Life Itself

A singular, warm-hearted, and inspiring look at life from beloved writer, critic, and pundit Roger Ebert—and the inspiration for the award-winning documentary.

"A captivating, moveable feast." —New York Times Book Review

"Thoughtful, entertaining, and emotional." —Entertainment Weekly

Roger Ebert was the best-known film critic of his time. He began reviewing films for the Chicago Sun-Times in1967, and was the first film critic ever to win a Pulitzer Prize. He appeared on television for four decades. In 2006, complications from thyroid cancer treatment resulted in the loss of his ability to eat, drink, or speak. But with the loss of his voice, Ebert became a more prolific and influential writer. In Life Itself he tells the full, dramatic story of his life and career. 

In this candid personal history, Ebert chronicles it all: his loves, losses, and obsessions; his struggle and recovery from alcoholism; his marriage; his politics; and his spiritual beliefs. He writes about his years at the Sun-Times, his colorful newspaper friends, and his life-changing collaboration with Gene Siskel. He shares his insights into movie stars and directors like John Wayne and Martin Scorsese. 

This is a story that only Roger Ebert could tell, filled with the same deep insight, dry wit, and sharp observations that his readers have long cherished,  

Named one of the 100 greatest film books of all time by The Hollywood Reporter