ALONG THE WAY by Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez

Along The Way is the memoir of actors Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez, written in 2012. I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by the two actors, each narrating the chapters they wrote (with the help of Hope Edelman).

Along The Way is the memoir of actors Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez, written in 2012. I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by the two actors, each narrating the chapters they wrote (with the help of Hope Edelman).

I deliberately chose to listen to this one because I am an unabashed fan of Martin Sheen. I will stan for the West Wing every day of the week, even with its sometimes dated flaws these days. I was not disappointed with the narration.

This memoir details Sheen’s early years, growing up in Dayton, Ohio, to a Spanish father and Irish mother, both immigrants to the United States. He tells the story of growing up in a large family and his beginnings in New York as an actor.

Emilio was born when Sheen was 21, so they grew up together in many ways. Their relationship has always been a strong and loving one, but of course faced the challenges that fathers and sons do. Emilio tells the story of growing up, his life on the road as they travelled the world by Martin worked, with an extended look at life in the Philippines while Sheen starred in Apocalypse Now. This was a particularly interesting section of the book, from Estevez’s friendship with young up and coming actor Laurence Fishburne, his relationship with Dennis Hopper and his emergence into his own acting career.

Sheen is not a flawless man - an excellent actor, he was for the first 50 years of his life an alcoholic and he could very easily have lost everything - career included - as a result. But I thought before and I am certain now that Sheen is a decent man. I loved hearing his stories particularly of the filming the film The Way, the story of a father who hikes the Camino after his son was killed attempting the walk. Half way through the audiobook, I actually watched The Way, such was the description of the filming and the landscape.

I loved listening to this book. I am naturally cynical about books written by celebrities, but this was a really wonderful journey through fatherhood and family, Hollywood and the highs and lows of that type of life. I found both actors wonderful to listen to, both during their times of pain and triumph. They clearly love and respect each other deeply.

That love and respect, despite difficult times, really gave me pause for thought, particularly about my own father and our relationship. Like the Estevez men, my own relationship with my Dad has been fraught at times. As we’ve gotten older, we have become much closer, forgiving each other and developing a relationship which is based on mutual respect and love, and genuine friendship. Listening to Martin and Emilio, I certainly felt the connection they have, like my own. I think that made the audio experience all the more enjoyable.

As far as Hollywood memoirs go, this was a great one. I especially recommend the audiobook - and enjoy.