Let's be honest.

There are certain celebrities you just plain like. It transcends being a fan. You don't actually know the person, of course, but you can't help but think to yourself "I really like this person."

Henry Winkler is just such a celebrity.

There's a reason that nearly 40% of "Being Henry: The Fonz ... and Beyond" covers the years of Winkler's meteoric rise to fame as Arthur Fonzarelli. That is when Winkler became a household name and that's when Winkler became a beloved American icon - at times, as is reinforced here, to the slight dismay of those around him, such as Ron Howard, who were supposed to be at the center of that equally beloved television series "Happy Days."

But, you know and I know that as soon as we heard The Fonz's "Aaaayyyyy" we were in and love and that love has never gone away.

"Being Henry" feels like we've sat down for a conversation with Winkler, a fact likely at least partly attributable to Winkler's well-acknowledged diagnosis of dyslexia and partly attributable to Winkler's generally always carrying the kind of personality that makes him come off as your working class guy next door (who also just happened to have studied at Yale and who has won multiple Emmy Awards).

We sometimes forget, I think, that Winkler is an award-winning actor with three Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and two Critics Choice Awards among others. While he went through his dry spells in the years after "Happy Days" ended, he's always seemingly reinvented himself whether that meant vocal work, collaborating with Adam Sandler, writing or co-writing children's books, or his acclaimed work in Bill Hader's "Barry."

Again, we love Henry Winkler.

If you love Henry Winkler, "Being Henry" will remind you why. If you like Henry Winkler, I'd dare say that "Being Henry" will make you appreciate him even more. If you're a stickler for the fine points of biographies, "Being Henry" may occasionally drive you a bit mad as Winkler has a tendency to lavish praise on his living collaborators, occasionally diss those who've passed (or simply not name them), and perhaps stick a bit too closely to Winkler history that most Winkler fans may already know. The storytelling is fun nearly always, though as a longtime fan I also found it a bit familiar.

In "Being Henry," we also get periodic pieces from Winkler's wife Stacey. Married nearly 50 years, a near impossibility in Hollywood, the two possess a remarkable chemistry that comes to life in the book.

Whether talking about childhood challenges, dyslexia, learning how to improv as a way to compensate for difficulty reading, or even just the difficulties of parenting, Winkler is charming, intelligent, open, funny, and everything we'd want him to be if we'd meet him in real life. Destined to be one of 2023's most popular memoirs, "Being Henry: The Fonz ... and Beyond" is an entertaining and engaging memoir.

As usual, Henry Winkler is charming and adorable. This memoir was so good I had a hard time putting it down. I read it with his voice on my head. At times self-effacing, at others sweet and poignant, Henry let us into his life, his mind and his heart. He is a treasure and so is this book.

Really entertaining and fun memoir! Henry Winkler seems like a great person and his stories are very good. I feel like he has tried to maintain integrity in a cut throat business and people think very well of him so I'm happy for all his success and this book was very readable.

I grew up with Happy Days being in reruns, so I have known of Henry Winkler almost my whole life. I knew I've seen him show up in random movies and TV shows since then, but I don't think I could pull out any role from my brain other than the Fonz. It was fascinating to see how Winkler's career has evolved into producer, director, voice actor, children's book author, and traditional actor in both movies and TV. He deeply fought against being typecast after being the Fonz, and in many ways I think that pushed him to have such a swath of positions in Hollywood.

Henry Winkler's experience of peaking in popular American culture in his late 20s is not unique in Hollywood, but for the average person it is. I loved his memoir. It is what you want to see from someone in their 70s, who has had decades to reflect, pursue other interests and branch out, and perhaps seek therapy.

The pacing is good. His childhood is only about 10% of his memoir. I like that he is mostly complimentary to others, but he doesn't shy away from calling out a few choice people along the way (no spoilers!) and even his own parents. I think the therapy he sought really benefits how he spoke about the complicated relationship he had with his parents.

The writing style can seem choppy or stream of consciousness at times. I am fine with this, but it might rub some readers the wrong way. I loved that his wife chimes in at multiple points during the memoir.

One area that I wish he explored more was his early marriage. During the height of his fame, he married his longtime wife Stacey, who was divorced with a small child. I wanted to know more about why he chose to give up a bachelor life (you know he had to have his pick of women) for Stacey (what about her made her "the one"), and I wanted to hear more from him and/or Stacey about the adjustment from being the Fonz to being married with a small stepchild. The day-to-day life had to have changed dramatically, and the reader hears very little about that.

This is a fantastic memoir! I read an ARC, which didn't have any pictures. I hope there are some pictures included in the published book!

Thank you to Netgalley and Celadon for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

"From Emmy-award winning actor, author, comedian, producer, and director Henry Winkler, a deeply thoughtful memoir of the lifelong effects of stardom and the struggle to become whole.

Henry Winkler, launched into prominence as "The Fonz" in the beloved Happy Days, has transcended the role that made him who he is. Brilliant, funny, and widely-regarded as the nicest man in Hollywood (though he would be the first to tell you that it's simply not the case, he's really just grateful to be here), Henry shares in this achingly vulnerable memoir the disheartening truth of his childhood, the difficulties of a life with severe dyslexia, the pressures of a role that takes on a life of its own, and the path forward once your wildest dream seems behind you.

Since the glorious era of Happy Days fame, Henry has endeared himself to a new generation with roles in such adored shows as Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Barry, where he's been revealed as an actor with immense depth and pathos, a departure from the period of his life when he was so distinctly typecast as The Fonz, he could hardly find work.

Filled with profound heart, charm, and self-deprecating humor, Being Henry is a memoir about so much more than a life in Hollywood and the curse of stardom. It is a meaningful testament to the power of sharing truth and kindness and of finding fulfillment within yourself."

I never liked Happy Days, but always admired Henry Winkler, especially for his work in Scream, Arrested Development, and most recently, the amazing Barry. He's a nice guy with an amazing ability of reinvention.

3 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ

“Being Henry The Fonz…and Beyond” by Henry Winkler

Edition: ARC ebook via @netgalley

This was a memoir that offers an intimate look into the life and career of a beloved cultural icon, Henry Winkler, famously known as 'The Fonz' from the TV series "Happy Days." While the book provides a comprehensive account of Winkler's journey through the entertainment industry and glimpses into his personal life, it really falls short of delivering any particularly thrilling or unexpected revelations.

For die-hard fans of Henry Winkler and his iconic character, 'The Fonz,' this memoir may serve as a nostalgic trip down memory lane, filled with anecdotes and insights about his experiences. However, for anyone like myself seeking a memoir with gripping storytelling or profound insights, this one may come across as somewhat underwhelming. The narrative largely focuses on the well-documented aspects of his career and family life, without delving into groundbreaking or captivating territory.

Overall, a solid read for fans eager to learn more about the man behind the leather jacket, but it may leave others hoping for a bit more excitement and depth in its storytelling.

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

Is there anyone out there that doesn't like Henry Winkler? He is just a funny a likeable person. This book was short and sweet but a lot of fun.

I really like all of the details that he talks about of his acting career. He talks about working with Bill Hader, Adam Sandler, and Robin Williams to name only a few. He also talks about growing up and being treated poorly by his parent as well. He doesn't sugar coat anything which I like and he just tells it like it is.

I was also able to listen to this as an audiobook which was great. Henry reads it himself which made it better, and his wife even chimes in at times too.

**This review is specifically for the audiobook**

I appreciated the style of Henry’s book. The book isn’t a chronological retelling of his story. However, the pieces come together in a mosaic of sorts—you feel as if he is sitting with you and chatting over pancakes and cream (you’ll get the reference in the book). I was pleased the editor didn’t push for the story to be more traditionally written—chronologically or otherwise.

The humanity of Henry’s inner healing is a powerful reminder that life is precious and we all deserve to live to our fullest potential. It’s even more touching since Henry began therapy late in life and is able to fully appreciate peace more than ever before.

Henry does a fantastic job narrating his book and I loved that his wife also narrates from her perspective. I was completely engaged the entire time.

Enjoyable in parts but very redundant, it circles back to the same topics over and over. It was a little frustrating when he would mention conflicts he had with people and whatnot but not name them, he would only name those who have died. I felt like if you have beef, say who it is or just don't even put it in there. I wasn't expecting the passages from his wife but they sort of worked but maybe it should have been noted. Many thanks for the opportunities to read the book.

Already sent feedback for audio foremat. I already had prior approval. I enjoyed the book very much.

Wow! I kept trying not to begin with that word but it just demanded to be there! This celeb memoir is unlike any other I have read before! Therapists should prescribe this book! High School teachers should assign this book! I finished it within days & while I closed the book days ago, I continue to think about it-how his father saved his family with one lie, Henry’s vulnerable honesty with feeling as if he was never in the cool group growing up & often in adulthood throughout his life, what a famous actor really feels in between parts, becoming a beloved children’s author, raising kids & marriage isn’t easy for anyone, even the most loving, his Emmy win & the loving tributes to his wife, kids, and closest friends. I have already ordered this to give to my own loved ones. Standing ovation for Henry Winkler!! PS I one time
work related reasons, spoke on the phone with Mr Winkler, he was as warm & genuine as you would imagine him to be & did not rush the call but was genuinely interested in the project we were discussing. A book not to be missed!

I loved this book about Henry Winkler's life, if you like the actor, you will enjoy the book. His wife also comments in the book.

Being Henry just soared to the top of my favorite book of 2023. I can barely contain my emotions regarding how much I love this book; I just want to give Henry Winkler the biggest hug for writing this one!

Henry mentions so many actors and folks in the movie industry. Such fun reading. But more importantly, we see Henry's struggles over the years with anxiety and low self-confidence (it was pounded into him by his parents when dyslexia made it impossible for him to do well in school ... especially since it wasn't diagnosed until he was in his early 30's).

I loved reading about his role on the Mary Tyler Moore set and sleeping on folks couches and hallways.

The very best part of this book is Henry's advice to NEVER finish a negative thought. "when a negative thought comes into your mind, you literally say out loud, "I have no time now." ... Release the negative thought before you put a period on the end of ... " (that sentence) Replace that negative thought with a positive one; not going to spoil it, but I love, love, love what Henry suggests. (Get the book ... or better yet the audio ... to find out for yourself.)

I HIGHLY recommend the audio. It is co-narrated with Henry Winkler by his wife Stacey. They make an awesome team (they have been married for over 46 years.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to request Advance Read Copy books and audiobooks in exchange for honest reviews. Thank you to publishers Macmillan audio and Celadon Books for approving my request to listen/read Being Henry. I really wanted to review this one and requested both versions (separately). The audio was approved first so that was the one reviewed.

I had not realized that Henry Winkler wrote children's and YA books; the Hank Zipzer series, The Ghost Buddy series, Tha Alien Superstar series. Spoiler alert to my young niece and nephew, there will be some books by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver for you this Christmas!

Fans of Henry Winkler will enjoy his literal first person voice of Being Henry. His wife, Stacey, adds some of her perspective throughout the book. A lot of time was spent on Winkler's upbringing and early career. The post-Barry era was shorter than expected. Winkler also does not spend more than a line or two on his fabulous Twitter presence, but that may have to do with not promoting Twitter and its recent controvesies. If you are a fan, you will enjoy this book.

Fabulous peek into the life and times of Henry Winkler. All those who love the actor will laugh and cry at his life and rise to fame.

Most of us grew up watching Happy Days and the Fonz. What we saw on the screen was a confident and strong person. But the person behind the screen was anything but. Henry tells us of a childhood that was without a lot of love and support from parents that fled Europe as Hitler came into power. He tells us of a young man that struggled in school due to a disability that wasn't discovered until he was an adult. He tells us of an actor that had to really work hard to not be typecast as a Fonzie character. But through all these hardships he maintained grace and humor. He is currently writing children's books to help other young people that might have struggled like he did. This is a great book to learn more about a beloved person from our youth.

Thank you to Edelweiss+ and NetGalley for the ARCs. I enjoyed this memoir very much. I have long been a fan of his, & it was fun & and interesting to hear his experiences and see what he's been up to since Happy Days.

Imagine this: Henry Winkler is not the man he plays on TV! A nice introspective into a star that has lived his life in our living rooms, really makes one think of how stars are just like.the rest of us.

Being Henry is a nicely written, smoothly flowing, open and honest autobiography of a major star of our times. Winkler shows us that he’s just an ordinary person, with quirks and flaws and idiosyncrasies, trying to get through this life the best that he can just like pretty much everyone else. That is what makes me like this book so much, that he is so open and willing to share the failures, as well as the trials and victories, and to give us a look into his feelings and struggles. I always liked Henry Winkler, I like him even more now! Thank you to NetGalley for the advance read copy.

One of the most beloved actors of the modern era shares with you his life story. His memoir begins with his not so great childhood to where he is today as a writer, actor, producer, husband and so much more. The role that put him on the map , the Fonz sent his career skyrocketing and has not let up.
His writing is honest, brilliant and very informative and this book was excellent and I look forward to recommended t0 everyone,