THE BOOK OF SHEEN
By Charlie Sheen
Publisher: Gallery
The actor, known for his roles in “Platoon” and “Two and a Half Men,” shares stories about his life in Hollywood.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
Charlie Sheen's memoir, "The Book of Sheen," is a brazen, unfiltered odyssey through the tumultuous life of one of Hollywood's most notorious figures. From his near-fatal birth to his meteoric rise in the film industry, and the subsequent descent into a maelstrom of substance abuse and scandal, Sheen spares no detail in this candid narrative.
The memoir opens with Sheen's early years, painting a vivid picture of a childhood steeped in the entertainment industry. Raised by actor Martin Sheen, young Charlie was immersed in the world of cinema, often accompanying his father on film sets. This early exposure ignited his passion for acting, leading to roles in seminal films like "Platoon" and "Wall Street." Sheen's recounting of these experiences is both nostalgic and insightful, offering a glimpse into the formative moments of his career.
However, the narrative swiftly transitions into the darker chapters of Sheen's life. His unabashed accounts of rampant drug use, reckless behavior, and tumultuous relationships are laid bare. The memoir delves into his infamous public meltdown, his dismissal from "Two and a Half Men," and the subsequent media frenzy. Sheen's writing style, characterized by intentional misspellings and colloquial expressions, aims to create an intimate connection with the reader. While this approach adds authenticity, it may also detract from the overall readability for some audiences.
Critically, the memoir has received mixed reviews. Kirkus Reviews describes it as "a gleefully unrepentant ride through decades of bad behavior," noting that Sheen devotes much of the book to an exhaustive survey of life on the edge. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/charlie-sheen/the-book-of-sheen/?utm_source=openai)) Some readers appreciate the raw honesty, while others find the relentless focus on debauchery overwhelming. A Goodreads reviewer remarked, "This book is literally his Netflix documentary. He said things the exact same way, and expects 'oh no, I’m so sorry for him' read. An umbilical cord around your neck at birth is not an excuse to be a shitty person your entire life." ([goodreads.com](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234383003-the-book-of-sheen?utm_source=openai))
In interviews, Sheen has emphasized that the memoir is not a plea for redemption but a straightforward account of his life. He stated, "I’m a good guy. Good guys sometimes do some bad things but the only way to stay a good guy is to own that (expletive) and move forward." ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/3a4191f64f8ba6137e43a9c5853847b4?utm_source=openai)) This perspective permeates the book, as Sheen offers little in the way of remorse or reflection, instead presenting his experiences with a sense of inevitability.
While "The Book of Sheen" provides an unvarnished look into the life of a man who has lived on the edge, it may not offer the depth of introspection or growth that readers seeking a redemptive arc might desire. The memoir serves as a testament to Sheen's resilience and unyielding spirit, but it also underscores the consequences of a life lived without restraint.
Final recommendation: Read with caution.
Recommendation: Read with caution.
written on: 9/18/2025