Listening to this audiobook was an absolute pleasure! I will say it’s one of favorite audiobooks of all time. When a celebrity writes a book I always want to listen to it when they narrate it. I feel like you are hearing them tell their story in their thoughts and tones, instead of reading it and imagining what they would sound like. This audiobook is an absolute must! Not only is Henry’s story funny, touching and engaging but to hear him tell it to you should not be missed. He also has his wonderful beloved wife contribute to the narration. That was such a treat, because you felt the story even more intimately in her words. The narration is top notch and adds so much to Henry’s story.

Being Henry: The Fonz... and Beyond was absolutely fantastic. I received this as an audiobook ARC and I was able to listen to it in one sitting. It was interesting to hear what it was like for him during the casting process and his home life and just his life in general. It's insane to think that with his struggles he was able to overcome and succeed which really proves that you can do anything you put your mind to. We get a look into his life and how different he was from the character he portrayed. I absolutely loved his honesty and vulnerability in his memoir. If you enjoy yourself a good memoir, consider picking this one up. It will not disappoint.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the chance to listen to this and review it honestly.

Happy reading!

This sadly was a DNF listen for me after a story recounting Winkler losing (almost) his virginity, and in more detail than I needed/wanted.

He's an incredibly talented actor, and the story had been quite interesting--literal-LOL funny, even--until then, so it was disappointing to run into that.

I received an eARC of the audiobook from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I didn't know much about Henry (Happy Days was before my time) but I've always liked him when I've seen him pop up in small roles over the years - I definitely have to go back and finish Barry now! I enjoyed his stories and felt like he revealed enough to be entertaining while speaking very kindly about almost everyone he's worked with. He revealed himself to be very eager and anxious in a likeable, self-deprecating way.

This is one of the most honest memoirs that I have read in a long time. This enjoyable book told stories and confided insecurities as well as past experiences. Of course we started with his role as The Fonz but thankfully it was not the entire focus of the read. I enjoyed hearing about his family as he was easily relatable as a father and spouse. Overall this was a great book that I enjoyed from start to finish.

5 ⭐️ - What a delight to be given the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of acclaimed actor, Henry Winkler, Being Henry - From Fonz and Beyond.

I grew up watching Happy Days. Listening to Mr. Winkler give the backstory of what was going on behind the scenes and some of my favorite episodes was a gem. After Happy Days ended, he was typecast because of his Fonzie role and had a career that stalled. However, he did not give up and pushed through.

Learning of what he had to endure growing up where he was often called “dummer hund” by his parents and fast forward to the age of 31, learning that he is dyslexic! Even undiagnosed, he was able to go to Emerson and Yale! He is so humble and his gratitude shines through. He is truly amazing!

I highly recommend getting his book, better yet the audiobook! He narrates it and does a wonderful job!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to an advance audio copy. All opinions are my own.

Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond
Henry Winkler
Several years ago, I was in Bowling Green, KY at the SOKY where I met Henry Winkler. I doubt he remembers me; I hope he doesn’t remember me because I made a fool of myself as usual when I meet someone I admire. I know I will never forget him. I had recently reviewed several books in the Hank series and I’ve Never Met an Idiot on the River: Reflections on Family, Photography and Fly-Fishing written by Henry Winkler. I did not call him Fonzi because I knew he was so much more than that one character.
I recently had the privilege of listening and reviewing Being Henry. The book is narrated by none other than Henry Winkler with some parts by his wife Stacey Winkler. Listening to his distinctive voice brought the book to life. I truly felt as if I was sitting across from him sharing the warmth of a fire pit and a cup of hot cocoa as he shared his story with me.
Henry has strong feelings about his parents. There is a lot of resentment with good reason. They were not supportive of their son nor were they kind. However, Henry learned a lot from both of them. He learned how to manage money and he learned how not to treat his children. Henry was in his thirties when he discovered he was dyslexic. Despite the challenges dyslexia offered he persevered and became a successful actor and director.
My impression of Henry is that he is a good man. He is a perfectionist and puts a lot of pressure on himself. He is loyal to his friends. When he loves he loves with his whole heart. He gives 100% to anything he sets out to do and expects the same from others. It took him a long time to discover his true self. When he switched into the Fonzi character, he could command a room. While playing Fonzi on Happy Days was good for Henry, it was also hard for him to get past the character. He didn’t want to be typecast. Henry went on to play many roles and did them all well. He was nominated for many awards, but he won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series. The role he will most be remembered for was the young man in jeans, a white t-shirt, a leather jacket, with a comb in his back pocket that perfected the sound aaaaaay. As a man he will long be remembered for his generous soul, his love for life, his infectious smile and gentle spirit.

Henry Winkler launched to prominence as “The Fonz” in Happy Days. The role was everything he was, brilliant, funny, and a nice man. Henry shares the truth of his childhood, the difficulties of a life with dyslexia, and the pressures of the role. This memoir is very vulnerable and raw.

After Happy Days ended, Henry endeared himself to a new generation.

This is hands down probably one of the best memoirs I have listened to this year. I didn’t think that I would top Spare, but this one was so great. I absolutely loved that Henry Winkler read it himself, with special pop ins from his wife.

I learned so much listening to this one. I really didn’t know much about Henry’s life because I sort of missed his career on Happy Days. But I am always curious so glad I checked this one out. Celadon mailed me a copy of this one, and I did read some of it, but I was thrilled to see it on audio with Henry reading it.

I loved learning about his disability, dyslexia is a struggle and despite having it he was able to accomplish so much. I also loved how involved in the community he and his wife were in. Giving back is always a sign of a good person, and he did just that.

This was a fantastic read, and even more fantastic listening. I hope you check it out.

Thank you to Celadon, @CeladonBooks, and MacMillian Audio, @macmillian.audio, and Netgalley @Netgalley for advanced copies of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Being Henry" is a two thumbs up autobiography. Winkler discusses his struggles with severe dyslexia, but somehow managing to attend the Yale School of Drama. Winkler also recalls being humiliated by his parents, who regularly criticized their son over his grades, believing he didn't put in the effort, and annually sending him to summer school. Even though Winkler clearly loved his parents, the wounds would remain.

Winkler chronicles his path to "Happy Days," reliving being let go from an acting gig, and turning to television commercials. He ultimately made the decision to move from New York to Los Angeles to pursue acting opportunities. After a successful stint with the Mary Tyler Moore show, Winkler auditioned for the role of "The Fonz." At age 28, an excited Winkler proudly accepted the role. In "Being Henry," Winkler talks about the success of the series, and how his character grew quickly in popularity.

Winkler writes about how his relationship with Ron Howard changed with "The Fonz's" popularity, as the focus of the show had to be alerted. The show was designed to star Howard in the lead role, but the network wanted to change the name of the show to "Fonzie's Happy Days." Winkler resisted the change, but the seed was planted, and Howard would eventually leave the program to become a director.

In addition to discussing his learning disability, Winkler opens up on how his career was typecasted after "Happy Days," and his struggles to find lucrative acting roles. Winkler launched a successful production company, which created and developed the hit television series "MacGyver." He fondly recalls directed "A Smoky Mountain Christmas" starring Dolly Parton and his good friend John Ritter.

Additionally, Winkler shares fun stories of meeting Paul McCartney, Betty Davis, and Mick Jagger. In "Being Henry," also recalls an actual event where he convinced a struggling actor not to commit suicide over the phone. Winkler comments on his decision to turn down doing "Greece," and the media fabricated rivalry with John Travolta. Winkler also discusses the development of the Hank Zipzer series, becoming a voice actor, his life long affinity with dogs, working with Burt Reynolds, and much more.

"Being Henry" is highly recommended.

I spent a lovely, rainy Saturday with Henry Winkler (and his wife) and what a joy it was. Being Henry is a sweet, inspiring and nostalgia-inducing time that, with the help of the audio book, felt like a conversation with an old friend. I had the pleasure of meeting Henry once a few years ago backstage at Seth Meyers late night show and he was exactly as described in his memoir--a caring and charming mensch of a man who insisted on saying goodbye to everyone he met in the green room, even me. Being Henry is a great listen and would be an excellent holiday gift for anyone in your life that grew up with HAPPY DAYS and the Fonz or is a current fan of BARRY. Thank you to Celadon & MacMillan Audio for the early copies.

I love the behind the scenes look at the ups and downs of celebrity especially when I can listen to the person tell their story. Being Henry is such a tender yet fun story of how Henry Winkler has navigated his dreams to become the star we all love so dearly.

Thank you netgalley Macmillan audio, celadon for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review. I watched reruns of happy days with my dad and grandparents so was familiar with but didn't know much about Henry. I love when memoir are read by the Author and it was an added bonus for his wife to be part of the narration. I found it interesting and learned a bit more about the entertainment industry and what life was like.

My grandma is reading my arc copy and may discuss and add to my review later.

Wow! What a wonderful memoir. Henry is extremely honest about his upbringing, academics, relationships and work. He has done wonderful things to enhance the lives of children. I am not going to say anymore, not going to spoil this beautiful work. Henry’s narrative really brings the book to life. Plus, I loved it when his wife has something to say. I highly recommend this audiobook.

Thank you #NetGalley, #MacmillanAudio, #HenryWinkler and #BeingHenrytheFonzandBeyond for the advance copy for my honest review.

I've always loved Henry Winkler dating back to childhood when he was "The Fonz." He always seemed like a down to earth, nice guy. Listening to him read his book cements that fact. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.