BOOK 1

Book 1

For our first book post, I decided to read “Putting the Rabbit in the Hat” by Brian Cox. This book initially struck my eye because of Professor Hansen's description. Professor Hansen described it as a “rags-to-riches” story, which I relate to on many levels. I have also been drawn to Cox’s work, specifically in Succession, and wanted to learn more about his rise to being an actor and how he navigated the British and American entertainment industries. With Brian Cox’s tremendous mark on film and theater, I wanted to see the strategies and formulas he laid out for himself to achieve such great success. Typically, memoirs from actors provide more than just behind-the-scenes glimpses- they reveal personal philosophies and life lessons that can be inspiring, and so far, that has been the case with this book. 

My impressions of the book have been refreshing, candid, and engaging. Cox writes with a sharp, witty tone and does not shy away from giving his honest opinion perspective. His opinions are mainly on the individuals he works with, how they have treated him, and how he has navigated these relationships throughout his life and career. I appreciated how he intertwines his personal story of growing up in Dundee, Scotland, in a working-class family- with a more extensive career narrative. His journey has been from humble beginnings, and you can tell he still carries that with him. His personality shines through his writing as he shares moments from his stardom but reflects on his triumphs and setbacks. One of the best ways he engages with his readers is by incorporating moments of humor and introspection to highlight his successes and setbacks. I’m hoping the rest of the book will continue to offer these insightful reflections on his craft and his life in the public eye so I can continue to learn and gain more knowledge of what it is like to live a life like Brian Cox.