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Love Life
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Memoir & Autobiography (2014)On the heels of his New York Times bestselling Stories I Only Tell My Friends , Rob Lowe is back with an entertaining collection that “invites readers into his world with easy charm and disarming frankness” ( Kirkus Reviews ).
After the incredible response to his acclaimed bestseller, Stories I Only Tell My Friends , Rob Lowe was convinced to mine his experiences for even more stories. The result is Love Life , a memoir about men and women, actors and producers, art and commerce, fathers and sons, movies and TV, addiction and recovery, sex and love. Among the adventures he describes in these pages
· His visit, as a young man, to Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion, where the naïve actor made a surprising discovery in the hot tub.
· The time, as a boy growing up in Malibu, he discovered a vibrator belonging to his best friend’s mother.
· What it’s like to be the star and producer of a flop TV show.
· How an actor prepares, for Californification , Parks and Recreation , and numerous other roles.
· His hilarious account of coaching a kid’s basketball team dominated by helicopter parents.
· How his great, great, great, great, great grandfather may have inspired everything from his love of The West Wing to his taste in classic American architecture.
· His first visit to college, with his son, who is going to receive the education his father never got.
· The time a major movie star stole his girlfriend.
Linked by common themes and his philosophical perspective on love—and life—Lowe’s writing “is loaded with showbiz anecdotes, self-deprecating tales, and has a general sweetness” ( New York Post ).
After the incredible response to his acclaimed bestseller, Stories I Only Tell My Friends , Rob Lowe was convinced to mine his experiences for even more stories. The result is Love Life , a memoir about men and women, actors and producers, art and commerce, fathers and sons, movies and TV, addiction and recovery, sex and love. Among the adventures he describes in these pages
· His visit, as a young man, to Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion, where the naïve actor made a surprising discovery in the hot tub.
· The time, as a boy growing up in Malibu, he discovered a vibrator belonging to his best friend’s mother.
· What it’s like to be the star and producer of a flop TV show.
· How an actor prepares, for Californification , Parks and Recreation , and numerous other roles.
· His hilarious account of coaching a kid’s basketball team dominated by helicopter parents.
· How his great, great, great, great, great grandfather may have inspired everything from his love of The West Wing to his taste in classic American architecture.
· His first visit to college, with his son, who is going to receive the education his father never got.
· The time a major movie star stole his girlfriend.
Linked by common themes and his philosophical perspective on love—and life—Lowe’s writing “is loaded with showbiz anecdotes, self-deprecating tales, and has a general sweetness” ( New York Post ).
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2014
547 people are currently reading
8790 people want to read
About the author
Rob Lowe
25 books476 followersRob Lowe is an American actor. Lowe came to prominence after appearing in films such as The Outsiders, Oxford Blues, About Last Night..., and St. Elmo's Fire. On Television, Lowe is known for his role as Sam Seaborn on The West Wing and his role as Senator Robert McCallister on Brothers & Sisters. He currently appears as a main cast member of Parks and Recreation in the role of Chris Traeger.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,399 reviews
August 26, 2016
I LOVED Rob Lowe. I had posters on my wall and everything. My favorite movie was St. Elmo's Fire (or pretty much any Brat Pack movie).
I still like him even after all these years and I was looking forward to reading his book, but I feel a bit let down. I actually wish I had listened to the audio as maybe him speaking would have made a difference. It also took me quite some time to read. I started it months ago and finally finished it a week or so ago. Of course I often start too many books at once so that's not new. I read his first book Stories I Only Tell My Friends a few years ago and quite enjoyed it. I didn't hate this book, it had some really good parts. I just didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.
The book is well written but at times it felt like it was bouncing around from one topic to another and back again. There were a few times that I felt like I was reading stories that were already in his previous book. I also found he talked a lot about acting techniques. While I'm sure some people would be thrilled to read about his techniques I felt it was a bit much.
I did enjoy some parts of the book but I guess I just expected more. I enjoyed reading about him as a husband and father. When he talked about his son Matthew leaving the nest for college I was touched.
All in all it was a decent book but I enjoyed the first one a lot more.
However, I must give credit where credit is due. Rob Lowe has proven that he's much more than just a pretty face (but his face is definitely pretty).
I still like him even after all these years and I was looking forward to reading his book, but I feel a bit let down. I actually wish I had listened to the audio as maybe him speaking would have made a difference. It also took me quite some time to read. I started it months ago and finally finished it a week or so ago. Of course I often start too many books at once so that's not new. I read his first book Stories I Only Tell My Friends a few years ago and quite enjoyed it. I didn't hate this book, it had some really good parts. I just didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.
The book is well written but at times it felt like it was bouncing around from one topic to another and back again. There were a few times that I felt like I was reading stories that were already in his previous book. I also found he talked a lot about acting techniques. While I'm sure some people would be thrilled to read about his techniques I felt it was a bit much.
I did enjoy some parts of the book but I guess I just expected more. I enjoyed reading about him as a husband and father. When he talked about his son Matthew leaving the nest for college I was touched.
All in all it was a decent book but I enjoyed the first one a lot more.
However, I must give credit where credit is due. Rob Lowe has proven that he's much more than just a pretty face (but his face is definitely pretty).
November 25, 2021
Rob Lowe
Rob Lowe is an American actor who became famous for his roles in young adult films like 'The Outsiders' and 'St. Elmo's Fire.' Afterwards, Lowe co-starred in several TV series, including 'The West Wing', 'Brothers and Sisters', and 'Parks and Recreation.' The eternally youthful celebrity now stars in 'Code Black.'
In this second memoir by the actor, Lowe talks about being a husband and father, TV shows and films he's made, partying and drinking during his younger years (he's a recovering alcoholic), his interest in history and politics, his family, and more.
Rob Lowe with his wife Sheryl Berkoff
Rob Lowe with his sons Matthew Edward (right) and John Owen (left)
Lowe tells a moving story about sending his first-born son off to college and a hilarious tale of inadvertently "fooling" an audience - including President Clinton - with his fake saxophone playing. Unfortunately Barbra Streisand found out and tattled to Clinton. :)
Lowe tells several stories about the HBO movie "Behind the Candelabra" (starring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon) in which Lowe is almost unrecognizable in the role of a plastic surgeon hired by Liberace.
Rob Lowe is almost unrecognizable in 'Behind the Candelabra'
Some of my favorite anecdotes are about the craft of acting, where Lowe provides hints about what we can look for to separate great actors from not-so-good ones.
Rob Lowe with John Travolta
Rob Lowe with Sam Neill
Rob Lowe with Kristin Davis
Rob Lowe with Gwyneth Paltrow
I listened to the audio version of this book (narrated by the author) which is a treat because Lowe skillfully mimics the voices of some featured celebrities. Some of the stories fall a little flat but there are plenty of good ones to make up for it. I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
June 11, 2014
I started out liking this book, as I had enjoyed Rob Lowe's first memoir. But then, I came to page 205 (really, it was almost the end of the book) and these sentences "Has there ever been a more horrific barrier to reading than the Dewey Decimal System? No wonder libraries are becoming irrelevant." Bash Dewey all you want, but don't say that libraries are irrelevant. I know that I didn't purchase this book, I borrowed it from the library. Good thing.
August 11, 2016
I could not finish this book. I had really enjoyed Rob Lowe's first memoir, Stories I Only Tell My Friends, but this one seemed scattered and unnecessary. To the Meh shelf with you!
June 25, 2016
I love Rob Lowe as a writer. He appeals to the movie lover in me. He can describe an entire arc of emotion by referencing a scene from a famous movie, and I totally GET IT.
But there's more to Rob Lowe than the famous Brat Packer. He's a loving father, a devoted husband, a recovering alcoholic, an actor, a friend...he explores so much of himself that I feel like I know him. He not big on telling stories about famous people, and some people might not pick this up, but he really only tells stories (and they are touching stories) about famous people who've passed. If they are still alive, then he won't tell you who he is talking about.
The other thing I love about Rob Lowe is he's not a victim. Things happen to him that suck, but he manages to turn it around into learning experiences. He is able to pick himself back up and doesn't write anything in self-pity. I admire that.
His stories are funny. Really funny. One story had me laughing so hard I couldn't read the next sentence. (one word: Bigfoot). His stories are touching. His stories are honest. He's not a perfect man but he's pretty awesome.
But there's more to Rob Lowe than the famous Brat Packer. He's a loving father, a devoted husband, a recovering alcoholic, an actor, a friend...he explores so much of himself that I feel like I know him. He not big on telling stories about famous people, and some people might not pick this up, but he really only tells stories (and they are touching stories) about famous people who've passed. If they are still alive, then he won't tell you who he is talking about.
The other thing I love about Rob Lowe is he's not a victim. Things happen to him that suck, but he manages to turn it around into learning experiences. He is able to pick himself back up and doesn't write anything in self-pity. I admire that.
His stories are funny. Really funny. One story had me laughing so hard I couldn't read the next sentence. (one word: Bigfoot). His stories are touching. His stories are honest. He's not a perfect man but he's pretty awesome.
September 11, 2022
Rob Lowe is among a few special artists I value as riveting, compassionate authors. I wish I could meet them to discuss things that reached me. “Stories I Only Tell My Friends” alluringly crafted the amazing events it related. I am not into audio CDs and want to hear it.
The follow-up does not reach its magnitude but achieved five star pleasure for me. I was less invested in a story or two. The Lowe family was covered more than familiar figures, although acquainting them is the privilege of autobiographies. I genuinely hope their dog lived through Matthew’s university years. Mainly, the stories opened without a dramatic surge, like Rob’s “Star Wars” saga.
I was jubilant that he discussed rehab. Someone dear to me is finishing it! The pain of Rob’s therapy group upon hearing that kids killed a baby Brother, was horrifying. That poor man drank in secret blame for 30 years, although he had only been a toddler too.
For personal resonance and perspectives, written knowledgeably and superbly, Rob was the perfect artist for me to acquaint because I only knew a few of his films. He wrote the best approximation of how hard it is to be an actor. He wryly called it a class but his message is astute: be prepared to change lines, wardrobe, schedule, and location on the fly.... Then be pressured for a single take performance, when the sky holds only one more hour of daylight.
I have not heard acting strategies like his either: imagine things you can really do. Rob Lowe received accolades for “The Stand”. He was not deaf but could play someone pretending to be deaf.... Fooling Bill Clinton with a saxophone is well known but now I know how it took place.
The final subject was important, which I happened to see on the show “Mom” at the same time. If a recovered addict has alcohol accidentally, it is okay. The sobriety you built is safe. “Love Life” is a treasure I am glad to have in hardcover.
The follow-up does not reach its magnitude but achieved five star pleasure for me. I was less invested in a story or two. The Lowe family was covered more than familiar figures, although acquainting them is the privilege of autobiographies. I genuinely hope their dog lived through Matthew’s university years. Mainly, the stories opened without a dramatic surge, like Rob’s “Star Wars” saga.
I was jubilant that he discussed rehab. Someone dear to me is finishing it! The pain of Rob’s therapy group upon hearing that kids killed a baby Brother, was horrifying. That poor man drank in secret blame for 30 years, although he had only been a toddler too.
For personal resonance and perspectives, written knowledgeably and superbly, Rob was the perfect artist for me to acquaint because I only knew a few of his films. He wrote the best approximation of how hard it is to be an actor. He wryly called it a class but his message is astute: be prepared to change lines, wardrobe, schedule, and location on the fly.... Then be pressured for a single take performance, when the sky holds only one more hour of daylight.
I have not heard acting strategies like his either: imagine things you can really do. Rob Lowe received accolades for “The Stand”. He was not deaf but could play someone pretending to be deaf.... Fooling Bill Clinton with a saxophone is well known but now I know how it took place.
The final subject was important, which I happened to see on the show “Mom” at the same time. If a recovered addict has alcohol accidentally, it is okay. The sobriety you built is safe. “Love Life” is a treasure I am glad to have in hardcover.
May 15, 2014
For serious Rob Lowe fangirls, I give it a 3.5 star but I'm being generous with the other .5 star bc of the swoony end chapter he wrote about his wife. I have no idea if he had writing help, but for someone made from unicorn tears, he's a pretty decent author.
And now I feel compelled to watch St. Elmo's Fire and About Last Night again. I watched both of those movies about a millionty times as a kid, far before it was appropriate to do so. But it cemented my everlasting crush on Mr. Lowe. Well done, sir!
And now I feel compelled to watch St. Elmo's Fire and About Last Night again. I watched both of those movies about a millionty times as a kid, far before it was appropriate to do so. But it cemented my everlasting crush on Mr. Lowe. Well done, sir!
June 22, 2014
Rob Lowe reveals that he is TOTALLY THE WORST in this book. And TOTALLY THE WORST WRITER. More gifs to come.
dreams die so hard
I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS. THANKS, SUZANNE!!!!
dreams die so hard
I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS. THANKS, SUZANNE!!!!
April 19, 2014
I LOVE LOVE LOVED Rob Lowe’s book Things I Only Tell My Friends when I listened to it on audio in 2011. His narration is superb and if you are an audio person and seriously even if you are not….) you are in for a super treat by listening to either of his books.
In Love Life, Rob (oh may I call him Rob? ;) ) not only covers his loves through his life of family, relationships, and his sons; but also his love of acting. Just listening to him share some of his moments from Behind The Candelabra, Killing Kennedy, The Stand, and Untouchable, just to name a few, caused me to go out and rent some of these movies. Just a couple of days ago I watched Behind The Candelabra, and tonight I hope to see Untouchable; two of the movies Rob discusses as taking great liberties with his character and finding it to pay off.
“Adventure is important in life. Making memories matters. It doesn’t have to be a secret seaplane and a historic sports moment, but to have a great life you need great memories. Grab any intriguing offer. Say yes to a challenge and to the unknown. Be creative in adding drama and scope to your lfe. Work at it like a job. Money from effort comes and goes, but effort from imagination and following adventure creates stories that you keep forever. And anyone can do it.”
― Rob Lowe, Love Life
What is enjoyable about this audio for someone like me who grew up on his movies is not only the memories; but also to listen to his humor as he describes totally blowing lines during a live show where he actually gave away part of the plot that should not have been released yet; but in a panic recovered nicely.
It’s also refreshing to listen to someone who truly loves his wife and his family; and instead of the so often “its all about me you can hear in memoirs���, you can tell that Rob truly loves his wife as much as he did when he married her and adores his two sons who he has made a n effort as they have grown, to be a part of their every day lives, separating the husband and dad from the actor.
Finely written and utterly engaging, if you have any interest at all in the man, his career in front of the screen and behind the scenes), or the movies he partakes in the ones he wanted to be, and the ones he should have been in…. absolutely do not hesitate to read on listen to this book.
I eagerly await what he will write about next.
For more reviews like this - check out my site: http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/
In Love Life, Rob (oh may I call him Rob? ;) ) not only covers his loves through his life of family, relationships, and his sons; but also his love of acting. Just listening to him share some of his moments from Behind The Candelabra, Killing Kennedy, The Stand, and Untouchable, just to name a few, caused me to go out and rent some of these movies. Just a couple of days ago I watched Behind The Candelabra, and tonight I hope to see Untouchable; two of the movies Rob discusses as taking great liberties with his character and finding it to pay off.
“Adventure is important in life. Making memories matters. It doesn’t have to be a secret seaplane and a historic sports moment, but to have a great life you need great memories. Grab any intriguing offer. Say yes to a challenge and to the unknown. Be creative in adding drama and scope to your lfe. Work at it like a job. Money from effort comes and goes, but effort from imagination and following adventure creates stories that you keep forever. And anyone can do it.”
― Rob Lowe, Love Life
What is enjoyable about this audio for someone like me who grew up on his movies is not only the memories; but also to listen to his humor as he describes totally blowing lines during a live show where he actually gave away part of the plot that should not have been released yet; but in a panic recovered nicely.
It’s also refreshing to listen to someone who truly loves his wife and his family; and instead of the so often “its all about me you can hear in memoirs���, you can tell that Rob truly loves his wife as much as he did when he married her and adores his two sons who he has made a n effort as they have grown, to be a part of their every day lives, separating the husband and dad from the actor.
Finely written and utterly engaging, if you have any interest at all in the man, his career in front of the screen and behind the scenes), or the movies he partakes in the ones he wanted to be, and the ones he should have been in…. absolutely do not hesitate to read on listen to this book.
I eagerly await what he will write about next.
For more reviews like this - check out my site: http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/
Read
March 31, 2015Love Life? Are you for serious? Does it include the story about having videotaped sexytimes with a minor? Super Creepy Rob Lowe wasn't always a joke, kids . . .
Sometimes it’s best just to not remind people of your “love life” . . .
Oh, and also . . .
Because I’m 12 and every time I watch that episode I ‘bout wet my panties.
Sometimes it’s best just to not remind people of your “love life” . . .
Oh, and also . . .
Because I’m 12 and every time I watch that episode I ‘bout wet my panties.
April 29, 2014
I was enjoying Rob Lowe's Love Life. It is really his musings about marriage, love and fatherhood. He does not go into great detail about his relationships except for the important ones with his wife and his sons. It was fine until, when discussing his childhood research about Bigfoot he state in side note:
"Has there ever been a more horrific barrier to reading than the Dewey Decimal System? No wonder libraries are becoming irrelevant." (p. 205).
Ok, he lost me there. I'm not a huge fan of the Dewey Decimal System but I wouldn't be reading his book if it was not purchased by my public library. I certainly cannot afford to drop $27.00 for the hardcover edition of every title I want to read. Thank goodness for libraries and that although they do many other things they still purchase books for pleasure and educational reading.
This also comes right after he discusses a TV show doing his genealogy. If you are not lucky enough to have a TV show do your family research for you - you may have to go to a library and to look through their archival materials or use their databases. This is also after he describes how he travels to the Library of Congress to look at the letter of a 18th Century shipmate that served with his g-g-g-g-g-gf.
The rest of the book kind of left me flat. If you enjoyed Lowe's later projects, like The West Wing, Brothers & Sisters or Killing Kennedy you will probably enjoy this book as he talks about these programs in some length.
"Has there ever been a more horrific barrier to reading than the Dewey Decimal System? No wonder libraries are becoming irrelevant." (p. 205).
Ok, he lost me there. I'm not a huge fan of the Dewey Decimal System but I wouldn't be reading his book if it was not purchased by my public library. I certainly cannot afford to drop $27.00 for the hardcover edition of every title I want to read. Thank goodness for libraries and that although they do many other things they still purchase books for pleasure and educational reading.
This also comes right after he discusses a TV show doing his genealogy. If you are not lucky enough to have a TV show do your family research for you - you may have to go to a library and to look through their archival materials or use their databases. This is also after he describes how he travels to the Library of Congress to look at the letter of a 18th Century shipmate that served with his g-g-g-g-g-gf.
The rest of the book kind of left me flat. If you enjoyed Lowe's later projects, like The West Wing, Brothers & Sisters or Killing Kennedy you will probably enjoy this book as he talks about these programs in some length.
April 15, 2014
So first to set expectations…. this book is less about Rob Lowe's "Love Life" than an instruction from him for you to "love life." For those looking for juicy tidbits about his romantic or sexual escapades you may be disappointed. There are certainly a few of those, yes, but most of the book is not focused on them.
I will admit, Rob Lowe is my all-time celebrity crush since the early 80s - I stuck by him in the lean years and am happy to see his recent successes. His first book Stories I Only Tell My Friends was wonderful. After that, this book is a bit of a let down.
There are some wonderful parts to it, and some less wonderful. It felt a little all over the place with no clear logic as to what stories he included in the book and why in this particular order. In many places he throws around the names of his celebrity friends and co-workers and then in other stories - some of the ones in which you'd most want to know "who" he is writing about- he leaves them unnamed. Overall, the book does give you insight in Rob's life as a happily married man, involved father, and successful actor. There are some great moments about his appreciation for life and thoughts to how we can all enjoy and appreciate our own lives more. As a fan, I enjoyed the book but felt it could have used a better editing job to craft it into something even better than it is and as well done as his first one.
I will admit, Rob Lowe is my all-time celebrity crush since the early 80s - I stuck by him in the lean years and am happy to see his recent successes. His first book Stories I Only Tell My Friends was wonderful. After that, this book is a bit of a let down.
There are some wonderful parts to it, and some less wonderful. It felt a little all over the place with no clear logic as to what stories he included in the book and why in this particular order. In many places he throws around the names of his celebrity friends and co-workers and then in other stories - some of the ones in which you'd most want to know "who" he is writing about- he leaves them unnamed. Overall, the book does give you insight in Rob's life as a happily married man, involved father, and successful actor. There are some great moments about his appreciation for life and thoughts to how we can all enjoy and appreciate our own lives more. As a fan, I enjoyed the book but felt it could have used a better editing job to craft it into something even better than it is and as well done as his first one.
August 15, 2015
I like Rob Lowe. I like that he has been married to Sheryl for over 22 years. I like that the loves of his life are his boys. I like that he seems to be a very down-to-earth guy who just wants to try and have as normal a life as he can for his family. I like that he doesn't take success for granted and he doesn't take his job for granted. I like that he get that acting is just a job and it doesn't define him. Saying all that, I really enjoyed reading these little snippets into his personal and professional life. We are the same age so I have always had a crush on him and have always felt like I grew up with him. He looks damn good for his age and I think it's due to living a healthy and happy life.
May 1, 2015
Quick, fun read. Mostly for fans of Rob Lowe. The book probably merits a four star but I am bumping it up to a five since I am sure Lowe will marry me one day. Hope springs eternal :)
April 9, 2014
I really enjoyed Rob Lowe's previous memoir, Stories I Only Tell My Friends, so I pre-ordered this book. It did not disappoint. I stayed up late finishing it. It is a quick, interesting read. Lowe's gift as an author is that he knows himself well, and he isn't afraid to talk proudly about his successes or humbly about his mistakes. He also knows the business well, and he offers a fun glimpse into the movie and TV world. The parts of the book about his family are beautifully written. Great work, and if Lowe writes another book, I am sure I will pre-order it too!
September 19, 2021
2.5
If you're a fan of Stories I Only Tell My Friends, you'll know that Rob Lowe is a very talented writer whose Keen recollection for obscure historical and cultural touchstones in the 80s makes reading his work a pleasure.
There are some sad and great stories about Hollywood life, but if you're looking for the sort of name dropping party stories from his debut book, you won't get them here.
Love Life is a more earnest departure written as his children are leaving the nest for college. While many of the stories he shares about success and optimism come from a good-hearted place, if you're looking for a linear narrative, this will not be the book for you. I admit to feeling some awkwardness as he's sharing things about his children, a topic that for many celebrities is off the table.
It seems as though he's not totally comfortable sharing either as book is more stilted and jumbled than his first. After skipping from bringing his son to college to reflecting on landing roles a decade or more earlier, I started to read the book as a bit more of a 'make your own adventure' kind of narrative.
Paragraphs get dropped in the middle of otherwise unrelated stories where Lowe reflects on his own childhood or share some bit of insider knowledge on restaffing television shows.
I found I could generally take a chapter and have three separate narratives running - one where he was trying to convey a family event, another where he was trying to impart some larger heavy handed wisdom and finally one where he was tying things back to his childhood.
I can't fault a parent whose children are leaving for college for wanting to convey life wisdom, but these sections are decidedly more awkward and often Ill-placed.
While only ranking two and a half stars, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to someone who's looking for a Sunday afternoon read. And even at his most heavy-handed, Lowe mercifully only has a paragraph or two in each chapter that will give you a bit of whiplash trying to understand why he's dropping these heavy bombs in the middle of an otherwise pretty light-hearted read.
I have great faith that whatever he writes about next will be a further evolution of his style, making the insights flow more smoothly and the timelines less opaque.
If you're a fan of Stories I Only Tell My Friends, you'll know that Rob Lowe is a very talented writer whose Keen recollection for obscure historical and cultural touchstones in the 80s makes reading his work a pleasure.
There are some sad and great stories about Hollywood life, but if you're looking for the sort of name dropping party stories from his debut book, you won't get them here.
Love Life is a more earnest departure written as his children are leaving the nest for college. While many of the stories he shares about success and optimism come from a good-hearted place, if you're looking for a linear narrative, this will not be the book for you. I admit to feeling some awkwardness as he's sharing things about his children, a topic that for many celebrities is off the table.
It seems as though he's not totally comfortable sharing either as book is more stilted and jumbled than his first. After skipping from bringing his son to college to reflecting on landing roles a decade or more earlier, I started to read the book as a bit more of a 'make your own adventure' kind of narrative.
Paragraphs get dropped in the middle of otherwise unrelated stories where Lowe reflects on his own childhood or share some bit of insider knowledge on restaffing television shows.
I found I could generally take a chapter and have three separate narratives running - one where he was trying to convey a family event, another where he was trying to impart some larger heavy handed wisdom and finally one where he was tying things back to his childhood.
I can't fault a parent whose children are leaving for college for wanting to convey life wisdom, but these sections are decidedly more awkward and often Ill-placed.
While only ranking two and a half stars, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to someone who's looking for a Sunday afternoon read. And even at his most heavy-handed, Lowe mercifully only has a paragraph or two in each chapter that will give you a bit of whiplash trying to understand why he's dropping these heavy bombs in the middle of an otherwise pretty light-hearted read.
I have great faith that whatever he writes about next will be a further evolution of his style, making the insights flow more smoothly and the timelines less opaque.
April 15, 2014
I was kind of bored by this book, but then I watched a bunch of Parks and Rec and was reminded how funny and handsome Rob Lowe is. Not that that should affect the quality of his writing, but I think we all know that it does. Anyway, Rob Lowe can get a little preachy. But as I said, he is incredibly good-looking. Anyway, this book has some high points (DID YOU GUYS KNOW ROB LOWE WAS ALMOST DR MCDREAMY?), but is in general not as dishy as his first one. You've seen a lot of things in your life, Rob Lowe. Share them. When you tell us an amazing story about how when you were a teen idol, you went to Warren Beatty's house with your girlfriend and discovered that Warren Beatty was banging you girlfriend, tell us who this girlfriend is. NAME NAMES, ROB LOWE.
August 3, 2014
I love Rob Lowe, since the 80's but he is also so wonderful in Parks and Rec. So I picked up this book while waiting for my son in Barnes and Noble and read a little bit. My son saw me reading it, and surprised me with a copy for Mother's Day! I really enjoyed reading it. It is a little braggy, but what would we expect from an "unadmitted but possibly qualified benevolent narcissist"? :). Fave quotes: "You can't study the map forever."(245). "I believe that all parents, however on point they may be, will, in the course of their child-raising duties, give their kids plenty of ammo for the shrink's couch . . ."(206) Thank you for the lovely gift, Drew ❤️.
April 19, 2014
I have to say that I am a sucker for a good memoir and this one did not disappoint at all! I loved this book and I loved that Rob Lowe read it to me :) The stories had a more reflective bend than his last book but that is to be expected for a person in their middle years. It also helps that I am at a similar stage in my life and can relate to a lot of his stories. Particularly, being on the cusp of becoming empty nesters and appreciating the life you built with your spouse. Fantastic! Thank you, Rob!
November 2, 2014
I'm giving this book two stars. But in all fairness, this is not my kind of book. I was desperate for something to listen to during my commute, and I have listened to every decent audiobook at the library. It's probably more interesting if you care about:
1. Southern Ca.
2. Hollywood culture
3. Acting and its process (he really gets into some minutiae)
4. Rob Lowe
5. Celebrities in general
But I do not.
1. Southern Ca.
2. Hollywood culture
3. Acting and its process (he really gets into some minutiae)
4. Rob Lowe
5. Celebrities in general
But I do not.
January 12, 2022
Rob Lowe’s first memoir taught me the shocking fact that I LOVE Rob Lowe. And this one confirmed it. Although I can agree with other reviewers it’s not quite the grand slam of his first, I think it had all the heart, laughs, and wisdom again. The organization was baffling. I can say that. But otherwise I loved hearing his stories. His love of nostalgia makes for such a warm and fuzzy reading experience. And his musings on his sons and his wife brought a tear or two to my eye.
March 1, 2017
Told in a more random style than his previous book of stories. But don't let that stop you from enjoying this book. I could listen to Rob Lowe tell me stories all day long. He's got a great way of making his life feel relatable. I can't believe he's able to make himself sound like just a regular guy, but somehow he does.
December 3, 2020
Rob Lowe is up there with Patrick Dempsey as men who are older than my dad but I would marry in a heartbeat.
I loved Rob Lowe’s first memoir so I was really excited to read his second one as well!
This one made me tear up when he described his son going off to college. This one was a lot of fun, I loved when he described when he visited the playboy mansion. I’m also glad that we got more parks and rec content in this one! OK also he met William and Kate???
I loved Rob Lowe’s first memoir so I was really excited to read his second one as well!
This one made me tear up when he described his son going off to college. This one was a lot of fun, I loved when he described when he visited the playboy mansion. I’m also glad that we got more parks and rec content in this one! OK also he met William and Kate???
March 22, 2025
I enjoyed listening to this book. However, I think I enjoyed reading his first book better. I think he is a great storyteller and I especially enjoy his stories about his family and boys.
February 4, 2015
Rob Lowe is such a great storyteller. I've listened to him read both of his memoirs now and they make me very happy. This book is as good as the first - there is a wrenchingly sad and gripping story of watching another man confront his deepest anguish in rehab; an embarrassing story about Warren Beatty f*cking around with his girlfriend; a self-deprecating and eventually hilarious account of being invited to the Playboy mansion as a young man for a Superbowl Party; a side-splitting account of camping with his family and donning an ill-fitting Bigfoot suit to scare his kids (listen to his Bigfoot yodel and try not to laugh); and the sweetest essay about his love for his wife of twenty-some years.
Yes, he's sentimental and that might irritate some readers, but he seems genuine and unabashed so it never struck me as schmaltzy. Anyone listening will also appreciate the audiobooks' lovely opening and closing music that was composed and performed by Lowe's son.
Yes, he's sentimental and that might irritate some readers, but he seems genuine and unabashed so it never struck me as schmaltzy. Anyone listening will also appreciate the audiobooks' lovely opening and closing music that was composed and performed by Lowe's son.
June 3, 2014
A gift from my lovely friend Denise who thought that just gazing at the cover would help the Cleveland Clinic madness go down a bit easier. I'm not sure I even care if it has words inside.
****Update. Huh, there are words. I taped the book jacket to the ceiling of my bedroom so I can look at Rob as I read.
Mr. Lowe, you are one handsome fellow.
I read good reviews of Lowe's first autobiography, published only a few years ago, and I'm probably not alone in thinking some most of his best stuff went into that book. He's a decent writer and seems to be a good guy who loves his wife and family, but he just didn't have many new stories to tell. I'll have to keep an eye out for book number one.
****Update. Huh, there are words. I taped the book jacket to the ceiling of my bedroom so I can look at Rob as I read.
Mr. Lowe, you are one handsome fellow.
I read good reviews of Lowe's first autobiography, published only a few years ago, and I'm probably not alone in thinking some most of his best stuff went into that book. He's a decent writer and seems to be a good guy who loves his wife and family, but he just didn't have many new stories to tell. I'll have to keep an eye out for book number one.
July 28, 2016
Well-known actor, producer and director, Rob Lowe reads the text of his second memoir LOVE LIFE. It is pointed about his personal insights regarding the world of acting and his love of family. I enjoyed his quote, “Real actors take chances.” It’s just one of a number of quotations scattered throughout this book—and hard to capture on an audio book.
I appreciated Lowe’s frank writing about going to rehab in 1990 and his lifelong and daily commitment to sobriety. Also his admiration and love for his wife, Sheryl comes out strongly in his storytelling—as well as his two sons, Matthew and John Owen. The audio version even includes original music from John Owen Lowe.
The stories in LOVE LIFE are excellent and memorable. I heard the entire audio book cover to cover and recommend it.
I appreciated Lowe’s frank writing about going to rehab in 1990 and his lifelong and daily commitment to sobriety. Also his admiration and love for his wife, Sheryl comes out strongly in his storytelling—as well as his two sons, Matthew and John Owen. The audio version even includes original music from John Owen Lowe.
The stories in LOVE LIFE are excellent and memorable. I heard the entire audio book cover to cover and recommend it.
August 18, 2014
One line toward the end of the book really made me mad. On page page 205 he says, "Has there ever been a more horrific barrier to reading than the Dewey Decimal System? No wonder libraries are becoming irrelevant."
He clearly has not been to a library in ages! Being a librarian I know for a fact that libraries are not becoming irrelevant! Glad I borrowed this book from the library.
He clearly has not been to a library in ages! Being a librarian I know for a fact that libraries are not becoming irrelevant! Glad I borrowed this book from the library.
January 9, 2021
3.5⭐️. While I didn’t enjoy this book as much as “Stories I Only Tell My Friends,” there are still some great stories in here and you can’t beat Rob Lowe’s narration. My favorite story was about the Holyfield/Tyson fight.
What I like most about Rob’s stories are the detail and that he does share Hollywood behind-the-scenes stories. Sometimes he names names, and sometimes he gives you enough to figure it out. He talks about how he developed some projects and why some of them failed.
The sex stories, while minor in detail, just could’ve been left out for me. I just find it disrespectful to his wife to have those made public. What I found even more irksome was when he said libraries are becoming irrelevant. As someone who goes to the library 2-3 times a week and listened to your audiobook through Libby, I beg to differ.
What I like most about Rob’s stories are the detail and that he does share Hollywood behind-the-scenes stories. Sometimes he names names, and sometimes he gives you enough to figure it out. He talks about how he developed some projects and why some of them failed.
The sex stories, while minor in detail, just could’ve been left out for me. I just find it disrespectful to his wife to have those made public. What I found even more irksome was when he said libraries are becoming irrelevant. As someone who goes to the library 2-3 times a week and listened to your audiobook through Libby, I beg to differ.
January 31, 2022
Unlike his first book, which was more about his upbringing, his movies etc., this one focused on more of random things including but of course mentions his movies, TV shows, his sobriety, his love for his wife and sons.
I liked when he stated if you want to read about his rehab, etc., read his first book so it wasn't repetitive to those who already read it and knew the details.
It was a quick and easy read and I enjoyed every page.
I liked when he stated if you want to read about his rehab, etc., read his first book so it wasn't repetitive to those who already read it and knew the details.
It was a quick and easy read and I enjoyed every page.
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