Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography

Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris, as shredded and pasted back together by David Javerbaum, 294 pages

Written in the classic YA style of choose-your-own-adventure books, this quirky autobiography offers insight into the various elements of NPH's life, from his work as a child actor (hello, Doogie!) to his career on Broadway (hello, Hedwig!), from his lifelong hobby as an amateur magician to understanding himself as a gay man. And don't forget about all those fun bits concerning Harold and Kumar, and Dr. Horrible, and How I Met Your Mother, and hosting every awards show imaginable.

The book, as is the tradition in choose-your-own-adventure books, is written in second person, with you, the reader, playing the role of the main character (in this case, Neil Patrick Harris) and making choices throughout (for example, to explore your career in made-for-TV movies, turn to page 49; if you'd rather return to the stage, go to page 137). And like any good choose-your-own-adventure book, there are options where you end up dead, or in traction for the rest of your life, or working at the Schlotzsky's counter and living a life of obscurity.

This book was both incredibly fun and incredibly frustrating. On the one hand, it was hilarious, unexpected (who knew you could end up at a crossword puzzle or a cocktail recipe?), and, considering all of the diverse elements of NPH's life, a decent format for his memoir, especially if you only really care about his TV career or his personal life. But if, like me, you want to know about ALL those elements, prepare to read this through a good five or six times. I'll admit that it got to the point, after several read-throughs, where I was simply skimming through, looking for anecdotes I hadn't read yet. I'm also really curious how this translates into an audiobook, which does exist. If you listen to it, please let me know!

Good for fans of Neil Patrick Harris, books with goofy structure, and those who love a good laugh. Not for those who want something straightforward and straight-laced.