Stories I Only Tell My Friends

An Autobiography

By: Rob Lowe

Narrated by: Rob Lowe

Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins

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)

Not A Simple Tell All

I purchased this book because of the reviews and they were all correct. This is a smart book. I really enjoyed his style of writing. I didn't get the feeling that this book was written to be a "tell all" of hollywood but to tell the story of how Rob Lowe became the Rob Lowe of today. I actually found myself using some of his advice to his younger self for my 14 year old son, "Don't worry, it will all work out. When it's time for you to have a girlfriend she will show up." If you grew up in the Brat Pack era, like I did, you will find it interesting to hear some of the stories about the movies of those times. Oh, and I loved Rob's voice as the narrator, very pleasant.

Phenomenal

The amazing life Rob Lowe has led is presented with humor, humility and raw grit…

His narrating could not be better and undoubtedly benefits from his years of acting and theater. He utilizes accents and makes you feel as if you are experiencing moments right alongside him. I will recommend it to everyone I know!

Great insight into Mr Lowe and Hollywood

I really enjoyed this book it gave me insight into the workings of Hollywood that I never was privileged to.
I thank Mr Lowe for sharing his life with us.

Totally entertaining and who knew Rob Lowe

This was a great audio and to have his voice made it even better. Takes you through the 60's and 70's and since I grew up in this neck of the woods, it was even more endearing. I grew up in Santa Monica and graduated from Samohi and I never knew there was so much pain with young people going on in Malibu. Rob is so honest about his lifestyle and getting his act together. Yes, families and posterity is what really matters - leaving a legacy. Thank you for sharing your story

surprisingly interesting and honest.

If you could sum up Stories I Only Tell My Friends in three words, what would they be?

surprisingly interesting; honest

Who was your favorite character and why?

I don't care much for hollywood people but Mr. Lowe definitely surprised me with his candid honesty and intelligence.

Masterful

Full of incredible stories, characters, and Rob Lowe’s writing and reading made this an amazing work.

Authentic & Entertaining

Few people have been blessed to live such a fascinating life; making a lasting contribution to the world of entertainment & surviving both the rewards & pitfalls of fame while growing in humility & wisdom, as Mr. Lowe most assuredly has. I listened to his first book, Love Letters on a whim because I've always admired his acting & fearless choices in roles. As was the case with that book, I throughly enjoyed Stories I Tell My Friends & will highly recommend it to those within my sphere of influence. His transparency is refreshing & his self-deprecating humor & spot on insights made me laugh out loud with no care for my surroundings or the responses it created. I especially enjoyed his reflections on & descriptions of the complications of families of origin, pursuit of career & the unrelenting lessons to be found in self discovery & awareness. He's obviously a man who isn't afraid to freely voice his love & admiration for his wife & for this & so much more, I'll remain a loyal fan of his work & his positive attitude towards life & humanity. May God's blessings of peace & hope follow you Mr. Lowe, & may you continue to bless the public with your talent & exuberance for life.

A Pleasant Experience

Where does Stories I Only Tell My Friends rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Listening to Rob Lowe is calming. The performance was enjoyable.

Would you recommend Stories I Only Tell My Friends to your friends? Why or why not?

I would recommend this book. Rob Lowe shared some difficult times without whining or blaming. I saved the statement made near the end, " Nothing in life is unfair, it is just life."

Have you listened to any of Rob Lowe’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not heard Rob Lowe read any other book. I am a West Wing fan and own all of the seasons on DVD. His performances are excellent.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I preferred listening chapter by chapter taking my time.

Any additional comments?

Writing a review is challenging.

Fascinating!

I was very skeptical at first when my wife bought the audio book. It turned out to be one of my most favorite books that I have listened to. Each chapter is more interesting than the previous. Better on audio as well.

Engrossing!

WOW! This wonderful man writes and READS as good (well) as he looks, and that is saying a lot!! Sadly, this was my first audible purchase and now absolutely nothing comes close, and I've downloaded several in eager anticipation after this.
It is a joy to recommend this so highly. I envy you!