Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story by Arnold Schwarzenegger is an autobiography of the famous actor, politician and champion body builder. While the life that Mr. Schwarzenegger has led is indeed astonishing, this book is more of a political memoir and boasting of one's achievements than that of a celebrity autobiography.
Amazing indeed.
The first 200 pages or so of Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story by Arnold Schwarzenegger are dedicated to the author's childhood and bodybuilding career. The author makes a point which he will make over and over in the book--once he sets his mind on something, anything, he will achieve it no matter how difficult it is. Schwarzenegger does say that you have to know what to focus on (for example: this 5'6" unathletic man would never set his sights on the NBA) but once you decide you, and only you, have complete control.
Unlike other biographies I've read, this one has more personal anecdotes which, for a fan like me, were well worth the price of admission. Sections about behind-the-scenes of favorite movies (to be honest, I liked the vast majority of Schwarzenegger's movies, including The Last Action Hero--even though I thought it was too early to make such a movie mocking oneself, it would have been perfect if it would have been released a few years ago) were a treat to read as well as anecdotes from the world of bodybuilding.
Especially poignant were the chapters about the relationship between husband and wife (no, there is no dirty laundry aired), something which I think many people, especially immigrants who married American women, can identify with. While I certainly appreciate Maria Shriver for her brain and talent, I could not imagine being married to someone who grew up with servants, with plenty of "old money" and a family of famous and infamous. I'm sure it was difficult for a man who grew up in a household where only necessities were granted and discipline was the order of the day, every day, to find his love with an heiress--and vice versa.
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