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Baggage
- Tales from a Fully Packed Life
- Narrated by: Alan Cumming
- Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins
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Alan Cumming Answers the Audible Questionnaire
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I’ve been in this life for 50 years, been trying to work out its riddle for 42, and been keeping diaries of clues to that riddle for the last 35. Notes about successes and failures, joys and sorrows, things that made me marvel, and things that made me laugh out loud. How to be fair. How to have less stress. How to have fun. How to hurt people less. How to get hurt less. How to be a good man. How to have meaning in life. How to be more me.
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Love this!
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Publisher's Summary
"An intimate look at the making of a man, an actor, an advocate - and most importantly - a happy human being. A wonderful book that is funny, honest, fearless, and generous in its vulnerability." (Douglas Stuart, Booker Prize-winning author of Shuggie Bain)
There is absolutely no logical reason why I am here. The life trajectory my nationality and class and circumstances portended for me was not even remotely close to the one I now navigate. But logic is a science and living is an art.
The release I felt in writing my first memoir, Not My Father’s Son, was matched only by how my speaking out empowered so many to engage with their own trauma. I was reminded of the power of my words and the absolute duty of authenticity.
But...
No one ever fully recovers from their past. There is no cure for it. You just learn to manage and prioritize it. I believe the second you feel you have triumphed or overcome something - an abuse, an injury to the body or the mind, an addiction, a character flaw, a habit, a person - you have merely decided to stop being vigilant and embraced denial as your modus operandi. And that is what this book is about, and for: to remind you not to buy in to the Hollywood ending.
Ironically maybe, much of Baggage chronicles my life in Hollywood and how, since I recovered from a nervous breakdown at 28, work has repeatedly whisked me away from personal calamities to sets and stages around the world. It is also about marriage(s): starting with the breakup of my first (to a woman) and ending with the ascension to my second (to a man) with many kissed toads in between! But in everything, each failed relationship or encounter with a legend (Liza! X Men! Gore Vidal! Kubrick! Spice Girls!), in every bad decision or moment of sensual joy I have endeavored to show what I have learned and how I’ve become who I am today: a happy, flawed, vulnerable, fearless middle-aged man, with a lot of baggage.
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
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What listeners say about Baggage
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Deborah N
- 11-16-21
Entertaining but a little Helter-Skelter
I love Alan Cumming's work, his voice and his stories. Enjoyed his first memoir. This work feels however like it was rushed to press -- perhaps due to its being overdue to his publisher as he mentions at the end. The effect is that it is somewhat disorganized and jumps around quite a bit in time with stories weaving in and out without regard to chronology and with only the smallest hint thematic development. Individuals snippets are fun and amusing and touching etc., but I get a sense these were scribbled down on scraps of papers, gathered up and stitched into a book, without reflective thought as to why something is included and other things are not. He describes a difficult work schedule requiring much international travel as well as parties, drunken sexual escapades etc. not intending to be purient so much but also with a certain lack of perspective about himself. It was never entirely clear to this reader why this period of his life went on so long but apparently (?) ended abruptly upon meeting his current spouse. All power to him for this, but I felt a certain emptiness of soul comes through in the book. This is a bummer because, again, I really love the work he puts out in the world.
27 people found this helpful
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- nancy marie cowan
- 01-17-22
Utterly entrancing!
This book is a delight! Alan Cumming is such a talented storyteller. i encourage you to dove into this one.
7 people found this helpful
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- keishie23
- 12-25-21
Amazing!
This book is so honest, humorous and wonderfully entertaining. I for one feel lucky Mr.Cumming allows his readers a peak inside his heart and mind. Always a great ride to self acceptance and love. Thanks Alan!!! We love you 😍
6 people found this helpful
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- Liz
- 12-01-21
In my opinion, Alan Cumming can do no wrong!
Mr. Cumming is honest, introspective, and insightful. He embraces his story, the good and bad, while regaling the reader with amazing tales of a life well lived.
6 people found this helpful
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- Waylon Wood
- 11-11-21
Mr. Cumming is a rockstar, no god
You must listen to this book. His mesmerism had me listening to this book through all kinds of travel. I couldn’t wait to get back to my car or airpods. I am left with wanting more which is, I suppose, the point. More, Alan, MORE!!
6 people found this helpful
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- Christina T
- 11-18-21
Wonderfully done.
Loved this book. Wildly entertaining, honest beautifully written and narrated
Going to purchase his other books right now.
4 people found this helpful
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- Mary de la Fe
- 11-14-21
Thank you so much for sharing your story
I am so inspired after listening. I have been a fan of Alan Cumming for so long, but never really knew his story - and now I need to go get his first memoir! Sharing your journey helps me in my journey to self discovery and development. And that amazing accent. Whoa.
Thoroughly enjoyable listen.
3 people found this helpful
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- Paul
- 11-03-21
A Fun Ride
I so enjoy listening to Alan tell stories. These about his life are likely what you'd expect with plenty of humor and insight. I like and respect him now more than ever.
2 people found this helpful
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- Martha
- 11-07-21
entertaining, worth the read
I like the story format, bits and pieces like streams flowing towards a river. Read his book NOT MY FATHERS SON as well.
1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 05-29-22
I loved it! I
I have grown to have such a deep appreciation for work and the endless talent and diversity of Mr. Cummings. I commend him for the honesty of his life that he shares with us. such a wonderful journey I look forward to ihis next Audible. thank you