I listened to this memoir narrated by the author, Henry Winkler, and his wife, Stacey Weitzman. It was nice to hear their stories in their own voices. Henry shares stories about his difficult childhood; his family life as a son, husband, father, and grandfather; studying acting; his long career as an actor, director, producer, and voice actor; and his success as a children’s author. There’s nothing life-changing here, but he shares his stories with honesty, humility, and charm. I was particularly delighted by his stories of interacting with fans, as well as some funny stories about his interactions with other celebrities.

Although he withholds a few names, for the most part, he doesn’t hesitate to call out people who behaved poorly, but he is also very generous with gratitude and praise. He comes across as a really nice guy who is deeply appreciative of others and aware of his own privilege.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys celebrity memoirs or is curious about Henry Winkler’s life and career. The narration was well-paced and easy to understand, so I particularly recommend the audiobook.

I received a free advanced review copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

I absolutely loved this audiobook. I found myself looking for chores to do around the house or an excuse to take the longer way nome so I could listen to a few extra minutes. Having his wife narrate own side of the story was an added bonus that I really enjoyed! If you think you know fonzy you don't, this was entertaining, informative , and overall a very easy listen. Once the audiobook was finished I immediately went online and ordered a hard copy.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC audiobook copy.

I enjoyed this book. Henry Winkler has been in some of my absolute favorite shows, so it was nice to learn more about him as a person and actor. Though I didn't watch Happy Days until about 2 decades after it first aired, I had so much fun watching it, especially when home sick from school. I had not realized that the show was Winkler's first big break, and the story he tells to open the book as to how he got the job was fantastic. I enjoyed all of the side stories he told within each chapter that shed some more light into his life.

I highly recommend the audiobook when reading this book. Since Henry Winkler, and at times his wife, Stacey, narrated the book, it felt as if he was sitting in my living room and we were having a conversation. Though I am not a big connoisseur of nonfiction, I did not want to stop listening to this book. It was fun learning about all of the avenues his life took from his Happy Days time. I would encourage you to listen to the audiobook!!

Loved this, will give real feedback soon but in case these werent already addressed, I wanted to let you know that there were factual errors about 82% of the way through the book. Jenny Slate's first husband Dean co-created Marcel the Shell and UCB is the Upright Citizens Brigade

This memoir was an absolute delight to listen to. Winkler narrates the audio version himself, and it is definitely the way to go (and his wife also narrates certain sections as well which also added to the experience). Winkler is so gracious when he talks about his former costars and the impact they've had on his acting and his career. He is generous with compliments, and he also owns the mistakes and stupid choices that he has made. There were a couple times that the story dragged just a bit, but overall this one was just a lot of fun to listen to!

Being Henry is the memoir of the actor, author, producer, director and all around funny guy, Henry Winkler. This memoir covers Henry's life from childhood all the way to present day. Henry explores what it meant to be raised by Jewish parents who escaped from the genocide of WWII, struggling through school as a child with undiagnosed dyslexia, and finding a love for acting. He takes the reader through his early years struggling in New York, to his big move to California, and then his historic big break in becoming the Fonz. The reader gets an inside view of the craziness of becoming one of the most well recognized actors in the world, to the aftermath of being an actor defined by a specific role, and then the struggle to redefine himself. In addition to sharing the story of his professional life, Henry shared pieces of his personal life including his marriage, children, and even stories about his beloved dogs.

I found this memoir to be open-hearted. I'll admit I was surprised by how funny it was as there were multiple times that I actually laughed out loud. Happy Days was before my generation and I never really watched it, but I enjoyed Henry Winkler's acting in multiple Adam Sandler films and more recently in the HBO show Barry. With celebrity memoirs, I find that I often finish either liking the author a whole lot less or a whole lot more, and this one definitely left me in the latter category. By the end of the audiobook read by Henry himself, I almost felt as if he were a friend.

I highly recommend this book, especially as an audiobook, for fans of celebrity memoirs or people who like memoirs and laughing, or are interested in the life of an actor. Thank you to NetGalley, Celadon Books, and Henry Winkler for an eARC in exchange for a honest review. I typically don't give a star to memoirs as it can feel like judging someone's life, but this is a solid 4 star book for me!

Listening to Henry (and his wife) narrate this audio was a joy! It reminded me of listening to my favorite uncle or grandpa retell stories from his life. While nothing was shocking or earth shattering, and it was very all over the place, it felt authentic and lovable.

What a wonderful book!

Henry Winkler opens up in this candid memoir about his childhood, his struggles with dyslexia, his constant feeling that he wasn’t good enough, his difficulties finding work after being such a star in Happy Days, his growth as a man.

Henry didn’t even know he had dyslexia until he was 31 – having spent his life to this point being called a ‘dumb dog’ by his family, constantly told that he wasn’t good enough in everything he did. He struggled reading, spelling, doing basic arithmetic. Even as he tells his story, he still constantly refers to himself as someone who is not intelligent.

He shares stories of how he got into show business, how he navigated his early life, and how he managed to make it big, in the role of “the Fonz” in Happy Days. Lots of these are fun, and most are told with self-deprecating humor.

He also shares his fears, anxieties and struggles when he couldn’t find work after Happy Days, and at various points in his life, as he tries to be relevant for his family. But, he also shares his gratitude, for everyone he’s worked with and who has helped him, and that shines through as a joy in his life.

He found a second career as an author, sharing his children’s stories of a young boy with dyslexia – as a way to help others that suffer from this condition.

He truly has spent most of his adult life trying to grow as a person, learning lessons shared with him along the way. I loved the fact that he and his wife of 47 years have worked together. Stacey speaks several times in this book, and that was especially touching.

I listened to this book, and really enjoyed the fact that the author read his own work. You can really feel the emotion as he describes his life. I highly recommend this book.

Henry Winkler opens up and shares his life journey. This work should be gifted to all young people dreaming to join the theatre or film industry. For readers of The Boys by Ron Howard

I received an ARC Audiobook of "Being Henry The Fonz.....and Beyond" by Henry Winkler from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This memoir gives an intimate look into the career and life of Henry Winkler, a beloved cultural icon. The book is the story of Henry's journey through the entertainment industry with smaller stories about his personal life.

For people like myself, who love Winkler, the story is a solid read, and hearing Winkler tell his own story with the audio version is a real treat. However, there is no real excitement or depth in the story. He does give many insights about his experiences just nothing profound.

Overall, if you like The Fonz or Henry Winkler, you will enjoy this book.

(Obviously) I went into this audiobook expecting to like Henry Winkler. He has a tremendous reputation for niceness, and his thoughtful book proves that he’s even nicer than his reputation. His narration was wonderful- a shining performance. It’s particularly endearing because it was most likely not easy for him given his struggle with dyslexia.

It’s pretty great that Mr. Winkler waited until this stage of his life to produce an autobiography. He’s clearly benefitted from the therapy he’s open about using to heal his childhood aches. He thoughtfully takes us from childhood to the present- hurts, loves, victories, and failures. It truly illustrates his evolution that whenever discussing things that his wife may have seen in a different light, he invited her to speak her version of events.

Essentially: I went from liking the tabloid version of Henry Winkler to now having a deep, aching adoration of him. I related to his need for love so deeply, and was impressed with the depth he was willing to bare himself. I’d like to be his friend.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for granting access to this early reviewers copy.

I received this audiobook as an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity.

Henry Winkler narrating his own book is pure genius. It wouldn’t work any other way including in written book form.

This audiobook is funny, thoughtful, honest and endearing…just like Henry.

I cannot recommend listening to the audio version enough.

From my blog: Always With a Book

It’s not too often that I request celebrity memoirs, but I knew I had to get my hands on this one…and I’m so glad I did. Not only did I want the print copy, but when I saw that Henry Winkler himself was narrating it, I knew that was the way to go…and let me just say if you are an audio person, you MUST listen to this one. It was perfection! Even his wife, Stacey, narrates her parts. I couldn’t have loved it more!

This book is just pure joy! I remember watching Happy Days when I was young, and when Henry talked about the show, it brought it all back – so much so that I actually looked up how to watch it all over again now! It’s not really streaming anywhere, but I did watch the reunion show and that was neat to see. But this book is so much more than about Henry being the Fonz. I loved how open and candid he was about him not wanting to be typecast after that show was over. I also loved how he opened up about his struggles with dyslexia and how that affected him his whole life.

We as a society have a tendency to put celebrities up on a pedestal and this book shows just how vulnerable and real he is. He has everyday struggles just like the rest of us, but at the end of the day, the most powerful message that comes from this book is just how kind he is. There were so many instances that really touched my heart in this book and while I already loved him as an actor, I now really respect him as a person.

I can’t wait for this book to be out in the world. It hits shelves the end of October and I highly recommend picking this one up when it is available.

Audio thoughts: I love when a memoir is narrated by the author and Henry does a phenomenal job telling his own story. He really brought it to life and having his wife, Stacey, jump in to give her perspective in her own words was just genius. This really was a fantastic audiobook and I highly recommend going the audio route if you do audiobooks.

Release Date: October 31st, 2023

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Henry Winkler, better known to the universe as “The Fonz” in 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 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 Happy Days, Henry has endeared himself to a new generation with roles in such adored shows as Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Barry. 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 have to start this review by saying my favorite @official_henrywinkler role is not even listed! While I loved him as Dr. Saperstein on @parksandrec to me he will forever be Uncle Ralph in #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear with @brookeburns22 . Seriously, if you’ve not seen that movie, find it. It’s a delightful gem. Ok, back to the book review. It was so interesting to hear about his life and his work. It always kept my interest. I was disappointed he didn’t write about the show Better late than never. I loved that show with him ! I would highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

#beinghenry #thefonzandbeyond #henrywinkler #happydays #parksandrecreation #barry #arresteddevelopment #itsthemostwonderfultimeoftheyear #celadonbook #bookreview #bookstagram #booklover #bookstagram #bookworm #booknerd #booktok #bookrecommendations #bibliophile #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookblogger #igreads #goodreads #bookclub #bookreviews #bookbloggersofinstagram

Mention the name Henry Winkler to nearly anyone of a certain age, and you’ll hear “The Fonz!” or maybe even the character’s ‘trademark’ “Eyyyyyyy!” This book tells about his path to that role and how it changed his life, in ways both good and bad.

A dyslexic child of incredibly strict and detached parents, Henry’s childhood wasn’t easy, but he persevered and learned to be grateful for whatever good thing came his way. That gratefulness carried over to his adulthood, and persists to this day. He talks about how his role as the Fonz led the Hollywood powers that be to attempt to typecast him, and he had a hard time finding work after his time on Happy Days, but he eventually succeeded, landing roles that proved his depth as an actor.

I listened to the audio version of this book, which was narrated very well by the author. It was fun hearing that familiar voice, and to hear the stress, the joy, the frustration in the different situations he discussed. I liked Mr. Winkler before this book, but I like – and respect – him even more now.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to listen to this early! This is the best book I've read this year! I love Henry Winkler even more now! I don't read many memoirs but I'm so glad I read this one. I laughed a lot and I cried. I highly recommend!

I was sent a physical ARC of this book, but I when I saw it come up as an audiobook request, I knew that's how I wanted to hear Henry Winkler's story. And oh my goodness, if I wasn't in love with him already, I am fully enamored now.

I love celebrity memoirs, but what makes them successful is a person who is willing to tell their true story, regardless of of what their ups or downs were. Henry Winkler is an honest, charming, flawed, lovable, wonderful human being, and he embodies that in every single word he speaks of this book. As an actor myself, I feel like I've picked up so many philosophies and lessons about the industry from him. He isn't afraid to talk about the years that his career didn't go as well as he had hoped, and such a raw spirit is so affecting for the listener/reader.

What a wonderful man. And a huge shout out to his wife, Stacey. I hear you as a woman, and as an actor's wife. Thank you for sharing your part in Henry's story. He obviously loves you more than anything in the world.

Five stars, and I will be buying this for everyone I know for Christmas. Or Hannukah.

As usual, with books, written by actors, and then read by themselves, it is a joy to listen to this book. My one caveat would be when Henry lets his wife Stacy read some of her moments. She does not have a voice for this work. However, she is in the book very little, so that isn’t much of a deterrent. I am in admiration for Henry’s work ethic and lifelong struggle with dyslexia. He carved career that wasn’t easy after being typecast as the Fonz in Happy Days. Henry can be quite gracious with the telling of most of his work experience, and he can eviscerate those who he feels deserve it, which weren’t that many people, but included his parents. Henry is the personification of the little engine that could! Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I grew up watching Happy Days and I have seen a few shows Henry was in so I figured I would read this book even though I’m not much into memoirs.

I am glad I listened to the book. Henry narrates it . It is very interesting and I did enjoy the book . Well done .

Henry Winkler is just such an amazing person. Listening to him tell his story was incredible. I felt like he was very honest and open (even when it was hard) and I loved how he talked about dealing with his emotional restrictions later in life. It’s never too late to live your best self!

One of my favorite characters Henry has played is in an episode of New Girl where he plays (boring) Fred’s dad. I feel like that’s who he is- a loving and fun dad.

When he talked about working with Adam Sandler - omg my heart just melted. These two together brings the world so much joy and I am SO glad he talked about their relationship and how much Adam means to him.

I have so many thoughts about this book but I will leave it at this: Henry Winkler is and always will be a star.