Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story

The book is very interesting and very well written. Grass did not grow under this guys feet so it is always on to the next thing. The most interesting part is the book is an amazing read but I am not sure that I would be friends with him. He comes across as a bull in a china shop a lot of the time. Some of that might be the directness of the language as this is still his second language.

Almost done with the audiobook. 25 hrs! But it’s well told and the title is spot on! Arnold’s story is unbelievable! Seems like every turn was an upgrade. Maybe it’s his mentality, his focus , or his drive. Either way this book is worth the read.

I have to admit- Arnold came from nothing and really made something of himself. I esp. liked that he seemed very frank in his covering of his marriage to Maria as well as his success. Loved that he chose to share!!!

I read Arnold's first book, Education of a Bodybuilder and was happy but wanted to learn more about his amazing life. This book does a great job of exploring Arnold's past and doesn't appear to edit out too much of the bad stuff. It helps explain why he's had such an amazing life. Would Read Again A++++

Arnold goes into more detail this time, and the view is not limited to training (as in The Education of a Bodybuilder) but is insightful into his childhood, young bodybuilding career, immigration, college career, working student life, initial business and self promotion, movie career, marriage and family including extended family and formative and meaningful relationships and friends. The view is pan and a lot more detail could have been elaborated on, but the rhythm of a forward progression defines this man's life. It is a misnomer, in that not all is recalled (he is not vulgar) and we can pick any decision point in his career, expound on it twenty-fold and it would serve as a basis for insight into sound judgement (for the most part) or a well-formed intuition. I almost could not put it down, but I had to, as I lead a busy professional and personal life myself. I could not kill it in one reading like I did all his other books (I did not read the Encyclopedia). It is long, satisfying, and 'not finished'. He is back !!!

Really great read, his life story really is unbelievable. If you're a fan, this is a great read. Pretty inspirational as he takes you from childhood in Austria, through his bodybuilding and acting careers and even his time as governor of California.

Being a huge fan I enjoyed learning about his upbringing and what motivated a great motivator . I got the enhanced version as any fan would and enjoyed every last word as well as extras became available. This is a must read to know the truth about what really happened to the governator and his personal life after siting on the thrown of California. Heavy is the crown indeed but still made some great progress as the governor. I hope he makes another book soon .

Absolutely loved this book. I have only read two books that detailed both accomplishments and how these accomplishments were attained on this level. I recommend this to everyone. Just beware it is Ann extremely long book

People form opinions. When you do what he did with the maid, the opinions will be severe and they won't change. But is this a good book? There are many high qualities: the read about his upbringing and desire to come to the USA, his magical body building career, and early success as an actor. And, frankly, he does a great job of discussing all his major issues as governor. So with all these compliments why do I hold back with a glowing review? The size of this book is just too long. But also, Arnold glosses over his shortcomings. He has many fine qualities. But the ability to look at his shortfalls and really be contrite are not one of them. So, I commit to a long book and left feeling slightly shortchanged: enjoyable, supremely enjoyable in parts. But also a little slow and a little unsatisfying. Make your own choice.

Arnold is my role model, and despite dragging on a bit, his autobiography is a testament to his great audacity and will. I hope I'll become a better person by following his life and taking what worked for myself

This book is phenomenal. Anyone who wants to be a big person in life needs to read this. You see how he valued people, education, sales skill, hard work, being goal oriented, being extremely clear and strict about his priorities, aware of his personal motivations, how he manipulated his own self image and understood how his own mind works to motivate himself, how he was adamant about having his life be a certain way and not accept anything less (like when he wouldn't accept supporting roles in his movies and waited over a year to find a single movie to work in, or when he would train to win, not to compete.. so in his mind winning was simply part of the job.) How he strategized to get what he wanted and would think outside the box, to do whatever it takes. His mind was adaptable to any situation he applied it to. In bodybuilding he closed his mind to be emotionally cold and focused. In acting he had to do the total opposite and utilize his powerful emotions to act well. When he took steroids ad a bodybuilder he rationalized that race car drivers risk their lives every time they race, and he as no different, willing to do whatever it takes to win. When he needed to drop 20 pounds to play a role in a key movie for his career he did what it took to drop the weight, including morphing his own self image to fit his objectives. He was willing to commit 100% to anything he did. You get to see how he did this in some ways..

Arnold's one of my hero's for sure. This book just made him more human and someone I can model myself after.

I always enjoy hearing about other's view points and experiences in life. Always something to learn from others. Arnold has done a lot of different things in life. Good read and interesting, not earth shattering but interesting none the less.

At the moment I haven't finished reading the whole book, but I believe my opinion at the end of reading 2 chapters is not gonna change for the rest of the book. Well, laid biography with minute details from the struggles and mental trauma to rise to the arena. I hope this biography of Schwarzenegger isn't just another man's life, it is very much a secret protocol for invocation of the legend in every man starting from the inception. The dreams and determination of a child, to take every opportunity to achieve it, makes him as an inspiring role model that you always wanted to show to your kid.
This book is a gift to everyone! Probably a perfect gift for your kids on christmas!

Loved the book. Would have given it five stars except some portions could have been a little shorter as there was such detail, on and on, that it became a little boring at times. But, all in all I was really surprized and would recomend it for sure. Sure gives you an insight into bodybuilding and makes you look at movie making in a whole different light. I'm sure glad I am not a movie star. God saved me and the world when he made me "not a movie star" Let Arnold do it.

An excellent autobiography, showcasing the many highlights of a man who started from very basic beginnings, to satisfying his goals and aspirations through hard work, diligence and a sound work ethic.
He achieved many of his goals set early in life, and in each of the many roles and situations he found himself in, I believe he showed honesty, courage and insight, and as Governor of California, really pushed the enviromental barrow and succeeded in many areas in raising California to the forefront of technology and innovation.

I dont normally write reviews but I enjoyed this book. My favorite part or parts of the book are the behind the scenes movie recollections, seeing what it took for Arnold to get to the places in life he wanted to get to and the last chapter. Good read and audio book for the times i was too busy too read like working out or driving.

goes very much into detail but is called total recall so it's all good. the governator part i didn't care for as much as the rest but his work ethic and life story make this 5******

good read...it's fat... but i found myself picking it up often

For some reason I just became interested in Arnolds personal story. I really wanted to get an insight of his mind set. And that's just what he delivered in his book Total Recall. It wasn't that he just didn't give up, he went way beyond that. He succeeded even before he attempted it. If there ever was a roll model for success in our contemporary times, it's Arnold Schwarzenegger.
I think I have come away after reading his book a better more self assured and prepared individual. Not some "girly-man. LOL.

Much more interesting than expected. This biography reveals a complex and highly motivated individual. Perhaps understandably there is not too much self criticism except in the section on his secret relationship with Mildred and even that is not given any importance in the overall portrait of his life. Politics is a strange game, as reflected by the fact that his wife Maria waits until the day after his term as Governor ends before telling him she knows about his illegitimate son and announcing her wish to separate. A serious setback after a life filled with so many successes.

We sent this to a friend recovering from surgery as a tongue-in-cheek gift. She enjoyed it thoroughly and likely would have under any other circumstances. Highly recommend it as a gift for a friend who can appreciate this bio.

I enjoyed reading about his childhood, time in the army, bodybuilding and movies. He didn't reveal much though. Not much mention of his love child or steroid usage. Wasn't a tell all book but I still enjoyed it. Arnold is a very determined person.

Total Recall was a fascinating honest story of the American Dream. Arnold's charisma comes through the pages as you read his accounts of the maze of challenges, mistakes, and overall determination that it took to bring his dreams to fruition! I really felt like I was right there with Arnold, cringing at embarrassing moments, laughing at other instants, but always completely mesmerized by the hard work, dedication and resolve it took to keep his vision alive and moving forward. It was a page turning for me! I read it from start to finish in one weekend!

I really enjoryed Arnold's book. I especially liked the first part, where he describes his beginning in Austria. The matter of his adultry with the housekeeper was too short; he just graized over it. I would have liked to hear more how he felt about this incident, but he was very cool and elusive, and quickly left the subject.

This is an incredibly amazing and inspiring book for me!! I really loved this book. It was definitely the best autobiography I have ever read. To see how much Arnold has done throughout his life is truly amazing and made me realize that I can accomplish SO much more in the future.

I was actually surprised that Schwarzenegger's autobiography was so entertaining, well-written and exciting-so much so that I was really sad it ended. It offers something for everyone-sports, movies, politica, but overall, I think it is a hidden love letter to Maria Shriver.

No matter what you think of Arnold Schwarzenegger, you must admit that he is an incredible, polarizing figure. This book captures his rise (and a little bit of his fall) through his eyes. It reads like a movie.

If you're interested in improving yourself and learning how to achieve your dreams, like Arnold did, I can't recommend it enough.

I have read one or two biographies on "Arnold" but it's nice to read something from him about himself. If you grew up watching Arnold on the big screen and enjoying working out then this is a must read for you.

In his book, he details the difficulties he faced as a young man. Despite these limitations, he accomplished extraordinary things because of his dedication and work ethic. As he stated, what are the chances that a man from the small country of Austria
could win more Mr. Universe titles than anyone else, become the biggest box office star in the United States, and then become governor of California. The book is the inside story of his rise from obscurity to fame and the people and celebrities he impacted.
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