#OnTheSamePageBookClub - Greenlights, Matthew McConaughey - Read by Samina Azam & Sarah Howson

BOOK: Greenlights | AUTHOR: Matthew McConaughey | GENRE: Memoir | PAGES: 289 | FORMAT: Hardback 

OUR BOOK CHOICE & WHY... 

Samina: I love reading memoirs and biographies, it provides the backdrop to one’s life, a life experienced and lessons learned along the way. This book provides this and so much more. Through an authentic and powerful lens, Matthew shares his world authentically and passionately. His work, his art, transcends through his roles. A few of my favourites; Interstellar, Dallas Buyers Club, The Lincoln Lawyer and the hypnotic series True Detective. Sarah: I agree with Samina, there is so much to learn from this book. Matthew certainly has a way with words, his storytelling style is quite unique. I liked the metaphors of the yellow, red and green lights and how all ‘lights’ have meaning – “I created a lot of the greenlights by taking responsibility today, which created freedom for me tomorrow. I made decisions today, and sometimes even sacrifices, that teed me up for more pleasure or more of what I wanted tomorrow.” His childhood journey also added to the book, I loved how in his house can’t was considered a bad word. Never say can’t, find s solution, ask for help, don’t limit yourself, look around!  

THE READING PROCESS... 

Samina: Each piece, each part provides a journey, a roadmap of Matthew’s experiences. The book is so well-written, to me it feels philosophical and journal like. Each page, each parting of knowledge, lessons and passion is done with authenticity. The design of each part truly takes you on the journey, becoming engrossed so very easily. 

Sarah: It is funny – I didn’t take as many notes or use my highlighter as much when reading this book, I just enjoyed the reading process which made a lovely change for me. It is easy to read and kept me captivated for sure. I smiled at a few things whilst reading, one was his reference to ‘bumper stickers’, reminds me of my time in Florida, this book sparked a lot of memories for me. 

TREASURED WORDS... 

Samina: "I believe the truth is all around us all the time. The anonymous angels, the butterflies, the answers, are always right there, but we don’t always identify, grasp, hear, see, or access them – because we’re not in the right place to. We have to make a plan.” 

Sarah: “We must be aware of what we attract in life because it is no accident or coincidence. The spider waits in his web for dinner to come. Yes, we must chase what we want, seek it out, cast our lines in the water, but sometimes we don't need to make things happen. Our souls are infinitely magnetic.” 

 FEELINGS THE BOOK EVOKED... 

Samina: An inspirational story told and journey shared. The path which led him to his career choice, the commitment to his art, his passion for his work radiates. However, nothing does more so than his love for his family “To the only thing I ever knew I wanted to be, and family.” Each part, each chapter captures you with words, notes, quotes, photos, and real food for thought.   

Sarah: I felt like I went on a journey with him when reading this book. I could hear his American accent in my head when reading, it was certainly full of inspiration, tell it like it is tales and the photos… it meant it came to life which I really liked. You can tell he’s a passionate individual. 

FAVOURITE EXAMPLES... 

Samina: “Its hard to find constants, natural laws, universal truths in life, but when we have kids, there is no intellectual discussion or philosophy as to how or how much to love, protect, and guide them, it’s an instinctual commitment, an immediate, infinite, and ever-growing responsibility. A privilege. A greenlight.” 

Sarah: “I’m not perfect; no, I step in sh#t all the time and recognise it when I do. I’ve just learned how to scrape it off my boots and carry on.” This is something that I often struggle to do and made me smile when I read it!  

POWERFUL SENTENCES TO NOTE... 

“Mostly I danced lightly between the raindrops.” 

“If you’re high enough, the suns always shining.” 

“Just because the seats are empty doesn’t mean they’re not taken. Sometimes the guest list needs to be for one. YOU.” 

“Sometimes which choice you make is not as important as making a choice a committing to it.” 

“Travel and humanity have been my greatest educators.” 

“Knowing who we are is hard. Eliminate who we’re not first, and we’ll find ourselves where we need to be.” 

 LAST WORDS... 

 OUR LEARNINGS... 

Samina: Working towards our goals, dreams and vision is seldom an easy and straightforward road. Whilst there are so many Greenlights, first we must respect, earn, and navigate our way through the red and amber lights. If something is worth having, one must move forward with curiosity, conviction, and self-belief. The truth and meaning of ones being and soul comes from within, deep down within.  

THANK YOU... 

Sarah: Thank you for reading our #OnTheSamePageBookClub review. Both Samina and I are passionate about learning but also love reading. I have two younger children (Age 5 and 2) so reading for me is sometimes difficult to fit in. By starting the book club and having to commit to reading (which don't get me wrong, is a total pleasure!), I find it's well-being time I set aside to relax for 'me' to read and enjoy. The bonus of having a wonderful group is to pick up the phone and talk about the learnings, it's the reading journey that makes it special!