Will

by Will Smith, Mark Manson

4.8(24,242 ratings)

10 min read

Brief overview

This book is a revealing journey into one individual’s evolution from a young dreamer to a worldwide star. It shows the highs and lows of fame, the strains of family life, and the power of self-discovery. By reading it, you’ll see how resilience, discipline, and personal courage can transform a life.

Introduction

Childhood dreams often feel like distant fantasies until something sparks us to act. In these pages, we witness a raw account of striving for stardom—and the costs that come with it. From humble beginnings to global fame, the story illuminates how unwavering drive can create opportunities and challenges alike.

We open with an early lesson on diligence: laying bricks one at a time instead of fretting about the entire wall. This practical approach becomes the guiding principle for tackling life’s biggest obstacles. It’s about focusing on the step directly in front of you.

As a young dreamer, the narrator is torn between honoring family expectations and following artistic passions. That conflict underscores everything that follows—the tension between external definitions of success versus personal fulfillment.

Small daily efforts can accumulate into extraordinary transformations.

A Tough Childhood

Growing up had its trials: a demanding father instilled discipline through strict routines and sometimes harsh methods. Yet, that intensity also taught the value of persistence. At home, there was both love and struggle, shaping a need to impress and perform.

Conflict at home gave rise to coping mechanisms—cracking jokes, doing impressions, and entertaining whenever possible. This desire to defuse tension would later become a powerful onstage and onscreen tool.

A pivotal realization emerged: to keep a fractured family together meant perfecting the art of distraction. Humor and showmanship were ways to earn approval. In that sense, becoming a performer wasn’t just about self-expression—it was survival.

“You fight how you train. And my training—from my father—taught me to overcome any barrier, even when it hurt.”

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What is Will about?

Will is a candid memoir by legendary actor Will Smith, co-authored by Mark Manson. It captures his journey from an energetic kid in Philadelphia to an international star, revealing how discipline, humor, and persistence powered his ambitions.

Packed with personal confessions and hard-won wisdom, it also explores the impact of childhood experiences, the weight of fame, and the role of family in shaping one’s identity. By blending compelling stories and self-reflection, Will shows how to balance resilience, vulnerability, and authenticity in the face of life’s biggest challenges.

Review of Will

One of the most striking qualities of Will is its genuine honesty. The author opens up about the roots of his drive, the toll of chasing stardom, and the lessons gained from navigating fatherhood and heartbreak. These real-life accounts give clear examples of accountability and personal resilience, making the book feel both authentic and instructive. Adding to its appeal is the conversational writing style, which ensures that complex topics remain accessible to a broad audience.

Readers will walk away with practical thoughts on embracing failure, cultivating discipline day by day, and maintaining critical relationships under pressure. Even those less familiar with Will Smith’s film or music career can appreciate the universal messages on self-discovery and perseverance. This is a memoir that highlights growth over glamour, offering a blueprint for readers who want to reflect on their own journeys. I recommend it as a captivating read for anyone seeking insights on personal reinvention and meaningful success.

Who should read Will?

Aspiring performers looking for candid insights on show business.
Readers interested in personal growth and mental fortitude.
Professionals juggling demanding careers with family responsibilities.
Fans of celebrity memoirs who appreciate frank storytelling.

About the author

Will Smith is an actor, producer, and musician with a diverse career spanning films, television, and multi-platinum records. He is a two-time Academy Award nominee, Grammy Award winner, and NAACP award winner. Mark Manson, co-author, is a bestselling author and blogger known for his self-help books, including "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" and "Everything is F*cked: A Book About Hope." Together, they collaborated on Smith's memoir, which explores his journey of self-knowledge and personal growth.