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  • Waxing On

  • The Karate Kid and Me
  • Written by: Ralph Macchio
  • Narrated by: Ralph Macchio
  • Length: 5 hrs and 13 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (27 ratings)

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Waxing On cover art

Waxing On

Written by: Ralph Macchio
Narrated by: Ralph Macchio
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Publisher's Summary

An instant New York Times Bestseller!

Since The Karate Kid first crane-kicked its way into the pop culture stratosphere in June 1984, there hasn’t been a week Ralph Macchio hasn’t heard friendly shouts of “Wax on, wax off” or “Sweep the leg!” Now, with Macchio reprising his role as Daniel LaRusso in the #1 ranked Netflix show Cobra Kai, he is finally ready to look back and celebrate the legacy of The Karate Kid in cinema, pop culture, and his own life.

The result, Waxing On, is a comprehensive look at the film that shaped Macchio as much as it influenced the world. He shares an insider’s perspective of the untold story behind the scenes—the innocence of the early days; the audition process; his experiences working with Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, and William Zabka; and so much more. He also takes listeners through the birth of some of the film’s most iconic moments, including the creation of the famous crane kick and the touching scenes that revealed Mr. Miyagi’s intriguing backstory.

Ultimately, the book centers on Ralph’s indelible connection to the film itself, focusing on the reason that the characters and themes have endured in such a powerful way, and how these personal experiences have impacted Macchio’s life as well. It brings listeners back to the day they met Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi for the first time, but also provides a fascinating lens into how our pasts shape all of us, and how they can come back to enrich our lives in surprising and wonderful ways.

©2022 Ralph Macchio (P)2022 Penguin Audio

What the critics say

“[Macchio’s] down-to-earth writing style suits the behind-the-scenes tales and his heartwarming meetings with fans well… Macchio’s sweet, nostalgic memoir is as family-friendly and instructive as its inspiration.”Kirkus

“Macchio, star of 1984’s The Karate Kid, produces another feel-good hit with this breezy reflection on his experience making the movie…Macchio writes, ‘The film is a prime example of when Hollywood gets it all right. It teaches and inspires through pure entertainment.’ Fans will find this just as entertaining.”—Publishers Weekly

"Waxing On is a refreshing look into a film that touched our hearts and an era that defined so many of us. Through honest and witty reflection, the reader is plunged back into the unforgettable world of The Karate Kid, and the magic that happens when Hollywood is on point. Macchio shares his unique perspective with humor and humility as well as with surprising relatability. I was a fan before, but now I feel like a friend."—Brooke Shields, New York Times bestselling author of There Was a Little Girl

What listeners say about Waxing On

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  • Ash
  • 2022-10-20

Amazing

it makes me want to rewatch the movies!! I'm so glad I listened to this!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Macchio delivers great stuff... Again.

Excellent! I never realized what an impact The Karate Kid had on my life until Cobra Kai. I really, really loved it.
What a treat this was to hear Macchio recount his illustrious career, the relationships he made along the way, and how he's embraced his most iconic role. Beautiful recollections, cool bts stuff.
Tremendously told.
Really enjoyed this on many levels.

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  • DK
  • 2022-11-26

Wish it was longer

I don’t usually use a credit for books this short, but it was a great memoir in his own voice. Recommend

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