Sample
  • Stories I Only Tell My Friends

  • An Autobiography
  • By: Rob Lowe
  • Narrated by: Rob Lowe
  • Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (13,890 ratings)

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Stories I Only Tell My Friends

By: Rob Lowe
Narrated by: Rob Lowe
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Editorial reviews

Prepare to be amazed by the many ways this book and its author are better than you thought they would be. Everybody knows that Rob Lowe is very handsome, and that he spent a long time being a Hollywood wild child. Now in his 40s, Lowe’s reflections on his life thus far demonstrate a remarkably responsible perspective and a refreshingly self-deprecating look at how he ended up in the better state of mind he inhabits today. While the headlines and high notes may come and go, Lowe remains a devoted husband and proud father.

This listen is a small miracle for many reasons. It’s not simply the fact that Lowe reveals himself as capable of compelling writing, which he certainly does. It’s also not merely the path of the narrative that’s intriguing, though that’s definitely the case. Whether he is spending several chapters thoroughly reminiscing about the many lessons he learned during The Outsiders or sharing a quick anecdote about trying to meet Liza Minnelli when he was a little kid, Lowe indeed offers up a terrific set of insights about both life and stardom. He proves himself as a generous spirit, with strong thanks for Martin Sheen and solid praise for Patrick Swayze.

His narration is clearly heartfelt, and never comes across as phony or acted. This listen feels like a casual dinner conversation, minus the slick descent into rumor-mongering that usually rears its ugly head in memoirs of this variety. Lowe manages to steer clear of the blame game when analyzing the simultaneous blessing and curse of the Brat Pack label or his decision to leave The West Wing, and even finds some gracious adjectives for Tom Cruise. Be on the lookout for eerily spot-on impersonations of many stars, including a particularly good Christopher Walken and Matt Dillon.

In the end, it’s hard to put a finger on what makes this book so utterly fascinating. There isn’t anything shocking in the subject matter; there isn’t any mud-flinging in the tone; there is very little that stands out as an exclamation point. Yet the total package undeniably and irresistibly triumphs at being genuinely charming. This is ironic, because the book then actually sort of mirrors Lowe’s career. He’s spent the last two decades trying to upend the idea that he is simply a pretty face. The book succeeds in that endeavor, just as his several iconic film roles have done, and yet the shallow type-casting of Rob Lowe somehow too frequently persists. It’s true that he is a very dreamy guy, but this memoir absolutely proves that he is also intelligent, worldly, witty, and political. It’s an excellent listen that ought to once and for all put an end to the notion the Rob Lowe’s charisma is only skin deep. - Megan Volpert

Publisher's summary

A wryly funny and surprisingly moving account of an extraordinary life lived almost entirely in the public eye.

A teen idol at 15, an international icon and founder of the Brat Pack at 20, and one of Hollywood's top stars to this day, Rob Lowe chronicles his experiences as a painfully misunderstood child actor in Ohio who was uprooted to the wild counterculture of mid-'70s Malibu, where he embarked on his unrelenting pursuit of a career in Hollywood.

The Outsiders placed Lowe at the birth of the modern youth movement in the entertainment industry. During his time on The West Wing, he witnessed the surreal nexus of show business and politics, both on the set and in the actual White House. And in between are deft and humorous stories of the wild excesses that marked the '80s, leading to his quest for family and sobriety.

Never mean-spirited or salacious, Lowe delivers unexpected glimpses into his successes, disappointments, relationships, and one-of-a-kind encounters with people who shaped our world over the last 25 years. These stories are as entertaining as they are unforgettable.

©2011 Robert Lowe (P)2011 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"[Lowe] writes viscerally and insightfully...He looks back at the aberrant highs of his heart-throb days, the changing nature of stardom in Hollywood, the trade-off he has made between high life and home life, and the step-by-step effort behind his show business survival. He looked like the callowest kid in the "Outsiders" crew. Now he looks like the sturdiest of them all" (The New York Times)

"A fresh pop-culture history of Hollywood in the ’70s and ’80s from the point of view of the man who lived it…[Lowe] is as funny as he is thoughtful. This is the best type of celeb memoir, because its author is as interested in the world as the world is interested in him." (People Magazine)

"A lovely autobiography, equal parts dish and pathos.” (Vanity Fair)

Featured Article: The top 100 celebrity memoirs of all time


The best celebrity memoir audiobooks are in a league of their own—there is no greater listening experience than a memoir performed by the celebrity behind the title. Their charisma and authenticity greatly enhance the experience, making it all the more engaging. Many listeners who would never think to read a celebrity memoir in print gravitate to the genre in audio. There’s something magical about hearing, in their own voice, the nitty-gritty of a star’s path.

What listeners say about Stories I Only Tell My Friends

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Excellent

This book was wonderful. It kept my attention the whole time.
He tells about his children, how he survived in LA.

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great stories

I am glad I got the book Rob tells familiar stories with more of the details seroundung the events we already heard or know about. Including some we never heard like 911 and the story about Bill Clinton. Read by Rob was extra special touch and really drew me to the book.

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So much fun!

This was the most fun I’ve had listening to an audiobook! Rob has THE best Hollywood stories! It was like reliving a bit of my childhood as The Outsiders was the first movie that made a huge impact on me and I loved all the 80’s Brat Pack movies. Thanks for sharing part of your life with your fans.

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Exceptional Inside Look at this Surprising Actor!

Quite an exceptional, brilliantly written and presented insider look in this surprisingly unusual actor's life, times, connections and acting process. Lots of great insider info, celeb access, insights, amazing tips for actors and mesmerizing look at the complex and multi-layered process of making a movie. Fascinating every step of the way! Well done, RL! You WILL NOT be disappointed!

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This was good!

This was an interesting memoir, entertaining and kind of amazing how Rob Lowe's life unfolds. He meets many people before they're celebrities and things fall into place for him as far as his career goes. Well thought out and put together.

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Thanks man!

Thanks Rob! I appreciate your your life and sharing part of it. Those moments were parallel with the culture of me growing up during the same time as I found my wife and the partnership that is now going on 30 years. I am grateful for beautiful strong independent women who drive men to be better than we would be on our own!

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Lowe’s Ago-Ago!

Went through the 80’s and 90’s with Rob.
So happy you are well and thriving!
Cheers from one Lowe to the other!
Creag n’ Tuirc 💪

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Amazing Life/Amazing man

I had no idea when I began this book that Rob Lowe would bring me to tears so many times. He is a humble and kind man and I so hope to meet him someday to thank him for this beautiful story.

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Exceptional storytelling, done with great candor.

I was completely entertained by story after story of Robs career and life adventures. So many "behind-the-scenes" peeks at interactions with celebrities and Hollywood history. I am grateful Rob is open to sharing these stories. I did not want it to be over. Can't wait to read anything else Rob has written.

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I will listen to this again

Love Rob !! His story was great & relatable made me laugh out loud & want to cry at times. His voice very soothing I actually used this to put me to sleep then would go back over it the next day. Thanks Rob for sharing & for being you.

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