If you ever seen the movie Pretty In Pink than you have to remember the delightful and magnetic Duckie… and if you do, then you know Actor now Author, John Cryer in his earliest roles. In So That Happened, John shares what it is like to be an actor when you don’t carry the natural confidence that many actors do… in fact, John Cryer will tell you that he is actually a lot like the character he plays on Two and a Half Men, Alan Harper. John speaks openly about his co-workers including Molly Ringwald, John Hughes, Robert Altman, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, and of course…. Charlie Sheen.
In full disclosure…. (embarrassing full disclosure) it was not until recently that I realized that “Duckie” from Pretty In Pink was John Cryer. True statement. I clearly know him from Two and a Half Men and I think the role from then to now was so different… I just didn’t pick up on that. That said, I picked up this audio because I do enjoy Two and a Half Men and I do enjoy books written and narrated by actors I enjoy.
As I listen to a fair amount of audio books narrated by actors, I know I enjoy hearing the stories behind the shows, the acting, the co-stars, funny happenings…. What I don’t like is whining about missed parts, what is believed to be unfair casting, and well whining in general.
This audio has a mix of both.
I of course wanted to hear about John’s role in Pretty in Pink and of course his many years of being on Two and a Half Men and working with the unpredictable, eventually fired Charlie Sheen. For the record, the later does not get mentioned until disc 6. The first 3 to 4 cd’s of this audio book are interesting however John has a lot of strong opinions of fellow actors as well as about others taking credit for something that was his doing. To me… that felt a bit whiny. At the same time I imagined an editor saying “John, be vulnerable, be angry… niceties do not get the book sales!” So, that said… perhaps John was coerced.
I did enjoy the later half of the audio where the real meat of the book seemed to be. When John talked about Two and a Half Men and what was happening there it seemed a bit more real.
Looking at the rating of this one on-line, I am in the minority. For the most part people have found this memoir to be hilarious and well done. This can very well be a case of “it is not John, it is me”.
I would love to hear from others who have read or listened to this one.
- Audible Audio Edition
- Listening Length: 9 hours and 8 minutes
- Program Type: Audiobook
- Version: Unabridged
- Publisher: Penguin Audio
- Audible.com Release Date: April 7, 2015
Book Journey 
I liked it and enjoyed seeing his personal side… even if it did get whiny at times (yeah, it did). There were a few ‘dead’ spots in the middle, but I really enjoyed the two and half men part. And don’t feel bad about not knowing Jon was Ducky. I had forgotten all about that movie! Duh.
Have read two audio version reviews of this book, both loved it! I am just not a big “boy humor” fan, so 2 1/2 men was never in my scope,I hated Pretty in Pink, and I’m glad someone else thinks “duckie’s” not the greatest thing since sliced bread….and Sheila, when I posted you this morning I ( really) accidently renaned your son….not the best some mornings….forgive me please. Justin was a fantastic kid
What a coincidence…I just finished listening to this one and wrote a review on my blog and posted it today, too. I liked it and thought it was well done. I would have liked to hear more about Two and A Half Men, but overall, I enjoyed it.
I am eager to read this one…yes, READ, not listen…LOL. I wouldn’t mind listening to his narration, but not the whole book. I don’t have the patience.
I loved him in Pretty In Pink, back when I was a kid, but I couldn’t ever stomach the lowbrow humor of 2.5 Men–that lowest common denominator stuff bugs me because it makes me realize so much television is predicated upon the assumption that I’m an idiot. That said, he’s quite convincing in his role–I despised and pitied his character within a few minutes–it takes a good actor to make a loathed character and make him sympathetic.
I haven’t read/ listened to this, but want to.
I’ve been on the fence about listening to this one, and your review makes me more intrigued. I have never seen two and a half men, though I liked jon as duckie 🙂
I wondered about this in audio form. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Sheila.