Thank you to Dey Street Books and to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

This book is more about Alan Cumming's career than the previous book about his relationship with his father. I really enjoyed this one. He has a great sense of humor and he isn't afraid to Share his triumphs and his mistakes. I actually would have really enjoyed this one as an audiobook as well.

I enjoyed reading this autobiography. Alan explores his life and lessons learned or not learned. He is not afraid to write about his successes and failures. He does not hold back. I like that he can laugh at himself. The timeline does jump around and often he goes off on tangents. He does not name names so if you are reading it for gossip you will be disappointed. It is well written, easy to read and funny. Enjoy

I love Alan Cumming so that is why I requested this book. His first memoir was one of the best books I have ever read so I just had to read this one too. Cumming did not disappoint. This book is so amazing. Everyone should read this book.

In this new autobiography, which in some ways picks up where his prior autobiography, Not My Father's Son, left off, we get to dive deeper into the intriguing life of Alan Cumming. Delving into dark parts of his relationship with his father; his realizations that parts of his life had to change even when that meant that others would be just as impacted by that change; and sharing other pieces of his life over the years, we get a better understanding of how Alan become who he is today. All of this while still getting to hear Alan's wit and personality come though. As a matter of fact, it's hard not to hear this book in your head in Alan's voice. And, what a voice!
As far as addressing technology then, 20 to 30 years ago, versus now to audiences that may not be familiar goes, I would say that's the one piece that I struggled with a bit. Mostly because I feel like there might have been a way better way to phrase things it wasn't enough to deter me away from the book at all. That being said those descriptions still fit and how Alan speaks and how he's so easily turns the phrase.
This is definitely a great book to read for those who are fans of Alan, of his life and his work. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit that I read. Thank you to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Full Disclosure: I received an advanced copy of Baggage: Tales from a Fully Packed Life by Alan Cumming from Dey Street Books via Netgalley in exchange for possibly writing a review. There was never a doubt that I would read this book. I enjoy Alan Cumming's acting and was moved by his book, Not My Father's Son. Reading more tales from his life was a no-brainer.

Although Baggage does touch a bit on his relationship with his father, it is more about Cumming's entertainment career. I chuckled when he acknowledged that memory isn't perfect, so this memoir is painted with that brush and may not be 100% accurate. Thank you for being honest! He also acknowledges that his was not the typical journey to stardom. In fact, the odds were against him ever getting out of Scotland. Yet, he seems to have had some cosmic force on his side. I loved his stories, whether they be about his relationships (so relatable!), other celebrities, or the productions he's worked on. I like to imagine them being told to me in his Scottish accent.

Bonus points: I really have to get my butt over to Club Cumming for a show!

Hey guys! This was a great read. I was lucky enough to read Alan’s last book Not My Fathers Son and that was an emotional rollercoaster. This is about Alan as he gets more fame but he does go back to details and times there from his past and his road to success. He is a gay icon but is an icon to everyone. Amazing heart and soul. Spread the love!

An open, honest, revealing excursion with one of my favorite actors (I even like his "creepy" characters). We seem to spend much of the book on planes or missing planes. It feels very much like the story your row mate would tell you on a long flight when neither of you can sleep.
Cumming questions the nature and faultiness of memory with the benefit/curse of having much of his life stored on the web for all to see. He is gentle with people from his past, dropping names of people he's worked with but protecting friends and past lovers. There's none of the meanness or cattiness one might expect of a celebrity memoir.
This book is a lighter read than his previous memoir, "Not My Father's Son". Though, I recommend that one, too.
"Baggage" also serves as a chronology of Cumming's work and I thought several times as I was reading, 'I hope that's streaming!'

Another great book from Alan Cumming. He is a very good story teller. Each time I pick up his books I can visualize them in my head.

I have always found Alan Cumming to be an interesting actor, and so I was pleased to find out in this book that he is just as fascinating in real life. I had not yet read his first book, so I've now definitely put it on my "to be read" list. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Alan Cumming is a treasure! Covering the events of his life and career between the end of his first marriage and the beginning of his second, Cumming gives us a glimpse into what it's like to be a working actor as well as a human struggling with the major issues of life. I just want to pull a chair and chat with him. Wonderful!