The World's Best Book Summaries
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.
Why did Matthew McConaughey take the role of Denton Van Zan the dragon slayer in Reign of Fire? How did he prepare for the role? The role of dragon slayer Denton Van Zan was influential in how McConaughey was starting to feel about life. After years of partying and hedonism, McConaughey began to wonder about other ways he could spend his time. Read more about Matthew McConaughey and the role of Denton Van Zan the dragon slayer in Reign of Fire.
Did Barack Obama go to Columbia? What did he learn and study? At Columbia, Barack Obama spent most of his time reading and brooding, wondering why the country wasn’t living up to its promises. During his time at Columbia, his worldview shifted again and he believed in the future. Read more about Barack Obama, Columbia, and how his time in New York City shaped his politics.
What was Michelle Obama’s role in the White House? What did she do as First Lady? For Michelle Obama, the White House was an opportunity and a challenge. She faced incredible scrutiny in her role as First Lady, but strove to make the role her own. Read more about Michelle Obama, The White House, and her early days as First Lady.
Who was Jim McConaughey? What was his relationship like with his son, Matthew McConaughey? Matthew McConaughey’s father, Jim McConaughey, valued masculinity and rites of passage. One of the defining moments of Matthew’s life was when he passed one of Jim’s rites of passage, and they grew closer as a result. Read more about Jim McConaughey below.
What happened to Barack Obama in the Iowa Caucus? How did Obama win? Barack Obama knew that Iowa was crucial for a presidential campaign. Leading up to the Iowa Caucus, Barack Obama and his team put together a campaign that inspired others to get involved. Read more about Barack Obama, the Iowa Caucus, and how it launched his presidential campaign.
What did President Obama do at the G20 summit? What role did the U.S. play at the meetings, and was it successful? For President Obama, the G20 Summit was a huge opportunity to prove himself. At the summit, he was able to establish himself as a leader in economics and foreign policy. Read more about Barack Obama, the G20 summit, and how Obama established himself as a global leader.
Did Barack Obama go to Harvard Law School? What inspired him to attend and what were his goals? By the time Barack Obama got to Harvard, he had transformed from an aimless teen into an ambitious young man. Obama wanted to understand how to use the law to help the poor and vulnerable in the country. Read more about Barack Obama, Harvard Law School, and what he learned.
What was Lindsey Stone shamed for? And what happened to her after the incident? In October 2012, Lindsey Stone was publicly shamed for posting a disrespectful photo on Facebook, where she posed behind the cemetery sign that read “Silence and Respect.” The photo became the centerpiece of Stone’s online presence for two years until an online reputation agent agreed to take her case pro bono to create her a new online identity. Keep reading for the story of Lindsey Stone’s public shaming.
What was Matthew McConaughey’s role in A Time to Kill? How did it cement his place as a Hollywood leading man? At first, the studio would never consider an unknown like Matthew McConaughey for A Time to Kill. But McConaughey impressed with his emotional audition. Read more about Matthew McConaughey, A Time to Kill, and the role that made him a true Hollywood star.