• 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 (13,709 ratings)

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Stories I Only Tell My Friends  By  cover art

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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Great Book.

Brought me back to so many good memories. Eloquently read by Rob. Takes you back to a great period in cinema and tells stories of life, accomplishment and tragedy.

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Amazing. What a story!

What a rollercoaster of a life! Rob’s unique voice shines with joy and sorrow and everything in between as he regales us with his adventures.

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Absolutely loved

Robe Lowe is so well spoken. I very much enjoyed listening. Thank you for sharing your story

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Positive Outlook

No self pity to be found. He is a beautiful writer and you could picture what he was talking about. I laughed a few times especially about Patrick Swayze.

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Fantastic!

I’m on to his next book, he is fascinating as a study in a member of the “brat pack”, for those of us who came of age at that time, the assumption was that he was never an Outsider.

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The Forest Gump of Actors

Rob Lowe tells a great story. Very entertaining and so many interesting connections with other interesting people along his journey. Rob’s story is relatable and extraordinary, self deprecating and inspiring. It’s honest and well told.

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Interesting and Entertaining

Some say there is too much name dropping. I agree that a lot of famous people are named but the stories would not be as interesting without mentioning them. I enjoyed the book. It was an interesting insight into Rob Lowe's life and his reading was easy to listen to. I may not listen to it a second time but I would definitely recommend it.

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A fascinating life!

Rob has had some challenges but he has also led a very charmed life. Similar to Forest Gump, he’s in the right place at the right time in historic events! He’s also worked very hard (and continues to be driven) & earned everything he has. Skol brother!

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Raw and heartfelt

This book was marvelous. I see Rob Lowe in a whole new light. Malcom Gladwell mentioned that it was his favorite audiobook so I took his word and gave it a listen. It’s a fantastic listen. Do it.

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Great honest perspective of an up-and-down career

I am the same age as Rob Lowe, and haven’t always been a huge game of what appeared arrogant playboy selfish life. I appreciate that. He covered all of it and an honest, respectful narrative.. I love how honest and mature he has become, and respect him for his marriage and fatherhood. I hope he ends up being in the category of Paul Newman and her and Sheryl married into their 90s. Excellent book very well written a lot of clever stories. Even if you are younger and don’t really know Rob law, I would recommend it.

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