Robin

One of the challenges of biographies is that they can become "and then he did this; and then he did that". That challenge may be particularly difficult when the subject is very famous, and in show biz, and someone whose career many readers have lived through. So it's not surprising that Mr. Itzkoff doesn't entirely meet the challenge. "Robin" sometimes becomes little more than a recitation of Robin Williams's movies, shows, etc., with little to separate them other than the beginning of a new chapter.

At its best moments -- particularly as he approaches the end of Williams's life, the author finds a way to distance himself from this episodic approach and to get some perspective on his subject's life. However, it's a bit too little too late. And while for most of the book he seems as objective as a clearly passionate fan can be, the end of the book becomes the literary equivalent of a shrine.

So, as much as I want to, and as much as I looked forward to reading this, it is, as the three-star rating conveys, just OK.

The book gave me some insight into a spectacular persons life. I found it interesting to learn about Robin's family and friends and his sequential performances.
I'm not a of big fan of biographies, thus not an expert. I found the writing to be generally adequate.
Still love Robin. We shared the same locales, such as Toads (Todd's bar) in the Marina district in S.F. and I lived on Steiner Street, just blocks from the house he filmed Mrs. Doubtfire in as well as many others in the Bay area. My hometown of Chicago enabled me further relate to his Midwestern upbringing.

Everyone agrees that Robin Williams was a funny man. He was like your hilarious, naughty school friend who never knew when to stop. But he didn't age well sadly; not physically but emotionally at least according to Dave Itzkoff's telling. His early life wasn't the usual horror saga of say, Richard Pryor. He had loving parents, friends, privilege and educational opportunities afforded to the exceptionally talented. Yet he was wracked with insecurities and neuroses and addiction problems for much of his life.
What does it take for these gifted souls to find purpose or happiness? Robin William's story is as old as the hills, nothing was ever enough for him. Mr Itzkoff is obviously a devoted fan and his book reflects his admiration for his troubled subject. Mr. Williams wanted fame and all of its accoutrements but at what cost, I wonder. Sad story about a sad man.

This is really well researched, and I think that you get a lot of the facts without a lot of judgment. You are introduced to many people that Robin met in life, and you get to know their own perspectives, based on their own words at the time. You get to know the talent and the flaws. Not just Robin's but those that he knew too.
Even though the writing is often about very emotional points in Robin's life, the writing style is very balanced. You get the facts and the reactions. But it does read like a very reliable report, so you're not going to find that Itzkoff asked people to tell him about every tremble of someone's voice, or every sigh or tear. If you're hoping to get caught up in the dramatic moments of Robin's life, this doesn't really do that. But the information you get is solid and abundant. Robin was so private and guarded, so if you always wanted to know more details about him, then this has a wealth and I would call it *The* Must Read for all Robin Williams fans... Or if you're an audio-learner like me, the "must listen".

I have to mention something about the audiobook. Who is Fred Berman anyway? Because, wow- I'm impressed. He can do a beautiful imitation of Robin Williams. And by that, I mean he can do a beautiful imitation of all of *Robin's imitations* too. And by "beautiful" I mean that he doesn't try to sound exactly like Robin, and he doesn't make it sound like a cartoon or like a mockery.
When he quotes Robin's words or characters, Fred Berman sounds like someone telling stories about his own family member. He sounds like he has given this presentation his respect, study, and time. I have to believe that he has genuine affection for Robin. Robin's familiar phrases sound like well-worn and well-loved memories when Berman speaks. By chapter 4 or 5 I was completely delighted and in a bit of awe with his narration. I'm not sure how they found this guy, but they picked the right one.

I'm really disappointed with this book. It literally has put me to sleep the past five nights....I keep trying to like it, because I love Robin Williams...but this is a total bore. It's just quote after quote with stale writing in between. It's also a huge book. The author really could have spared us a few mundane facts (I get it, he played with toy soldiers as a child!!). Less is more. I challenge anyone to read this cover to cover.

An intimate new biography of Robin Williams tells the story of the meteoric rise, frenetic life and sad end of the comedian. In Robin, New York Times writer David Itzkoff gives us a look at the creativity that fueled Williams' seemingly spontaneous and endless comedic riffs. But he also tells of Williams' substance abuse, repeated infidelities, failed marriages and a manic anxiety over the quality of his performances.

Itkoff recounts stories of Williams' childhood, failed attempts at college, training at Juilliard and his early years on stand up comedy stages where he stood out among his peers. Robin (Henry Holt & Company, digital galley) is well-researched and full of stories from family, friends and fellow comedians that cover both the highlights and the low lights of Williams' long career.

The story of Williams health decline and death is handled compassionately as Itzkoff tells of the depression, paranoia and confusion that Williams suffered from as a result of Lewy Bodies Dementia. And although Itkoff tries to give us a full measure of the man, even Williams' closest friends acknowledge he never revealed all of himself to anyone. In Robin we may get the best look possible at comedic genius whose performances we know so well.

Robin Williams shared an energy, passion, and humor that has been unmatched by most in Hollywood. He was an award-winning actor and well-regarded comedian -- powerfully successful on both accounts. Thus, reading this more thorough accounting of his life was important to me.

Itzkoff tracks and trails Robin's entire career -- before the stardom to the waning of his light. However, the comprehensiveness of career does not match a depth of understanding about the man himself. Where "Robin" the biography succeeds is linking various time points with his life and bringing reliable third parties in the mix.

Throughout this deep dive is a missing figure: Robin. Perhaps this is reflective of the "distance" that is regularly cited in the book -- that Robin would only say or share so much with others onstage and off. This lack of vulnerability appears to have an effect on readers, too, as "Robin" seems like a cursory understanding of the man.

Itzkoff's perspective on Robin's standup is in the spirit of social justice, which I greatly appreciated. For instance, it seems the author is hinting at the politically incorrect and socially fraught use of Robin's parroting of other cultures and accents. While funny, there's an implicit understanding that Robin is a white man making fun of traditionally marginalized peoples. Additionally -- and perhaps more troubling -- were Robin's actions around women. Many little anecdotes were reportedly just laughed away (e.g., touching without explicit consent when on and off stage). Would this book read differently through the eyes of the "#metoo" movement?

One of the more wonderful aspects of the book was getting to know Robin's children -- and the relationship he had with them. In their strength, courage, and care, it was clear that Robin was deeply committed to them. This is one of the saddest parts of his story -- his decline, death, and loss for them.

Overall, I appreciated Itzkoff investigation into Robin, but the book feels like a mere glimpse of the man -- that there could be so much more here.

Where were you when you heard that Robin Williams had died?

I was so stunned and grieved at this loss that I honestly wondered if something was wrong with me. I had admired Williams since Mork “uncorked” in the late 1970s, and for decades I enjoyed his work, but after all, he was a complete stranger. I had never met him; why did my heart drop to my toes and stay there for a while when he left us? But as the internet exploded and friends also responded, I understood that it wasn’t just me. He was so raw, so vulnerable in so much of what he did on screen that he became, in a way unlike most entertainers, a part of who we were.

Huge thanks go to Net Galley and Henry Holt for the review copy. This book is for sale now.

Williams grew up in a well-to-do family, an only child that didn’t learn he had half-brothers till adolescence. His invented characters began in private during childhood with his large collection of toy soldiers, for which he invented complex lives and scenarios; in middle school he began assuming the voices of invented characters as self-defense socially. From his school days all the way through his life, those that spent time with him personally or professionally said that he was unknowable, and he admitted in an interview that in many ways, he was “performing to avoid.”

But none of us knew that when he burst onto the airwaves; all we knew was that this actor was manic, hilarious, audacious, insightful, and unpredictable. Itzkoff deftly segues in and through each period in Williams’ life, through his marriages, parenthood, and friendships, and of course, through the enormous body of artistic work that he amassed over his lifetime. There are perceptive quotes by those that knew him, some wry, some surprisingly hostile, and many of them pithy, and it boggles the imagination to consider how many of these the author began with before he whittled them down to just the right size and number, to provide as complete an account as is possible without allowing the pace to flag.

My favorite parts have to do with behind-the-scenes vignettes from the Robin Williams movies I most enjoyed. One interesting anecdote concerns the making of Dead Poets Society. Disney deemed the title to be too risky; nobody wants to watch something dead, they figured, and so why not change the title to “The Amazing Mr. Keating”? Robin and other cast members laughed; the producers laughed; then they told the Disney people that production would stop immediately if such an attempt were made.

Although usually even well-known movie actors have to audition for Disney animation voice roles just like anyone else would, an exception of great proportions was made for Williams, and in fact, the role of the genie in Aladdin was written for him specifically. Try to imagine that movie without him. Impossible!

I tore voraciously through this absorbing biography of this truly brilliant performer, but as the end neared, the pace of my reading slowed, because I knew, more or less, how it would end. I would have liked the chance to change it, but nobody can do that. It’s a sad, rotten thing to see such a bright star fall so tragically.

Itzkoff’s sources are strong ones, and his tone is intimate without being prurient, affectionate but not fawning. I would read this biographer’s work again in a heartbeat.

Highly recommended.

The multitudes of explosive talent, as well as the rollercoaster ride of highs and lows that was his life, are nearly too much to pack into this singular biography of entertainer Robin Williams. In ROBIN, New York Times culture reporter Dave Itzkoff covers both the tour de force and the tragedy animating him to audiences around the world. In a biography of a man like Robin Williams, it can be difficult to separate the myth from the man, but Itzkoff shows perhaps in this case that they are one and the same.

From the TV show “Mork & Mindy,” where he was puzzled by the ways of the Earthlings, to impersonating the alter ego of a Scottish housekeeper in Mrs. Doubtfire, Williams’ colorful imagination was always in action. A product of the Drama Division at Juilliard, Williams was the closest friend of actor Christopher Reeve. During his college days, he eccentrically performed as a Central Park street mime and in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art plaza. Though born into a prominent Midwestern family and attending elite preparatory schools, he spent most of his sometimes lonely youth playing with toy soldiers and absorbing himself in make-believe.

Alcoholism and addiction held sway over Williams’ early adult life, leading him to be in “Saturday Night Live” star John Belushi’s Los Angeles hotel room the night he died of an overdose. Williams would become sober, and remained so for the next 20 years. It was during this fantastic transformation that he made many hundreds of appearances in comedy specials, comedy albums, on Broadway, television and in film. His spontaneous creativity not only came to him naturally, but also was part of a concentrated attention to his craft and energetic work ethic. His great ambition led him to disappointment in not winning the Oscar for Best Actor after being nominated for Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society and The Fisher King. However, after memorably being cast as a psychology professor and psychologist in Good Will Hunting alongside Matt Damon, he was finally conferred an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

The exuberance of Williams’ persona outwardly stands in such opposition to the way his life came to an end. His fervent creativity lied at the center of a reluctant core --- a concealed part of himself that only made its way into his characters in the form of a radical, burning authenticity. There was more to Robin Williams than the genius, intensive emotion, and boundless supply of energy and originality. This book gets to the indescribable center of who he was more than any other publication out there.

ROBIN is comprised of information from over 100 interviews from industry insiders, fellow comedians and his family. It embraces the hopefulness and joy of his comedic style. Nothing can contain the vigor of his aura, or the dynamism of who he was, but Itzkoff’s biography does well in replicating the irresistible energy through which he always performed.

Reviewed by John Bentlyewski

Robin is a straight-forward biography, and a hefty one at 544 pages. Yet, as I finished the book, my takeaway is that Robin Williams’ life was too private, too multi-faceted, too driven by internal motivations to ever offer a clear life story. Each chapter seems to lack a certainty, needing something more to provide a full, clear picture. Yet among the surface chatter, a telling revelation comes as the book ends. Williams’ dying wish was to have his image protected. He donated, yet blocked his image rights through 2039. He valued this privacy. And it’s this discovery that makes me feel a little guilty for even picking up this title and invading his space. Robin Williams will remain a mystery and that is what’s right.

They say that the great comedians convert tragedy in their lives into comedy. They say....From "New York Times" reporter Dave Itzkoff, here is the definitive biography of Robin Williams. Robin Williams was voted "least likely to succeed" by his fellow classmates when they all graduated from high-school in Larkspur, California. Williams began as a stand-up comedian in San Francisco. Then Hollywood called. And did it call. Williams starred in TV's "Mork and Mindy(1978-1982)". Going into the movies, he appeared in "Good Morning Vietnam(1988)", "The Fisher King(1991)", the classic "Mrs. Doubtfire(1993)", and "Good Will Hunting(1997)", where he received a Best Actor Academy Award, for Best Supporting Actor. More followed. Williams played in straight-.drama as well, as an evil villain, in "One Hour Photo(2002)", and the excellent "Insomnia(2002)". Yet despite all his success, Williams was often . unhappy. He was never sure that he had really made it. By 2014, Williams was in the early stages of Parkinson's disease. He suffered from depression, and an off-and-on dependency on alcohol and cocaine. He was upset because he could not sell his Tiburon mansion at the right price. His home was located on St. Thomas Way. Robin Williams died from suicide by hanging from a belt at his home on August 11, 2014. He was 63 years old. On August 12, his daughter, Zelda Williams tweeted an excerpt from Antoine De Saint-Exupery's novella, called "The Little Prince". It read: "You-you alone will have the stars as no one else has them...In one of the stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing. When you look at the sky at night....You-only you will have stars that can laugh...."Zelda said: "I love you. I miss you. I'll try to keep looking up". Robin Williams once said: "There's so much to talk about. The fact that Donald Trump wants to see Obama's birth certificate. I want to see his hairline first". He could make you laugh. He could make you cry. He could make everybody happy. Except himself.

Robin by Dave Itzkoff is a free NetGalley ebook that I read during late April and early May.

I had seen Robin Williams during his stop at the University of Minnesota with the Weapons of Mass Destruction tour in 2009 and, before my ex-husband saw the news of his death in August 2014, I immediately wanted to text and remind him of our memories while seeing Williams on tour, watching the World According to Garp, and all the other positive memories of witnessing his life and career.

With Itzkoff's book, it's like a full chronological scope (like a biography, wouldn't you know it) with many, many inset perspectives from the people and family that knew him well that never shirks away from the dark, the unfunny, or the uncomfortable. In that way, it might not be the kind of cheerful, happy-thoughts memorial that some might want this book to be, but it's exactly the kind of book that says what needs to be said.

The recent sad news that Robin Williams had taken his own life drew me to read this comprehensive account of his life. How such a talented man, so beloved by his multitude of fans, could be so troubled is hard to fathom. Reading this book helped me to understand a bit more about this complicated man, and what motivated him, although its still hard to accept that a man who brought so much happiness to so many people struggled so hard to be happy himself.
The majority of the book described in detail his life from childhood on. And quite an extraordinary life it was. He started out as the son of a wealthy family in the outskirts of Detroit, often left alone for long periods to play by himself. During this time, he began developing his skills of imagining different people and scenes and acting them out.

As his career as a comedian began to take off, he struggled to adapt to continually changing circumstances, harming some of his most important relationships in the process, and fighting against various addictions. His strong desire to be respected as a serious actor was often frustrated as he made film after film without the accolades he longed for. He was recognized for a few films, but there is a sense that this was not enough and a lifelong disappointment.

Recommended for fans of Robin Williams, this is a long and comprehensive account of his entire life that will bring you many insights into this unique and talented man.

Note: I received an advance copy of the ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Dave Itzkoff's 'Robin' is an honorable testimony for the life of Robin Williams. I grew up with Robin in the days of Mork & Mindy and always found him funny. Prior to that, I believe Happy Days were either re-runs or syndication and caught him as Mork in those later seasons where the show seemed to lose its focus. Somehow, they came up with an accidental hit in Robin Williams. The story behind it is almost as interesting as the show itself, where producer Gary Marshall began asking his son for some ideas. And like most things at that time, Star Wars was killing every market and so everyone else needed something to engage their science fiction minds. Thus Mork from Ork was born. But this is just one of the few anecdotal stories you will read about in regards to Williams rise in his career.

I am particularly fond of his film The World According to Garp. It introduced me not only to Robin Williams as a serious actor, but also the works of John Irving. As far as movies go, Garp I feel is Williams best role and Irving's best cinematic adaption. Everything about the film is perfect and Robin, who is young and working hard, shows off both his ability for wit, comic timing and knows when to make it serious without coming across the typically manic persona that we see more frequently later in his life.

It was later in his life that he hit his stride with Good Morning Vietnam and Dead Poet's Society and sometime after voicing the Genie in Aladdin. Not all of his films were hits, and that will happen with someone who is prolific in their career. Always working, whether its for a movie or doing stand-up or some guest on a TV show or talk show. Surprised he never wrote a book, to be honest. Maybe that required too much focus as they pointed out he rarely watched TV.

Itzkoff writes clearly and precisely in as much detail as possible, but without losing his narrative to irrelevance. Further, you will not only find out about his career as an actor, but behind the stage moments and of course, his personal life which begins in the town he was born and then spanning his life to the time he is deceased. Which, when I finally came upon the end of his life, I knew the impending conclusion of the story, and Itzkoff does a wonderful job keeping Robin alive and fully animated throughout the pages. So the shock and reality of reading about it were just as difficult to hear the news as it was when it actually happened.

I have always been a dan of Robin Williams. When he died, I was upset, but I am removed from him as a person. He is a celebrity. And celebrity's are human when it comes down to it. But, while it was upsetting, it did not bring me to tears or have my own film retrospective of the life of Robin Williams. He was a big figure in Hollywood who passed on. Reading Itzkoff's book, however, brought me closer to the world of Robin Williams, and what his internal world might be like. And thats where I felt a stronger connection and learning of death had more of an impact on me and a deeper appreciation for the legacy he left behind.

Robin by Dave Itzkoff is one of the best biographies I have ever read and I would recommend this to anyone. Itzkoff obviously did a lot of research and conducted numerous interviews to be able to write such a comprehensive biography.

I always enjoyed Robin Williams. It's easy to recognize what a comedic genius he was, but I always thought of him as a troubled, gentle soul. This biography proves that. His childhood and youth were very privileged, very strict, and very isolated. His father was an executive busy with work; his mother, a socialite who spent little time with her son. That, combined with numerous moves due to his father's job, resulted in a child who spent most of his time alone in the attic, playing with his toy soldiers, making up his own friends, giving them full characters and voices.

As he grew older, Robin found entertaining others as a way to connect with people, and it met his need for approval and validation. Like a snowball rolling downhill, the applause and kudos which temporarily abated his insecurities, combined with a lightning fast mind, made him appear manic to many, so eager was he to please. The more applause he got, the more he needed.

Undoubtedly a genius, it was as if he couldn't keep up with his own thoughts. Robin was either "on" or "off", and when "off" he was quiet, introverted, yet gentle, and caring towards everyone he met. He wanted everyone to be happy, and would do whatever he could towards that, even when it drained him.

Robin Williams was a sweet, gentle genius who never believed that his value lay with him as a person, not just because he made people laugh; who never felt that he was good enough. It seems he just couldn't find where he fit in or get as much approval as the often ignored child still inside him needed. Facing Lewey Body Dementia, and the loss of his quick wit, Robin chose to take his own life.

A much-loved and admired man; a tragic loss.

Itzkoff tells Robin's story in such a compelling manner that I didn't want to put the book down. I highly recommend this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Company for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

This was a fantastic biography about Robin William's childhood and his rise to fame. Itzkoff did an amazing job with his extensive research and covered every aspect about Robin's life and death. Robin's childhood, his school years, the comedy clubs, all his movies, his personal struggles, his marriages, his children and his health. He conducted numerous interviews with family, friends and acquaintances in the comedy club scene. You really get the whole picture of who Robin Williams was. As a comedian, as an actor and as a father.

I was devastated when I heard the news about Robin William's death and shocked about the circumstances around it. How could this man who brought some much laughter to so many people be depressed and no one knew it? I couldn't wait to read this book and know more about this infamous comedian. I was surprised to learn Robin was shy and quiet. Never in a million years would I have thought that. I enjoyed reading about his friendship with the late Christopher Reeve. The reason he got sober was because of his son. I'm glad I got to know the truth about Robin and Marsha's relationship. The media portrayed Marsha as the nanny that seduced Robin and a home wrecker but in fact that was not the case. I was saddened to read about their demise. And finally, I learned the reasoning on why Robin took his own life.

I definitely recommend this biography to anyone who knew Robin Williams. Fan or not, you will fall in love with him in the end.

FYI, my favorite movie with Robin Williams was August Rush.

Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for an ARC of Dave Itzkoff's "Robin" in exchange of an honest review.

This is a first rate show business biography. Robin Williams was a complex, talented man and Itzkoff does an excellent job of explaining the actor's many sided personality. Along the way, the author does some interesting riffs on the relationship between career and family, the nature of the movie business and self-destructive personalities. William Goldman's axiom about show business-no one knows anything-underlies much of the book, especially when the author discusses some of Williams' major movie flops. The book is well written and insightful and offers much to think about, not just about Robin Williams but about the human condition in general.

Just finished this biography on his life. From beginning to end. Now I have 20+ more movies to watch and appreciate him even more but pain remains at every corner as his work is everywhere and touches so much. Boy was he prolific, and what range. And I was already a huge fan of Robin’s. Comic genius, actually just genius is appropriate here and as a Bay Area resident consider him a local treasure and his passing a few years ago hit me hard. And I still miss him.

In this chronological review of his unlikely path to superstardom the writer takes us on a Lombard Street-like road thru childhood to college to standup comedian to actor and then more and more and more. He did so much. Always looking, the author seems to suggest, for approval to validate the path and choices he made.

Some not so great decisions on personal life and career. Oh well. Nobody’s perfect. In the end he had a bunch of ex-wives and kids who all loved him and wanted to help but couldn’t reach him in that one dark room that a lot of comedians/artists enter but can’t leave. But this review does offer a glimpse into why Robin felt the need to always prove himself really but never answers the real question of 'why.'

All that we now know and was well documented here is that Robin was amazing, talented, prolific and super caring of others while battling a nearly lifelong hyper paranoia and insecurity that seems to accompany gifted individuals/ rare talents (Belushi, Cobain, are light comparisons). But no great reveal. No solutions. But a chance to revel and be reminded of how lucky we were (and are) to have enjoyed this amazing talent despite the bargain we make to experience them.

I'm still reading this exhaustive bio, but have read enough of it to say unequivocally: It's a 5-star book.

For starters, it's very readable. Author Dave Itzkoff uses a chronological, linear format as he writes about Robin Williams. (great, for me, because I don't care for confusing flashbacks/flash forwards when I read biographies.)

But don't think "readable" means "simple prose." Itzkoff is an excellent writer, period. He proves that bios can be creative and engaging, with no cliches. Itzkoff's writing style plants you right in the middle of the action, as he takes us from Williams's childhood to his beginnings in the stand-up comedy world, to "Mork and Mindy" and beyond.

Itzkoff interviewed many, many people for this book and their comments make for some truly insightful quotes.

Highly recommended.

I enjoy biography but usually pass on those of the gliteratti, movie stars, and such: their lives usually hold too little interest beyond the fame and fortune. But Robin W. was something else, a man who was clearly hiding himself (as most comedians seem to do), who felt very deeply about all sorts of things, who was a great friend to people, who really cared. And a man of such outsized pure talent, a comet in the night sky, rarely seen in human experience. Not least, the circumstances of his death were so mysterious and in such opposition to the way he lived--similar in many ways to the rise and demise of the fine actor Philip Seymour Hoffman. Mr. Itzkoff has done a great service on several levels, not least to teach many lessons from the great, sad, painful, larger-than-life existence of Robin W. There's so much to learn about stardom; about parental relations; about growing up alone and talented; about the cream rising to the top; about empathy for others' troubles; about loving husband/wife/children relationships; and on and on. One whose interests exceed show-and-tell about celebrities will glean much from this fine book and Robin's finely lived life.

Giving it five stars for a thorough, respectful biography. Can't say that "I love it" as the rating indicates, since I truly love Robin, but I hate what happened to him. Itzkoff does not shy away from the bad behaviors and the forces at play in Robin's body and soul. He was a tormented man, and Itzkoff renders Robin's demons clearly. But what this bio also does is illuminate a singular talent, the sort of talent that comes along once in a lifetime. Driven to support his family, the same as his father was, he saw his earning ability as his worth. As his career declined, hand-in-hand with his alcoholism getting the better of him, his drive decayed. But in many ways, he also became a better human being in his support of people and causes. It is not an easy bio, especially the last few chapters. But if you are a fan, and/or someone who is struggling with addiction, you may find this an essential read.

Little library book. Not purchased. Fantastic book. Very well written. Hated to put it down. Lots of things I never knew about Robin Williams. Bittersweet book. Robin was apparently a very complex man. What you saw wasn't necessarily what you got, or who he was. Robin had many demons, drugs, alcohol, women, etc. He tried, unsuccessfully, to achieve happiness in his life. He put on a very good show. Makes me want to re watch many of his films. I was unaware of how many critics panned lots of his films. Very sad, overall. Marsha Garces, the nanny who stole Robin from wife # 1, really did not steal anyone, nor was she a nanny when he married her. Robin comes across as a very giving, wonderful, caring person. With an immense talent. Great read!

Thank you for NetGalley, the publisher, and Davie Itzkoff for providing me with a copy of this biography, "Robin". I have been a long time fan of Robin Williams. The first movie I saw in the theaters was Popeye. This biography details both the personal and professional life of Robin Williams from his birth to his death. Robin Williams was a unique and talented individual who loved to make people laugh. His personality was so big that it will be hard to forget the great triumphs he had professionally and the impact he had on others. I learned many things about Robin, while reading this book, that made me understand more about Robin "the person". Robin seemed to have suffered from depression from an early age. As many depressive people do, he self-medicated himself with alcohol and drugs. Robin's life was extraordinary and his death was very sad. Robin is missed greatly. I fully recommend this book to anyone who loved Robin's work as much as I do.

Mr. Itzkoff gives a fascinating account of Robin’s life and I could not put the book down once I started it. But I got a hollow feeling by the time I finished reading, that Robin’s life was too full of failures.

That was not the person he seemed to be when he lived in the Castro district of San Francisco in the late 1980s. At that time his joyous personality reverberated throughout the neighborhood. He was a man who could be heard shouting out to a friend, for all to hear, “God love ya” and who stepped out of a limo onto the sidewalk while still doing a comedy routine for the driver. He went on AIDS walks and visited veterans at Swords to Plowshares, a local veterans rights organization. He comforted gravely ill patients at UCSF hospital (like his character Patch Adams) as well as doing those tours in Afghanistan. He did so many benefits he had a line about “saving the shrimp” he used in one of his routines. He did so much good for so many people its hard to fathom that his life was so submersed by what film critics wrote, (for example), while he was bringing such joy to ordinary people.

So while I appreciate all the effort, the research and attempt to bring out the truth about Robin I was disappointed that the book left me feeling that the tragic part of his life, some “bad” films he made, his insecurities, and the tragic last illness that led to his suicide sort of outweighed the goodness and joy in him, that he brought to the world and that he must have felt inside.

This book was an undeniable triumph. Ever since I saw Jumanji as a child, I loved Robin Williams and grew to love him even more as I took in more of his work. When I learned we shared a birthday, I felt a sense of honor, though it may be silly to say so. And when I saw that he had committed suicide on the news, I was stunned — looking back, I know I disassociated. That’s how much he meant to me. This biography showed not only his work and personal life, but also his personality and character. By the end, I was in tears. I still cannot watch Dead Poets Society without crying at “O Captain, my Captain,” and I suspect I will not be able to reread this book without grieving as well. It’s a triumph, a monument to a man who was himself monumental. Well done — the only reason I refrained from a 5 star review is that I was left wanting more. But then again, who didn’t want more from such a loving, generous, comedic spirit?

Very good read (I listened to the audiobook). I learned all kinds of things about Robin I never knew before. Still miss him deeply.

Con: would someone please teach narrator Fred Berman how to pronounce Marin? Is there no quality control on these books? This is a big and very annoying mistake. It’s not MAR-in County. It’s ma-RIN County! Every time he says it, which is often, I cringe with disbelief that nobody caught this.

I liked the detail of this book, the detail helped me understand what Robin was trying to accomplish.
I knew nothing of his compulsive behavior and was very concerned as the book moved along. I was amazed at his need to start over with his personal life and professional life. He continued to go back to his roots, Improvisation. I enjoyed and now understand Robin's life

This is a thorough and decently written biography. I'm not sure it's possible to do justice to Robin's genius and generosity, but this paints an interesting picture. I bought the audio version and was hugely annoyed by the narrator's mispronunciation of Marin County, where Robin spent much of his life. He pronounced it as Maron--like the podcaster, not the county. Very annoying!

I never write poor reviews, but after reading the first 90 pages, I took the book back to the library and shared my concerns with them.
I respect the talent of RW, but I lost respect for him over his constant filthy and perverted mouth.
Anyone who think they have to be filthy in order to be "funny," I have zero tolerance.

This book makes sense of what drove Robin Williams to suicide. I listened to it on Audible, and the narrator does an amazing job, jumping into character and back out seamlessly.
But once the basic story is told about how Williams came to be as he was, and about how he struggled to find success in the pressurized worlds of fame, Hollywood, and comedy, telling how the struggle drags on over the years is tortuous. Less than halfway through, I had to stop. It was just plain depressing.

What a sad ending to a brilliant life. He always made me laugh. Once in a small town in the mountains of western North Carolina, Robin Williams took a moment between scenes while filming Patch Adams to sign an autograph for my 70 year old mother. I will always remember that kind gesture he made to my mother. RIP O Captain, My Captain.

This books is beautifully written! This is the most researched and most knowledable book on one of the funniest men that had ever walked on this earth. I love getting to know more about him and his life and what made him into the person he was. I highly highly recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of Robin Williams. And if you aren’t, read it any way. This gives you insight into Hollywood and how it really is all about being at the right place at the right time to make IT. Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me to review this amazing biography!