Thanks to the Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. This book (and audio) are available as of 10/31/23,
While I didn't really watch Happy Days, I remember watching Henry Winkler in a few "classic" 90's movies from my high school days in the late 90s - Scream, The Waterboy, and Down to You. I really love The Waterboy - I have seen it more times than I can remember, and it still makes me laugh. Henry’s character, Coach Klein, is particularly hilarious. I loved listening to Henry reminisce about working with Adam Sandler, both on The Waterboy and some following movies.
This is the third celebrity memoir I’ve read or listened to within the last week which is a huge pivot from my usual fiction focus, but I’ve been really enjoying them. I love that Henry narrates this one himself (with occasional help from his wife!), and I found myself listening (instead of reading the ARC I also received) because his voice was so engaging. I learned more about his acting and directing, in addition to his home life away from the spotlight. I had no idea he struggled with dyslexia and then wrote children's books with characters struggling with dyslexia, too! I highly recommend checking this out, especially if you’re a fan of his work. He seems to be such a kind individual - and the world needs to hear more stories of kindness!

First off, the way to "read" this book is by listening to it--Henry Winkler (and his wife) does the narration and I don't think anyone else could do it justice. He has had quite a life, the good, the bad, and the ugly, but all of it interesting. I could have done without the narration about his dogs (you know what happens to dogs in books), but Mr. Winkler does tie everything together. I wish there was a way to see pictures in an audiobook, but of course that is impossible, so I will have to find a copy of the book to see if images are included--I would like to know what the non-famous people look like. This is an enjoyable which is made better by learning about the real Fonzie.

I'm not always about celebrity memoirs but I figured he has got to have some fun stories and he does. I appreciate not only the fun stories that he shared but his way of painting everyone possible in a positive light (give or take a select few but he addresses that as well). He's open about his struggles, and feelings about his struggles, where he's fallen short and tried to change, challenges that he's faced, and still writes in such a gracious and humorous way. I was cracking up at little one liners that he added along the way. I listened to the audiobook, which he narrates, and I wouldn't recommend this book any other way, His voice on it and his impressions of others make the book even better. 100% recommend.

#arc
#netgalley
#beinghenry

I've always loved Henry Winkler so I was very excited to read about his story. I grew up watching Happy Days and I loved the Fonz. As an adult and a special education teacher, I admired him for his advocacy for kids who have Dyslexia as well as a co-author of a series about a kid called Hank Zipzer, who also has Dyslexia. I loved learning more about his early life, how he broke into Happy Days and his other acting gigs as he became more famous. He also covered his relationship with his parents, his struggles with Dyslexia, and his family life. Mine was an audiobook that Henry Winkler and his wife narrated.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio, Netgalley, and the Author for this complimentary audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

I’ve read and listened to a lot of books so far this year, (at least 150 thus far) spanning a great many genres from some fantastic writers, so I’m honestly shocked to report that Being Henry: The Fonz …and Beyond, Henry Winkler’s memoir will likely end up being one of my top three books for the year. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this book. Okay that’s a lie, I’m going to try. This is after all a review, lol. While many people today may know Henry from his more recent rolls in Parks and Rec, Arrested Development, or Barry. I grew up watching Happy Days (not as reruns but when the show originally aired), so like most people from that time, I first knew Henry Winkler as the Fonz! And I’ve been a fan of his work every since. I figured after all those years in the business he likely had some fun stories. Well he certainly does, and while the book wasn’t quite what I was expecting, I wasn’t disappointed. Quite the opposite. Once I started listening I was blown away. In fact I’ve listened straight through this one, even cancelling plans I had because I didn’t want to stop listening. Now I will say that while I’m sure I would have enjoyed reading this book, listening to the audio narration by Henry himself takes it to an entirely different level. Please do note that I feel that the default speed for most audiobooks is too slow and thus often listen to them at accelerated speeds anywhere from 1.25X speed to even 1.5X at times. Definitely listen to this one at a slightly increased speed as it makes Henry sound even more excited about whatever it is he happens to be talking about at the time. Listening, you feel as if you are in the room with Henry and he is just telling story after story. The style is very conversational, and I could easily picture what he was saying, from his early days as a kid to his wrap party for the final season of Barry, and everything in between. I found every facet of his stories fascinating, was constantly smiling or chuckling at what he had to say. I would never have guessed at his insecurities, laying bare all his self doubts, it only made him more real, more endearing, and I honestly have to thank him for sharing it all. There are so many life lessons to learned from listening to his tales. As I said, him doing that narration was absolutely brilliant, as was having his wife narrate her few sections as well as she told us about their meeting/courtship as well as her thoughts on Henry after all these years. I honesty came away feeling as if I’ve really come to know the man a bit. Fascinating life, fascinating man. I don’t know if you’ll ever read this review Henry, but if you do thanks so much for all the good memories. I wish nothing but the best for you and your family. I honestly can’t recommend this one enough. I’d like to thank Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced audio copy of Being Henry: The Fonz…and beyond.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R207SRPJKN1TXW/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

I love Henry Winkler, he is so down to earth and relatable and his stories are fun to listen to. I spent all day today and part of last night sharing parts of Henry's story with my husband, whether he wanted to hear them or not, I was excited and I was going to share.

I learned a lot about Henry while listening to this book. I did not realize that Henry was dyslexic and that he wasn't diagnosed until his 30's. I did not know that Henry has written a children's series to help other children deal with their learning disabilities.

I loved learning about Henry's insecurities in both his personal and professional life and that he sought help to deal with these insecurities. I especially love when Henry swears while telling his story and when his wife joins in the narration, I loved hearing the story through her own words.

All told a fantastic journey through Henry's life up to this point. Here's hoping that Henry has many more years and more stories to tell in a future novel.

What do you think of when you hear the name Henry Winkler? Is it the iconic character he created for "Happy Days" -- the Fonz? Or perhaps you are a fan of the Hank Zipzer book series? Maybe you have seen him in the many projects he has starred in over the past four decades like "Waterboy" or "Arrested Development." Reading this book will give you new insights into the life of this Hollywood staple. Like his unhappy life at home as a child, his almost 50-year marriage, and his many beloved dogs over the years. There will be wonderful bits from his professional life like his involvement in the origins of MacGyver and first meetings with other talented professionals like Robin Williams and Tom Hanks. A heartwarming and authentic portrait. You won't want to miss the chance to hear Henry tell you his story in person.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review. Happy Pub Day!

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.

I had the opportunity to listen to the audio version of this memoir from NetGalley and the publisher, as well as read the printed word. As Mr. Winkler narrated his own book, I strongly recommend the audio format to other readers. With that distinctive voice, it felt like Henry Winkler was sitting right beside me, telling his story. Both versions were great and I really appreciated the candor in what must have been difficult in places.

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 the opportunity to listen to the audio version, as well as read the electronic copy of Being Henry. The decision to read and listen to this memoir was entirely my own.

5 Heeeyyyyyyy Stars!!

I grew up watching Happy Days and lucky enough to go to several tapings of the show since I lived in Southern California at the time. While my teenage heart belonged to Chachi, I absolutely adored The Fonz and loved how he found his family with The Cunningham's.

Listening to Henry Winkler narrate his autobiography was a fabulous listening experience. There is so much that I never knew before. And given how he grew up and all the happenings of his childhood that at times was truly painful to discover, the respect I have for him has quadrupled.

His honesty is eye opening. He's accomplished and overcome some very difficult battles and hurdles. We're treated to some behind the scenes stories that had me chuckling out loud and there were equal moments that my heart hurt for him. I'm sure that's not what Mr. Winkler's goal was with this book as he strikes me as a man that doesn't want others to pity him. He revealed his truth with eye opening clarity. He proves that no matter what our circumstances in life, with determination, grit a strong sense of belief and most definitely lots and lots of Chutzpah anything is possible!!

I was so excited when I was approved for this audiobook! I have always loved Henry Winkler. I thought his memoir was so touching and personal and honest. I’m glad he narrated his book as it makes it even more personal. I also loved that he had his wife narrate some portions that were from her point of view. Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the audiobook arc in exchange for a honest review.

Usually, when a celebrity releases a memoir, it gets a ton of sound bites in the news because of the “tea” they spill (Britney) or the traumas they reveal (Matthew Perry, Jennette McCurdy). Henry Winkler’s engaging memoir shares less sensational things, but it’s no less interesting. I loved hearing him read the story of how he went from the crazy fame of The Fonz to a more subdued but fulfilling professional life as an Emmy-winning actor in Barry.

Personally, Henry had a tense relationship with his parents. As Jews who escaped Nazi Germany, they were unable to parent him with the love and grace he needed. They didn’t realize he suffered from severe dyslexia. He’s been married to his wife for over 40 years, and has a big, loving family. Although this seems mostly idyllic, he has been in therapy for years and discusses the work he’s done to feel less anxious and inadequate. Ironically, he speaks to feeling like the “uncool” kid trying to hang out with the cool kids.

Professionally, Henry’s story is very from the usual.He didn’t let intense fame go to his head. He fought with the powers-that-be when they wanted to change Happy Days to be “The Fonzie” show. To this day, has a lovely friendship with Ron Howard, whom he was often pitted against by executives during filming. He’s very close to Adam Sandler and credits him with helping him rise above being typecast as the Fonz.

Henry’s showbiz stories are fun and entertaining. He turned down the role of Danny Zuko in Grease and was the original director of Turner and Hooch, until he got fired. He’s continually awed by big celebrities. He writes children’s books and speaks to kids across the country about overcoming dyslexia and other struggles.

Heartwarming, humorous, and interesting, this memoir stands out from the pack. I loved spending a few hours in Henry’s world and I think you would, too!

Henry Winkler is a TREASURE! I loved this book, and listening to the audio was delightful. Winkler reads it himself, but his wife also comes in and reads about times in their lives from her perspective. Winkler's reflection on his career is so interesting. I didn't know about his work as a children's author, and I want to dive into those now. He discusses career anxiety, parenting and spouse mistakes, and dyslexia with openness and true reflection. He talks so much about being typecast as the Fonz, but I really know him from his later work in Adam Sandler movies, Parks and Recreation, and now Barry. Although I do want to go back and watch more Happy Days now that I've heard what he thought about it all. I recommend this book to Winkler's fans.

I loved getting to know Henry Winkler and hearing his voice tell his stories is fantastic. That's one of my favorite parts of memoirs. I loved watching Happy Days on Nick at Night when I was a kid. I loved him in WaterBoy with Adam Sandler. When his wife read I cried. What a sweet thing to include her. This is a must listen.

Winkler is candid, charming, self-deprecating, and delighted by life and his experiences. I loved listening to him read the audiobook of Being Henry.

I listened to Henry Winkler read his irresistibly candid, funny, and poignant memoir.

Winkler explores his childhood and his critical, yelling, stressed parents, survivors of the Holocaust who were later concerned with wealthy appearances and often in terrible debt. He credits their appreciation for his fame but not for him as a person for his lifetime of insecurity, difficulty opening up emotionally, and need for ongoing therapy.

He also shares his lifelong joy in putting on other personas and his professional ups and downs, including the luck, grit, and adventures of starring in Happy Days, Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Barry.

Winkler dives into endearingly frank discussions of his perceived shortcomings and mistakes, as well as his many delights and blessings. All of this is intermingled with his clear adoration and admiration for his family--his wife chimes in with her perspective at some key points--and his family's natural inclination for activism.

His dyslexia, which was undiagnosed until he was well into adulthood, and its myriad challenges led to his eventual emergence as the children's book author of the successful Hank Zipzer series, about a boy with learning differences.

Winkler brings heart and honesty to the story of his life, and I loved it.

I received a prepublication audiobook version of this title courtesy of NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.

Henry Winkler is the author of the Hank Zipzer series (Niagara Falls, Or Does It? is the first) and the Ghost Buddy series.

I really enjoyed this book. I know very little of Henry Winkler, outside of "the Fonz", but learned fully about his childhood, his family, his ventures after "Happy Days" and his other industry pursuits. He seems like a fun and funny person to have in your life and I learned a great deal about him and the industry as well.

I knew who Henry Winkler is, but didn't know much about him. I'm a big fan of celebrity memoirs, though, so I thought I'd give Being Henry a try. I was very pleasantly surprised! The story was enjoyable and felt very genuine. I'm ending it with such respect for Winkler as he seems like a great guy.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Henry Winkler for providing me with a complimentary digital audiobook ARC for Being Henry coming out October 31, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I was so excited to get this book! I’ve listened to a few celebrity memoirs and they’re interesting to me. I loved that he narrated the book, so it feels more real and has the tone and emotion he would use. I used to watch Henry on Happy Days and I’ve seen a lot of his movies and shows since then. I’m really glad he’s been working steadily since then because a lot of actors seem to not find work as much when they get older. It was interesting to hear about his early life and the struggles he had in life and finding work. I enjoyed that his wife popped on to add to his story since she is a big part of his life. I loved it!

Growing up on Happy Days, this book brought back so many memories. And I learned so much about Henry. Having a slight crush on him growing up, I thought I knew everything about him. I didn’t know half of it! I didn’t know he wrote children’s books…and I am an avid reader! Geez! I also did not know he was dyslexic. Boy! He made it all look so easy! He is so talented and he has worked so hard to stay in the Hollywood game.

His wife also made a unique appearance. It is very fascinating to hear, in her own voice, narrate her part of the book. Her take on her experiences with Henry’s world made it so real and appealing.

I love when an author narrates their own book and NO ONE…AND I MEAN, NO ONE could have done it better than Henry himself!

Need a wonderful, nostalgic (for me anyway) memoir…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review

Heeeeeeyyyyy.

I'm not sure I realized what an indelible part of my childhood the Fonz was until I heard Henry Winkler doing his voice in this audiobook. (I know Winkler from that, the Waterboy, Arrested Development, and Parks and Rec.)

And what a treat the audiobook was. I'm so glad I opted for that mode, especially because his wife chimes in several times. What an interesting and special choice.

I loved the pacing of this book - he doesn't linger. He doesn't get bogged down. That makes this a pretty quick read.

Winkler comes across as generally humble, self-deprecating, and diplomatic. He seems like a really nice guy - it was so easy to root for his success, in his career and otherwise.

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.