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Greenlights

Written by: Matthew McConaughey
Narrated by: Matthew McConaughey
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Publisher's Summary


You may think you know all there is to know about beloved Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey. But the Academy Award winner’s memoir, which he narrates, is a delightfully honest and inspiring look at the actor’s life experiences and hard-earned lessons that will surprise even his biggest fans.

Matthew McConaughey has starred in comedies like Dazed and Confused and rom-coms like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and won an Oscar for his incredible performance in the drama Dallas Buyers Club. Famous not only for his "alright, alright, alright" and "you just gotta keep livin’ man" catchphrases, the actor is also down to earth and passionately Texan. In 2015, he began co-teaching the "Script to Screen" film production class at the University of Texas at Austin.

Greenlights was an actual labour of love for McConaughey, who took it upon himself to escape to the desert for 52 days without electricity to write the book. Relying on his diaries and journals, which he began to keep in high school, the book has been described as a memoir, but McConaughey calls it an "approach book." It’s filled with the kind of wisdom found in the best self-help books, and, McConaughey says, "it’s also a guide to catching more green lights—and to realizing that the yellows and reds eventually turn green too."

The audiobook is narrated by Matthew McConaughey, driving home his message of setbacks not always being bad, unconventional wisdom and advice that will prove invaluable to your journey, no matter what stage you find yourself in. This is a great book to enjoy in audio format for fans of the beloved actor and anyone who enjoys a captivating memoir alike.

What the critics say

“Matthew McConaughey’s book is exactly what we needed after the frenzy of Campaign 2020. . . . [A] much-needed breather . . . [and] a recuperative journey . . . it is both calming and laugh, laugh, laugh-out-loud funny.” Hugh Hewitt, The Washington Post

“A delightful surprise, full of stories that [haven’t] been shared on late night talk shows or made headlines over the years. It’s a wild ride to be sure, but if you enjoy McConaughey and all of the eccentricities and contradictions that come with him, it’s one you won’t want to miss.” Texas Monthly 

“A brilliant memoir . . . [Greenlights] is unmistakeably ‘a book that only Matthew McConaughey could have written.’ This is a good thing.” The Times Magazine (UK) 

What listeners say about Greenlights

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  • Ann
  • 2020-10-21

I can’t say enough good things about this book!

I’m so happy I decided to listen to this book rather than reading it. Listening to Matthew speak about his life was such a gift. I laughed, I was sad, I had chills even goosebumps at some points in the book. The world needs more men like Matthew. The way he spoke about his wife especially love love love!!!

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46 people found this helpful

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Excellent book

I enjoyed so much listening to Matthew narrating his book.
It is funny , relaxing and also lots to learn from.
I first bought a hard copy book and am looking forward to reading it as well.

But when I realized there is an audiobook available narrated by Mathew McConaughey himself, I just couldn’t not to listen to it.
And I loved all the accents he used!!!
Thank you Matthew for the joy you brought me in these unusual times.

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17 people found this helpful

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Matthew McConaghey is the REAL DEAL

Well written, entertaining, insightful, thought provoking.

If you thought Matthew McConaghey is just another pretty face, wake up and read the book.

Life altering.

Thank you Matthew.

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17 people found this helpful

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A Great Extroverts story on how to keep on living

Moving forward is the key in McConaugheys story Greenlights. While story is somewhat simple- of Family and Fame; his "prescriptions", notes to self and "bumber stickers", are often grabbing and live with depth and an encouragement to solve your riddles, be your best self and never half ass it. Alright, alright, alright McConaughey.

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11 people found this helpful

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Truly wonderful read

I have been a fan of Matthew McConaughey so I heard his say his trade mark lines “ Alright Alright Alright!! Is Dazed and Confused. There has not been a film I have not enjoyed.

I find him to be a real prophet kind of man, he’s so down to earth. I could listen to him talk for hours.
This book is truly inspiring, and in someways, truly eye opening.

This book will not disappoint, I think it would definitely be a “ Greenlight” read but way better to listen too. Thank you Matthew for sharing your life with us.

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10 people found this helpful

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MM is irresistible

MM is a true communicator. This book is as different and individual as MM is himself. Enjoy the ride. It's wild.

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7 people found this helpful

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Truth

Sounds like a hell of a wisdom journey. I wish you the best and hope someday you get the chance to meet me.

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Thank goodness for the audiobook

I was really looking forward to this book as it was recommended. If it wasn’t in audio where MR. McConaughey does a great job in story telling I would have put it away first chapter in. It’s so boring. Not for me. Wasted time and money. Red light

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Great Story Teller

I started listening to this two days ago & couldn't wait to get back to the stories. Matthew is a great story teller. I highly recommend this.

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wonderful book

Matthew is so insightful, positive and wonderfully detailed. I love the way he shares his life in the book. with a big smile on my face I can see things differently. You won't be dissapointed.!

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  • Nancy
  • 2020-10-21

Love this!

I am not necessarily fanatical about this actor, but I can say now with conviction I am fanatical about this author. I found Matthew so honest, witty, intelligent, articulate, compassionate, brave, loyal, etc. His impersonation skills are spot on. I listened to all 6+ hours in one day (from my not feeling well bed)...so entertaining! In my opinion, Matthew McConaughey is an incredible role model for a human being. Thank you Matthew!

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  • McSusie
  • 2020-10-20

ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT - I LOVE THIS BOOK!

MM is a talented actor, a dedicated family man & a heck of a good writer & narrator. I had no problem listening to that sexy voice of his for hours. He’s just so darn like-able & sincere. I felt like we were hanging out (sans bongos) & Matthew was personally telling me these great stories of his life, work & family. Matthew shared very private memories he recorded in journals he began as a young kid with sincerity & honesty. He is an unbelievably talented writer! I’ve seen all of his movies & have been a big fan for years. I always wondered what he was really life. Now I feel like I almost know him. His storytelling is that intimate. This is an enjoyable & surprisingly open & honest book. The fact that MM narrated it himself really brought his stories to life & was the icing on the cake. This is a fantastic break out book. True fans of Matthew are going to love this. I LOVED THIS. Well worth the credit & your time. I hope this is helpful.

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639 people found this helpful

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  • S
  • 2020-10-20

Love this man.

This book will be finished by lunch time.
Matthew M. is one of the most talented people in Hollywood. It’s one of those moments when you knew you loved the man, but now you love him even more. Thank you for sharing your stories.

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  • Jennifer
  • 2020-10-24

Strong Start

*spoiler alert* I overall enjoyed this book. However, the beginning to middle was the best part. Arrogance snuck in from time to time, in various places. With that being said, I still admire his authenticity.

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  • Kolton
  • 2020-10-21

Enthralling

Couldn’t stop listening (it’s good that he’s got a melodic voice) This is a book I will listen to more than once. I just started a journal to see what my future self will be reminded of. Favorite part was hearing the story of how he got the roll in “A Time to Kill”

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  • Buck Fanshaw
  • 2020-10-21

Fan-frickin-tastic!

Well told and solid gold. Stories that will make you giggle and ponder and rewind while saying, ‘hold up did he just say...?’. So chock full of wisdom and good bumper sticker sayings that I think I might like to buy the book to have it written down somewhere to better reference.

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  • torie
  • 2020-11-03

Why?

Shockingly, ridiculously, idiotic, self importance. So much more douchey than I could have ever imagined. Pretty angry I paid for this, I really thought he might not be the guy we all saw in those Lincoln commercials.

Anyway, he tried and that’s all that counts.

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  • A. T.
  • 2020-10-21

Smooth

Matthew McConaughey is a fabulous story teller. I could listen to his voice and his stories for days on end. He is a very talented, witty and intelligent man. I love his positive outlook and I enjoyed learning about his life.

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  • Roland
  • 2020-10-29

How do you make Matthew McConaughey boring?

Have Matthew McConaughey write it. He has zero talent for writing even though he has kept a journal for years.
If you want a good bio try Rob Lowes Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography.

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  • Robbin J.
  • 2020-11-20

Only if you are a huge fan

… That is the only person I would refer this to. If you were a huge fan of Matthew McConaughey you will probably enjoy this book very much. I listen to this audiobook because of the great reviews it had and because I’m a fan, not a huge fan but definitely a fan. I was skeptical Matthew McConaughey could write a book that would interest me. I enjoyed the first 20% of it. I loved that he narrated the book and felt that brought personal connection to the experience. I am beyond impressed at his writing skills. However, he is also incredibly impressed with his writing skills and it ultimately becomes exhausting to listen to. Combined with the fact that it is six hours of listening to how amazing his life is and was. And it was amazing. Almost fairytale like. It seems to be a platform for him to brag about himself under the guise of offering enlightenment or maybe importation to others. I just took it as bragging. And he has an awful lot to brag about. He describes an unbelievably charmed life and good for him. I have always been I will continue to be a fan of his work on the screen. I think he is completely enjoyable and captivating to watch. But this book, Nothing captivating about it, more of a turn off.

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  • Valerie Hoareau
  • 2021-05-19

A true and simple blast

Greenlights accompanied me for a week, while I was working on my logos and stuff.
What a pleasure it was listening to chosen moments of life, personal truths and this voice! Oh boy! It was like having Matthew McConaughey sitting next to me. Warm, funny, and honest.

Thanks for a beautiful week listening to Greenlights. Now I have to buy the book to check out the bumper stickers... ^^

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  • Kat
  • 2021-04-25

very cool listen... greenlight!

enjoyed the reading of the book! gosh I'd forgotten how fast he talks!!! once I got into it it was a delightful listen. Recommended !!!

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  • Procopefilms
  • 2021-03-03

Wondeful book by a wonderful author!

Well done Matthew McConaughey!!
I listened to your book with great admiration and great desire for your adventures!
I love your writing style, your poetry and sense for storytelling. And of course your sense of delivering it!
I learned that there is much more to the man than his acting career! :)

Thanks a bunch! 5 stars!

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2022-04-27

good experience

going through this book helped me get an idea about the life of Matthew, the audiobook is good especially because it is narrated by himself.

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  • valerie
  • 2022-03-09

Brilliant

Green lights mentality. Excellent! Taking a positive spin on things.
Great narration. Absolute gem of a book!
Loved it!

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2022-03-02

Unbelievable

What a great time !

So much wisdom in an easy access audiobook, read by the author.. what a blast !

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  • GPP
  • 2020-12-23

Best book 2020

Wow. Not only Matthew is living the writing, but it’s like you just sat near an open fire and listen eyes wide open hooked for 7hrs straight!

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  • Victoria Dzhuneva
  • 2023-10-17

Brilliant

As a lover for autobiographies and biographies I can only say .... what a brilliant person and what an inspiring life journey 🩷

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  • FABIO FRANCA
  • 2023-07-20

The best audiobook I’ve listened in years.

Just loved it from the beginning to the end. Listening to such a rich life in detail is fantastic and inspiring. It makes me think of the many lives lived in my own life and all the green lights I was blessed with. It touches home and gives me hope in humanity.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2023-05-27

Too much violence

At some point I just could not take it anymore… he actually thinks being bold to the point of being violent (his father) or manipulative (his mum selling dangerous cream) is something to be praised! I dont have any lesson to take from this person, how famous and rich he is…

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