Want a NOOK? Explore Now
THE GREATEST IMMIGRANT SUCCESS STORY OF OUR TIME
His story is unique, and uniquely entertaining, and he tells it brilliantly in these pages.
He was born in a year of famine, in a small Austrian town, the son of an austere police chief. He dreamed of moving to America to become a bodybuilding champion and a movie star.
By the age of twenty-one, he was living in Los Angeles and had been crowned Mr. Universe.
Within five years, he had learned English and become the greatest bodybuilder in the world.
Within ten years, he had earned his college degree and was a millionaire from his business enterprises in real estate, landscaping, and bodybuilding. He was also the winner of a Golden Globe Award for his debut as a dramatic actor in Stay Hungry.
Within twenty years, he was the world’s biggest movie star, the husband of Maria Shriver, and an emerging Republican leader who was part of the Kennedy family.
Thirty-six years after coming to America, the man once known by fellow bodybuilders as the Austrian Oak was elected governor of California, the seventh largest economy in the world.
He led the state through a budget crisis, natural disasters, and political turmoil, working across party lines for a better environment, election reforms, and bipartisan solutions.
With Maria Shriver, he raised four fantastic children. In the wake of a scandal he brought upon himself, he tried to keep his family together.
Until now, he has never told the full story of his life, in his own voice.
Here is Arnold, with total recall.
Austrian-born Arnold Schwarzenegger requires no introduction, but his candid autobiography proves that there was still much that we didn't know about the iconic California "Governator," action movie star, body builder and weight lifter. A new view of a determined, ambitious man.
(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted
Chapter 1
Out of Austria
I was born into a year of famine. It was 1947, and Austria was occupied by the Allied armies that had defeated Hitler’s Third Reich. In May, two months before I was born, there were hunger riots in Vienna, and in Styria, the southeastern province where we lived, the food shortages were just as bad. Years later, if my mother wanted to remind me about how much she and my father sacrificed to bring me up, she’d tell me how she’d foraged across the countryside, making her way from farm to farm to collect a little butter, some sugar, some grain. She’d be away three days sometimes. Hamstern, they called it, like a hamster gathering nuts; scrounging for food was so common.
Thal was the name of our very typical farm village. A few hundred families made up the entire population, their houses and farms clustered in hamlets connected by footpaths and lanes. The unpaved main road ran for a couple of kilometers up and down low alpine hills covered with fields and pine forests.
We saw very little of the British forces who were in charge—just an occasional truck with soldiers rolling through. But to the east, Russians occupied the area, and we were very conscious of them. The Cold War had begun, and we all lived in fear that the Russian tanks would roll in, and we’d be swallowed up into the Soviet empire. The priests in church would scare the congregation with horror stories of Russians shooting babies in the arms of their mothers.
Our house was on the top of a hill along the road, and as I was growing up, it was unusual to see more than one or two cars come through a day. A ruined castle dating back to feudal times was right across from us, one hundred yards from our door.
On the next rise were the mayor’s office; the Catholic church where my mother made us all go to Sunday Mass; the local Gasthaus, or inn, which was the social heart of the village; and the primary school attended by me and my brother, Meinhard, who was a year older than me.
My earliest memories are of my mother washing clothes and my father shoveling coal. I was no more than three years old, but the image of my father is especially sharp in my mind. He was a big, athletic guy, and he did a lot of things himself. Every autumn we’d get our winter supply of coal, a truckload dumped in front of our house, and on this occasion he was letting Meinhard and me help him carry it into the cellar. We were always so proud to be his assistants.
My father and mom both originally came from working-class families farther north—factory laborers, mostly, in the steel industry. During the chaos at the end of World War II, they’d met in the city of Mürzzuschlag, where my mother, Aurelia Jadrny, was a clerk in a food-distribution center at city hall. She was in her early twenties, and a war widow—her husband had gotten killed just eight months after their wedding. Working at her desk one morning, she noticed my father passing on the street—an older guy, in his late thirties, but tall and good looking and wearing the uniform of the gendarmerie, the rural police. She was crazy about men in uniforms, so every day after that she watched for him. She figured out when his shift was so she would be sure to be at her desk. They’d talk through the open window, and she’d give him some food from whatever they had on hand.
His name was Gustav Schwarzenegger. They got married late in 1945. He was thirty-eight, and she was twenty-three. My father was assigned to Thal and put in charge of a four-man post responsible for the village and nearby countryside. The salary was barely enough to live on, but with the job came a place to live: the old forester’s lodge, or Forsthaus. The forest ranger, or Forstmeister, lived on the ground floor, and the Inspektor and his family occupied the top.
My boyhood home was a very simple stone and brick building, well proportioned, with thick walls and little windows to keep out the alpine winters. We had two bedrooms, each with a coal oven for heat, and a kitchen, where we ate, did our homework, washed ourselves, and played games. The heat in that room was supplied by my mother’s stove.
There was no plumbing, no shower, and no flushing toilet, just a kind of chamber pot. The nearest well was almost a quarter mile away, and even when it was raining hard or snowing, one of us had to go. So we used as little water as we could. We’d heat it and fill the washbasin and give ourselves sponge or cloth baths—my mother would wash herself first with the clean water; next, my father would wash himself; and then Meinhard and I would have our turn. It didn’t matter if we had slightly darker water as long as we could avoid a trip to the well.
We had wood furniture, very basic, and a few electric lamps. My father liked pictures and antiques, but when we were growing up, these were luxuries he couldn’t afford. Music and cats brought liveliness to our house. My mother played the zither and sang us songs and lullabies, but it was my father who was the real musician. He could play all the wind and reed instruments: trumpets, flügelhorns, saxophones, clarinets. He also wrote music and was the conductor of the region’s gendarmerie band—if a police officer died anywhere in the state, the band would play at the funeral. Often on Sundays in summer, we’d go to concerts in the park, where he would conduct and sometimes play. Most of our relatives on his side were musical, but that talent never made it to Meinhard or me.
I’m not sure why we had cats instead of dogs—maybe because my mother loved them and they cost nothing because they caught their own food. But we always had lots of cats, running in and out, curling up here and there, bringing down half-dead mice from the attic to show off what great hunters they were. Everyone had his or her own cat to curl up with in bed at night—that was our tradition. At one point, we had seven cats. We loved the cats, but never too much, because there was no such thing as going to the vet. If one of the cats started falling over from being too sick or too old, we’d wait to hear the shot from the backyard—the sound of my father’s pistol. My mother, Meinhard, and I would then go out and make a grave with a little cross on top.
My mother had a black cat named Mooki that she constantly claimed was unique, although none of us could see why. One day when I was about ten, I was arguing with my mother about not wanting to do my homework. Mooki was nearby, curled up on the couch, as usual. I must have said something really uppity because my mother moved to smack me across the face. I saw it coming and tried to fend her off, but instead I hit her with the back of my arm. In a second, Mooki was off the couch—she leaped up between us and started clawing at my face.
pulled her off me and yelled, “Ow! What is this!?” Mom and I looked at each other and burst out laughing, even though I had blood running down my cheek. Finally, she had proof that Mooki was special.
Chapter 1 Out of Austria 3
Chapter 2 Building a Body 21
Chapter 3 Confessions of a Tank Driver 37
Chapter 4 Mr. Universe 47
Chapter 5 Greetings from Los Angeles 79
Chapter 6 Lazy Bastards 99
Chapter 7 Experts in Marble and Stone 117
Chapter 8 Learning American 133
Chapter 9 The Greatest Muscle Show Ever 151
Chapter 10 Stay Hungry 173
Chapter 11 Pumping Iron 197
Chapter 12 Dream Girl 221
Chapter 13 Maria and Me 239
Chapter 14 What Doesn't Kill Us Makes Us Stronger 261
Chapter 15 Becoming American 283
Chapter 16 The Terminator 297
Chapter 17 Marriage and Movies 323
Chapter 18 Comic Timing 355
Chapter 19 The Real Life of a Terminator 381
Chapter 20 The Last Action Hero 407
Chapter 21 Heart Trouble 423
Chapter 22 Family Guy 447
Chapter 23 A Political Proposition 463
Chapter 24 Total Recall 491
Chapter 25 The Governator 515
Chapter 26 Comeback 537
Chapter 27 Who Needs Washington? 553
Chapter 28 The Real Life of a Governator 563
Chapter 29 The Secret 591
Chapter 30 Arnold's Rules 603
Acknowledgments and Sources 621
Index 625
raisarobin
Posted Tue Oct 02 00:00:00 EDT 2012
Schwarzenegger's new book isn't as bad as it could be. This is a decent autobiography, with plenty of memories and anecdotes. Like Arnold himself, the book is warm but so guarded I can't help but wonder what he's leaving out. This is not a racy tell-all. It is a not-bad account of an ambitious (but not remotely self-aware) man who has done a a fair amount of interesting things.
Arnold's most candid memories come early in the book, with his accounts of childhood in Austria during the early days of the Cold War. He tells of snuggling with his brother and parents in bed during thunderstorms, of their house with no toilet, of being beaten by parents and teachers alike. There is insight into his father's bitterness and the futility of surviving in a country trying to find its footing in the wake of the Third Reich. From a young age, Arnold saw America as a beacon of strength and safety, and bodybuilding as the path to lead him there. He boldly recalls being "absolutely certain" he was special. From a young age, Schwarzenegger was shameless in going after what he wanted: he panhandled money to go to the toy store and movies, went AWOL from the military for a bodybuilding contest, and picked fights for thrills. His concern seems first and foremost about getting caught, and even in hindsight he seems unconcerned as to what this all might say about his character. He unblinkingly describes steroids and women ("one of my girlfriends was a stripper and the other was a gypsy.") But he's also sure to mention his gratitude for the parental figures who nurtured him along the way.
In America, Arnold's cunning and determination bring success at bodybuilding, promotion, and various entrepreneurial endeavors. Some readers will think these parts are funny, like when he learned to lie about his zodiac signs to pick up girls and outwitted a competitor in a bodybuilding competition by working the crowd. When he gets into film and politics, the story becomes more scripted. He's a Republican because he sees this as the embodiment of the American Dream and views Democrats as "too Austrian." He can be genuinely egalitarian -- like openly promoting women in bodybuilding -- but also totally doesn't get it, like his approach to filming a scene with violence against women. There are lots of conversations with Sargent Shriver and George H.W. Bush (who, he'll have us know, was NOT a "waschlappen" - the Austrian word for "wet dishrag.") He describes mentors including Milton and Rose Friedman, James Earl Jones, Marvin Hier, and Andy Warhol. I'm not a film buff but I was interested in all the moviemaking, especially his work with James Cameron on the Terminator films. He might be at his best with inadvertent observations, like an overheard argument about race between Wilt Chamberlain and Grace Jones. For political fans, the section on his campaign and work as Governor of California are as straightforward as a press release but include a fair amount of detail about the political process. To his credit, he does try to explain why his policies, which can seem inconsistent, align with his goals and ideals.
Of course, the object of his affection is Maria Shriver: the savvy, beautiful, energetic woman whose world was "big enough" for him even as she brought him a much-needed dose of common sense. He has only nice things to say about Maria (this also keeps him from being more candid about the Kennedy Family, wh
32 out of 35 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Thu Oct 04 00:00:00 EDT 2012
I have noticed other reviews are not even related to the book. They just criticize a few mistakes hes made in his career. I have read the complete book, and its a great story behind the making of a legend
14 out of 15 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2012
So stupid
8 out of 70 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Mon Oct 29 00:00:00 EDT 2012
Although I wouldn't classify myself as an Arnold "fan" I have certainly found most of the movies he was in quite entertaining. I purchased the book more out of curiousity than anything. The book was very well written, certainly entertaining, and I found it quite interesting with the detail of where he came from and what was encountered along the journey of his life essentially right up until current. Essentially a "rags to riches" story that truly emphasizes the opportunities that lay in waiting here in the USA for those with determination and drive to pursue a dream. A fairly short sentence toward the end brought out the feelings of a remorseful person with regards to his recent relationship with his wife...something I was not expecting. A recommended, entertaining read.
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Tue Oct 02 00:00:00 EDT 2012
Does he go into detail about all his extramarital affairs? His excuse-- "I'm only human." What a crock!
6 out of 41 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Wed Oct 03 00:00:00 EDT 2012
Sorry Arnold but you really don't get it...
5 out of 33 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Tue Oct 02 00:00:00 EDT 2012
It's obvious that the machismo behind the man who is Arnold Schwarzenegger drives this remorseless, indecent man to do whatever he feels like in the moment, without regard. In some circles, there are numerous names for that; narcissism, anti-social personality disorder, bi-polar disorder, or any other 'brand' of mental illness. To think that Californians elected him governor TWICE is not any validation, either. He belongs in his fantasy world of acting.
5 out of 34 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Captdocsabre
Posted Sun Oct 28 00:00:00 EDT 2012
A fairy tale that came true ,told with such down to earth jargon, clear and distinct, I will trade my polyester curtains and the redwood deck for one hour in his shoes. Parents read this one to your kids. This man is real and I get to watch him on the big screen again.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.lopaka47
Posted Fri Oct 26 00:00:00 EDT 2012
Coming as he did from extremely modest conditions as a child growing up in Austria, Arnold Schwarzenegger's life story is one that has the power to inspire all who have a dream. It is also a cautionary tale, of what can happen when you reach a point in life where you are so successful that you sometimes think the rules can be bent to suit the situation. Even with the missteps he has taken along the way (as have we all), as a fellow "Baby Boomer" I still respect the man. And after reading his book I will continue to wish Mr. Schwarzenegger well in all his future efforts, both onscreen and off.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri Oct 26 00:00:00 EDT 2012
I have lived in NorCal and SoCal both, all my life, and had no idea how much influence He had on Real Estate, especially around Venice. It reads as if he is talking into a recorder that is typing his exact words; it makes it that much more personal. Very intriguing and interesting to find out so much more about him because he has never been a 'dig me' kind of guy, to the general public. Made mistakes in his personal life, but in general, the kind of entrepreneur that should be an inspiration to anyone who thinks 'they can't'.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Tue Dec 25 00:00:00 EST 2012
Not a good book for kids lots of rude comment
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Wed Oct 24 00:00:00 EDT 2012
I was really looking forward to this book. Iwas kind of disappointed in it. I was hooked and thought it was good up until about chapter 15 or so. The politics at the end were really boring. Alot of name dropping!
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Tue Oct 23 00:00:00 EDT 2012
When i heard Arnold was writing a boik, i figured it would be a groveling attempt at gaining public sympathy. What i didnt realize is that he would take our money to systematically spell out how his life revolves around making money and gaining fame mingling with people like the Kennedys and contributing to every Jewish fund to get into movies produced by Jewish Hollywood moguls. He has no shame spelling out his misguided intentions, even with his affairs! What a disgusting person! After reading this book, which i had to quit halfway, I,m only sorry he got my money too! He deserved the maid! DO NOT BUY! VILE! PS he cant write or spell either!
1 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Mon Oct 08 00:00:00 EDT 2012
Why did he need to document all the times he deceived his wife and put his family second?
1 out of 19 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri May 31 00:00:00 EDT 2013
XD
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Thu Mar 07 00:00:00 EST 2013
Arnold came to America with a vision! Some would call it luck, others call it fate, whatever it was Arnold always followed his true ambitions and never took no for an answer! This story shows that if you dream it, do not take no for answer, and simply work hard to follow your goals and dreams, you too can have success!
A great read for anyone looking for inspiration to follow their dream!
maximus1
Posted Tue Feb 26 00:00:00 EST 2013
Always admired Arnold coming to this country and making a name for himself with body building, acting and politics. Didn't know he's done so much
more with reall estate and special olympics. For all his success like everyone else has character defects and like everyone else has faced his Incomprehsible Demoralization as he stated in the chapter The Secret. It was a good read and his last 10 rules for success i think is a good advice.
Anonymous
Posted Sun Jan 06 00:00:00 EST 2013
Good
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri Dec 21 00:00:00 EST 2012
Sure am glad i didnt spend money on it. Just my humblee opinion.
0 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.michelleneuf91
Posted Tue Dec 11 00:00:00 EST 2012
First of all, I have always liked Arnold because I remember thirty years ago my spouse would love to take me to see "CONAN"...
and about that time when our daughter was about two, he would want to make her feel strong and hold her hand and take a walk
around the theater and tell her gently, that she was CONAN.....I guess to fear not.....I would smile and watch them.
Then, about twenty or so years ago, I stood in line around the block to wait to get assigned copy of Schwarsenegger's book for my daughter
ote....stupid choices about sex ....and again his recall of harsh war memories impacting children..I guess I like reading about his resilience
Overview
THE GREATEST IMMIGRANT SUCCESS STORY OF OUR TIME
His story is unique, and uniquely entertaining, and he tells it brilliantly in these pages.
He was born in a year of famine, in a small Austrian town, the son of an austere police chief. He dreamed of moving to America to become a bodybuilding champion and a movie star.
By the age of ...