Excelsior is Stan Lee's autobiography, co-written with George Mair. It chronicles Lee's life from his impoverished childhood in Manhattan to his early days in comics, through the rise of Marvel Comics in the 1960s, and his later adventures in Hollywood. The book is filled with anecdotes, humor, and insights into the creation of some of Marvel's most iconic characters.
In this beautifully illustrated graphic memoir, Stan Lee shares his life story with wit and energy, from his impoverished childhood to his rise as a comic book legend. The book covers his early days in comics, his military service, and the creation of Marvel's iconic characters. Illustrated by Colleen Doran, it offers a candid look at Lee's career and legacy.
Kitchen Confidential is a memoir and industry commentary that offers a candid, often humorous look at the less glamorous aspects of high-end restaurant kitchens. Bourdain shares his personal experiences, including his struggles with drug addiction and his rise through the culinary ranks. The book is structured as a collection of anecdotes and includes practical advice on the cooking trade, as well as warnings to consumers about restaurant practices. It captures the intense, often chaotic world of professional kitchens and explains why people are drawn to this demanding profession despite its challenges.
What I learned from reading Excelsior! The Amazing Life of Stan Lee by Stan Lee and George Mair.
Marvel is a cornucopia of fantasy, a wild idea, a swashbuckling attitude, an escape from the humdrum and prosaic. It's a serendipitous feast for the mind, the eye, and the imagination, a literate celebration of unbridled creativity, coupled with a touch of rebellion and an insolent desire to spit in the eye of the dragon (1:15)
discovering his love of reading at an early age (8:45)
accidentally finding his life's work at 17 years old / hilarious level of optimism (12:35), there is opportunity in things that other people say will rot your brain (22:30)
Stan Lee's advice on writing (26:00)
be your own biggest fan (28:00)
the turning point of Stan Lee's life (38:20)
humans scorn the abstract (45:20)
a lesson in human nature (51:30)
the power of direct sales (55:29)
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