Andrew McCarthy's Brat: A Coming-of-Age Tale from the 1980s

Lisa Maksenuk: Really really appreciated Andrew's sincerity and self depreciation. Yes, like many others who were blessed living in the 80s as young adults, I was an Andrew McCarthy fan(wow, has he aged well!) when most liked the pretty Rob Lowe. I really look forward to the film he is bringing to life speaking with all the former "Brat Packers" on their own experiences as an 80s "star".

Canada on Oct 14, 2023

Loretta Pindt: Andrew McCarthy is a talented writer as well as a Amazing Actor! Enjoyed reading about all aspects of his life. Deserves all the stars!

United States on Oct 05, 2023

CatMama: This was a good memoir. I've decided to write a review for it in hopes of encouraging Andrew McCarthy to continue writing. Mr. McCarthy is very good at descriptions and drawing the reader into the story. I believe that he could write some worthwhile novels, if he put some effort into it.
That said, I enjoyed this memoir very much. I'm someone who not only likes details but I require them in order to thoroughly enjoy what I'm reading. The author is so good at describing surrounding environments and events, relating to the emotions and experiences that he was having at a particular time, that the reader almost forgets how long they've been reading. I stayed up much too late reading this memoir on several nights. Fascinating book! Thank you for writing it. Please consider writing more, whether they are memoirs for yourself, or biographies about others, or novels, etc. I really hope that you will. I'd hate to see such skill go to waste.
For the reader: This book does not go fast. It's one that you'll take a while to read and digest, because it's so thoughtfully written that you don't want to miss any part of it. You'll learn a lot about Andrew McCarthy prior to his big splash...

United States on Oct 04, 2023

Tanya Gutierrez: I loved this short read. I wanted more. I was never a Brat pact fan as I was a little older than that generation but I lived St Elmos Fire and Pretty n Pink. I've also enjoyed his later guest starring roles in SVU.

United States on Sep 19, 2023

Sziporka: Perfect

Germany on Feb 10, 2023

Sheptowers: Entretenida autobiografía. Inevitable recordar buenos tiempos, habiendo crecido con esas películas (buenas,bobas o malas) y sus actrices/actores.

Mexico on Jul 14, 2022

JulieAnn: I couldn’t stop reading this book. Andrew writes so well. He takes you back to the 80’s on a turbulent, poignant ride. Who knew this charismatic actor was struggling so much? A great read

Spain on Jun 14, 2022

Suzanne G: If you're looking for a gossipy insight into the famed 'Brat Pack' in the 80's then you will be disappointed by this autobiography because it doesn't.
What it does do is tell the story of an often insecure young man who seemed to feel totally out of place amongst the rising stars of the 80's teen dramas. I think all he wanted to do was act but felt unworthy or star struck a lot. He portrays that he felt he just stumbled into success and situations (especially celebrity parties) by shear accident.
Very self-deprecating throughout the book Andrew McCarthy comes across as a lost soul in the 80's searching for something that has taken him a long time to find. Comfort in himself and his abilities.

Although there are snippets into the making of some of his most well known films, he doesn't speak negatively about his co-stars. If anything he concludes that he distanced himself from them though his own actions.

I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir and may now check out some of his travel writing but before that I'm off to watch Pretty in Pink again and look out for the bad wig at the end.

United Kingdom on Jan 27, 2022

Meredith in Maine: If you grew up in the Eighties, the "Brat Pack" is indelibly seared into your cultural consciousness. They were the pre-Internet, pre-social media cool kids, and we pictured them as hotshot buddies, hanging out together glamorously at the hottest clubs and restaurants. Not so, says Andrew McCarthy.

In truth, he never even knew some of them very well, and hasn't seen Judd Nelson or Emilio Estevez since the set of St. Elmo's Fire. That's one of the surprises in Brat, and there are many more I won't give away because what fun is that?

Some of the most interesting moments in the book for me were the parts about acting. Having lucked into a role opposite Rob Lowe and Jacqueline Bissett in Class, the then-teenaged McCarthy found himself acting in front of a movie camera for the first time. How he dealt with his anxiety and inexperience was fascinating and something you don't see actors talking about very much. He continued to work at acting, consulting various teachers and former professors throughout his movie career. The guy was (is?) a serious actor, and his process of getting there was compelling to me.

He's also honest about having gotten sober and spending...

United States on Jul 18, 2021

Natalie: As I contemplate turning 50 in November, I belong to the generation who grew up loving John Hughes' movies and crushing especially hard on Andrew McCarthy. I asked my wife to purchase this book for me last year and have waited somewhat impatiently for it to arrive. When it finally did, it was unsigned so she ordered me another. I finished reading the unsigned copy today and came home to find the signed one had arrived. I have an even greater appreciation for the signed version having read the book.
The thing is, it was not the book I expected. It was better. I thought I wanted a behind-the-scenes tell-all of his twenty-something glory days, and was admittedly a little disappointed when 2/3 of the way through, I realized that was not what this book held. What it held instead was the viewpoint of a man willing to be introspective, vulnerable, and honest... an adult who has outlived the box we've all held him in (albeit in our hearts).
By the end, his writing allowed me to see Andrew McCarthy was a full person, much more interesting, intelligent and isolated than just my teenage fantasy. It made me wish I could be his friend - which, for this introvert, is not a small thing!...

United States on May 21, 2021