The World's Best Book Summaries
Why did Matthew McConaughey keep a journal? How did that journal become his memoir, Greenlights? Matthew McConaughey kept a journal for 35 years as he rose to Hollywood stardom and rebranded himself later in his career. McConaughey’s journal helped him write his memoir about catching life’s greenlights, and what it all meant. Read more about Matthew McConaughey, his journal, and his life lessons.
What is the McConaissance? How did it change the course of Matthew McConaughey’s career? The McConaissance is a term that refers to Matthew McConaughey’s move from playing male leads in rom-coms to playing serious, more complex characters. Dallas Buyers Club was the movie that ushered in the McConaissance. Read more about the McConaissance and Dallas Buyers Club below.
Who is Polly in Fever 1793? Why was Polly’s death significant to the story? In Fever 1793, Polly was the first person Matilda knew of to die of yellow fever. Polly was Matilda’s childhood friend and she was shocked to hear the news. At the time, they didn’t know that Polly’s death would be the first of many. Keep reading to learn more about Polly in Fever 1793.
What was the aim of the Zimbardo experiment? What was the reason the experiment was terminated earlier than its scheduled completion date? In 1971, psychologist Philip Zimbardo conducted a study to show that environmental factors (as opposed to dispositional characteristics) predispose people to act with violence towards others. Initially, the Zimbardo experiment was intended to run for two weeks but it was terminated after less than a week. Keep reading to learn why the Zimbardo experiment was terminated ahead of time.
Was fascism a part of Trump’s presidency? What were the signs of fascism and authoritarianism? Trump was accused of fascism throughout his presidency by those in opposing political parties. Trump and his administration had clear and dangerous signs of authoritarianism. Read more about fascism, Trump, and authoritarian decisions in his presidency.
Who are Matthew McConaughey’s parents? How did their relationship affect McConaughey’s upbringing? Matthew McConaughey’s parents were both tough, opinionated people, and they had a tumultuous relationship. While this was difficult on McConaughey growing up, he came to accept them for who they were. Read more about Matthew McConaughey’s parents below.
Who is Collette in Fever 1793? Why is it significant that the Ogilvie family was affected by yellow fever? In Fever 1793, Collette Ogilvie is the daughter of Pernilla Ogilvie and she becomes ill with yellow fever. Collette getting sick proved that the fever was not just something low-class citizens got and many rich people fled Philadelphia soon after. Keep reading to learn about Collette Ogilvie’s family and how she got sick.
What are Matthew McConaughey’s views on marriage? How does he balance his marriage and career? For Matthew McConaughey, marriage and family were goals that were as equally important as his acting career. According to Greenlights, marriage is an adventure and a journey. Read more about Matthew McConaughey’s views on marriage below.
Who is Eliza in Fever 1793? What role does Eliza play in Matilda’s life? In Fever 1793, Eliza is a free black woman who worked for the family and without her, Matilda and her mother would be homeless. During the yellow fever outbreak, Eliza worked with the Free African Society to help the sick. Keep reading to learn more about Eliza from Fever 1793.
Did Matthew McConaughey go to South Africa in Greenlights? How did this experience change him? In his book Greenlights, Matthew McConaughey discusses spending time in South Africa, and how this was a truly life-changing time for him. As he explored the African continent and met people, he continued to develop his identity and sense of self. Read more about Matthew McConaughey, his South Africa trip, and what he says he learned in Greenlights.