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For the Right Reasons: America's Favorite Bachelor on Faith, Love, Marriage, and Why Nice Guys Finish First
The virgin Bachelor Sean Lowe reveals the challenges of finding love while championing his Christian convictions in the morally complex world of reality TV.
After The Bachelorette broke his heart, Sean Lowe suspected his nice guy image hurt him. The show never emphasized it, but Sean committed to living according to biblical standards of sexuality, even as producers emphasized the risque and promiscuous. A Texas boy from a Baptist home, Sean tells the story of how he went from a Division I college football player to a fan favorite on reality television, taking readers behind the scenes of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette to see the challenges of living out his values and faith and ultimately winning his true love s heart.
For the Right Reasons is about the journeys we all have to take in the real world, where being good is the right thing to do but sometimes doesn't seem to be enough; where betrayal is commonplace; and where that thing called perfection is actually just a cruel myth. Sean learned a few things from his two seasons on the hottest romance shows on television, and he wants others to benefit from those lessons: good does eventually win, lies will be discovered, and nice guys do ultimately finish first."
After The Bachelorette broke his heart, Sean Lowe suspected his nice guy image hurt him. The show never emphasized it, but Sean committed to living according to biblical standards of sexuality, even as producers emphasized the risque and promiscuous. A Texas boy from a Baptist home, Sean tells the story of how he went from a Division I college football player to a fan favorite on reality television, taking readers behind the scenes of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette to see the challenges of living out his values and faith and ultimately winning his true love s heart.
For the Right Reasons is about the journeys we all have to take in the real world, where being good is the right thing to do but sometimes doesn't seem to be enough; where betrayal is commonplace; and where that thing called perfection is actually just a cruel myth. Sean learned a few things from his two seasons on the hottest romance shows on television, and he wants others to benefit from those lessons: good does eventually win, lies will be discovered, and nice guys do ultimately finish first."
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2015
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January 29, 2015
“The Bachelor is not the most natural dating situation.”
Such are the insights in Sean Lowe’s new book, “For the Right Reasons.” But perhaps people don’t turn to the Abstastic Abstainer for insights. Which is good because Lowe has other things to offer, such as his 100 percent pure, excruciating sincerity.
“I was portrayed on the show exactly how I am in real life,” says the man who was once “America’s favorite bachelor.” Lowe’s memoir — from Christian publisher Thomas Nelson — arrives on the first anniversary of his marriage to Catherine Giudici, the woman he chose from 26 contestants on the 17th season of “The Bachelor.”
“Did I really believe this was the best way to meet women? No,” Lowe admits. But if you’re stuck looking like a blonde haired, 6′ 3″ fitness model, what other options do you have?
“For the Right Reasons” is a tell-all book from a young man who doesn’t have a lot of shockers to reveal. “The camera doesn’t really lie,” Lowe claims, “at least not on The Bachelorette.”
“The truth is, I’m far from perfect,” he says. “One of my biggest fears is sweating in situations in which it’s inappropriate to be sweating.”
We all have our crosses to bear, Sean.
Raised a strict Baptist, Lowe “didn’t drink alcohol or sleep around,” a fact that drove American pop culture into months of puerile speculation and incredulity. He comes closest to showing any pique toward the end of the book when he calls out journalists for their relentless and redundant questions about his bedroom experience. “Not having sex until marriage was not the defining aspect of my life or personality,” he says. “It was simply the one that garnered the most headlines” — in US Weekly, in People, on “Good Morning America,” even on “Jimmy Kimmel.”
“I was mad that no one would give it a rest,” he writes. “Every interview was all about sex, all the time.”
And here you thought watching beautiful strangers hook up on TV was all about true love.
For Lowe, it was.
“For the Right Reasons” takes us back to the real story of the boy from Texas. With a loving family and a successful high school career, Lowe was “always the nice kid everyone’s parents liked.” College was tougher, though. As a football player at Kansas State, he struggled to stay focused and almost failed out. “There were so many fun things to do,” he confesses. “I’d flip on the television and get interested in whatever was on. Something like a PBS program about African wildebeests would ensnare me until late into the night.”
Whoa — hang on there, horn-dog, this is a family newspaper!
Determined to be a millionaire by 30, Lowe jumped into debt settlement, but soon lost all his investors’ money. That failure drove him, very reluctantly, into his family’s insurance business, but he never stopped praying to God for something more satisfying.
And that was when — like generations of humble saints before him — he heard the call: from Tabby in the casting department.
Much of “All the Right Reasons” details Lowe’s buffeted emotions as he competed for Emily Maynard’s affections on the eighth season of “The Bachelorette.” “I felt confident in our relationship,” he says. “I knew in my heart that none of the other guys would have the connection we had.” But he was no back-stabbing “Survivor” contestant. Before filming each morning, he led the other guys in Bible study.
He had every reason to think he’d win. “You’re perfect,” Maynard kept telling him. “You’ve just the whole package — you’ve got it all. Even your dogs are perfect.” And yet, as millions of viewers know, Prince Charming was sent home in “the limo ride of shame.”
Later, against his better judgment, he left a plaintive message on Maynard’s answering machine. She never called him back. (“After seeing how everything ended up for her,” he says in a rare moment of cattiness, “I was sort of relieved she’d sent me home.” She chose another guy, and they split up not long after the show.)
But when God closes a window, He opens a door: The producers of “The Bachelor” want him to star in a new season.
The second half of “For the Right Reasons” takes us through that romantic whirlwind as Lowe struggles to choose a woman “who would challenge me in my spiritual walk” — just what reality TV is designed to do.
“Marrying a non-Christian is unwise for the Christian and unfair to the non-Christian,” he says, a position that plunges the show — and his memoir — into crisis: “Was [Giudici] a Christian? Was she serious about faith?”
“Freaking out” the night before the proposal episode, he pleads with the producers for 15 private minutes with Giudici. It’s a sinful breach of “Bachelor” protocol, but they finally relent.
“I want someone who will love Jesus as much as I do,” he tells Giudici in a panicked, off-camera meeting. “Someone to help me raise my kids in the Christian faith.”
The rest is TV history.
There are challenges ahead, of course, the kinds of challenges that any fiancé must face when he decides to get married on television and then becomes a contestant on “Dancing With the Stars.” But Lowe and Giudici manage to hang on till the big day. “We wanted it to be as much like a normal wedding as possible,” Lowe says in that voice so free of cynicism you just want to break down and cry. “We were honored that ABC wanted to be a part of it.”
Before he walks down the aisle, he sends one last bachelor tweet to Jesus.
Amen.
This review first appeared in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/s...
Such are the insights in Sean Lowe’s new book, “For the Right Reasons.” But perhaps people don’t turn to the Abstastic Abstainer for insights. Which is good because Lowe has other things to offer, such as his 100 percent pure, excruciating sincerity.
“I was portrayed on the show exactly how I am in real life,” says the man who was once “America’s favorite bachelor.” Lowe’s memoir — from Christian publisher Thomas Nelson — arrives on the first anniversary of his marriage to Catherine Giudici, the woman he chose from 26 contestants on the 17th season of “The Bachelor.”
“Did I really believe this was the best way to meet women? No,” Lowe admits. But if you’re stuck looking like a blonde haired, 6′ 3″ fitness model, what other options do you have?
“For the Right Reasons” is a tell-all book from a young man who doesn’t have a lot of shockers to reveal. “The camera doesn’t really lie,” Lowe claims, “at least not on The Bachelorette.”
“The truth is, I’m far from perfect,” he says. “One of my biggest fears is sweating in situations in which it’s inappropriate to be sweating.”
We all have our crosses to bear, Sean.
Raised a strict Baptist, Lowe “didn’t drink alcohol or sleep around,” a fact that drove American pop culture into months of puerile speculation and incredulity. He comes closest to showing any pique toward the end of the book when he calls out journalists for their relentless and redundant questions about his bedroom experience. “Not having sex until marriage was not the defining aspect of my life or personality,” he says. “It was simply the one that garnered the most headlines” — in US Weekly, in People, on “Good Morning America,” even on “Jimmy Kimmel.”
“I was mad that no one would give it a rest,” he writes. “Every interview was all about sex, all the time.”
And here you thought watching beautiful strangers hook up on TV was all about true love.
For Lowe, it was.
“For the Right Reasons” takes us back to the real story of the boy from Texas. With a loving family and a successful high school career, Lowe was “always the nice kid everyone’s parents liked.” College was tougher, though. As a football player at Kansas State, he struggled to stay focused and almost failed out. “There were so many fun things to do,” he confesses. “I’d flip on the television and get interested in whatever was on. Something like a PBS program about African wildebeests would ensnare me until late into the night.”
Whoa — hang on there, horn-dog, this is a family newspaper!
Determined to be a millionaire by 30, Lowe jumped into debt settlement, but soon lost all his investors’ money. That failure drove him, very reluctantly, into his family’s insurance business, but he never stopped praying to God for something more satisfying.
And that was when — like generations of humble saints before him — he heard the call: from Tabby in the casting department.
Much of “All the Right Reasons” details Lowe’s buffeted emotions as he competed for Emily Maynard’s affections on the eighth season of “The Bachelorette.” “I felt confident in our relationship,” he says. “I knew in my heart that none of the other guys would have the connection we had.” But he was no back-stabbing “Survivor” contestant. Before filming each morning, he led the other guys in Bible study.
He had every reason to think he’d win. “You’re perfect,” Maynard kept telling him. “You’ve just the whole package — you’ve got it all. Even your dogs are perfect.” And yet, as millions of viewers know, Prince Charming was sent home in “the limo ride of shame.”
Later, against his better judgment, he left a plaintive message on Maynard’s answering machine. She never called him back. (“After seeing how everything ended up for her,” he says in a rare moment of cattiness, “I was sort of relieved she’d sent me home.” She chose another guy, and they split up not long after the show.)
But when God closes a window, He opens a door: The producers of “The Bachelor” want him to star in a new season.
The second half of “For the Right Reasons” takes us through that romantic whirlwind as Lowe struggles to choose a woman “who would challenge me in my spiritual walk” — just what reality TV is designed to do.
“Marrying a non-Christian is unwise for the Christian and unfair to the non-Christian,” he says, a position that plunges the show — and his memoir — into crisis: “Was [Giudici] a Christian? Was she serious about faith?”
“Freaking out” the night before the proposal episode, he pleads with the producers for 15 private minutes with Giudici. It’s a sinful breach of “Bachelor” protocol, but they finally relent.
“I want someone who will love Jesus as much as I do,” he tells Giudici in a panicked, off-camera meeting. “Someone to help me raise my kids in the Christian faith.”
The rest is TV history.
There are challenges ahead, of course, the kinds of challenges that any fiancé must face when he decides to get married on television and then becomes a contestant on “Dancing With the Stars.” But Lowe and Giudici manage to hang on till the big day. “We wanted it to be as much like a normal wedding as possible,” Lowe says in that voice so free of cynicism you just want to break down and cry. “We were honored that ABC wanted to be a part of it.”
Before he walks down the aisle, he sends one last bachelor tweet to Jesus.
Amen.
This review first appeared in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/s...
July 5, 2015
I am a huge "Bachelor" fan, so whenever a book comes out by one of the big names in the franchise I am inevitably going to get around to reading it. The last one I read, "I Didn't Come Here to Make Friends" by Courtney Robertson, is hard to top. Obviously these people are using ghostwriters, but while Courtney's book still seemed to display her voice and personality, Sean's book came off more bland and cookie-cutter. I did enjoy the recaps of his seasons on "The Bachelorette" and "The Bachelor," but there wasn't much new information given besides what you already saw on-screen. He gave some behind-the-scenes details or expounded on his feelings in each situation, but definitely nothing as earth-shattering as Courtney discussing her intimate times with Ben in the Fantasy Suite. The most shocking thing to me that was completely new information was when he talked about the business he had been involved in prior to selling insurance. The amount of money he lost for an investor was staggering. He said the investor threatened to sue him, but I don't think he ever commented on if that actually happened or if he ever tried to pay some of the money back?
The book also didn't provide very much information about Sean and Catherine's life post-show, besides talking about how hard it was on her when he was filming "Dancing with the Stars." I also didn't care too much about the introductory chapters detailing his football years. In addition, the re-created dialogue and imagined scenes that were from over 10 years ago and obviously were crafted by the author, mostly at the beginning, made me cringe.
For example, a "scene" of Sean moving into his dorm room at college:
"Mom, you really outdid yourself," I said, my arms full of Target bags.
"Gotta take care of my baby boy."
I groaned at those two words. "I'm eighteen, Mom."
This is non-fiction, not a novel, so these fictionalized conversations and versions of supposedly true events were just awkward.
I do admire Sean and how he conducted himself on TV. He and Catherine are a cute couple. If you love "The Bachelor" and its spin-offs, I would recommend reading this, but get it from the library if you can.
The book also didn't provide very much information about Sean and Catherine's life post-show, besides talking about how hard it was on her when he was filming "Dancing with the Stars." I also didn't care too much about the introductory chapters detailing his football years. In addition, the re-created dialogue and imagined scenes that were from over 10 years ago and obviously were crafted by the author, mostly at the beginning, made me cringe.
For example, a "scene" of Sean moving into his dorm room at college:
"Mom, you really outdid yourself," I said, my arms full of Target bags.
"Gotta take care of my baby boy."
I groaned at those two words. "I'm eighteen, Mom."
This is non-fiction, not a novel, so these fictionalized conversations and versions of supposedly true events were just awkward.
I do admire Sean and how he conducted himself on TV. He and Catherine are a cute couple. If you love "The Bachelor" and its spin-offs, I would recommend reading this, but get it from the library if you can.
March 16, 2015
Don't judge me- I am obsessed with The Bachelor/Bachelorette. Sean Lowe's story did not disappoint. He shares stories of his upbringing in a family of faith and football like a typical Texan. He dives in to his heart-breaking experience on Emily Maynard's season of The Bachelorette then on his own season of The Bachelor. It's refreshing to see and know that he was able to maintain his dignity and beliefs in such a crazy atmosphere.
February 28, 2015
I always love going "behind the scenes." Love how he told his story of faith and love on the journey to finding his wife!
December 16, 2018
I love a good memoir, and I adore trashy reality tv. This wasn't a good memoir and it certainly didn't dish any dirt on the behind the scenes of Bachelor Nation. The main problem with this book is Lowe is trying sooooo hard to maintain a perfect "Christian" image and to be inspirational. He came across like a cardboard cutout of himself for 90% of the book, and there were countless stories I was actually curious about from the show that he didn't even address. I didn't even understand why he chose Catherine (especially when she wasn't even a Christian, which was his number one requirement). Even he didn't seem to know---he just couldn't imagine saying goodbye. And look, that's not a shitty reason, because sometimes that's enough to really be like, "Yeah, this is the one." I just wanted a little more explanation.
It's also clear he wants to maintain a pristine rep with the show, because he vehemently praises the produces, show runners, etc etc etc. And I get it---he was a broke insurance sales person not really going anywhere right before the show, and then BAM! He and Catherine now make 10,000/instagram ad (EACH) and were paid six figures to have their wedding filmed (a wedding paid for by the show). So they have a lot to be grateful for, and I appreciate that Lowe doesn't bash the Bachelor. But yeah, hell yeah, I wanted the scoop. I mean SOMETHING. ANYTHING. Throw a dog a bone, I'm dying over here!
The most disappointing part for me is that Catherine fully transformed everything about herself for Sean: she took on his faith, abandoned her vegan lifestyle, and converted completely to the Dallas lifestyle he was living. Again, if she's ok with this, that's her life to live, but it feels like he didn't marry Catherine herself, but rather molded her into what he wanted.
Overall, a really lame and superficial read, though I liked him on both shows. I just prefer people who aren't afraid to be genuine and express what's really going on in their lives and their hearts.
It's also clear he wants to maintain a pristine rep with the show, because he vehemently praises the produces, show runners, etc etc etc. And I get it---he was a broke insurance sales person not really going anywhere right before the show, and then BAM! He and Catherine now make 10,000/instagram ad (EACH) and were paid six figures to have their wedding filmed (a wedding paid for by the show). So they have a lot to be grateful for, and I appreciate that Lowe doesn't bash the Bachelor. But yeah, hell yeah, I wanted the scoop. I mean SOMETHING. ANYTHING. Throw a dog a bone, I'm dying over here!
The most disappointing part for me is that Catherine fully transformed everything about herself for Sean: she took on his faith, abandoned her vegan lifestyle, and converted completely to the Dallas lifestyle he was living. Again, if she's ok with this, that's her life to live, but it feels like he didn't marry Catherine herself, but rather molded her into what he wanted.
Overall, a really lame and superficial read, though I liked him on both shows. I just prefer people who aren't afraid to be genuine and express what's really going on in their lives and their hearts.
August 15, 2015
Selfish, double standards, contradictions, shady.
I always liked Sean but after reading this he seems like a spoiled selfish brat. Catherine had every right to be upset when he was doing DWTS. Did he not say he dumped AshLee for wanting to do another reality show after The Bachelor but then he went and did one? Double standard much?? There are a lot of contradictions that go on in this book; which leaves more questions than what he thinks he had answered. I did like the insight to the behind the scenes of The Bachelor show, that was interesting.
I always liked Sean but after reading this he seems like a spoiled selfish brat. Catherine had every right to be upset when he was doing DWTS. Did he not say he dumped AshLee for wanting to do another reality show after The Bachelor but then he went and did one? Double standard much?? There are a lot of contradictions that go on in this book; which leaves more questions than what he thinks he had answered. I did like the insight to the behind the scenes of The Bachelor show, that was interesting.
March 7, 2015
I want to be clear that I went into reading this book with little to no knowledge of Sean Lowe. I started watching Bachelor-related things only recently, so I missed his appearance on both Bachelorette Season 8 and Bachelor Season 17. ABC has also insured that I will not be viewing these seasons by making them unavailable.
I also picked the book up in the hopes of finding out more regarding the behind-the-scenes action in the Bachelor franchises. To that end, the book is mildly informative. (Reading Sharleen Joynt's blog "All the Pretty Pandas" will give you more information on most points.) Chris Harrison remains an enigma, but it does go into some detail about the producers and the film crew.
Sean writes a decent story. I didn't find much to relate to in any of his background, experiences, or interests, which may have influenced my perception. In all honestly, the book was rather dull. It was however thoroughly honest and concise, which I appreciate.
There were few inconsistencies and it was interesting to hear the personal perspective and experience of someone going from Bachelor hater to Bachelor superstar. The show does not sound like an easy undertaking, and I think that many have misconceptions about it that this book would clear up.
Sean's candor and insight into his experience forced me to set aside some of my preconceived judgments and notions of what someone like him might be like; by the end of the book I respected him.
My biggest takeaway from this book came in its final pages:
People often tell you to "live your dream." But I think the better advice is to be faithful. Treat people well, even when you don't feel like it. Tell the truth, even when it's complicated. Admit your mistakes, even when they make you look bad. In other words, don't save your integrity for the big moments. Practice it at all times so you actually have some when the big moments come.
I also picked the book up in the hopes of finding out more regarding the behind-the-scenes action in the Bachelor franchises. To that end, the book is mildly informative. (Reading Sharleen Joynt's blog "All the Pretty Pandas" will give you more information on most points.) Chris Harrison remains an enigma, but it does go into some detail about the producers and the film crew.
Sean writes a decent story. I didn't find much to relate to in any of his background, experiences, or interests, which may have influenced my perception. In all honestly, the book was rather dull. It was however thoroughly honest and concise, which I appreciate.
There were few inconsistencies and it was interesting to hear the personal perspective and experience of someone going from Bachelor hater to Bachelor superstar. The show does not sound like an easy undertaking, and I think that many have misconceptions about it that this book would clear up.
Sean's candor and insight into his experience forced me to set aside some of my preconceived judgments and notions of what someone like him might be like; by the end of the book I respected him.
My biggest takeaway from this book came in its final pages:
People often tell you to "live your dream." But I think the better advice is to be faithful. Treat people well, even when you don't feel like it. Tell the truth, even when it's complicated. Admit your mistakes, even when they make you look bad. In other words, don't save your integrity for the big moments. Practice it at all times so you actually have some when the big moments come.
January 31, 2015
Yeah, I love the Bachelor and Bachelorette and I'm not ashamed to admit it! Sean's book is a great insight into some of the behind the scenes details for the show - both as a "contestant" and as the Bachelor himself. But most importantly, Sean tells his story - a story of ups and downs, successes and failures, and the need for the love and redemption of Jesus. I'm grateful for a refreshing perspective on the world of reality television. For the Right Reasons is well-written and will immediately grab you - I stayed up late reading it all in one night!
June 20, 2015
I'm not a die hard Bachelor fan but I have watched my share of episodes; it's something I do with my daughter. When I discovered there was a behind-the-scenes book with good ratings on amazon, I thought I'd check it out. What I found most interesting were the details on how the show is run. Everything else was a disappointment. The writing, considering it was co-written with a well respected author, left lots to be desired. I ended up not liking "America's favorite bachelor", who came across as shallow.
June 25, 2018
I enjoyed this book immensely. If you love Sean Lowe, you'll love his book. His descriptions of his life are entertaining and honest. He even brings light to aspects of The Bachelor that many viewers may not realize.
See my full review: https://northofnonsensesouthofsophist...
See my full review: https://northofnonsensesouthofsophist...
March 13, 2015
Book Riot #ReadHarder Challenge #21: A Guilty Pleasure - Sean Lowe (with Nancy French), For the Right Reasons: America's Favorite Bachelor on Faith, Love, Marriage, and Why Nice Guys Finish First
Occasionally, I let slip on FB that I'm addicted to The Bachelor franchise. It's a total guilty pleasure that I occasionally justify by analyzing the stupid stuff they pull on these shows (racial slur on Andi's season, anyone?) Truth is, I enjoy reading spoilers via RealitySteve.com and seeing how the editors shape the narrative in response, I like to see the various shooting locations with their extravagant dates, and some small part of me hopes every single time that the final woman/man chosen will be able to make it with the season's star.
Sean was one of my favorite bachelors because he seemed like one of the most genuine and level-headed guys to enter the mayhem. (Of course, that's not hard to do when Ben Flajnik was your predecessor.) His season had the usual drama and engagement after a whole 6 weeks of dating multiple women. But he set himself apart by being the only Bachelor in the franchise (out of 19 seasons) to marry the woman he chose. All this to say, I was interested in reading his book that recently came out. It seemed like the perfect fit for this challenge.
It was a fast read, but this is not to say that it was a good read. It was interesting to get his perspective on being second runner-up in Emily's season of The Bachelorette and how he approached being the star of the next season. One of the highlights of the book was his candor about the months following the show: how little he knew about his fiancee, how he and Catherine worked on their relationship, and the struggles they faced before getting married.
However, the book lacked artistry. There was much that could have been done to make this worlds better...from the narrative arc to the transitions between moments to the writing language itself. You could tell that much of it was written by French as she interviewed Sean. Where the Bachelor wins in the awful metaphor department, this book definitely beat it in the awful simile department. I can almost imagine Sean being interviewed about the final shooting day in Thailand, saying, "It was super hot and humid. I was sweating like crazy," and French turning that into "The humidity wrapped around me like a wet blanket." (That's a real line from the book, I swear.)
The book was also geared toward this public known as "Bachelor Nation," and boy, did it kiss ass sometimes. I think, overall, my favorite parts of the book were the pictures of and parts about his dogs. Rating: 2 stars for empty, fun, intellectually uninspiring reading.
Occasionally, I let slip on FB that I'm addicted to The Bachelor franchise. It's a total guilty pleasure that I occasionally justify by analyzing the stupid stuff they pull on these shows (racial slur on Andi's season, anyone?) Truth is, I enjoy reading spoilers via RealitySteve.com and seeing how the editors shape the narrative in response, I like to see the various shooting locations with their extravagant dates, and some small part of me hopes every single time that the final woman/man chosen will be able to make it with the season's star.
Sean was one of my favorite bachelors because he seemed like one of the most genuine and level-headed guys to enter the mayhem. (Of course, that's not hard to do when Ben Flajnik was your predecessor.) His season had the usual drama and engagement after a whole 6 weeks of dating multiple women. But he set himself apart by being the only Bachelor in the franchise (out of 19 seasons) to marry the woman he chose. All this to say, I was interested in reading his book that recently came out. It seemed like the perfect fit for this challenge.
It was a fast read, but this is not to say that it was a good read. It was interesting to get his perspective on being second runner-up in Emily's season of The Bachelorette and how he approached being the star of the next season. One of the highlights of the book was his candor about the months following the show: how little he knew about his fiancee, how he and Catherine worked on their relationship, and the struggles they faced before getting married.
However, the book lacked artistry. There was much that could have been done to make this worlds better...from the narrative arc to the transitions between moments to the writing language itself. You could tell that much of it was written by French as she interviewed Sean. Where the Bachelor wins in the awful metaphor department, this book definitely beat it in the awful simile department. I can almost imagine Sean being interviewed about the final shooting day in Thailand, saying, "It was super hot and humid. I was sweating like crazy," and French turning that into "The humidity wrapped around me like a wet blanket." (That's a real line from the book, I swear.)
The book was also geared toward this public known as "Bachelor Nation," and boy, did it kiss ass sometimes. I think, overall, my favorite parts of the book were the pictures of and parts about his dogs. Rating: 2 stars for empty, fun, intellectually uninspiring reading.
March 23, 2015
It's no secret that I'm a fan of the Bachelor franchise. Bachelor, Bachelorette, Bachelor Pad, Bachelor in Paradise ... if Team Bachelor puts it on TV, I'm going to watch it. When I heard that Sean Lowe, my favorite Bachelor so far, had written a book, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it!
For the Right Reasons is like a backstage pass to The Bachelor/ette. In the opening section of the book, Sean details his early life and faith, and that's interesting enough, but what I wanted—and what most readers will want—was the behind the scenes info from his time on The Bachelorette and The Bachelor. He delivers that in spades.
What I actually found most interesting was what he had to say about being on The Bachelorette. I always enjoy The Bachelorette more than The Bachelor because I love how the guys goof around and forge real friendships, while the girls on The Bachelor often just come off as catty or crazy. (I realize I'm in the minority here!) So when Sean talked about his friendships with Arie and Jef, his relationship with Emily Maynard, and what he went through after Emily let him go, well, I ate it up.
Sean spends considerable time on the whole Bachelor experience (for good reason). He addresses the Tierra drama, Des' brother, the difficulty he had in choosing who to let go near the end, and his reasons for ultimately choosing Catherine. The one aspect I wish he would have touched on is The Women Tell All episode. He never mentioned it, and I seem to recall it being rather dramatic regarding AshLee, the girl who came in third. It just seems a little odd that he wouldn't mention that episode at all.
He also talks about his time on Dancing with the Stars and is very open about how difficult that time was for him and Catherine. There's also a bit about Catherine's conversion and their wedding.
All in all, For the Right Reasons is a must read for any Bachelor fan! 4-1/2 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
For the Right Reasons is like a backstage pass to The Bachelor/ette. In the opening section of the book, Sean details his early life and faith, and that's interesting enough, but what I wanted—and what most readers will want—was the behind the scenes info from his time on The Bachelorette and The Bachelor. He delivers that in spades.
What I actually found most interesting was what he had to say about being on The Bachelorette. I always enjoy The Bachelorette more than The Bachelor because I love how the guys goof around and forge real friendships, while the girls on The Bachelor often just come off as catty or crazy. (I realize I'm in the minority here!) So when Sean talked about his friendships with Arie and Jef, his relationship with Emily Maynard, and what he went through after Emily let him go, well, I ate it up.
Sean spends considerable time on the whole Bachelor experience (for good reason). He addresses the Tierra drama, Des' brother, the difficulty he had in choosing who to let go near the end, and his reasons for ultimately choosing Catherine. The one aspect I wish he would have touched on is The Women Tell All episode. He never mentioned it, and I seem to recall it being rather dramatic regarding AshLee, the girl who came in third. It just seems a little odd that he wouldn't mention that episode at all.
He also talks about his time on Dancing with the Stars and is very open about how difficult that time was for him and Catherine. There's also a bit about Catherine's conversion and their wedding.
All in all, For the Right Reasons is a must read for any Bachelor fan! 4-1/2 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
January 16, 2015
From being dumped on national television to his experience on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars, Sean Lowe tells it all. Before diving into details about his time on the show, Sean relives life before appearing on Emily Maynard’s season of The Bachelorette. From there, readers and fans get a behind the scenes look at his relationship with Emily to how he became America’s favorite Bachelor and finding his wife. Faith has always played a strong role in Sean’s life and he shares how it’s guided him along the way one step at a time.
Sean easily became America’s favorite Bachelor through his addicting personality. His personality shines through the pages of this book making it hard to put down. One of the reason’s I recommend this book to anyone, whether a fan of the show or not, is that it is a real story about finding yourself. Even with a huge (like, 539.6K* followers on twitter, huge) fan base, Sean fearlessly admits his flaws and embraces the not-so-pretty emotions he encountered while falling in love (ex: dumping Lindsay Yenter). If you didn’t get wrapped up in his journey to find love on The Bachelorette/The Bachelor, you definitely will while reading about it. You can’t help but let his fairy-tale love story tug on your heart.
Having recently read Courtney Robertson’s I Didn’t Come Here To Make Friends, I was nervous reading Sean’s book would be a little…boring. While I appreciate his values and strong faith just as much as the next fan, you have to admit that the drama surrounding the show is entertaining. Sean Lowe and For The Right Reasons did not disappoint. It was refreshingly real to read about someone who had so much success on the show (in the love department, not financially speaking). In fact, I enjoyed Sean’s story much more than the behind the scenes drama and finished it within 24 hours!
Review on Improbabledreams.com
Sean easily became America’s favorite Bachelor through his addicting personality. His personality shines through the pages of this book making it hard to put down. One of the reason’s I recommend this book to anyone, whether a fan of the show or not, is that it is a real story about finding yourself. Even with a huge (like, 539.6K* followers on twitter, huge) fan base, Sean fearlessly admits his flaws and embraces the not-so-pretty emotions he encountered while falling in love (ex: dumping Lindsay Yenter). If you didn’t get wrapped up in his journey to find love on The Bachelorette/The Bachelor, you definitely will while reading about it. You can’t help but let his fairy-tale love story tug on your heart.
Having recently read Courtney Robertson’s I Didn’t Come Here To Make Friends, I was nervous reading Sean’s book would be a little…boring. While I appreciate his values and strong faith just as much as the next fan, you have to admit that the drama surrounding the show is entertaining. Sean Lowe and For The Right Reasons did not disappoint. It was refreshingly real to read about someone who had so much success on the show (in the love department, not financially speaking). In fact, I enjoyed Sean’s story much more than the behind the scenes drama and finished it within 24 hours!
Review on Improbabledreams.com
November 25, 2014
Being a fan of the show since the start I was ready to like this book and I did! The book covers part of Sean's high-school and college life as well as a few different jobs he had before settling into the family insurance business. Picked for The Bachelorette and then The Bachelor he tells the story of that journey up until his wedding day.
For fans of the show getting behind-the-scenes insights is a really fun part of the book. I don't want to list any spoilers so read the book to find out! But, I do wished it told me a bit more about people like Chris Harrison and more about DWTS. And actually, it would have been fun to have a few insights from Catherine along the way because I think I became more intrigued by her! She seems like just the kind of person you want for a friend.
Reading about Sean's faith and the way God used Sean was really encouraging. The willingness to be faithful in small things and trusting in the Lord as we live this life really resonated with me and he did a good job of showing how God has been faithful.
The writing felt a bit stiff compared to the fun and relaxed vibe Sean has on TV but the content and sincerity of the book made it a very worthwhile read that I would recommend.
--I read an ARC but not in exchange for a review--
For fans of the show getting behind-the-scenes insights is a really fun part of the book. I don't want to list any spoilers so read the book to find out! But, I do wished it told me a bit more about people like Chris Harrison and more about DWTS. And actually, it would have been fun to have a few insights from Catherine along the way because I think I became more intrigued by her! She seems like just the kind of person you want for a friend.
Reading about Sean's faith and the way God used Sean was really encouraging. The willingness to be faithful in small things and trusting in the Lord as we live this life really resonated with me and he did a good job of showing how God has been faithful.
The writing felt a bit stiff compared to the fun and relaxed vibe Sean has on TV but the content and sincerity of the book made it a very worthwhile read that I would recommend.
--I read an ARC but not in exchange for a review--
January 9, 2015
I am a huge fan of The Bachelor and Sean Lowe is hands down my favorite bachelor so far. Everything about him is so genuine and kind. You could easily tell that his life revolved around his faith and his family and I respected that about him. He shared his values without cramming them down your throat, which is appreciated. Getting to read his story before, during, and after being the Bachelor was really neat! I also loved the behind-the-scenes knowledge he shared and the light he shone on the moments we missed or did not understand during his time on both The Bachelorette and The Bachelor. I could not imagine having a mic on and cameras there constantly. While reading, it was easy to relate to Sean and his feelings. I was positively unaware of some of the ups and downs Sean had gone through. Sean proves that no matter what life throws at you, as long as you are consistent in believing things will be better, things will in fact get better. I highly recommend giving this book a read, especially if you are a fan of The Bachelor!
*This is an ARC but not in exchange for a review*
*This is an ARC but not in exchange for a review*
January 18, 2015
If you love the Bachelor and Bachelorette, you'll definitely will want to read this book. As a fan of the show, I found this book to be interesting. Sean is not perfect, in fact he is far from perfect. Emily saw him as a perfect perfect, but he has plenty of flaws and "For the Right Reasons" brings all those flaws right to the forefront. However, Sean is a down to earth guy who hasn't had the perfect life, who has struggled and is just a regular person, despite his wonderful season on the Bachelor and Dancing with the Stars. The take away from this book is that Sean isn't perfect, he is on a journey just like the rest of us, but he too has experienced grace. In experiencing grace, he found a wonderful woman to share his life with and their two dogs. I won't spoil a lot of details here because I could gush over a lot stuff that happened early on to Sean, but I think that makes this book so interesting. I started this book and finished it in one sitting. You won't want to stop reading. Enjoy! Fans, you should pick up this book, you won't be able to stop reading.
March 3, 2015
I'm not ashamed to admit that my favorite 'guilty pleasure' is to watch 'The Bachelor' on Monday nights. Some refer to the show as trashy television; however, I truthfully think it's a fascinating example of human interaction + relationship development. Throughout the many seasons I've seen - none compared to Sean Lowe's! He is, by far, my favorite bachelor ever to appear on the show and when I heard that he 'wrote' a book about his 'journey' to find love - I immediately requested it from the library.
I gobbled this book up in less than a day. Obviously it's not Pulitzer Prize worthy but it was quite enjoyable. If you're a fan of the reality series you have to pick it up! Behind-the-scenes 'Bachelor' details + memoir = a highly entertaining read.
I gobbled this book up in less than a day. Obviously it's not Pulitzer Prize worthy but it was quite enjoyable. If you're a fan of the reality series you have to pick it up! Behind-the-scenes 'Bachelor' details + memoir = a highly entertaining read.
February 6, 2015
I can't believe I am saying this...but I couldn't put this book down. As a huge bachelor/ette fan it was fun to hear behind the scenes secrets but more importantly, this really is a story of faith, relationships, a journey and living with integrity. I think everyone, not just show fans, can gain a lot from this story. How we live our lives and our days are all based on choices we make-Sean does an excellent job of depicting the not always easy journey to get to being the person he is today-a great life lesson for all of us meandering out ways through our own journeys. Well done!
February 17, 2015
This book drew me right in..I couldn't put it down!! I really appreciated How candidly Sean spoke about things. As a huge Bachelor fan I loved all the inside info he provided. It was neat seeing things from both perspectives (one being a contestant and the other in the drivers seat). If you are a Bachelor fan then you need to read this book. Sean proved to very as genuine as I thought he was. I wish him and Catherine many many years of happiness.
January 21, 2018
I’m giving this book 5 stars as a fan of the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise- and I watched this season and the wedding and just appreciate Sean and Catherine as a couple. I feel like this book gave me more behind the scenes than others who have been on the show and written books. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
May 4, 2019
Am I kind of embarrassed to record this on my reading log? Yes. Did this book feel like bingeing Halloween candy—fun that carries a modicum of regret? Yes. This book is easy, mostly fluff, and only for people who want some Bachelor behind-the-scenes.
Read
August 22, 2015No shame.
April 7, 2018
Interesting parts about Bachelor behind the scenes, but overall not anything too impressive.
April 6, 2025
You'd have to be a fan of The Bachelor and just as importantly Sean, but if you are, this is a must-read. I loved every bit of it. The back stories of The Bachelor, his life, and the honesty with which he wrote. I want to rewatch Emily and Sean's seasons again to see some of the things mentioned in the book.
June 14, 2022
I love them so I thoroughly enjoyed this.
January 7, 2017
Sean Lowe's season of the Bachelor was the first one I ever watched, and honestly, if I had started with any other season I probably wouldn't have continued watching the show (but now...well, I'm hooked). Lowe is a Christian, and I've always been a bit mystified at how Christians would think it was a good idea to try to meet a future spouse on a show like the Bachelor, so I was interested in reading the rest of the story.
This book is well written and kept my attention to the end. Though Lowe readily admits at some of the mistakes he made in the past, he also tells his testimony of coming to know Jesus as his Savior and becoming more serious in his Christian walk as he became an adult. I thought it was especially interesting to read about his season as the Bachelor, because there was a lot of behind-the-scene stuff that was interesting. I remember watching that season and being completely baffled that he had picked Catherine, because I really didn't see it coming at the time, so it was interesting to me to read about some of the interactions they had that didn't really translate into television. It was cute, and made me really like them as a couple.
The one thing I wasn't thrilled about as I was reading was the fact that though Lowe was generally concerned while he was on the show with making sure the girls' values matched up with his, he didn't get a really solid answer on Catherine's faith until right before he proposed to her. He seemed to take this seriously through most of the book, so I was a little confused on why he didn't do that with Catherine. He says he feels like the Lord confirmed to him that Catherine was close to coming to know Jesus as her Savior, but she didn't actually become a Christian until after the show (and after he proposed). I was surprised at that, and I generally think it is unwise of a Christian to become so emotionally and romantically attached to another person before they become a believer. I'm not going to question the way it all worked out because in a lot of ways God used Lowe to bring Catherine to know Jesus, and it was obviously God's will that they end up together. It really is a neat story. However, I wouldn't hold up the way it went down as an example, per se, of how a Christian should find a spouse, and I think that is just something to be aware of.
When Christians choose to marry outside of their faith, they are not only disobeying a direct command in Scripture (do not be unequally yoked, 2 Cor. 6:14), but they are taking a huge risk. The fact of the matter is that a Christian can marry a non-believer, and that unbelieving spouse may never come to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. They may die not believing. I really can't imagine anything more heartbreaking than that. I'm glad it worked out with Sean and Catherine, and it was neat to read their story, but I just wouldn't recommend emulating that part of their relationship.
This book is well written and kept my attention to the end. Though Lowe readily admits at some of the mistakes he made in the past, he also tells his testimony of coming to know Jesus as his Savior and becoming more serious in his Christian walk as he became an adult. I thought it was especially interesting to read about his season as the Bachelor, because there was a lot of behind-the-scene stuff that was interesting. I remember watching that season and being completely baffled that he had picked Catherine, because I really didn't see it coming at the time, so it was interesting to me to read about some of the interactions they had that didn't really translate into television. It was cute, and made me really like them as a couple.
The one thing I wasn't thrilled about as I was reading was the fact that though Lowe was generally concerned while he was on the show with making sure the girls' values matched up with his, he didn't get a really solid answer on Catherine's faith until right before he proposed to her. He seemed to take this seriously through most of the book, so I was a little confused on why he didn't do that with Catherine. He says he feels like the Lord confirmed to him that Catherine was close to coming to know Jesus as her Savior, but she didn't actually become a Christian until after the show (and after he proposed). I was surprised at that, and I generally think it is unwise of a Christian to become so emotionally and romantically attached to another person before they become a believer. I'm not going to question the way it all worked out because in a lot of ways God used Lowe to bring Catherine to know Jesus, and it was obviously God's will that they end up together. It really is a neat story. However, I wouldn't hold up the way it went down as an example, per se, of how a Christian should find a spouse, and I think that is just something to be aware of.
When Christians choose to marry outside of their faith, they are not only disobeying a direct command in Scripture (do not be unequally yoked, 2 Cor. 6:14), but they are taking a huge risk. The fact of the matter is that a Christian can marry a non-believer, and that unbelieving spouse may never come to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. They may die not believing. I really can't imagine anything more heartbreaking than that. I'm glad it worked out with Sean and Catherine, and it was neat to read their story, but I just wouldn't recommend emulating that part of their relationship.
January 3, 2017
This is pretty much what you would expect from bachelor Sean. Nice and sweet and a lot of focus on his spiritual beliefs and a bit boring and bland. Definitely not my favorite bachelor memoir.
September 2, 2016
On television, Sean Lowe is a pretty likable guy, and overall, I suppose he is in print, as well. That said, I do not think I would like him much in real life. He says his life remains centered on his faith, and that is a very prominent theme in this book, but as far as I can tell, that doesn't match up well with his actions, beyond being a generally respectful person. Before going on the Bachelorette, he was working for both the fracking industry and then started a (failed) business with some friends of his trying to cash in on other people's misfortunes and debts as a credit consolidation firm. In creating this business, he pretty much lost the life savings of a man who trusted him, and never did he mention paying him back, even once he was making money again, whether in his insurance agent-day job, or the extra money he made on the Bachelor or Dancing with the Stars. For some reason, he completely separates his career and career goals from his Christianity. The only time in the book he even mentions giving to a charity is that on their wedding registry, they included an option to donate to a childhood cancer charity (props for that!), but overall, he seems to live a very self-serving life.
I also found myself wondering while reading this book if Catherine gets much of a say in her marriage- Sean's beliefs are very entrenched in traditional gender roles, and I find it odd that she went from being a graphic designer, vegan, lapsed Catholic to a meat-eating, Bible-thumping, Texan housewife in a matter of months. I hope they're happy together, and I know they've now been married for a few years and have recently had a baby, but in reading this book, part of me felt sad for Catherine. I wonder if she misses her old life and old self, before she became what Sean wanted and still had dreams of her own.
The book was ok. Had some interesting behind the scenes Bachelor tidbits, and it was the first Bachelor-memoir I've read that ended with a "happily ever after", though, as explained previously, I have reservations about how that came to be. I didn't love it, and it actually made me think more poorly of Sean Lowe than before I read it, which makes me believe perhaps the book does more of a disservice to him and his "brand" than otherwise. Two stars. Recommended only for Bachelor fans who don't mind being preached to (better than Emily's book, but a lot of the same sentiments).
I also found myself wondering while reading this book if Catherine gets much of a say in her marriage- Sean's beliefs are very entrenched in traditional gender roles, and I find it odd that she went from being a graphic designer, vegan, lapsed Catholic to a meat-eating, Bible-thumping, Texan housewife in a matter of months. I hope they're happy together, and I know they've now been married for a few years and have recently had a baby, but in reading this book, part of me felt sad for Catherine. I wonder if she misses her old life and old self, before she became what Sean wanted and still had dreams of her own.
The book was ok. Had some interesting behind the scenes Bachelor tidbits, and it was the first Bachelor-memoir I've read that ended with a "happily ever after", though, as explained previously, I have reservations about how that came to be. I didn't love it, and it actually made me think more poorly of Sean Lowe than before I read it, which makes me believe perhaps the book does more of a disservice to him and his "brand" than otherwise. Two stars. Recommended only for Bachelor fans who don't mind being preached to (better than Emily's book, but a lot of the same sentiments).
April 23, 2020
2.5 stars.
I read For the Right Reasons: America’s Favorite Bachelor on Faith, Love, Marriage, and Why Nice Guys Finish First in February of 2015, so I’m not going to review. I’m just adding books to my read shelf that never made it there when I first read them (thanks, child Kayleigh, for deciding to keep a list of all the books you’ve read, their dates, and their rating since early 2007).
“People often tell you to “live your dream.” But I think the better advice is to be faithful. Treat people well, even when you don’t feel like it. Tell the truth, even when it’s complicated. Admit your mistakes, even when they make you look bad. In other words, don’t save your integrity for the big moments. Practice it at all times so you actually have some when the big moments come.”
I read For the Right Reasons: America’s Favorite Bachelor on Faith, Love, Marriage, and Why Nice Guys Finish First in February of 2015, so I’m not going to review. I’m just adding books to my read shelf that never made it there when I first read them (thanks, child Kayleigh, for deciding to keep a list of all the books you’ve read, their dates, and their rating since early 2007).
April 2, 2015
I'll start by saying I didn't watch this season of the Bachelor on TV. I have only watched one season of the show so I'm not like the other devoted fans. I wanted to read this book to get perspective. To see if what is on TV could possibly be real and how a Christian would act in that type of environment. I enjoyed reading Sean's backstory on his family and growing up. Then the book started to talk about life on the Bachelorette and how he even got there which was the most interesting part in my opinion. He started off by thinking the show was a joke and well, we all know that's not what happened. The second half of the book is focused on his role as the Bachelor and how he really did fall for multiple women. At times it seemed like he was just writing things to make the reader believe what we see is real and I have a hard time believing that. Right before he proposed he had no idea who he wanted. I guess I don't understand this part. It's also funny because he says the producers would prompt them to kiss and I can't imagine having a real relationship when being prompted. He makes out with multiple woman on the show and falls for them all. Then realizes at the last second he hasn't talked to one of the woman about her faith and what she believes. I would think this would have been a main point in the fantasy suite. Anyway, I think it's great that it all worked out for them but I still have a hard time believing what we see is entirely real.
If you are a fan of the show I think you would love this book.
Three and a half stars as it did capture my attention and gave me a new perspective on the show.
"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."
If you are a fan of the show I think you would love this book.
Three and a half stars as it did capture my attention and gave me a new perspective on the show.
"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."
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