Patrick Swayze ~
I had no idea that Patrick Swayze had done so much in his life. I always loved him because “Dirty Dancing” is one of my favorite movies and I love “Ghost” and “Point Break” as well. Of course, I knew that he was an actor and a dancer, but I had no idea that he was so talented in so many other areas. I will discuss some of these further, under the spoiler section, so you can skip them if you would like.
One thing that really resonated with me was his obvious love for his wife. In this era of marriages lasting no time (especially celebrity weddings), it’s nice to read about one that lasted well over 30 years. I also appreciate the fact that Patrick Swayze seemed to include his wife in everything and saw her as an equal, even professionally, even though she never really quite achieved the fame that he did. She was still very talented in her own right, and that wasn’t lost on him.
*Spoiler*
This book begins with Patrick Swayze’s cancer diagnosis. It was really sad to read about how he was fighting for his life while he was writing this book. The parts about his optimism and his will to live were the hardest to read, considering the reader already knows the outcome. I am really glad that this book did not end with a followup by his wife about his death, though. I believe this book was released around the same time he died, so that was a big possibility. However, I am glad that he did decide to write this book.
It’s sad to learn that knee injuries took so much away from Patrick Swayze in his life. I recently tore a ligament in my knee and that has temporarily changed my life, and quite dramatically, I might add. I couldn’t imagine tearing all of the ligaments completely in two, like he did. And more than once. It was very difficult for me to read this part of the book. Although, he rehabbed it over and over and went through several surgeries and other procedures, his knee problems endured. Regardless, look what a great dancer and talent he was despite all of his pain. The knee injuries happened long before we knew him as Johnny Castle from “Dirty Dancing.” I think that speaks a lot about the type of person he was.
Patrick Swayze ponders in the book about what his legacy will be, if anything. I feel that determination and flexibility are his legacy. When he suffered his many injuries, he never gave up. He adjusted his dreams and goals many times to suit his capabilities. Although he lost his dream of a football scholarship, then his Olympic hopes and then his professional dancing career, he revised his dreams and perservered. And what a great actor he made because of this. He had this great ability to accept things that I think many of us could learn a lot from.
This book made me like him so much more and I am so glad that I read it. In my opinion, the world lost a remarkable man when it lost Patrick Swayze.
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I always found his interviews near the end of his life fascinating. His point of view, his attitude. Definitely an interesting read!
I didn’t know about this book. I have always adored Patrick Swayze and have so much admiration for his long-lasting hollywood marraige. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Great review …… adjusting your dreams and goals! What an excellent statement! Thanks! Put your review in my Fantastic Finds Pins!
I am still sad that he passed away
I like the idea of books telling real life struggles like this about the stars. It helps the average person relate. So sad though it has to be this way.
I would love to read this!!
I always adored him – I’d love to read this. I can’t imagine the emotions he was dealing with while writing and hoping he could finish it before the cancer took him away.
I admit, I wasn’t a big fan of his movies, but I respected him as an actor. He went through a lot at the end and always kept a positive attitude. You can’t help but admire that.
I love the review of his book. I too was saddened for the loss of his life, I miss him to this day, he was and exceptional actor to adapt to any character he played. I too favored Ghost, Point Break and Dirty Dancing. His love for horses was awesome as well. Thank you for your review, I found your blog from Pinterest.
Karren
He is amazing. He was such an incredible person. Such a loss
Thanks for sharing this book, I didn’t know it had come out and I would like to read more about his dancing.
This looks like a great book!!
This looks like an interesting read, I’m always curious to peek into celebrities heads.
Patrick Swayze was one of my favorite actors. Sounds like a fascinating book.
I honestly would love to get this book. I really liked him as an actor. So sad.
I keep telling myself to read. Ore biographies, but I find some of tem so boring. This one looks great and something I could totally get into. And who doesn’t love him in Dirty Dancing and Ghost? Sigh! -katy
This sounds like the kind of biography I could really get into. And who does not love Dirty Dancing and Ghost? Sigh! – Katy