For those of you that haven't or couldn't attend book club lately, we're publishing this months' discussion questions here. All previous book club selections have been posted, complete with summary, discussion questions and, when necessary or appropriate, additional resources to better understand the topic or context. Here are the questions from our current title, Being Henry. We hope these questions spark discussions of your own.
Being Henry : The Fonz ... and Beyond
by Henry Winkler
Summary:
Instant New York Times Bestseller!
From Emmy-award winning actor, author, comedian, producer, and director Henry Winkler, a deeply thoughtful memoir of the lifelong effects of stardom and the struggle to become whole.
Henry Winkler, launched into prominence as “The Fonz” in the beloved Happy Days, has transcended the role that made him who he is. Brilliant, funny, and widely-regarded as the nicest man in Hollywood (though he would be the first to tell you that it’s simply not the case, he’s really just grateful to be here), Henry shares in this achingly vulnerable memoir the disheartening truth of his childhood, the difficulties of a life with severe dyslexia, the pressures of a role that takes on a life of its own, and the path forward once your wildest dream seems behind you.
Since the glorious era of Happy Days fame, Henry has endeared himself to a new generation with roles in such adored shows as Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Barry, where he’s been revealed as an actor with immense depth and pathos, a departure from the period of his life when he was so distinctly typecast as The Fonz, he could hardly find work.
Filled with profound heart, charm, and self-deprecating humor, Being Henry is a memoir about so much more than a life in Hollywood and the curse of stardom. It is a meaningful testament to the power of sharing truth and kindness and of finding fulfillment within yourself. -- Publisher Description
Discussion Questions
A number of topics are brought up repeatedly in the book. Were you a Happy Days fan? Did you know he had gone to Yale? What was your first introduction to Henry Winkler?
What do you think motivated Henry Winkler to share his life story? How did you respond to the author's "voice"?
Mr Winkler mentions on a number of occasions how his parents treated him while growing up. What do you make of their behavior towards him? Do you agree with him about his parents and their reasons for later showing their approbation? Do you think it was just them or that it was cultural, generational or something else? Do you think they should have acted as they did or do you think they should have behaved differently? What was your take on he difference between Henry's and his sister's experience of them growing up?
In many ways, Henry was defined throughout his career by his time as The Fonz. Discuss the good and the bad of being defined by a single aspect of or event in your career.
Mr Winkler has stated that it wasn't until his wife taught him that he was finally able to spell. He has also stated in many different ways that she has helped him with many of his insecurities and difficulties. Discuss their relationship. Is it an evenly matched one? Did one of them marry up/down? Do you think it is strong? etc.
Discuss the book's structure and the author's use of language and writing style. How does the author draw the reader in and keep the reader engaged? Does the author convey his or her story with comedy, self-pity, or something else?
Henry seems to have really gotten along with his step son from an early time, with lots of discussion of patience and willingness to sit down with Jed and do things with him. Discuss.
Henry Winkler wasn't diagnosed until adulthood with his serious dyslexia. Those around him growing up didn't understand him and chose to think the worst. Discuss how this shaped his understanding of self and others, both the good and bad.
What about other franchises he has become known for such as Scream or Arrested Development? Discuss his take on being a part of those.
Very little is said about his parents' lives as Holocaust escapees. In what way do you think WWII shaped their later outlooks?
Were you surprised at any of the franchises he started and any of the names that he helped discover or partnered with?
Was there a favorite parring between Henry and another person in his field that really struck you? Why?
It wasn't until a few years ago that Henry finally got some professional help with his difficulties, saying that it helped him be a more authentic, present individual and a better father and husband. In what way do you see this improvement? Do you believe in therapy? If you've done therapy before, in what ways has it helped you? If not, why?
What is Winkler's most admirable quality? Is this someone you would want to know or have known?
Compare this book to other memoirs your group has read. Is it similar to any of them? Did you like it more or less than other books you've read? What do you think will be your lasting impression of the book?
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