joyful read.”

“Loved this book, it tells the amazing story of their hike without being long and drawn out. Very inspiring story.”

The ten distance treks and three books have brought challenges and joys beyond any I imagined. And none would have been possible without Sue, my walking partner, chief editor, and artistic designer. Here’s to many more journeys together!