Limited Time Offer | Get 2 Months For $1 Claim Offer

A Life in Parts

Author:
Bryan Cranston
Read by:
Bryan Cranston
Read Read Own Own

Unabridged Audiobook

Listen Free Now
  • Listen free with a 30-day free trial
  • Choose 2 bonus VIP books
  • Enjoy 10,000 always free books
Ratings
Book
129
Narrator
41
Release Date
October 11, 2016
Duration
8 hours 52 minutes
Summary
Winner of the 2017 Audie Award for Narration by the Author

A poignant, intimate, funny, inspiring memoir—both a coming-of-age story and a meditation on creativity, devotion, and craft—from Bryan Cranston, the Emmy Award–winning and beloved star of Malcolm in the Middle and one of history’s most successful TV shows, Breaking Bad.

Bryan Cranston landed his first role at seven, when his father cast him in a United Way commercial. Acting was clearly the boy’s destiny, until one day his father disappeared. Destiny suddenly took a backseat to survival.

Now, in his riveting memoir, Cranston maps his zigzag journey from abandoned son to beloved star by recalling the many odd parts he’s played in real life—paperboy, farmhand, security guard, dating consultant, murder suspect, dock loader, lover, husband, father. Cranston also chronicles his evolution on camera, from soap opera player trying to master the rules of show business to legendary character actor turning in classic performances as Seinfeld dentist Tim Whatley, “a sadist with newer magazines,” and Malcolm in the Middle dad Hal Wilkerson, a lovable bumbler in tighty-whities. He also gives an inspiring account of how he prepared, physically and mentally, for the challenging role of President Lyndon Johnson, a tour de force that won him a Tony to go along with his four Emmys.

Of course, Cranston dives deep into the grittiest details of his greatest role, explaining how he searched inward for the personal darkness that would help him create one of the most memorable performances ever captured on screen: Walter White, chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin.

Discussing his life as few men do, describing his art as few actors can, Cranston has much to say about creativity, devotion, and the craft of acting, as well as innate talent and its challenges and benefits and proper maintenance. But ultimately A Life in Parts is a story about the joy, the necessity, and the transformative power of simple hard work.
Reviews
What listeners say
Listeners praised the audiobook for its engaging narration by Bryan Cranston and insightful storytelling. Many appreciated the personal and genuine perspective on Cranston's life and career. The audiobook was noted for its entertaining and inspiring nature, particularly for fans of the actor. Some listeners found the content to be less appealing if they were not already fans of Cranston's work. Overall, the audiobook received positive feedback for its performance and content.
Profile Avatar Molly G Aug 2017

Excellent, engaging storytelling from a fascinating person. Great to read/listen all in one sitting or in small bite sized chunks. Love Cranston!

Profile Avatar Ian_lyman94 Aug 2025

As 00s kid that grew up watching Malcom in the Middle, and Breaking Bad. I thought that Bryan Cranston did a good job at narrating his life. The crazy story about his stalker is when he became Heisenberg before the show. It really was fascinating. Thanks for all the good shows, Bryan!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Mar 2025

Bryan Cranston is intelligent, driven & admirable. Loved his story and so funny that I too lived in Daytona and worked as a "lifeguard" selling suntan lotion on hotel pool decks! He's so real and genuine, yet amazing!

Profile Avatar Andrew H. Oct 2024

Cranston is such an inspiration for anyone who’s crazy enough to pursue an acting career. He reminds us that the craft is more important than anything else.

Profile Avatar Jennifer K. Oct 2023

An amazing book by a incredibly talented actor. Thank you for sharing your story Bryan!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Apr 2023

Bryan is an amazing human being! Hands down one of my favorite actors and people in general, his story is very entertaining and he keeps you in the driver's seat the entire way to the end. I love how selfless he is and his intelligence is top notch. Very well written story and enjoyed this quite a bit.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Apr 2023

Enjoyed this!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Mar 2023

Excellent book and narrator. Very interesting actor.

Profile Avatar Enid L. Oct 2022

Well done.

Profile Avatar Teresa B. Feb 2020

Loved it ♥️♥️♥️

Profile Avatar Julie J Aug 2017

A good read and certainly better than I expected. I would recommend.

Profile Avatar Tasya B Aug 2017

Not a fan, kind of sexist though I understand it's a story of his life. Not that interesting to me

Profile Avatar Susanna Burger Jan 2017

I really enjoyed listening to Bryan Cranston narrating the story - it felt like he was sitting next to me telling me his life story. It was really awesome! Being familiar with his work in Malcolm in the Middle and Breaking Bad made it that much more like a personal conversation than someone just reading a book.

Profile Avatar Donald Smith Dec 2016

Wonderful book and life. A very insightful and enjoyable book about a well rounded actor.

Profile Avatar Justin Rice Nov 2016

The book is a memoir of Cranston. If you don't like his acting, you wont enjoy the book. If you have not seen Breaking Bad, you will not enjoy the book. I recommend it to people who have viewed his work. It is wonderful to see into his life and how he approaches his work and the struggles within the industry. Personally, I just wanted more of a life advice, from him its more of his story (which doesn't surprise, I just don't think the title does it justice). The audiobook read by Cranston is fabulous. I like that he reads his own work, it shows he cares. Not to mention, his voice is quite welcoming.

Profile Avatar Gloria Medina Nov 2016

Love this book

Profile Avatar Noelle Carbone Nov 2016

A very entertaining read. Cranston's voice could make anything (even recipe cards) sound engaging and delightful.

Profile Avatar Amy Harmon Nov 2016

Good for actors but I'm not one so I gave it one star.

A Life in Parts

A Life in Parts

Author: Bryan Cranston
Read by: Bryan Cranston
Listen Free Now Get any book plus
2 bonus VIP books
1 book added to cart
Subtotal
$24.99
View Cart