ALAN CUMMING

A magical concoction of the mischievous, tender, whimsical, and debauched real-life adventures of Alan Cumming, told in his own words and pictures.Described by the New York Times as a bawdy countercultural sprite and named one of the most fun people in show business by Time magazine, Alan Cumming is a genuine quadruple threatan internationally acclaimed, award-winning star of stage, television, and film, as well as a New York Times best-selling author whose real-life vivacity, wit, and charm shine through every page of his third book, You Gotta Get Bigger Dreams. In these forty-five picture essays, Cumming recounts his real-life adventures (and often, misadventures), illustrated by his own equally entertaining photographs.From an awkward bonding session with Elizabeth Taylor to poignant stories about his family and friends to some harsh words of wisdom imparted by Oprah that make up the title of this collection, You Gotta Get Bigger Dreams is as eclectic, enchanting, and alive as its author.

Will Behr lives on his own and does not want children, but he does see the point of single mothers, especially if they look like Julie Christie. Then he meets Marcus, whose parents have split up and who is being persecuted by bullies. Marcus discovers that Will has a lot to teach him about life.

Actor and New York Times bestselling author Alan Cumming and artist Grant Shaffer imagine what their dogs do when theyre not aroundand its no surprise that the dogs aspire to lead lives as action-packed and glamorous as their dads!Honey and Leon are rescue mutts who love their dads very much. But their dads often have to go away on glamorous and important business, which worries the dogs. Honey and Leon are done staying home and frettingtheyre off on a dad-protecting adventure! Careful to remain incognito, the two pups shadow their dads on a trip across the sea, keeping them out of danger at every turn! How did they survive without Honey and Leons protection for this long?! Alan Cumming and Grant Shaffer wrote this story as a tribute to their own dogs, based on their frequent conversations about what Honey and Leon get up to while theyre away.

Alan Cumming and Grant Shaffers world-traveling dogs are back...and off to Scotland! When Honey falls in love with a handsome Scottish pup, will Leon be able to protect their dads on his own?Honey and Leon have done a very good job of keeping their dads safe--but now the dads have decided to travel again! So the two loyal dogs pack up their disguises and secretly follow them all the way to Europe on a Scottish Highland adventure. All is going according to plan...until Honey becomes besotted with a charming Scottish dog named Coll! Can Leon manage to keep their dads out of trouble on his own while Honey is gallivanting with her new beau? Actor Alan Cumming and artist Grant Shaffer bring to life the imagined secret identities of the two dogs they once owned. Hilarious, sassy dialogue and wild escapades make this an unmissable read-aloud, perfect for families who love to put on a show!

Actor and New York Times bestselling author Alan Cumming and artist Grant Shaffer imagine what their dogs do when theyre not aroundand its no surprise that the dogs aspire to lead lives as action-packed and glamorous as their dads!Honey and Leon are rescue mutts who love their dads very much. But their dads often have to go away on glamorous and important business, which worries the dogs. Honey and Leon are done staying home and frettingtheyre off on a dad-protecting adventure! Careful to remain incognito, the two pups shadow their dads on a trip across the sea, keeping them out of danger at every turn! How did they survive without Honey and Leons protection for this long?! Alan Cumming and Grant Shaffer wrote this story as a tribute to their own dogs, based on their frequent conversations about what Honey and Leon get up to while theyre away.

A magical concoction of the mischievous, tender, whimsical, and debauched real-life adventures of Alan Cumming, told in his own words and pictures. Described by the New York Times as a bawdy countercultural sprite and named one of the most fun people in show business by Time magazine, Alan Cumming is a genuine quadruple threatan internationally acclaimed, award-winning star of stage, television, and film, as well as a New York Times best-selling author whose real-life vivacity, wit, and charm shine through every page of his third book, You Gotta Get Bigger Dreams. In these forty-five picture essays, Cumming recounts his real-life adventures (and often, misadventures), illustrated by his own equally entertaining photographs. From an awkward bonding session with Elizabeth Taylor to poignant stories about his family and friends to some harsh words of wisdom imparted by Oprah that make up the title of this collection, You Gotta Get Bigger Dreams is as eclectic, enchanting, and alive as its author.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERIn his unique and engaging voice, the acclaimed actor of stage and screen shares the emotional story of his complicated relationship with his father and the deeply buried family secrets that shaped his life and career.A beloved star of stage, television, and filmone of the most fun people in show business (Time magazine)Alan Cumming is a successful artist whose diversity and fearlessness is unparalleled. His success masks a painful childhood growing up under the heavy rule of an emotionally and physically abusive fathera relationship that tormented him long into adulthood.When television producers in the UK approached him to appear on a popular celebrity genealogy show in 2010, Alan enthusiastically agreed. He hoped the show would solve a family mystery involving his maternal grandfather, a celebrated WWII hero who disappeared in the Far East. But as the truth of his family ancestors revealed itself, Alan learned far more than he bargained for about himself, his past, and his own father.With ribald humor, wit, and incredible insight, Alan seamlessly moves back and forth in time, integrating stories from his childhood in Scotland and his experiences today as a film, television, and theater star. At times suspenseful, deeply moving, and wickedly funny, Not My Fathers Son will make readers laugh even as it breaks their hearts.

"An intimate look at the making of a man, an actor, an advocateand most importantlya happy human being. A wonderful book that is funny, honest, fearless, and generous in its vulnerability." Douglas Stuart, Booker Prize-winning author of Shuggie BainA candid and captivating exploration of identity, resilience, and reinvention, Baggage follows Alan Cumming as he navigates the highs and lows of Hollywood, relationships, and personal growth with humor, honesty, and an unflinching commitment to authenticity.There is absolutely no logical reason why I am here. The life trajectory my nationality and class and circumstances portended for me was not even remotely close to the one I now navigate. But logic is a science and living is an art.The release I felt in writing my first memoir, Not My Fathers Son, was matched only by how my speaking out empowered so many to engage with their own trauma. I was reminded of the power of my words and the absolute duty of authenticity.ButNo one ever fully recovers from their past. There is no cure for it. You just learn to manage and prioritize it. I believe the second you feel you have triumphed or overcome something an abuse, an injury to the body or the mind, an addiction, a character flaw, a habit, a person you have merely decided to stop being vigilant and embraced denial as your modus operandi. And that is what this book is about, and for: to remind you not to buy in to the Hollywood ending.Ironically maybe, much of Baggage chronicles my life in Hollywood and how, since I recovered from a nervous breakdown at 28, work has repeatedly whisked me away from personal calamities to sets and stages around the world. It is also about marriage(s): starting with the break-up of my first (to a woman) and ending with the ascension to my second (to a man) with many kissed toads in between!But in everything, each failed relationship or encounter with a legend (Liza! X Men! Gore Vidal! Kubrick! Spice Girls!), in every bad decision or moment of sensual joy I have endeavored to show what I have learned and how Ive become who I am today: a happy, flawed, vulnerable, fearless middle-aged man, with a lot of baggage.Its the story of learning to live with your baggage, not conquer it. This deeply personal book chronicles:A Story of Survival: Beyond the success, Cumming is unflinching about the nervous breakdown that reshaped his life at 28 and the ongoing work of managing his past. Marriage and Sexuality: A candid look at the end of his first marriage to a woman, the journey to his second with a man, and the many kissed toads in between. Hollywood Highs and Lows: From the Spice Girls to Stanley Kubrick, this book is filled with unforgettable encounters with legends and the reality of a life lived on sets and stages. Radical Honesty: A follow-up to Not My Fathers Son that rejects the simple Hollywood ending in favor of the messy, complicated, and fearless truth.

Hold on to your chapeaux, because this story is a beezer! Its a stoatir, so it is!Victor and Barry are the epitome of the expression big in the 80s. Annoyingly, they were also a little big in the first bit of the 90s too, so that phrase doesnt really pan out very satisfactorily; much like Victor and Barry themselves, in fact, who completely disappeared from the face of the Scottish showbiz scene in 1994 and were rumoured to have actually died on stage.But apparently rumours of their deaths have been greatly exaggerated, and the two can still be spotted strolling the leafy suburban lanes near the home they have shared for many decades at 22B Lacrosse Terrace, Kelvinside, Glasgow G12.