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Waxing On

The Karate Kid and Me

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Waxing On

By: Ralph Macchio
Narrated by: Ralph Macchio
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About this listen

An instant New York Times Bestseller!

Since The Karate Kid first crane-kicked its way into the pop culture stratosphere in June 1984, there hasn’t been a week Ralph Macchio hasn’t heard friendly shouts of “Wax on, wax off” or “Sweep the leg!” Now, with Macchio reprising his role as Daniel LaRusso in the #1 ranked Netflix show Cobra Kai, he is finally ready to look back and celebrate the legacy of The Karate Kid in cinema, pop culture, and his own life.

The result, Waxing On, is a comprehensive look at the film that shaped Macchio as much as it influenced the world. He shares an insider’s perspective of the untold story behind the scenes—the innocence of the early days; the audition process; his experiences working with Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, and William Zabka; and so much more. He also takes listeners through the birth of some of the film’s most iconic moments, including the creation of the famous crane kick and the touching scenes that revealed Mr. Miyagi’s intriguing backstory.

Ultimately, the book centers on Ralph’s indelible connection to the film itself, focusing on the reason that the characters and themes have endured in such a powerful way, and how these personal experiences have impacted Macchio’s life as well. It brings listeners back to the day they met Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi for the first time, but also provides a fascinating lens into how our pasts shape all of us, and how they can come back to enrich our lives in surprising and wonderful ways.

©2022 Ralph Macchio (P)2022 Penguin Audio
Entertainment & Celebrities History & Criticism Social Sciences Celebrity Combat Sports
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Critic reviews

“[Macchio’s] down-to-earth writing style suits the behind-the-scenes tales and his heartwarming meetings with fans well… Macchio’s sweet, nostalgic memoir is as family-friendly and instructive as its inspiration.”Kirkus

“Macchio, star of 1984’s The Karate Kid, produces another feel-good hit with this breezy reflection on his experience making the movie…Macchio writes, ‘The film is a prime example of when Hollywood gets it all right. It teaches and inspires through pure entertainment.’ Fans will find this just as entertaining.”—Publishers Weekly

"Waxing On is a refreshing look into a film that touched our hearts and an era that defined so many of us. Through honest and witty reflection, the reader is plunged back into the unforgettable world of The Karate Kid, and the magic that happens when Hollywood is on point. Macchio shares his unique perspective with humor and humility as well as with surprising relatability. I was a fan before, but now I feel like a friend."—Brooke Shields, New York Times bestselling author of There Was a Little Girl

What listeners say about Waxing On

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Miyagi Do forever

loved every minute of this, it really swept the leg.
BONSIA BONSIA BONSIA BONSIA

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Great but slightly short.

Great narration, slightly short. Thought there would be more stories during his time on Cobra Kai.

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absolutely brilliant!

listening to Ralph Macchio recall the days of The Karate Kid, both it triumphs and tribulations, has been a joy to listen to. Hearing how it has influenced his life from then, to the current arc of Cobra Kai is an absorbing listen. And I dare anyone not to walk down memory lane right along with him. Brilliantly written, and beautifully read by Macchio. A must listen.

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Fantastic book. Read wonderfully by Ralph Macchio.

A must listen, especially to fans of the karate kid and cobra kai. Read by the man himself, Ralph Macchio.
So much heart, passion and respect throughout the novel. Paying tribute to the late great Pat morita.

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wax on

if you love karate kid you need to read this book. it was nice to hear what happened behind the seanes.

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Just perfect

The most enjoyable of these type of books for me, for one main reason. Ralph realises exactly what the audience want to hear about and comes in strong right from the beginning. No filler, no fluff, no 1/2 the book backstory on his own life 👌🏼

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Nostalgia served with a slice of Miyagi-isms!

Ralph Macchio narrates his Karate Kid and Covra Kai experiences with wistful fondness, honesty and appreciation. There are many nuggets of great stories from the casting, the sets and the aftermath of everyone’s favourite 80s underdog story but it doesn’t stop there. Hearing Ralph talk about the years after The Karate Kid and how Cobra Kai came to be as well as honour the memory of Pat Morita is a great experience for any fan. A fantastic story, a great listen and all told by the Karate Kid himself. What more could you want?

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Ralph Maccio is an Incredible actor and author

I didn't want this to end I was so invested in this like I have never been before. I was picturing every scene so it felt like a movie. thank you ralph

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A great memoir of a of an actor and franchise from my youth

I really enjoyed this. It was relatively short, coming in at under 6 hours, but that’s because it isn’t your typical autobiography. This specifically centered around his experience with the Karate Kid movie and franchise and how it affected his life and others’ through the years, culminating in the excellent Cobra Kai. Laughs and tears. He handled it so beautifully. His respect for peoples’ own experiences and memories of it is truly wonderful. I truly enjoyed it.

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A beautiful thing…

Ralph, you have smashed it brother!
Listening to your retelling on audible is nostalgic and inspiring. You go way beyond the story in your descriptions of 80s life and the innocence and freedom we all felt back then!
People, my suggestion is to buy the book but also listen to his narration as it brings everything to life.

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3 people found this helpful