Kirkus Reviews, 1/1/10
“Arkin's approach to autobiography is a bit unexpected—the intensely earnest, verging-on-New-Age tone is distinctly at odds with his familiar brusque, comedic persona—but rewarding, as the author illustrates the principles of his acting philosophy with a wealth of concrete details taken directly from his experience, resulting in a coherent and provocative manifesto…He also displays a refreshing lack of egocentrism…Earnest, intelligent and well-observed—less a celebrity memoir than a serious consideration of the principles of acting and improvisation.”
Publishers Weekly, 1/10/11“More a reflection on acting than a straightforward memoir, Academy Award-winner Arkin's musing on the creative process is a welcome window into the mind of an artist…[An] engaging and instructive book.”
Library Journal (starred review), 2/15/11
“A profoundly honest and revelatory reckoning of an artistic and personal awakening…As honest and truthful a story of a life journey and arc toward artistic freedom as you are likely to find. All artists would benefit from Arkin's accrued insights and wisdom.”
Village Voice “La Daily Musto” blog,
2/23/11“A great read—probing, educational, and wise.”
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-Blogcritics.org, 3/11/11
“Arkin tells his story simply, easily drawing the reader into his world. At only 191 pages,
An Improvised Life is not a long book but there is a wealth of life experience in those pages. If you are at all interested in reading about the craft of acting from the point of view of one who values it above fame, you'll want to read Alan Arkin's
An Improvised Life.”
Toronto Globe & Mail, 3/5/11 “A memoir of an acting life, full of inside details.”
Philadelphia Inquirer, FLICKgrrrl Blog, 3/8/11
“I'm charmed by [Arkin's] new memoir, An Improvised Life, and am delighted to report he has the same gravity and levity as a writer that he has as a performer…Read the book. Then treat yourself with an Arkin film.”
Washington Post, 3/13/11“[An] uncompromising, thoughtful and surprising book.”
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-Huffington Post, 3/21/11
“[A] thoughtful look back at a long and distinguished career…Fans and admirers of the Academy Award-winning star will enjoy
An Improvised Life for the insight to be gained from this personal visit with an actor who proves to be quite deft with a pen. Those who share Arkin's interest in the acting life will find a great deal to like here, as well.”
January, 3/21/11
“[A] thoughtful look back at a long and distinguished career…Fans and admirers of the Academy Award-winning star will enjoy
An Improvised Life for the insight to be gained from this personal visit with an actor who proves to be quite deft with a pen. Those who share Arkin's interest in the acting life will find a great deal to like here, as well.”
Massachusetts Daily Collegian, 3/24/11“This pleasure read does not require sitting with an encyclopedia or Google search open, simply an interest in the mind's workings of an icon in the arts.”
Kingman Daily Miner, 3/25/11“A lot of food for thought…Highly recommended.”
Total Film, UK, May 2011
“A readable look at how the young New Yorker found his way to Chicago's Second City improv troupe and made the most of the opportunities it opened up for him.”
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