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Idol Truth: A Memoir
Former teen idol Leif Garrett bares his soul for the first time ever, revealing his deepest secrets about the extraordinary highs and devastating lows he has survived over the years.
He was a hardworking child actor in the early 1970s, appearing on dozens of popular films and TV programs. Then he was offered a chance to make a record and “Leif Garrett, teen idol” was born. Millions of teenage girls all over the world covered their walls with his picture. His face adorned hundreds of international magazine covers as he became one of the biggest and most desired heartthrobs in history. There were jet-setting tours, TV specials, and hit records, along with an endless supply of beautiful women, alcohol, and ultimately, the drugs that sent this shooting star into the darkest depths of addiction. Idol Truth is a harrowing survivor’s story as well as a charmed tale filled with compelling pop culture characters—from Michael Jackson and Brooke Shields to John Belushi, Freddie Mercury, and many more. It’s the first time ever that Leif Garrett has come clean about his life, revealing all the details of his spectacular journey.
He was a hardworking child actor in the early 1970s, appearing on dozens of popular films and TV programs. Then he was offered a chance to make a record and “Leif Garrett, teen idol” was born. Millions of teenage girls all over the world covered their walls with his picture. His face adorned hundreds of international magazine covers as he became one of the biggest and most desired heartthrobs in history. There were jet-setting tours, TV specials, and hit records, along with an endless supply of beautiful women, alcohol, and ultimately, the drugs that sent this shooting star into the darkest depths of addiction. Idol Truth is a harrowing survivor’s story as well as a charmed tale filled with compelling pop culture characters—from Michael Jackson and Brooke Shields to John Belushi, Freddie Mercury, and many more. It’s the first time ever that Leif Garrett has come clean about his life, revealing all the details of his spectacular journey.
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Published January 1, 2020
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About the author
Leif Garrett
5 books12 followersLeif Garrett is an American singer, actor, and television personality. He worked as a child actor then in the 1970s became famous as a teen idol.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
November 12, 2019
I read a lot of memoirs and recently I have been reading the slew of celebrity memoirs and have been disappointed.
This memoir is no exception. This is just an okay read. Garrett was never a teen idol I followed, as I was more into the Bay City Rollers and Marie Osmond. Last year, I read a biography of BCR and the thing that struck me the most was how they were, in the end, their own worse enemy and Garrett's memoir brought up that same feeling in me.
Why is it that most teen idols (except possibly the Osmonds) seem to have fallen into the stereotype of fame, drugs and sex. Garrett says that he wanted to "be his own person, do his own thing" yet, he got caught by exactly the same *s t* that killed the likes of Corey Haim and seriously screwed up a ton of "celebrities". Being your own person - would have meant, in my opinion, to NOT do drugs and have sex with everything that moves. BTW, early in the book, Leif brags that he could have gotten every girl....I beg to differ, no you wouldn't have.
At times this memoir felt heartbroken, flippant, braggy and just sad.
Garrett also did not necessarily deliver what was expected. Writing a memoir means talking about your life - and it was obvious that Garrett was cherry picking what he would include. At one point, he even mentions "I don't kiss and tell"!!! Ahem, that's part of a memoir and if you are not ready to do that, then you are not ready to write a memoir, which would have been fine, but you chose to write one and you dropped the ball.
I also have no clue about his life today. The book, while quite short, kind of just ends without reference to his life today. Is he still on drugs? if not, how did he kick the habit? What are your thoughts as an adult about how to move forward to live your best life? There is none of this.
Also, the chapters are quite short and, like a recent memoir I read, he details an event, person or place to us and POOF! in 10 sentences it is done. I could have used a lot more detail in this book.
Finally, I found the transition from one chapter to the next jarring. The chapters don't necessarily flow into each other.
I do commend Garrett for writing about his life, but come on - wouldn't it be great if we could all cherry pick the stuff we remember?
This memoir is no exception. This is just an okay read. Garrett was never a teen idol I followed, as I was more into the Bay City Rollers and Marie Osmond. Last year, I read a biography of BCR and the thing that struck me the most was how they were, in the end, their own worse enemy and Garrett's memoir brought up that same feeling in me.
Why is it that most teen idols (except possibly the Osmonds) seem to have fallen into the stereotype of fame, drugs and sex. Garrett says that he wanted to "be his own person, do his own thing" yet, he got caught by exactly the same *s t* that killed the likes of Corey Haim and seriously screwed up a ton of "celebrities". Being your own person - would have meant, in my opinion, to NOT do drugs and have sex with everything that moves. BTW, early in the book, Leif brags that he could have gotten every girl....I beg to differ, no you wouldn't have.
At times this memoir felt heartbroken, flippant, braggy and just sad.
Garrett also did not necessarily deliver what was expected. Writing a memoir means talking about your life - and it was obvious that Garrett was cherry picking what he would include. At one point, he even mentions "I don't kiss and tell"!!! Ahem, that's part of a memoir and if you are not ready to do that, then you are not ready to write a memoir, which would have been fine, but you chose to write one and you dropped the ball.
I also have no clue about his life today. The book, while quite short, kind of just ends without reference to his life today. Is he still on drugs? if not, how did he kick the habit? What are your thoughts as an adult about how to move forward to live your best life? There is none of this.
Also, the chapters are quite short and, like a recent memoir I read, he details an event, person or place to us and POOF! in 10 sentences it is done. I could have used a lot more detail in this book.
Finally, I found the transition from one chapter to the next jarring. The chapters don't necessarily flow into each other.
I do commend Garrett for writing about his life, but come on - wouldn't it be great if we could all cherry pick the stuff we remember?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2020
some cool info in here but I didn't understand why there were so many pages that were basically blank pages. Pretty short book wordwise
January 29, 2020
54 pictures...
I chose 5 Stars because I felt the truth while I read through these pages. I knew a couple of the stories through the VH1 episode plus a few other teen idol shows. I had 54 pictures and posters of you Leif on my bedroom walls. I had other teen idols like Andy Gibb, Robbie Benson, Scott Baio, etc. I loved you stint on the Mike Douglas show and American Bandstand. You were amazing in the Outsiders! I pray you can find solace in the caring of your parents. As adults it is good to look back on how you cared for your loved ones in their time of need. I would recommend any Leif fan to read this book and know how we as his fans were appreciated! THANK YOU Leif for teaching us how love feels...💕 Janet L Osborn Rousseau
I chose 5 Stars because I felt the truth while I read through these pages. I knew a couple of the stories through the VH1 episode plus a few other teen idol shows. I had 54 pictures and posters of you Leif on my bedroom walls. I had other teen idols like Andy Gibb, Robbie Benson, Scott Baio, etc. I loved you stint on the Mike Douglas show and American Bandstand. You were amazing in the Outsiders! I pray you can find solace in the caring of your parents. As adults it is good to look back on how you cared for your loved ones in their time of need. I would recommend any Leif fan to read this book and know how we as his fans were appreciated! THANK YOU Leif for teaching us how love feels...💕 Janet L Osborn Rousseau
January 16, 2020
A heartbreaking, yet entertaining, look at Leif's life. The book was put together in a really unique way, not so much chapters, but little glimpses at all aspects of his life and memories. Some parts dragged on, and weren't as gripping or entertaining as others...but then again, that's how life is. Not everything is going to dazzle you. Still, a nice insight into his life.
December 22, 2019
Wow. What a life. What a cautionary tale.
I remember Leif Garrett in Tiger Beat when I was buying the magazine, but I wasn't a fan. In fact, I thought of him as an actor, having seen him on the TV show Two for the Road and later in The Outsiders, and I didn't realize he had a singing career. (Once I looked up I Was Made for Dancing, I remembered it.) I knew Garrett had an album (he actually more than one), but I thought it was like John Travolta, who had an album while on Welcome Back, Kotter.
What an awful life Garrett had that I hope isn't happening to today's young stars. Garrett was a young man with acting talent who set hearts aflutter, causing Tiger Beat to turn him into a teen idol. It was truly a marketing machine that harnessed his popularity. Teen idol was his job: lipsync in malls, pose for photos and posters, travel the world meeting fans. As he points out, a teen idol lifespan has an expiration date. The worst part was that, during this life, adults gave him and other young stars of his generation alcohol, drugs, women, fast cars, whatever his heart desired regardless of his age. When it became a problem and he was too old, he was cut loose. He has many stories, just detailed enough, of nights of debauchery with rock stars, Robert Downey Jr, and more.
Garrett also talks about management, who held his money, just giving him what he needed when he wanted to buy clothes and buying homes and cars for him. To a teen, that sounds perfect, but the adult Garrett has no idea how much money he actually made and where it went.
Garrett's home life also contributed to his life. At an early age, he and his sister were expected to support the family with their acting gigs. His mom appeared to be well-being but clueless and his dad was absent.
I appreciate that, as a seemingly clean adult, Garrett forgives his mother and other adults in his life, but also appropriately, periodically, points out they were adults and should never have taken advantage of him or given into his teenage wants. He also takes responsibility for his actions throughout the memoir. I hope he now has a strong support system, regular therapy, and a good sponsor, helping him live a more healthy, sane, and happier life.
I remember Leif Garrett in Tiger Beat when I was buying the magazine, but I wasn't a fan. In fact, I thought of him as an actor, having seen him on the TV show Two for the Road and later in The Outsiders, and I didn't realize he had a singing career. (Once I looked up I Was Made for Dancing, I remembered it.) I knew Garrett had an album (he actually more than one), but I thought it was like John Travolta, who had an album while on Welcome Back, Kotter.
What an awful life Garrett had that I hope isn't happening to today's young stars. Garrett was a young man with acting talent who set hearts aflutter, causing Tiger Beat to turn him into a teen idol. It was truly a marketing machine that harnessed his popularity. Teen idol was his job: lipsync in malls, pose for photos and posters, travel the world meeting fans. As he points out, a teen idol lifespan has an expiration date. The worst part was that, during this life, adults gave him and other young stars of his generation alcohol, drugs, women, fast cars, whatever his heart desired regardless of his age. When it became a problem and he was too old, he was cut loose. He has many stories, just detailed enough, of nights of debauchery with rock stars, Robert Downey Jr, and more.
Garrett also talks about management, who held his money, just giving him what he needed when he wanted to buy clothes and buying homes and cars for him. To a teen, that sounds perfect, but the adult Garrett has no idea how much money he actually made and where it went.
Garrett's home life also contributed to his life. At an early age, he and his sister were expected to support the family with their acting gigs. His mom appeared to be well-being but clueless and his dad was absent.
I appreciate that, as a seemingly clean adult, Garrett forgives his mother and other adults in his life, but also appropriately, periodically, points out they were adults and should never have taken advantage of him or given into his teenage wants. He also takes responsibility for his actions throughout the memoir. I hope he now has a strong support system, regular therapy, and a good sponsor, helping him live a more healthy, sane, and happier life.
August 9, 2020
I was one of those girls...
Probably the majority of people who pick up this book were one of those girls. The ones who bought all the Teen Beat and Tiger Beat magazines just to get Lief's pictures to hang on our walls. He talks in the book about doing fundraising for March of Dimes and my big memory of my Leif crush years was him flying into the little town of Emmett, Idaho to sign autographs at the halfway point of the March of Dimes walk-a-thon. I tell people I walked 26 miles just to get Leif's autograph (I actually did the walk-a-thon every year but my I would have gladly walked 26 miles just to see him.) Reading Leif's description of how all the attention of those crazed girls actually made me feel a bit guilty for contributing to the people who used him and set up the perfect storm for his downfall. This story has a lot to say about society's obsession with stars and about the abuses they suffer as a result. So glad to have gotten a chance to hear from Leif (hopefully without media spin) where he's at today. I'm so glad that infamous subway picture didn't tell the end of his story.
Probably the majority of people who pick up this book were one of those girls. The ones who bought all the Teen Beat and Tiger Beat magazines just to get Lief's pictures to hang on our walls. He talks in the book about doing fundraising for March of Dimes and my big memory of my Leif crush years was him flying into the little town of Emmett, Idaho to sign autographs at the halfway point of the March of Dimes walk-a-thon. I tell people I walked 26 miles just to get Leif's autograph (I actually did the walk-a-thon every year but my I would have gladly walked 26 miles just to see him.) Reading Leif's description of how all the attention of those crazed girls actually made me feel a bit guilty for contributing to the people who used him and set up the perfect storm for his downfall. This story has a lot to say about society's obsession with stars and about the abuses they suffer as a result. So glad to have gotten a chance to hear from Leif (hopefully without media spin) where he's at today. I'm so glad that infamous subway picture didn't tell the end of his story.
October 14, 2020
I listened to this on audiobook format. The narrator did a good job but I was curious as to why it wasn’t read by Leif himself.
To be honest, I chose this book just out of mild curiosity. I was too young to be a fan back in the day but my eldest sister was a fan so I was aware of him.
I have to say it was pretty appalling to read what happened to him at such a young age. Used, abused and discarded. His mother did not protect him and he acknowledges this but also defends her. The fact that he can manage to still have a relationship with her is either a feat of maturity at best or a feeling of stubborn duty at worst. He was exposed to a lot of shitty adults who let him down, had his career pretty much hijacked by sociopaths, and became a cliche in the process. What a tragedy.
To be honest, I chose this book just out of mild curiosity. I was too young to be a fan back in the day but my eldest sister was a fan so I was aware of him.
I have to say it was pretty appalling to read what happened to him at such a young age. Used, abused and discarded. His mother did not protect him and he acknowledges this but also defends her. The fact that he can manage to still have a relationship with her is either a feat of maturity at best or a feeling of stubborn duty at worst. He was exposed to a lot of shitty adults who let him down, had his career pretty much hijacked by sociopaths, and became a cliche in the process. What a tragedy.
September 29, 2023
5 stars. This is so good, and also heartbreaking to know that the guy in so many posters on my wall when I was a kid had such a rough ride through life. This book unfolds not really in chronological order, but more in essays or snippets/stories of Leif’s life.
I, of course, watched the Behind the Music episode of his in 1998. I didn’t even know at that time about the accident he’d been in with his friend, Roland. With the guilt of this accident, the growing out of being a teen heartthrob, the heroin addiction, hating being a lip-syncer, and so much more, this book could have been bitter, angry, ranting. But it’s not. I feel like Chris Epting and Leif Garret put together a hopeful reflection of growth and an honest look at a life. I really appreciate the warnings Leif provides to other young people in the industry…
Corey Feldman’s book, Coreyography, talks about the struggles kid actors deal with. Also a good book.
Alyson Stoner’s podcast discusses the struggles kid actors go through as well. “Dear Hollywood” is the name of her podcast, and I highly recommend.
All three of these people voice concern for how the “Hollywood” industry treats young kids – grooming them, using them, taking advantage of them, stealing their money, and throwing them away. It's a good solid bandwagon. I hope more people jump on.
I can’t say enough of how much I enjoyed this story. I’m happy he’s living a clean life now.
I, of course, watched the Behind the Music episode of his in 1998. I didn’t even know at that time about the accident he’d been in with his friend, Roland. With the guilt of this accident, the growing out of being a teen heartthrob, the heroin addiction, hating being a lip-syncer, and so much more, this book could have been bitter, angry, ranting. But it’s not. I feel like Chris Epting and Leif Garret put together a hopeful reflection of growth and an honest look at a life. I really appreciate the warnings Leif provides to other young people in the industry…
Corey Feldman’s book, Coreyography, talks about the struggles kid actors deal with. Also a good book.
Alyson Stoner’s podcast discusses the struggles kid actors go through as well. “Dear Hollywood” is the name of her podcast, and I highly recommend.
All three of these people voice concern for how the “Hollywood” industry treats young kids – grooming them, using them, taking advantage of them, stealing their money, and throwing them away. It's a good solid bandwagon. I hope more people jump on.
I can’t say enough of how much I enjoyed this story. I’m happy he’s living a clean life now.
January 13, 2020
More of a 3.5 - the book was interesting - easy, fast read. Written a bit simply. I felt it was a bit repetitive. It’s hard to imagine what Leif went through happening now. All of his handlers should be ashamed of themselves- he was a person, a child not an object that makes money.
July 21, 2020
Leif Garrett has a special place in my heart because he was my very first concert. I was also the only one who climbed up on stage and he gave me his scarf. I still have it to this day - many decades later. I am one of the fans whose walls were plastered with his photos. I had his albums and all of the magazines. Reading "Idol Truth: A Memoir" is so sad. It is almost a cliche of how teen idols are chewed up and spit out by the people who manage them. I hope this book brings comfort to Leif so he can close a chapter of his life. I wish him good health and peace. A great read for fans of his and of any celebrity.
May 10, 2020
Enjoyable
I loved him as a little girl, he seemed so sweet. And was saddened to hear of his arrests.
I enjoyed the book, gave an insight to what really went on behind the scenes.
Though I was disappointed in the abrupt end at 2010. I really did want to see how he progressed in his later years, but perhaps that will come in another book when he's ready.
I'd like to think he's living his best life, and he is at peace and content. He deserves some happiness.
I loved him as a little girl, he seemed so sweet. And was saddened to hear of his arrests.
I enjoyed the book, gave an insight to what really went on behind the scenes.
Though I was disappointed in the abrupt end at 2010. I really did want to see how he progressed in his later years, but perhaps that will come in another book when he's ready.
I'd like to think he's living his best life, and he is at peace and content. He deserves some happiness.
November 17, 2019
Better than I Expected
Team Shaun Cassidy, here. While I was never a fan of his, Leif's story has made me respect him a lot more, now. I never knew how difficult his life was. While I find the format of his writing to be mediocre at best, his story has touched my heart. I'll ALWAYS love Shaun, but I do wish Leif luck, and I send him light and love.
Team Shaun Cassidy, here. While I was never a fan of his, Leif's story has made me respect him a lot more, now. I never knew how difficult his life was. While I find the format of his writing to be mediocre at best, his story has touched my heart. I'll ALWAYS love Shaun, but I do wish Leif luck, and I send him light and love.
January 10, 2020
I admit I had a very serious Leif Garrett phase when I was young and got to see him in concert. I was saddened by what has taken place with Leif over the years. The book was open and honest and I give him respect for that. I do think he came across as a little arrogant at some points.
November 7, 2019
Standing ovation. Wriitten like I can hear him saying the words.
December 23, 2019
Amazing!!
Couldn't put it down!! Leif is brutally honest and comes forth with all his deepest secrets that were hidden behind the Teen Idol image!!
Couldn't put it down!! Leif is brutally honest and comes forth with all his deepest secrets that were hidden behind the Teen Idol image!!
March 11, 2025
Idol Truth by Leif Garrett
Audio Version Free with Audible
Overall Grade: B+
Information: A
Writing/Organization: A-
Narration: B-
Best Aspect: A tell all memoir that was far more interesting than I expected. The second half was better than the start.
Worst Aspect: Little too long and wish the author read it himself.
Recommend: Yes.
Audio Version Free with Audible
Overall Grade: B+
Information: A
Writing/Organization: A-
Narration: B-
Best Aspect: A tell all memoir that was far more interesting than I expected. The second half was better than the start.
Worst Aspect: Little too long and wish the author read it himself.
Recommend: Yes.
December 8, 2022
2.5 stars. I hate to be mean but I had a sense that Leif Garrett felt sorry for himself. It was off-putting. The narration was not done by the author and was terrible. Narrator mispronounced Somerset Maughm and Sug Knight’s names.
January 10, 2020
This was a good book. I was not a fan back then as I was a few years older but was aware of him. He was quite used by the Scotti brothers and his mother was extremely naive. He's had a tough life, some of it of his own making but he really didn't have a good solid base in childhood. I had no idea that Dodie on My Three Sons was his sister!
December 24, 2019
Great book read it in one day, Enjoyed it.
November 14, 2020
I thought long and hard on what I wanted to write about this book and I finally realized I can't write this without spoilers. I was a fan when I was 10 years old and it is really disheartening to hear everything was fake. All the name drop after name drop let out in this book had me rolling my eyes as if I was reading some old timer's fishing story and it is sad because once you read how he was a fraud, you just can't believe anything he says. After I read the last page in the book, I got up walked past my shelf and the book donation bin and threw it in my kitchen garbage as I then went to get two tylenol to fight off the headache I got from reading this horribly written book. Maybe by throwing the book away, I can save another Leif Garrett fan from learning he was really a fake and let them feel good holding on their old Tiger Beat magazines.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2020
I'm so glad I found out about Leif's book. I was a huge fan! My bedroom walls were covered with his pictures! I have a picture taken on my 14th birthday as proof! It was great seeing the pictures of his young, bushy, bushy blonde hair do self again. ;-) It made me forget that we are both much older. My favorite chapters were the ones about he and Nicolette. I'm a sucker for memorable first love stories. It's a shame he got into drugs but as he writes he wouldn't be the same person he is if those things would not have happened. I'm glad he survived and remains positive about his life ahead. I do wonder what Dawn is doing nowadays and if he still has a relationship with her. He hinted at more books to come. I will read those too. As his co-author wrote, Leif is the real deal.
August 29, 2020
Great Memoir!
I was crazy about Leif back in the late 70s early 80s just like the rest of the female population...I really enjoyed the book and found out some things that I never would have guessed...I learned from reading this book that we look up to and put celebrities on pedestals, but they are human just like the rest of us, and I applaud Leif's honesty with the book ! He will always be an idol in my eyes...
I was crazy about Leif back in the late 70s early 80s just like the rest of the female population...I really enjoyed the book and found out some things that I never would have guessed...I learned from reading this book that we look up to and put celebrities on pedestals, but they are human just like the rest of us, and I applaud Leif's honesty with the book ! He will always be an idol in my eyes...
July 13, 2020
Heartbreaking account of a teen idol whose pictures I used to have on my wall in the late 1970s. I knew his life was messed up, especially after seeing that notorious VH1 Behind the Music episode about him, but I had no idea it was as bad as it really was. I hope he's been able to get his life turned around and finally find a measure of happiness.
December 1, 2019
This gets a second star only out of my nostalgic love for Leif. The writing is atrocious - though after reading the co-author's epilogue, I'm not sure who is to blame. Leif clearly lived a tragic life in many ways - it's too bad his story wasn't done justice.
November 17, 2019
Teenbeat
Easy, enjoyable read. No real surprises, in fact a little G rated.
I admire both men though. Real, honest and grateful
Easy, enjoyable read. No real surprises, in fact a little G rated.
I admire both men though. Real, honest and grateful
July 27, 2024
Lame memoir that, like the author's career, has little substance or distance. It's mostly a brag book in which he overstates his fame and success, as well as thinking it's admirable to talk about all the drugs he was able to consume and the famous friends he almost killed himself with.
This "former child star" (who was a young actor but never really an acting star) claims he became "the biggest pop idol in the world" (um, after only two decent-selling albums what were his "hits" again?) by manipulative producers who made him sing songs he didn't like (which was all part of the contract he signed) before he broke free of them, nose dived, and spent the rest of his life figuring out how to make money to feed his huge drug habit. Hilariously, he starts one chapter with, "I don't know why anybody does drugs." Seriously? At no point does he admit to being totally free of them, despite many interviews and TV shows where he admits he lied saying he was sober.
The way the book is written is off-putting. He claims he had never seen his TV work before so he went online to review videos and makes a few snide comments about himself, but then he basically ignores most of the acting work he ever did. Instead there are over 90 mini-chapters, many just a couple paragraphs, of his random thoughts. Near the end of the book he skips giant portions of his life and doesn't even address the ten years before the book's publication!
He never really explains how a kid who had never sung before signed with a major record label. He lip-synced many public appearances and admits it was fraudulent since there were paid loud singers that doubled his voice which was mixed low. He obviously doesn't understand the music business, even after proclaiming himself the greatest pop star in the world, and seems clueless about basics (he wrongly says that he was popular at State Fairs because people got to see him free with gate admission).
It has a Partridge Family feel to it--only David Cassidy could actually sing, had a sense of the business, and the group had some legit hits. Leif Garrett has little that's original to show for his short-lived music career.
If you're looking for details about any of his work you'll be disappointed--there's not much here. Instead he wastes chapter after chapter on his drug usage and the famous people he exposes as joining him. Some, like Robert Downey Jr., should be upset at how he's portrayed, even though it's supposedly in a friendly way!
Garrett also names names with guys that wanted to take advantage of him or sleep with him, but he denies every succumbing. He alludes to having no trouble with the girls but there are few that he mentions, the exception being Nicollette Sheridan, who went from an unknown dating the pop singer to overshadowing him within a couple years.
Then there's his involvement with Scientology, which he seems to defend as a legit religion at the same time condemning the cult for its manipulative practices. He left the group, but the chapter insufficiently addresses the nasty group that he and others he names (Brad Pitt, Juliette Lewis, Tom Berenger) were at one point involved with.
Beyond a few stories it's not worth reading. His title is misleading; he wasn't much of an idol and there isn't much truth.
This "former child star" (who was a young actor but never really an acting star) claims he became "the biggest pop idol in the world" (um, after only two decent-selling albums what were his "hits" again?) by manipulative producers who made him sing songs he didn't like (which was all part of the contract he signed) before he broke free of them, nose dived, and spent the rest of his life figuring out how to make money to feed his huge drug habit. Hilariously, he starts one chapter with, "I don't know why anybody does drugs." Seriously? At no point does he admit to being totally free of them, despite many interviews and TV shows where he admits he lied saying he was sober.
The way the book is written is off-putting. He claims he had never seen his TV work before so he went online to review videos and makes a few snide comments about himself, but then he basically ignores most of the acting work he ever did. Instead there are over 90 mini-chapters, many just a couple paragraphs, of his random thoughts. Near the end of the book he skips giant portions of his life and doesn't even address the ten years before the book's publication!
He never really explains how a kid who had never sung before signed with a major record label. He lip-synced many public appearances and admits it was fraudulent since there were paid loud singers that doubled his voice which was mixed low. He obviously doesn't understand the music business, even after proclaiming himself the greatest pop star in the world, and seems clueless about basics (he wrongly says that he was popular at State Fairs because people got to see him free with gate admission).
It has a Partridge Family feel to it--only David Cassidy could actually sing, had a sense of the business, and the group had some legit hits. Leif Garrett has little that's original to show for his short-lived music career.
If you're looking for details about any of his work you'll be disappointed--there's not much here. Instead he wastes chapter after chapter on his drug usage and the famous people he exposes as joining him. Some, like Robert Downey Jr., should be upset at how he's portrayed, even though it's supposedly in a friendly way!
Garrett also names names with guys that wanted to take advantage of him or sleep with him, but he denies every succumbing. He alludes to having no trouble with the girls but there are few that he mentions, the exception being Nicollette Sheridan, who went from an unknown dating the pop singer to overshadowing him within a couple years.
Then there's his involvement with Scientology, which he seems to defend as a legit religion at the same time condemning the cult for its manipulative practices. He left the group, but the chapter insufficiently addresses the nasty group that he and others he names (Brad Pitt, Juliette Lewis, Tom Berenger) were at one point involved with.
Beyond a few stories it's not worth reading. His title is misleading; he wasn't much of an idol and there isn't much truth.
May 17, 2024
Idol Truth
by Leif Garrett
💎💎💎💎💎
5 Diamond Book
Idol Truth vividly captures the 70’s intoxicating allure and the pressure-cooker environment that comes with teenage stardom. It gives an honest look at the life of a teen idol in the 70’s and 80’s which probably are still true today.
Before reading his memoir, I thought Leif Garrett was primarily a singer who dabbled in acting. I had no idea he started out as an actor. Like others, I wish there had been more in-depth details, especially about his experiences making movies like The Outsiders. However, Leif seems to be a straightforward, no-nonsense storyteller. The format of his memoir reflects this style—he simply presents the facts. I find it believable and appreciate that he doesn’t hold anything back or try to sugarcoat things. He examines his life honestly, sharing both the highs and lows. He names names and speaks openly about the adults who failed him during his upbringing. While he doesn't come across as bitter, he acknowledges moments of bitterness but accepts that the past cannot be changed. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect from his memoir, but I was pleasantly surprised by its depth and honesty.
After reading Idol Truth, I can see how Leif transitioned as a person. He doesn’t explicitly say he was full of himself as a teen idol, but we can infer it from his stories. He describes the shift when his fame diminished—not quite a dose of reality, since being a teen idol was his reality, but a new, harsher reality when he was no longer in demand. He was essentially a product, and when interest waned, he was shelved, which brought about a significant change in his life. I believe he was a shy kid because he often seemed to follow others. He admits feeling like a fraud at times, and through his memoir, it struck me that he was probably cocky. I can see why he was cast as Bob in The Outsiders; it was a role he could easily fit into. Not that he treated people with disdain, but he definitely felt superior at times in his early life, a result of being told and treated as such during his child-teen years.
What sets Idol Truth apart from other celebrity memoirs is Leif's unflinching account of his struggles with addiction and the impact it had on his life and career. He does not shy away from detailing the depths of his substance abuse and the painful and bumpy journey to recovery. His story is a stark reminder of the often unseen and heavy price of fame, especially for impressionable teens trying to fit into an adult world, making it a poignant read.
My only wish was that Leif had narrated the memoir himself. I find memoirs narrated by the actual person writing them to be more sincere and passionate.
I give Idol Truth a 5 Diamond review. It is a moving and eye-opening memoir. Leif Garrett's ability to convey his truth makes this book a standout. It's a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and overcome, making Idol Truth a compelling and rewarding read for anyone interested in the complexities of fame and the redemptive power of honesty.
by Leif Garrett
💎💎💎💎💎
5 Diamond Book
Idol Truth vividly captures the 70’s intoxicating allure and the pressure-cooker environment that comes with teenage stardom. It gives an honest look at the life of a teen idol in the 70’s and 80’s which probably are still true today.
Before reading his memoir, I thought Leif Garrett was primarily a singer who dabbled in acting. I had no idea he started out as an actor. Like others, I wish there had been more in-depth details, especially about his experiences making movies like The Outsiders. However, Leif seems to be a straightforward, no-nonsense storyteller. The format of his memoir reflects this style—he simply presents the facts. I find it believable and appreciate that he doesn’t hold anything back or try to sugarcoat things. He examines his life honestly, sharing both the highs and lows. He names names and speaks openly about the adults who failed him during his upbringing. While he doesn't come across as bitter, he acknowledges moments of bitterness but accepts that the past cannot be changed. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect from his memoir, but I was pleasantly surprised by its depth and honesty.
After reading Idol Truth, I can see how Leif transitioned as a person. He doesn’t explicitly say he was full of himself as a teen idol, but we can infer it from his stories. He describes the shift when his fame diminished—not quite a dose of reality, since being a teen idol was his reality, but a new, harsher reality when he was no longer in demand. He was essentially a product, and when interest waned, he was shelved, which brought about a significant change in his life. I believe he was a shy kid because he often seemed to follow others. He admits feeling like a fraud at times, and through his memoir, it struck me that he was probably cocky. I can see why he was cast as Bob in The Outsiders; it was a role he could easily fit into. Not that he treated people with disdain, but he definitely felt superior at times in his early life, a result of being told and treated as such during his child-teen years.
What sets Idol Truth apart from other celebrity memoirs is Leif's unflinching account of his struggles with addiction and the impact it had on his life and career. He does not shy away from detailing the depths of his substance abuse and the painful and bumpy journey to recovery. His story is a stark reminder of the often unseen and heavy price of fame, especially for impressionable teens trying to fit into an adult world, making it a poignant read.
My only wish was that Leif had narrated the memoir himself. I find memoirs narrated by the actual person writing them to be more sincere and passionate.
I give Idol Truth a 5 Diamond review. It is a moving and eye-opening memoir. Leif Garrett's ability to convey his truth makes this book a standout. It's a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and overcome, making Idol Truth a compelling and rewarding read for anyone interested in the complexities of fame and the redemptive power of honesty.
October 6, 2021
im a 13 year old, i definitely wasn't alive in the glory days of leif garrett, but i do really love the outsiders and this summer i stumbled upon the behind the music episode on youtube and fell down the rabbit hole of his harrowing story. i've always been fascinated by the industry and what it does to people, especially young people. leif strikingly reminds me of sarah lynn from the tv show bojack horseman. (im glad he didn't end up like her). all the lights shone on him, one of the most influential teens in the media. he was in all the magazines, tiger beat, teen beat. all of them. every teenage girl wanted a piece of him. there were contests in the magazines to go on dates with him, and they had articles upon articles about his “type” of girl. these teenage girls would do anything under the sun for leif, and they didn’t even know him. but at least, they thought they did.
i'm not one of those girls like the ones that swooned over him in the 70s, if anything i admire him and want to be like him even though that's probably worse. the setting of the story is mostly based in where leif grows up and lives, in california, but there's also parts that are all around the world on tour. the protagonist is leif himself and other major ¨characters¨ include other teen idols and celebrities from the time, his family, (his sister dawn lyn and mother carolyn stellar). and the major conflict of the story is the accident with roland winkler and leifs descent into drugs. how abused and manipulated he was in the industry. he was like a puppet on a string, they wanted him for the money. a sweet athletic blondie turned into a pawn of sorts. they didn't let him do anything he wanted to do, he liked led zeppelin most notably and other rock bands, but they forced him to sing pop music that he didn't even like.
not many people seem to have liked this books writing style, but i did. i admired the simplicity and the shortness of the chapters. but i'm also biased because i'm hyper fixated on leifs story and will take anything i can get. i recommend this book if you want to learn about the industry and if you're okay with simplistic writing style. i don't blame the style on leif because he didn't write it himself, it was the other guy that worked on it with him. leif seems like his still a sweet guy and i wish him the best.
i'm not one of those girls like the ones that swooned over him in the 70s, if anything i admire him and want to be like him even though that's probably worse. the setting of the story is mostly based in where leif grows up and lives, in california, but there's also parts that are all around the world on tour. the protagonist is leif himself and other major ¨characters¨ include other teen idols and celebrities from the time, his family, (his sister dawn lyn and mother carolyn stellar). and the major conflict of the story is the accident with roland winkler and leifs descent into drugs. how abused and manipulated he was in the industry. he was like a puppet on a string, they wanted him for the money. a sweet athletic blondie turned into a pawn of sorts. they didn't let him do anything he wanted to do, he liked led zeppelin most notably and other rock bands, but they forced him to sing pop music that he didn't even like.
not many people seem to have liked this books writing style, but i did. i admired the simplicity and the shortness of the chapters. but i'm also biased because i'm hyper fixated on leifs story and will take anything i can get. i recommend this book if you want to learn about the industry and if you're okay with simplistic writing style. i don't blame the style on leif because he didn't write it himself, it was the other guy that worked on it with him. leif seems like his still a sweet guy and i wish him the best.
February 19, 2024
The 70s were a magical time that hold the most nostalgia for me, and I think it's because I lived my formative pre-teen and teenage years during that time. The teen idol craze is something I knew well, but I have to admit I was a casual Leif Garrett fan, meaning I was a fan of his acting before he became a teen idol, and "Three For the Road" was my favorite television show when it aired in 1975. I had seen him in other television shows, most notably on The Odd Couple as Felix Unger's son, Leonard. Even though I was a naive kid, as soon as Garrett became a singing sensation and was pulled away from acting roles on television, I had a feeling we would never see him in the same way again. In a way, I was right. I bought his first two albums but something felt different; something felt forced, even though I couldn't possibly describe what, exactly, I was feeling. This book answered a lot of my questions, validated my pre-teen feelings, and broke my heart. Garrett's story brings to light the abuse, neglect and manipulation of child stars, especially from that time, which unfortunately continues to this day (which is horrifying). Garrett felt lost and broken for so many years, it's a miracle he is alive to tell his story today. I'm so glad he found a way to conquer his demons and get his life back, and I truly hope he can find the love he is looking for. After everything he has been through, whether his own fault or not, he deserves to feel that love.
Some of my favorite passages from the book:
"My sleeping habits were shaped and sculpted by those rare private moments when I could squeeze into some exclusive little space, wedged in and protected from all of the sharks, vultures, and vampires."
"A teenage ego is weird, still wet and easy to shape."
"I was everywhere, but in a sense, I was also nowhere - a proverbial puppet with essentially zero control of my teenage life."
"Teen idols are like shooting stars; they are stunning for a moment, but then blink and they are gone."
"What would it have been like had I died? How would I have been remembered? Would it be sort of like James Dean? Death in a fiery Porsche accident. Taken from the world while still beautiful and mysterious. No chance to erode before people's eyes."
Some of my favorite passages from the book:
"My sleeping habits were shaped and sculpted by those rare private moments when I could squeeze into some exclusive little space, wedged in and protected from all of the sharks, vultures, and vampires."
"A teenage ego is weird, still wet and easy to shape."
"I was everywhere, but in a sense, I was also nowhere - a proverbial puppet with essentially zero control of my teenage life."
"Teen idols are like shooting stars; they are stunning for a moment, but then blink and they are gone."
"What would it have been like had I died? How would I have been remembered? Would it be sort of like James Dean? Death in a fiery Porsche accident. Taken from the world while still beautiful and mysterious. No chance to erode before people's eyes."
August 29, 2025
This was honestly fairly well written and honest. Leif came of age at a dangerous time for drugs and Hollywood. Not that it’s ever been safe, but like knows like and he partied with every setting sun in LA: Belushi, Farley, Sixx, Navarro. If they were chasing the dragon, he knew them.
Like a lot of struggling LA parents, Leif’s mom was relieved that her kids could provide income and that she only had to drive them to auditions and gigs. But like too many LA parents afraid to say no and cost their kid momentum, she left him with strangers to do as they would, and he reaped it all: sexual assault, access to drugs and alcohol and sex at too young an age, addiction, money mismanagement, no creative control. There is an episode of CHiPS where Leif plays a teen singer experiencing EXACTLY what Leif was going through at the time, but his particular blend of androgynous beauty and wise beyond his years cachet was too lucrative for anyone to step in and stop the gravy train.
As heartbreaking as it is to read that Leif realized too young that no one wanted him for his talent or to become a true rock star, but just because he “fit the suit” in Johnny Bravo terms, it’s also disheartening to read Leif reduce all of the women in his life — even great loves like Nicolette and Elaine — to their attractiveness. What is Nicolette like? Hot and she drove him to rehab once. What was Elaine like? Hot and outdoorsy. Granted, this is what the adults in his childhood modeled for him, but other than his cousin Peter, a lot of the name dropping relationships in this book feel as hollow as Leif’s 70s music career.
Like a lot of struggling LA parents, Leif’s mom was relieved that her kids could provide income and that she only had to drive them to auditions and gigs. But like too many LA parents afraid to say no and cost their kid momentum, she left him with strangers to do as they would, and he reaped it all: sexual assault, access to drugs and alcohol and sex at too young an age, addiction, money mismanagement, no creative control. There is an episode of CHiPS where Leif plays a teen singer experiencing EXACTLY what Leif was going through at the time, but his particular blend of androgynous beauty and wise beyond his years cachet was too lucrative for anyone to step in and stop the gravy train.
As heartbreaking as it is to read that Leif realized too young that no one wanted him for his talent or to become a true rock star, but just because he “fit the suit” in Johnny Bravo terms, it’s also disheartening to read Leif reduce all of the women in his life — even great loves like Nicolette and Elaine — to their attractiveness. What is Nicolette like? Hot and she drove him to rehab once. What was Elaine like? Hot and outdoorsy. Granted, this is what the adults in his childhood modeled for him, but other than his cousin Peter, a lot of the name dropping relationships in this book feel as hollow as Leif’s 70s music career.
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