Book info

• Title The Time of My Life
• Author Patrick Swayze
• Year 2007
• Genre Memoir

In January 2008, movie star Patrick Swayze was given the worst news of his life. What he hoped was just a stomach ache was actually stage four pancreatic cancer, a diagnosis that is fatal within a year for 79% of the people to whom it is given. Remarkably, Patrick is not just alive a year later but continuing his treatment, and responding well. But this book isn't just the story of Patrick's fight against cancer. In the public eye from the early 1980s, this is the story of a remarkable life and career. Intended as a low budget, straight-to-video production, Dirty Dancing became a cult hit and remains one of the most enduring films of the 80s. Ghost cemented Patrick as a hugely bankable star, in a role that has had a considerable cultural impact. Most recently Patrick has returned to the public's adoring arms in TV's The Beast. This book will chronicle Patrick's personal life as well -- including his treatment for alcoholism following the death of his father and sister's sudden death.

Thoughts

I realised, when I started reading this, that I actually don’t know much about Patrick Swayze. Other than the fact that I fell to pieces the last time I watched Dirty Dancing, I couldn’t really tell you anything about him. This was, then, an interesting autobiography, detailing his early life obsessed with dancing, through the difficult years of trying to grow a career, through to finally making it and dealing with fame.

It was interesting to read the more nuanced details of his life - a struggle with alcohol, that desire to keep doing more important acting roles, the many near death experiences! And of course the relationship with his wife Lisa, that started early and endured many highs and lows.

A short, but fascinating insight into the tragically shortened life of an actor who had a huge impact on movie culture, but was never quite satisfied.

Rating: 3 / 5