Anything Goes [Hardcover]

John Barrowman (Author), Carole E. Barrowman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 28, 2008

From his Glaswegian childhood and American adolescence to his starring role in the Doctor Who spinoff Torchwood, this memoir traces the life and career of actor John Barrowman. John made a name for himself with remarkable West End achievements, including an Olivier Award nomination and success in the movies The Producers and De-Lovely. Television success was also assured when Torchwood won a Best Drama BAFTA. John also lays bare his personal life: his emigration as a child, coming out to his family, turning down a job at Disney, and his civil partnership with long-term partner Scott Gill. Revelatory and insightful, told with real heart and characteristic Barrowman charm, this is a wonderful tale of how one boy achieved his dreams.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Told with real heart . . . a wonderful tale."  —Philadelphia Gay News

About the Author

Carol Barrowman, John’s sister, is a professor of English at Alverno College, Wisconsin, and a journalist.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Michael O'Mara (April 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843172895
• ISBN-13: 978-1843172895
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #775,793 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

77 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anything does indeed go, April 2, 2008

By 

John's Altar (Arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anything Goes (Hardcover)

A wonderful and charming book! I was laughing from page one. John talks about his family (I think the insanity is genetic), his coming out to his parents, singing as a little boy in Scotland and moving to the US when he was a child. Lots of stories of how he dealt with school bullies and even college bullies. Behind the curtains, insider secrets such as why it's bad luck to speak of the "that Scottish play" on a stage, and John's own superstitious phobias.

I think what I liked best was that he was open and honest about himself, right down to humiliating moments. There was no catty gossip about other people, only a great love of his family, his partner, friends, and life itself. The pictures are great, too.

It's a quick read, so spend a few hours with Barrowman. It'll make you feel good.

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear your schedule! It's a hard one to put down!, April 28, 2008

By 

N. Wolfson (El Dorado Hills, CA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Anything Goes (Hardcover)

A FANTASTICALLY fun read! It would be worth it for the hilarious footnotes and pictures alone, but his stories of a life well lived are what make you want to hear more. I highly recommend the audiobook as well, even though it is abridged. After hearing him tell his own story, it just makes the unabriged book that much more enjoyable!

Yes, Mr. Barrowman has an ego, and rightfully so. Why shouldn't he? He won the gene pool lottery hands down! He's an exceptional entertainer, which by definition requires a larger than life personality and he's boldly breaking all the stereotypes. The whole point of an autobiography is to give the reader the unvarnished truth and this book accomplishes that with great warmth and humor.

Like he says. . . his ending is not yet written. I'm most definitely staying in my seat for the second act!

23 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars love the man, do not love this book, June 28, 2008

By 

Bubba - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Anything Goes (Hardcover)

When I first read others' comments about this book (as I waited...and waited...and waited for Amazon to send it) I just figured the negative ones came from a bunch of John and/or gay haters. I now have to concede that they had some valid points. At times, I wonder if the John I've seen in interviews is the same guy as the one in this book! I'd already listened to the audio version, and there were times when he came off as a bit of a d*** in it, but hearing the anecdotes in his own voice softened the bite. In print, he does not come off well. He comes off as a brat. Where's the guy who helped those two ladies after one of his shows? (A cute anecdote about some fans who were stranded after a thief nabbed a purse.) Where's the guy who got so irritated at the protesters at London Pride that he told the crowd that "THEY'RE the ones who need saving, not me"? THAT man has more passion and integrity than the one I've seen so far here. Save your money - watch and buy some Torchwood and Who instead. And watch his interview from Heaven and Earth. I think you'll see Another - and better - Side of John.
All that said, some of the photos are absolutely gorgeous!!!!!!!!!