I have been a fan of Henry Winkler for most of my life, watching reruns of Happy Days and seeing interviews with him on TV. But I knew nothing about his life. His in-depth look into his childhood, his struggles with dyslexia, learning to feel like he was deserving of his success made me see Winkler through new eyes. This is a wonderful read for anyone wanting to learn more about his life, career and learning that he is so deserving of the love people around the world feel for him.

An excellent read. Winkler really opens up and gives an insightful look into his life, it's struggles, and it's successes. I was taken with his honesty. Given his upbringing, dealing with an unforgiving father, severe dyslexia, and low self-esteem, it's a testament to his character that he managed to succeed. Loads of little stories about Hollywood that I found interesting. This is just a really good example to us all that we can overcome our difficulties and anxieties with determination and time.

This is such an amazing book !!! I have always loved Henry Winkler , whether as The Fonz or in his many other projects. This book flows effortlessly,. I learn so much about him , his relationship with his father , the day John Ritter passed away and his learning disability. Amazing story from an amazing person.

I just reviewed Being Henry by Henry Winkler. #BeingHenry #NetGalley

Having just finished reading The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family from Ron and Clint Howard, I was excited to read Being Henry. I anticipated that there would be a crossover in the memoirs from the shared experiences of Ron and Henry. It was interesting to get the different perspectives about Happy Days and the friendship that was born from day one.

However, Being Henry was more about the boy who became a man, not the actor. As I was also raised Jewish and felt unseen by my family, I really felt a connection to Henry Winkler. Though I was an avid watcher of Happy Days, the Fonz was not my favorite character. Mr. Winker was completely different than the character he portrayed in that show, a big realization from reading this memoir. His struggles with dyslexia and his family issues were focused on and really made this book more personal. I really enjoyed reading Being Henry and, in fact, have purchased a signed copy to give as a gift. I definitely recommend Being Henry to other readers.

Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy by NetGalley and the publisher. The decision to read and review this memoir was entirely my own.

I really enjoyed the audio version of this book with Henry Winkler reading it himself. I grew up loving Happy Days and the Fonz and this story was so interesting to me. I learned a lot about Henry and admire him even more for all he had to endure with his dyslexia and family who did not support him. I’ve read many of the books he has authored and this gave me a greater insight into Henry Winkler, the person.

Celebrity memoirs are one of my favorite subgenres and I'm always itching to read more. It offers an insight to celebrities I already admire or provides more information to those I'm not as familiar. Henry Winker is a staple of American television and I hadn't seen an episode of Happy Days when I first read this book. I liked his work as the principal from Scream and the coach from The Waterboy. Even off screen, he came across as the sweetest and kindest man. After reading Being Henry, those assumptions were correct and Henry Winkler was a walking charm bomb ready to explode.

I loved how guileless the author was revealing his illustrious history, from growing up in New York to starring in Happy Days to his more recent projects. He's had a phenomenal career and I was unaware of the full scope of his acting credits. I liked how he included many anecdotes of behind the scenes moments and little stories of his fellow actors. I highly admired his honest discussion of his struggle with dyslexia. That makes it all the more impressive how he graduated from the Yale School of Drama and memorized countless script pages. My only critique was how the book wasn't linear or told in a chronological fashion. I felt like a discombobulated jukebox who just received an elbow jab from the Fonz trying to piece together the proper time frame.

Being Henry was a lovely memoir and I feel like I learned a lot more about Henry Winkler. His dedication to his family, commitment to his craft, and advocacy to spread awareness about reading disabilities all culminated into a stellar portrait of the actor. Although I already liked him, my fondness for him has doubled. When you read a book about the Fonz, it's easy to see why America fell head over heels for him especially when he was really just Being Henry.

Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond by Henry Winkler is a very highly recommended, thoughtful memoir from the actor, author, comedian, director and producer. Henry Winkler really is a nice guy and it comes across beautifully in his memoir.

Most people will recognize Winkler for his iconic role as the Fonz, Arthur Fonzarelli, on Happy Days, and this is most certainly covered along with the many other roles he has played on Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Barry to name a few, working as a director and producer and co-author of the Hank Zipzer children’s book series. This memoir covers Winkler's career with honesty, the highs and the lows.

Winkler openly shares some stories from his daunting childhood and academic deficiencies in school. He learned to use humor to cover his trials and this self-deprecating humor is clearly demonstrated throughout the narrative as he acknowledges insight into his personal struggles. The cause of many of his difficulties was revealed later in his life when he was diagnosed with dyslexia at age 31. Occasionally there are interjections from Stacey, his wife of 45 years, to offer an explanation or different perspective on something.

While it tells all, don't expect any dirt to be dished out about others, cementing the fact that Winkler is truly a nice guy without a huge ego. Many celebrity names are mentioned, but if the details are unflattering to the person in story, names are left out. If the story is about himself, he will freely admit his faults and shortcomings.

The Hank Zipzer books, featuring a main character with dyslexia, have touched a whole group of children that need the extra support. He writes: It has always struck me that out emphasis on the top ten percent of a class says they are more valuable than the bottom three percent. It this country is going to remain strong we need every child to be great at what they can do. Winkler and his family are committed to helping children.

Being Henry is an excellent memoir! Additionally, Winkler loves dogs so how could anyone not want to read his autobiography.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Celadon Books via NetGalley.
The review will be published on Edelweiss, X, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

OMG I LOVED this book!! First of all I love Henry Winkler. Every year my husband and I have to watch The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. It's one of my favorite Hallmark movies, His character was just so fun and loveable. I have followed him through his career. Yes I grew up watching reruns of Happy Days with my mom so that's how I learned who he was. I loved hearing stories about his career and life that I didn't know. Reading this book was like listening to him have a conversation with you. I just couldn't stop reading. If you want a great biography please read to this one!!


Thank you NetGalley and Celadon Books for allowing me to read this ARC in advance for my honest opinion.

It is amazing to me just how many people know and love Henry Winkler - so many generations have watched him and loved him and supported his career [I so wish I could watch the show "Barry" as when he talks about that show, you can tell just how much everyone loved working on that show, him maybe more than others] - something he never ever thought would happen.

This was a lovely walk down memory lane with someone that I "grew up" with and have continued to watch when I can; his story is deep and rich and thoughtful, along with some harsh truths that he is still uncovering and dealing with.

Not going to really say anything more - this is best read with one's own memories of Henry, no matter what iteration you know him at [he will always be The Fonz first and foremost for me] and with an open mind and heart [some of the things he talks about are tough]; if you have loved Henry, you will love this book.

I was able to request and receive the audiobook ARC for this book and what a great thing that was. Listening to Henry tell his own story, in his own unique way was such a joy and I honestly recommend this way of reading this story - it truly comes alive while listening to him tell his story. Absolutely glorious.

Thank you to NetGalley, Henry Winkler, Celadon Books, and Macmillan Audio for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a delight to read! In my mind I could hear Henry's voice clear as day. If you like a 'celeb' book without a lot of nasty gossip, this one is for you. You won't be disappointed in this one! He is a great story teller.

Despite all his accomplishments and success in life, Henry Winkler grew up with low self-esteem and dyslexia. He knew he didn’t want to take over the family lumber business, which didn’t go over well with his father, but he stuck to his guns and went his own way. I liked him before I read this memoir and have learned so much more about him through it. He’s come a long way from the young boy who had so many doubts about himself to become an esteemed actor, author, comedian, producer, and director.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I feel I should preface this review with the confession that I’ve been a fan of Happy Days and the image of that time when Fonzie was in Bronco’s garage and it them burst into flames are some of my earliest pop-culture TV memories.* So, I guess you could say I’ve been a fan of Henry Winkler for most of my fifty years on this planet. And while I’ve never had the honor to meet him in person, I have traveled to see the iconic leather jacket on display in the Smithsonian multiple times.

* It took me a couple of years to see part two, though I figured out the Fonz survived because a)he’s the Fonz and b)there were episodes with him after that.

So, when word reached me that Winkler had written an autobiography, you can bet that it got an immediate place on my to-be-read list.

And not only was I granted early access to read it but I was also given early access to the the audiobook, read by Winkler himself. If we’re being honest, I haven’t been this excited about a celebrity memoir since William Shatner gave us his two volumes of Star Trek memories close to two decades ago.

I won’t compare the two memoirs, because, like both men involved, they are completely and utterly different. What I can tell you is how much Winkler’s Being Henry felt like I was sitting down and hearing Winkler reflect on his life and career — sharing details of his journey and the thing that shaped him into the man he is today. Winkler is very candid here, not only celebrating the accomplishments of his life and career but also taking time to analyze the points where he feels he came up short or wishes he’d known then what he does now. Winkler’s analysis of himself as an actor in the post-Happy Days world in which he admits he couldn’t get out of his own way when it came to the acting roles he was taking is compelling and fascinating.

Something that struck me over and over again in reading Winkler’s reflections on his life was the sense that he wants us all to learn from his successes and his stumbles on how to interact with this world.

I appreciated his honesty and self-reflection. I also appreciated his candor at the nerve-wracking (for him) process of landing his role in Barry — a role that is a complete 180 from his iconic role as the Fonz, and one that makes me love him as a performer just a little more.

Along the way, Winkler’s pride in his family is apparent on page after page as well. I really enjoyed some segments of the story where Winkler brought in his wife to relate her side of the story, including the story of how they first met and began dating. The audiobook has the added bonus of his wife performing those parts as well.

In short, I walked away from the audiobook feeling like I’d spent a few hours with a good friend, reminiscing on life and trying to figure out what there was to learn from the experiences he’s had. There is an honesty and authenticity to Winkler’s story that really resonated with me and it’s why I unapologetically count Winkler as one of my favorite actors of my lifetime.

If you loved him as the Fonz or Gene, you’re going to enjoy this one.

Highly recommended.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received digital ARCS of the print and audio version of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a fun listen! I mainly knew Henry from Arrested Development and Parks and Rec. I of course knew he was the. Fonz but am too young to have ever watched it but I had no idea of how much other stuff he did! It was fascinating to learn about all these others areas he has been involved n over the years (he's a children's book author!) I loved the asides from his wife too, it's always interesting to get the other perspective. I love a good celebrity memoir (especially when they do the narrating on the audio) and this is no different!

Being Henry is a memoir that will captivate readers from all walks of life and of all ages. I initially thought that I would be interested because he’s a really cool, nice guy that played Fonzie on Happy Days. Boy, was I wrong. From the first page I felt like I was sitting across from Henry interviewing him or simply having a hamburger with him while he told me a story about his life that I found fascinating. He is so much more than Arthur Fonzarelli.

He doesn’t use big words or try to make things sound profound or uber interesting. He just writes as if he is having a causal conversation with the reader. I didn’t want to miss one word of what he was sharing. I have a couple of favorite memoirs of all time and this is now one of them.

Henry shares his childhood experiences and it wasn’t all that easy for him growing up with rigid/difficult parents. He fought his way through the entertainment world. He began as a theater actor and made his way to Hollywood. No big breaks were given to him. He had determination and the power of humor and had to put them both to work in order to show what he had to offer.

He shows us the importance of family, marriage, and being appreciative of those who have meaning in our lives such as children, best friends, and coworkers. Also, those who take us with them as they advance through life and don’t leave us behind. He shows his true human side and the authenticity of who he is emanates from each page.

I finished the book with a satisfied feeling that life isn’t always easy but it is beautiful and we all have a story to tell. Celebrities are human beings just like us and he is one unfeigned human. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the ARC of this book.

I like reading bios/autobios and I thought Henry Winkler would have an interesting story to tell ... and he does.

Hard to believe that Winkler is in his late seventies! He was born to German parents who didn't show him any love or affection, something that has affected how he feels about himself and how he deals with others his whole life. He didn't do well in school and his parents called him stupid ... he discovered years later that he has dyslexia. When he wanted to be an actor rather than follow in his father's footsteps, he got no support from his parents until he was famous.

Winkler followed his dream and became an actor, finding success early on as Fonzie on Happy Days. Initially it was a show about Richie but the audience was drawn to Fonzie character and the show shifted its focus. While Winkler enjoyed the attention and money, he felt bad for the others in the cast because they weren't treated as well as he was. Once the show was over, he didn't want to be typecast as Fonzie and there were periods when he didn't work, which concerned him emotionally and financially.

I liked this book and Winkler sounds like a nice fella. I liked the writing style (it was humorous at times) and I found his story interesting. I didn't realize how much he's done over the years ... I most recently saw him in Barry. Unlike in the past, he now embraces that he was Fonzie when it helps others (children with learning disabilities, for example). As a head's up, there is swearing.

As a huge fan of Happy Days, and a kid growing up in the 70,s I was very interested in reading Being Henry. My first impression was that he wanted everyone to know he has more to offer, and more acting ability than just portraying Arthur Fonzarelli.

I loved how his wife gave her insight and what she was thinking though out their marriage, and you can tell how much he loves his wife and his family. I did however get a little lost when he mentioned all the actors, directors, and agents names, that I think the average reader would not know all the names he mentions (I knew some but not 90% of who he was talking about).

Over all, I really enjoyed knowing more about Henry Winkler! But deep down he will alway be the Fonz to me! Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

This autobiography was the surprise best book of the year. Growing up in the 1970s, I was not a big fan of The Fonz—mainly because everyone else was. I lost track of Henry Winkler (as his autobiography tells us he was all too well-aware) and was delighted with his performance in Arrested Development.

But what a delight he seems to be. Open, vulnerable, genuine. I’d like to hang out with him and he’s such a nice guy, he might just buy me dinner. And he really does shed light on dyslexia and it’s devastating effects on those who have it.

Put aside your preconceived notions about The Fonz and Henry Winkler and read this autobiography. You’ll be glad you did. #BeingHenry #NetGalley

I grew up watching Happy Days, so I am a Henry Winkler fan from the beginning. I thought this book would be interesting and was curious about his life. I just have to say that I loved it! This book really showed the complicated and wonderful person that Henry Winkler is. His candid writing about his parents and formative years was a surprise which helps you understand the struggles he discusses so openly. I loved reading about his wife and their long marriage, and really enjoyed that she contributed her perspective in the book. Her adds really made the book more special. I enjoyed learning about all of the ways Henry helps and encourages children who have struggles similar to the ones he has dealt with through his children's books. I loved learning he likes gardening, and is an animal lover. I really felt like I got to know Henry a bit through his writing. I am now more of a fan than before. Fantastic read!

What an honest life story from a legend. I thoroughly enjoyed his story and was rooting for this actor who never felt he had really made it. He just seems like an all around down to earth, kind, likable man. He shares his struggles growing up and with his career and his growth late in life that brought him from being a child in a man’s body to a mature adult. You also get his wife’s perspective and a look into his family life. I would definitely recommend.

This is an extremely readable and quite entertaining autobiography of a Hollywood star who could also be a good friend. Gaining stardom early in his career has caused him much angst throughout his life. Now that he has finally won an Emmy in his 70s, he has been able to overcome those anxieties. Highly recommend! Thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for providing an ARC.