Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story

Bodybuilder turned actor turned politician Arnold Schwarzenegger narrates the opening and closing chapters of his memoir, but leaves the remainder of the recording in Stephen Lang’s capable hands. In giving voice to the Gover-nator’s first-person narrative, Lang works to evoke Schwarzenegger’s distinct accent and vocal mannerisms without falling into the trap of mimicry. Ultimately, he succeeds at this effort, particularly in portraying Schwarzenegger’s notorious bluster and machismo. Passages related to Schwarzenegger’s family tragedies—the loss of his brother in particular—and his courtship of and marriage to Maria Shriver prove especially poignant, as the tough guy comes to terms with tenderness. A Simon & Schuster hardcover. (Oct.)