Review by Andre H.

For Your Consideration: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
For Your Consideration (Book 1)
Paperback | Kindle Edition | Audio CD
Written by Tres Dean
Publisher: Quirk Books
Release Date: October 15, 2019

For Your Consideration: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is a short and often hilarious take at how Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson became the cultural icon that we all known and love. Author Tres Dean is clearly a fan of the professional wrestler turned actor and it shows in this part biography but mostly mythology of The Rock. The book isn’t an in-depth analysis that will change the way we think about our beloved cultural icon; it’s a straightforward look at just how awesome The Rock is.

In this 160-page paperback, Dean does well in taking us through the evolution of action heroes and how the roles taken on by Johnson are clearly distinct from the classic heroes like Rambo and modern heroes such as Jason Bourne and how society came to embrace Dwayne Johnson aka “The Rock.” Dwayne Johnson is never a character more famous than he is and he channels his own persona into characters that we grow to love. The Rock (the wrestler), Luke Hobbes, Spencer Strasmore, and many more are characters that we root for, characters that we want to see punch things, and characters that we know will triumph in the end. It’s a winning formula that shows us that even when we know the outcome of a movie or show starring Dwayne Jonson, we will still watch it.

Most of this illustrated book centers on the mythology of “The Rock,” leaving much to be desired about the life of Dwayne Johnson. Dean barely scratches the surface of the interesting life of The Rock, a half-Samoan, half-Black member of a famous wrestling family who did not come from wealth. Also, he had a rough upbringing, unstable home, lived in different places, had a short-lived football career, and took many different steps and missteps to get where he is today.

Dean also overlooks the importance of one of Dwayne Johnson’s early movies: The Rundown. It might not have been a box office hit, but it was one of Johnson’s best roles. It was well received and without it, we might never get have gotten Ballers, one of the best television shows.

In the end, For Your Consideration: Dwayne The Rock Johnson is a fun and worthy read for any fan of The Rock and anyone who is curious about the most electrifying man in entertainment.

From the publisher:

There are three certainties in life: death, taxes, and the awesomeness of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. This illustrated collection of humorous essays and fun extras makes the case for one of our most iconic celebrities, from the wrestling mat to the silver screen.

Sporting a proverbial perfect Rotten Tomatoes score of 100%, Certified Fresh, The Rock embodies everything we want from our Hollywood superstars . . . and everything we admire in those who so boldly pursue the American Dream. But how did it all happen? How did a loathed professional wrestler become the most famous person in the world? Was it just good timing? Years of trial and error? Countless hours in the gym? A winning smile? Or his total mastery of Instagram Stories?

For Your Consideration: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson looks at the distinct phases of the legend’s career, examining the ways in which he has become both an onscreen heartthrob and an off-screen hero. Composed of five critical essays and fun extras, including an all-Rock version of the Oscars, a quiz identifying the best Rock character to take to the prom, and a definitive ranking of The Rock’s catchphrases, this book is sure to satisfy pop culture enthusiasts and The Rock’s hardcore fans alike.

Book Dimensions: 5 x 7 1/2; 160 pages