Review: So That Happened (Audio)

Summary: If it can happen in show business, it’s happened to Jon Cryer. Now he’s opening up for the first time and sharing his behind-the-scenes stories in a warmly endearing, sharply observed, and frankly funny look at life in Hollywood.

In 1986, Jon Cryer won over America as Molly Ringwald’s loyal and lovable best friend, Duckie, in the cult classic Pretty in Pink in a role that set the tone for his three-decade-long career in Hollywood. He went on to establish himself as one of the most talented comedic actors in the business, ultimately culminating in his current turn as Alan Harper on the massively popular sitcom Two and a Half Men.

With the instincts of a natural storyteller, Cryer charts his extraordinary journey in show business, illuminating his many triumphs and some missteps along the way. Filled with exclusive behind-the-scenes anecdotes, Cryer offers his own endearing perspective on Hollywood, the business at large, and the art of acting.

Cryer has worked with some of the biggest and most provocative names in the business, and here, for the first time, he details his experiences with Charlie Sheen, John Hughes, Robert Altman, Molly Ringwald, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, and Christopher Reeve, among many others. He shares the intimate details of his friendships and relationships, pays tribute to his mentors, and explores the peculiar combination of heart, talent, and wisdom it takes to survive not just the bad times in a notoriously fickle industry but even the good times.

In this revealing, humorous, and introspective memoir, Cryer offers readers a front-row seat as he reminisces about his life and experiences in showbiz over the past thirty years. -- Penguin Audio

Usually, I listen to mystery or thrillers when I run on the treadmill; however, I decided I needed something a little different -- a little lighter if you will. I figured SO THAT HAPPENED, written and narrated by Jon Cryer, would fit the bill. Jon Cryer has had a pretty amazing Hollywood career, and I thought his life story might be interesting... and funny. Plus, I admit I wanted to hear the scoop on working with Charlie Sheen!

I found SO THAT HAPPENED to be pretty much what I expected. It was both interesting and funny, and I enjoyed getting the inside scoop on some famous Hollywood stars. I wouldn't consider myself a huge fan of Mr. Cryer's, but I watched Two and a Half Men for years and was fascinated by the downfall of Charlie Sheen. I knew much of the book probably wouldn't thrill me; however, there were a few parts of Mr. Cryer's life that I wanted to know more about -- namely, when he starred in Pretty in Pink.

SO THAT HAPPENED takes the reader (or listener in this case) from Mr. Cryer's early life as the son of stage performers living in New York City. He was definitely given a lot of freedom as a teen; and I was pretty impressed that he not only pursued a stage career, but also kept out of trouble for the most part. The stories about being mistaken for Matthew Broderick were pretty cute, and Mr. Cryer's self-deprecating humor added a nice touch!

There were definitely two highlights to the book for me -- Mr. Cryer's days making Pretty in Pink and Two and a Half Men. I have to say that these weren't disappointing. Like many teens who grew up in the 80s, I absolutely loved Pretty in Pink and especially Duckie. No matter what role Mr. Cryer plays, I know Duckie will be my favorite! I enjoyed hearing about the relationship ups and downs with his co-stars as well as how the last scenes were worked and reworked.

Of course, I was also terribly interested in Mr. Cryer's relationship with Charlie Sheen. While all of the drama was going on with Sheen and Lorre, I never really considered the toll it must have taken on the other members of the cast. My heart did go out to Mr. Cryer and I think he handled the situation as well as he could considering the circumstances. The way the entire thing went down was pretty incredible... even by Hollywood standards.

I listened to the audio version of SO THAT HAPPENED, and I honestly think I appreciated the book more because I could hear Mr. Cryer tell his story. There were times when I felt like I was listening to Alan Harper talk, but that made me enjoy it even more. I especially liked Mr. Cryer's dry wit and his ability to laugh at himself.

Overall, SO THAT HAPPENED was a full story about Jon Cryer's action-packed life in Hollywood. Fans of Duckie and Alan Harper will enjoy this book!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this audio book.