COOL STUFF

Roger Ebert's Book 'Life Itself: A Memoir' Arrives on September 13th

by Ethan Anderton
August 23, 2011

Easily one of the most celebrated film critics of his time, Roger Ebert truly is a connoisseur of cinema, and plenty of cinephiles pay attention whenever he has something substantial to say. While Ebert has released several books about films, both good and bad, his newest piece of work takes a slight step back from merely talking about cinema as Life Itself: A Memoir has the film critic looking back on his whole life and career. From his early days as a child in Urbana, Illinois, to becoming a local newspaper reporter, to his high profile days at The Chicago Sun-Times, Ebert fondly and candidly guides through all his years. Read on!

Here's a more official description of the book, if you're still not sold on it yet:

In this candid, personal history, Ebert chronicles it all: his loves, losses, and obsessions; his struggle and recovery from alcoholism; his marriage; his politics; and his spiritual beliefs. He writes about his years at the Sun-Times, his colorful newspaper friends, and his life-changing collaboration with Gene Siskel. He remembers his friendships with Studs Terkel, Mike Royko, Oprah Winfrey, and Russ Meyer (for whom he wrote Beyond the Valley of the Dolls and an ill-fated Sex Pistols movie). He shares his insights into movie stars and directors like John Wayne, Werner Herzog, and Martin Scorsese.

This is a story that only Roger Ebert could tell. Filled with the same deep insight, dry wit, and sharp observations that his readers have long cherished, this is more than a memoir-it is a singular, warm-hearted, inspiring look at life itself.

With all the years of film criticism and passion for cinema Ebert has under his belt, this sounds like a great read for all film fans, and likely for anyone looking to start their own career as a film critic. If you need anymore convincing, Ebert has posted the introduction chapter Memory, over at his blog at The Chicago Sun-Times. The book hits shelves on September 13th next month and you can pre-order it right here. It's definitely one that I'll be picking up to add to my ever-growing collection of cinema-centric books. Thanks to SlashFilm for the heads up. Who else is planning to pick up a copy?

Filed under Cool Stuff, Movie News, Opinions

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