I don’t read many of non fiction but one really stood out this year: Beyond the Wand by Tom Fulton!

I had NO IDEA of what a great guy Tom Felton was!!
Candid, self-deprecating, still able to be amazed by what happened to him, humble, down to earth despite his extraordinary experience and giving his time to many charities.
I truly liked his brand of humor and his typically British narration, interlaced with “mate” , “my most winning smile”, “knob head” etc.
From his childhood with three older brothers, some up to no good but all protective, to the beaches of Malibu and back to London, we follow Tom in his tribulations.
I loved learning more about his family, brothers and his very cool and protective mom. And I enjoyed immensely listening to him talk about the actors and directors who made Harry Potter’s movies what they are now.
Never had he a bad word for them but always did he give us their quirks and personalities, their acting process… it truly was fascinating and very interesting to listen to some of what happened backstage to make the movies happen.
Also, Tom Felton touched and moved me.
Because he also gives us his naked truth. With candor he is talking about his genetic heritage making him prone to depression. About his need to be close to his family. To have a normal conversation with “real” people. To help others and give back what has been given to him on one of his most somber days.
After listening to this, Tom Felton seems someone I’d love to know in real life. To go fishing with or go help distract sick children or simply, to go for a swim in the ocean.
Tom Felton is funny, often the jokester but he also is feeling everything. He is strong and fragile at the same time. Flawed, like everyone of us. Real. And quite far from Draco Malfoy’s arrogance and sneer at the beginning of the series.
And of course, him narrating his own story was the cherry on top.
Thanks for reading!
Sophie

I don’t read much nonfiction, but this memoir is definitely of interest to me.
It’s amazing honestly! And him reading his own book is the cherry on top!
This is a non fiction I would really want to read! Memoirs can be so fun to read
Exactly! They are pretty much the only non fiction books I read to be honest but I usually find them fascinating.
Ooh! This sounds like a really fun book to read! I love it when memoirs have humour in them. 😉
Me too! Plus I really got to discover who was the man behind the actor!
I would definitely read this!
Oh please do Tammy!
This is actually a memoir I’d love to read. Tom does seem like a really great guy!
He truly seems to be Staphanie! I was so surprised!
I think a memoir was the only non-fiction I read this year. And I only read one for a reading challenge, but it was pretty fun and interesting as he incorporated a lot of bit historical bits from the time period he discussed.
That’s usually the only non fiction book that I read Sam! Memoirs!
I need to read this! I bet the audio is amazing!
It truly is Caro!
I didn’t read a single nonfiction title this year (which is often the case). Felton’s books definitely sounds worthy – and like it made a real impression.
I don’t usually read non fiction either Tanya but I do love a good memoir like Becoming and here, Beyond the Wand!