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Runaway Train

By: Eric Roberts, Sam Kashner - contributor
Narrated by: Eric Roberts
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Publisher's summary

This program is read by the author, Golden Globe–winning actor Eric Roberts.

In this brutally candid memoir, Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Eric Roberts pulls no punches about the ups and downs of his career and his sometimes stormy relationship with his famous sister, Julia.

Eric Roberts grew up in Georgia, spending most of his teens away from his mother and sisters, Lisa and Julia. Instead, he stayed with his controlling father, a grifter jealous of his early success. At age 17, Eric moved to New York to pursue acting, where he worked and partied with future legends like Christopher Walken, Mickey Rourke, John Malkovich, Bruce Willis, and Robin Williams.

His big break came when he was cast in King of the Gypsies. Eric became one of the hottest stars of his era, starting an affair with actress Sandy Dennis, working with Bob Fosse on the critically acclaimed Star 80, and earning an Oscar nomination for Runaway Train. But for Eric, Hollywood came with a dark side—an ocean of cocaine that nearly swept him away, culminating in a car accident that almost cost him his life.

Eric is open about the seriousness of his addictions and their devastating effect on his career. He reveals the reasons behind his complicated relationship with his sister, Julia, and his daughter, Emma, a successful actress in her own right. Now, happily married to actress and casting director Eliza Roberts, who helped him confront his demons, he is revered among his peers as the ultimate actor’s actor.

Written with New York Times bestselling author, for years a Vanity Fair contributing editor, and current Air Mail writer-at-large Sam Kashner, this is a powerful memoir of a Hollywood legend.

Music for this program is courtesy of Keaton Simons.

Track list in program order;

1 - Other Side
2 - Read My Mind
3 - Father Song
4 - Masterpiece
5 - It’s Ok
6 - Tribal Blues
7 - Green Monster
8 - Lemonaid
9 - Just This Side Of Insane
10 - Beautiful Pain
11 - The Medicine
12 - Currently
13 - Therapy
14 - Hero & Hell
15 - Still Holding On
16 - To Me
17 - Yet

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2024 Eric Roberts (P)2024 Macmillan Audio
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Critic reviews

"A one of a kind memoir from a one of a kind actor."—David Duchovny, New York Times bestselling author of Truly Like Lightning

"Compelling to read—candid, brave and full of Eric's natural grace and good nature."—Christopher Walken, Academy Award-Winning Actor

What listeners say about Runaway Train

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Touching stories

I love the way he spoke of his wife Eliza. He spoke very lovingly about his family even though it sounds like he was mistreated by those he loved the most.

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Bold and Heartfelt

The narration is outstanding and a joy to listen to. It was fascinating to hear the tale of the author’s southern start in life. His movies have been an echo in my life and his ups and downs helped me see my own times a little more clearly. I love cats too and think cat men are the best ones.

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Great book!!!!

I've always loved Eric Roberts. I admire how honest he was about his struggles with family and addiction. I'll listen to it a 2nd time, he voice is familiar and soothing. Thank you Eric for sharing your life.

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Run away train

Very good. I have always like Eric Roberts. A nice love story. Honest and true

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He was a great narrator!!!

I loved the book!! He has a great voice! I really enjoyed the time spent listening and his story!

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family lost and gained

honestly sincerly insightful
happily made it through to the other side of a life having learned from it all

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The REAL Eric Roberts

It was nice to get to know the real Eric. Congratulations on getting sober, I wish my son would. He will always have my support regardless, and I’m not talking enabling.

I hope your sisters forgive your past, as long as you treat them with endless love in their present. Xo

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Great memoir!

Eric's memoir is an indepth look as a legendary life and career that is still in the making. We grt a good firsthand account of his early life, the family dynamic, Julia, etc. Then comes the stardom in his classic films: King of the Gypsies, Star 80, and Pope of Greenwich Village. Culminating in his nomination for an Oscar for Runaway Train.
Then he met Eliza, was no longer the Coca Coca Kid.

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A really great listen.

Eric’s reading of the book had all kinds of colors and emotions. I can only assume it was very therapeutic for the author and it offered up a kind of humility in its execution. Bravo.

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His story

I hope everyone heals. What a rollercoaster of a story! Beautifully told and everyone is human and makes mistakes, it’s how we learn from them that we grow. His wife seems like a big pillar of his life now.

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