REVIEW - Baggage audiobook

Baggage by Alan Cumming (audiobook)

OVERVIEW

This memoir was another amazing "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" by Alan Cumming. I had previously read Not My Father's Son which was about his troubled home life and abusive father until he left for drama school and so hard to listen to read by the author. The two memoirs dovetail nicely and I would recommend reading Not My Father's Son first. 

Alan definitely wrote this book with an NC-17 rating. It is full of colorful language, a gay lifestyle, and VERY descriptive language that could offend some readers. So be forewarned. 

However, I found this memoir funny, warm, and interesting. It was fun to listen to Alan's lilting Scottish brogue. 

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars

Writing: 4.0 stars

It was very well written. Alan's prose was beautiful and thoughtful. 

Narration: 4.5 stars

Alan is a fantastic narrator. Well, that explains why this is the second audiobook that I have listened to by him. I thoroughly enjoy his code-switching between his native Scottish to English, American, and Australian accents. Also, some of his impersonations were fantastic. Overall, it was a fun listen. 

Character Arc: 4.0 stars

It was written in a somewhat chronological order, but it did diverge at times almost as if Alan had a thought bubble over his head. It was easy to follow and understand even though it was a bit scattered as I imagine Alan is. 

Memorable: 4.0 stars

I loved how Alan talked about how being kind can solve almost any problem. A beautiful way to live one's life. 

Entertaining: 4.0 stars

Alan was funny, kinda gossipy (but not mean-spirited), and very careful with the identities of many people, especially lovers, in the memoir. It really is a memoir all about Alan!

Book cover: 4.0 stars

Totally Alan!

Book title: 4.0 stars 

It was very on point. 

DEFINITE recommend

AUDIOBOOK DETAILS

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)

Baggage by Alan Cumming

9 hours, 6 minutes

Release date of 10/26/2021

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Alan Cumming

My Goodreads review

HarperAudio

Los Angeles Public Library

Happy reading! 📚

Dorothea 💜