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Greenlights
Audible Audiobook
– Unabridged
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 6 MILLION COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE! Now with exclusive new content from the paperback edition, the life-changing memoir that has inspired millions of listeners through the Academy Award-winning actor’s unflinching honesty, unconventional wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction.
“The No. 1 celebrity memoir of the past 10 years.”—USA Today
“McConaughey’s book invites us to grapple with the lessons of his life as he did—and to see that the point was never to win, but to understand.”—Mark Manson, author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
I’ve been in this life for fifty years, been trying to work out its riddle for forty-two, and been keeping diaries of clues to that riddle for the last thirty-five. Notes about successes and failures, joys and sorrows, things that made me marvel, and things that made me laugh out loud. How to be fair. How to have less stress. How to have fun. How to hurt people less. How to get hurt less. How to be a good man. How to have meaning in life. How to be more me.
Recently, I worked up the courage to sit down with those diaries. I found stories I experienced, lessons I learned and forgot, poems, prayers, prescriptions, beliefs about what matters, some great photographs, and a whole bunch of bumper stickers. I found a reliable theme, an approach to living that gave me more satisfaction, at the time, and still: If you know how, and when, to deal with life’s challenges—how to get relative with the inevitable—you can enjoy a state of success I call “catching greenlights.”
So I took a one-way ticket to the desert and wrote this book: an album, a record, a story of my life so far. This is fifty years of my sights and seens, felts and figured-outs, cools and shamefuls. Graces, truths, and beauties of brutality. Getting away withs, getting caughts, and getting wets while trying to dance between the raindrops.
Hopefully, it’s medicine that tastes good, a couple of aspirin instead of the infirmary, a spaceship to Mars without needing your pilot’s license, going to church without having to be born again, and laughing through the tears.
It’s a love letter. To life.
It’s also a guide to catching more greenlights—and to realizing that the yellows and reds eventually turn green too.
Good luck.
- Listening Length6 hours and 51 minutes
- Audible release dateOctober 20, 2020
- LanguageEnglish
- ASINB08HLW2JXD
- VersionUnabridged
- Program TypeAudiobook
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Product details
Listening Length | 6 hours and 51 minutes |
---|---|
Author | Matthew McConaughey |
Narrator | Matthew McConaughey |
Whispersync for Voice | Ready |
Audible.com Release Date | October 20, 2020 |
Publisher | Random House Audio |
Program Type | Audiobook |
Version | Unabridged |
Language | English |
ASIN | B08HLW2JXD |
Best Sellers Rank | #20 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals) #1 in Biographies of Celebrities & Entertainment Professionals #2 in Biographies (Books) #2 in Religion & Spirituality (Books) |
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable. They appreciate the author's witty and honest storytelling style. The writing is described as well-crafted, articulate, and easy to read. Readers appreciate the author's honesty and frankness. The humor is also appreciated, with a few quips and humorous moments.
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Customers enjoyed the book. They found it interesting and uplifting, with great takeaways from a man who has lived. The stories were funny, sad, and nail-biting. The book was well-written in a good quality paperback.
"...with anecdotes, poetry, and personal reflections that are both entertaining and thought-provoking...." Read more
"...His stories are funny, sad, nail biters and anything in-between. I am enthralled with his great story telling ability...." Read more
"...as a delightful mix of wisdom, humor, and motivation, making it a rewarding read for anyone seeking to catch more greenlights in their own journey." Read more
"...Part memoir, part life guide and part ethic Greenlights is worth reading for many beyond McConaughey’s fan base; basically anyone who likes a good..." Read more
Customers find the book inspiring and enlightening. They appreciate the author's life experiences and insights that give them hope for future success. The stories are funny and uplifting, giving readers hope for their own success.
"...The book is filled with anecdotes, poetry, and personal reflections that are both entertaining and thought-provoking...." Read more
"...He tells his stories with gusto and with every lesson in life that he grew up with. He has chosen adventures that teach him something...." Read more
"...paired with his unique perspective, offer readers a welcome dose of inspiration and a reminder that, much like traffic signals, life’s challenges..." Read more
"...Part memoir, part life guide and part ethic Greenlights is worth reading for many beyond McConaughey’s fan base; basically anyone who likes a good..." Read more
Customers find the book relatable and inspiring. They appreciate the author's openness about his struggles and how he overcame them. The book is described as an autobiography with advice, cautionary moments, and an uplifting narrative.
"...The book is filled with anecdotes, poetry, and personal reflections that are both entertaining and thought-provoking...." Read more
"...Greenlights, written by Matthew McConaughy is one of the best autobiographies I have ever read and listened to. I ordered it first on Audible...." Read more
"...poetry, and even some personal affirmations and beliefs, he crafts a narrative that encourages readers to embrace life’s ebbs and flows with grace..." Read more
"...Part memoir, part life guide and part ethic Greenlights is worth reading for many beyond McConaughey’s fan base; basically anyone who likes a good..." Read more
Customers find the writing style easy to read and thought-provoking. They appreciate the mix of anecdotes, poetry, and personal stories. The book is described as a very different read with an honest and straightforward approach to telling the story.
"...The book is filled with anecdotes, poetry, and personal reflections that are both entertaining and thought-provoking...." Read more
"...He really just seems like a very down to earth and ‘normal’ person. I feel fame has not gone to his head...." Read more
"...With a mix of anecdotes, poetry, and even some personal affirmations and beliefs, he crafts a narrative that encourages readers to embrace life’s..." Read more
"...Hollywood shallow vapid bonehead, but he is actually a smart, kind, thoughtful and very deep individual...." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's honesty and authenticity in the book. They find the stories real, raw, and inspiring.
"...I found it to be a raw, honest, and philosophical journey through his life experiences...." Read more
"...I feel fame has not gone to his head. He is honest and brutal and captivating all at the same time. I have listened to it twice...." Read more
"...the profound, illustrating lessons about love, loss, and the pursuit of authenticity...." Read more
"...Yet he comes across as likable and down to earth with his Ram truck and charm that seduced all the ladies...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it witty, with a mix of quips and full stories. The author is described as funny yet serious, likable, and charismatic. Overall, readers describe the book as well-written and an enjoyable read or listen to.
"...McConaughey’s storytelling is captivating, filled with humor, wisdom, and unique insights...." Read more
"...heartfelt love letter to life serves as a delightful mix of wisdom, humor, and motivation, making it a rewarding read for anyone seeking to catch..." Read more
"...Yet he comes across as likable and down to earth with his Ram truck and charm that seduced all the ladies...." Read more
"...There is a lot of humor in the various stories told in this short book like the one year he spent as an exchange student in Australia...." Read more
Customers appreciate the talent of Matthew McConaughey. They find him authentic, down-to-earth, and an extraordinary thinker. The book provides an interesting insight into how he thinks and how he develops his character.
"...Matthew McConaughey is an exceptional memoir that goes beyond the typical celebrity autobiography...." Read more
"...I am also impressed with his life. I believe that he is a ‘down to earth’ type man who accepts all people for who they are and what they can..." Read more
"...It’s rare that a successful actor has such a distinctive off air personality...." Read more
"...I recommend the audio version because he has a nice voice and it really draws you into his compelling true-storytelling...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's appearance. They appreciate the pictures and layout, describing it as an enjoyable look at life with suggestions and examples. The memoir is described as personal, funny, colorful, hopeful, and well-written. It's made of beautiful textured paper with gorgeous print.
"...McConaughey's style is refreshingly relatable, as he shares stories that range from the humorous to the profound, illustrating lessons about love,..." Read more
"Such a really great book. Loved the cover even though I got the paper version, it was in good condition." Read more
"...There are some accompanying journals and such that look interesting, but I did not purchase." Read more
"...unexamined life is not worth living” Greenlights is a nice reminder to take a look inside. This is one I’ll come back to time and again...." Read more
Reviews with images

Five diamond review - Greenlight...
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2025Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey is an exceptional memoir that goes beyond the typical celebrity autobiography. I found it to be a raw, honest, and philosophical journey through his life experiences. McConaughey’s storytelling is captivating, filled with humor, wisdom, and unique insights.
I loved how he shared not just his successes but also his struggles and lessons learned along the way. His concept of ‘greenlights’ as opportunities for growth and change really resonated with me. The book is filled with anecdotes, poetry, and personal reflections that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
It’s a beautifully written narrative that feels genuine and relatable. Whether you’re a fan of his movies or just looking for inspiration, Greenlights is a must-read. It left me feeling motivated and ready to embrace life’s challenges with a new perspective. Highly recommended!
- Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2021Greenlights
Matthew McConaughy
5 Diamond Review
💎💎💎💎💎
Greenlights, written by Matthew McConaughy is one of the best autobiographies I have ever read and listened to. I ordered it first on Audible. I enjoyed the book so much, I ordered a hard copy as well. The actor narrated Greenlights himself and hands down he has spoiled me for every other book I will ever listen to. His flow while he narrates his book is flawless. It’s as if he just called me on the phone and decided to tell me his stories. He narrates his book with such ease of voice you feel like you are just listening to a friend talk. This book, his manner of reading it to us and his over all story is amazing. This did not feel like a memoir but like a motivational book. It does not sound like he’s reading anything. He does a great job keeping the book fluid and you can easily follow the timeline he has laid out. I listened to it twice before I moved on to the next audiobook. It will be a book I will listen to again.
He really just seems like a very down to earth and ‘normal’ person. I feel fame has not gone to his head. He is honest and brutal and captivating all at the same time. I have listened to it twice.
Let’s talk about the actual content of this book. Matthew McConaughy has lived an adventurous life. He has had the means to do things that he wants to do financially as an adult and fortitude as a child and I am fascinated with his choices. He doesn’t sugar coat his words. From describing his parent’s tumultuous relationship and in the end accepting it as the only way they knew how to love to recounting memories of going to Australia or Africa. His stories are funny, sad, nail biters and anything in-between.
I am enthralled with his great story telling ability. I am also impressed with his life. I believe that he is a ‘down to earth’ type man who accepts all people for who they are and what they can personally offer of themselves under whatever circumstance. He seems to always be open to learning something new. He does not seem to have the attitude that he knows ‘it’ all already. He seems to be the type of person who makes a commitment and he keeps it at all costs. He lives his life on his own terms and I absolutely appreciate that.
He includes pictures and side notes with his tales and it really is fun to look at the pictures of him throughout his life. He takes the red lights and turns them green in his life. He is a progressive thinker and I admire that. Even if something seems to not be going right, he waits for the situation to produce something positive.
Matthew McConaughy is true to himself and who he is as a person. He does not come across as arrogant or cocky. He tells his stories with gusto and with every lesson in life that he grew up with. He has chosen adventures that teach him something. He has followed his life journey with a passion. He isn’t stuck in a inflexible mind frame. As we read we can understand his thought process and some of what really makes him tick as a human being. He allows himself to adapt as he grows as a person. He is not rigid or regimented. He throws himself into his work when he works 200% and he allows himself to relax when he needs to.
He draws on his past, present and future while he weaves his narrative. I am equally impressed with the people he surrounds himself with. Including his wife. He picked right. He describes her in a way that makes me believe that she is just as down to earth as he is. She was not impressed with his name and fame. She made him work for their relationship. I love the fact that even though he is a successful actor, he acts like a ‘normal’ person in situations he is faced with. He traveled around the country in an airstream, taking up residence in rv parks and campgrounds, and making friends with people all along the way. He doesn’t seem to think he is special just because he is an actor. However he knows he is special for just being human and he values other people in the same way.
Of course, this is all my opinion from reading and listening to this book – he could be full of it. But I don’t think so. Although if he is, it’s okay – he really sells it and makes it believable and entertaining.
Again, I give the book, both hard bound and audio, five diamonds. I recommend it for everyone.
5.0 out of 5 starsGreenlightsFive diamond review - Greenlight...
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2021
Matthew McConaughy
5 Diamond Review
💎💎💎💎💎
Greenlights, written by Matthew McConaughy is one of the best autobiographies I have ever read and listened to. I ordered it first on Audible. I enjoyed the book so much, I ordered a hard copy as well. The actor narrated Greenlights himself and hands down he has spoiled me for every other book I will ever listen to. His flow while he narrates his book is flawless. It’s as if he just called me on the phone and decided to tell me his stories. He narrates his book with such ease of voice you feel like you are just listening to a friend talk. This book, his manner of reading it to us and his over all story is amazing. This did not feel like a memoir but like a motivational book. It does not sound like he’s reading anything. He does a great job keeping the book fluid and you can easily follow the timeline he has laid out. I listened to it twice before I moved on to the next audiobook. It will be a book I will listen to again.
He really just seems like a very down to earth and ‘normal’ person. I feel fame has not gone to his head. He is honest and brutal and captivating all at the same time. I have listened to it twice.
Let’s talk about the actual content of this book. Matthew McConaughy has lived an adventurous life. He has had the means to do things that he wants to do financially as an adult and fortitude as a child and I am fascinated with his choices. He doesn’t sugar coat his words. From describing his parent’s tumultuous relationship and in the end accepting it as the only way they knew how to love to recounting memories of going to Australia or Africa. His stories are funny, sad, nail biters and anything in-between.
I am enthralled with his great story telling ability. I am also impressed with his life. I believe that he is a ‘down to earth’ type man who accepts all people for who they are and what they can personally offer of themselves under whatever circumstance. He seems to always be open to learning something new. He does not seem to have the attitude that he knows ‘it’ all already. He seems to be the type of person who makes a commitment and he keeps it at all costs. He lives his life on his own terms and I absolutely appreciate that.
He includes pictures and side notes with his tales and it really is fun to look at the pictures of him throughout his life. He takes the red lights and turns them green in his life. He is a progressive thinker and I admire that. Even if something seems to not be going right, he waits for the situation to produce something positive.
Matthew McConaughy is true to himself and who he is as a person. He does not come across as arrogant or cocky. He tells his stories with gusto and with every lesson in life that he grew up with. He has chosen adventures that teach him something. He has followed his life journey with a passion. He isn’t stuck in a inflexible mind frame. As we read we can understand his thought process and some of what really makes him tick as a human being. He allows himself to adapt as he grows as a person. He is not rigid or regimented. He throws himself into his work when he works 200% and he allows himself to relax when he needs to.
He draws on his past, present and future while he weaves his narrative. I am equally impressed with the people he surrounds himself with. Including his wife. He picked right. He describes her in a way that makes me believe that she is just as down to earth as he is. She was not impressed with his name and fame. She made him work for their relationship. I love the fact that even though he is a successful actor, he acts like a ‘normal’ person in situations he is faced with. He traveled around the country in an airstream, taking up residence in rv parks and campgrounds, and making friends with people all along the way. He doesn’t seem to think he is special just because he is an actor. However he knows he is special for just being human and he values other people in the same way.
Of course, this is all my opinion from reading and listening to this book – he could be full of it. But I don’t think so. Although if he is, it’s okay – he really sells it and makes it believable and entertaining.
Again, I give the book, both hard bound and audio, five diamonds. I recommend it for everyone.
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2024In "Greenlights," Matthew McConaughey shares an introspective and candid look at his life, filled with the wisdom he's gleaned over fifty years. Drawing from over three decades of personal diaries, McConaughey combines anecdotes, insights, and reflections that paint a picture of his experiences, triumphs, and struggles. The result is not just a memoir but a guide to navigating life's complex riddle.
The book’s central theme revolves around the idea of "catching greenlights," which symbolizes moments of success and flow that come when one understands how to manage life's inevitable challenges. McConaughey's style is refreshingly relatable, as he shares stories that range from the humorous to the profound, illustrating lessons about love, loss, and the pursuit of authenticity. With a mix of anecdotes, poetry, and even some personal affirmations and beliefs, he crafts a narrative that encourages readers to embrace life’s ebbs and flows with grace and humor.
"Greenlights" is more than a Hollywood memoir; it's an exploration of what it means to live fully and intentionally. McConaughey's genuine reflections, paired with his unique perspective, offer readers a welcome dose of inspiration and a reminder that, much like traffic signals, life’s challenges can eventually lead to green lights. This heartfelt love letter to life serves as a delightful mix of wisdom, humor, and motivation, making it a rewarding read for anyone seeking to catch more greenlights in their own journey.
Top reviews from other countries
- LuísaReviewed in Brazil on January 30, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding
Amazing example of how to be aware of the magic that exist in between the lines while living life.
- PhilReviewed in Canada on January 4, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely love this book
Great read of a book. But would recommend the audiobook even more. He is an excellent story teller.
- Jorge Velazquez PagolaReviewed in Mexico on November 24, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Catch the greenlights
Well, I might say that I was a lil bit escepctic at first, but this book is one of the best books I've read this year. Mainly because Matt gives you certain lessons, anecdotes about his life, that will make you think for some time.
Expect to laugh on some parts, get sad on others, as you will encounter sensations you've felt before, and have a good time reading certain aspects on one of Hollywood's stars life.
This book is certainly a good gift. And if you don't purchase it for someone, do it for you. I'm positive you'll enjoy how it is written, the visual aspects of it, and try to riddle Matt's caligraphy.
- Ana DReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 23, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read, great story telling with wit, humour and mentoring
My all time favourite so well written. I recently bought a copy for my son and he found it rivetting, took it with him while on rota flying and really enjoyed the story and Mathew.
-
NenadaconteReviewed in Spain on February 2, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Me encantó la calidad de impresión
La lectura es super agradable y divertida, te hace reflexionar sobre cosas en la vida y te da esa escisión de que hasta los famosos son tan humanos como nosotros