I've been listening to the audio version of this book and find it a different experience than reading it. With the bustling neighborhoods of New York City as the backdrop, Ron Perlman narrates with gusto, depth and heartfelt emotions what it was like to walk in the shoes of a grass green actor in a profession by turns exhilarating and soul crushing.I enjoyed the down to earth tone, the easy voice, the openness of the actor starting on a promising and terrifying journey. With a keen insight into human nature, spot-on impressions, and his wonderful trade mark humor he carries us along as he alternately succeeds and fails. It's hard for us to imagine this giant of Thespianism ever foundering, running aground. Yet he has done just that, time and time again. His family's, especially his father's belief in him kept his afloat through some very, very hard times.Actor/writer/raconteur/philosopher/wag, and above all, orator. Touched and moved to laughter by the paper version, I was so much more so by the audio version: his voice moves the story with such wit, verve, spirit and sadness and potency. It transcends the written word, soars above what makes an autobiography readable, interesting, compelling. His articulation takes raw precious stones and hones them into museum quality cuts. If you haven't purchased the audio version, do so. It is superb.He is honest in feeling and idea. He shares the ambiguities and uncertainties that reflect upon his occupational interactions and personal life alike. On the whole, I think the reader/listener comes away with the sense that like all of us, the author is on a continuous search for self knowledge and personal satisfaction. I'm not sure his optimism is genuine but it certainly sounds as if he, Ron Perlman, would like it to be. He refuses to give in to what others would deem inevitable. With what seems to be naive optimism and bullish, fanciful daydreaming he has lifted his life from the narrow streets of the crowded city to the milky way: the sweeping arch of stars which shines down upon the dark earth below. He has a genius for achievement, a wild passion for accomplishment.He wants life to have meaning, sense, balance, justice. In the face of a world with so much of the opposite, it is inspiring that he won't give up trying. I would suggest this is the book's theme: just keep on reaching. We, the readers/listeners invest totally, cheering him on, hoping with him, believing in miracles. This book is a gift, a secret, he has happily shared: I AM. And don't let anyone take that away from you.