Stories I Only Tell My Friends

By: Rob Lowe

Narrated by: Rob Lowe

Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Teen idol at 15, 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 uprooted to the wild counterculture of mid-1970s 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 Rob Lowe (P)2011 Random House AudioBooks

Definitely worth listening to the audio version

This wonderfully written story is fascinating and moving, often at the same time. I bought the audiobook as I didn't think I'd have time to read the print book any time soon (lots of other things to read!) and I'm glad I chose the audio version because hearing Rob read it, as well as his spot-on impressions of his co-stars and directors, is hugely entertaining. Even if you read the print book, you should get the audio just to hear him read it - it's that good.

self-deprecatingly funny

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

well, I can only agree with NY Times' review that "Throughout this book Mr. Lowe emerges as a canny observer of both himself and others, and as someone whose instincts have grown increasingly sharp over time."

What other book might you compare Stories I Only Tell My Friends to and why?

probably a ton of other biographies, which the Time Magazine reviewer did, with this one coming out on top.

Which character – as performed by Rob Lowe – was your favorite?

Lowe's reading his own stories, of course brought perfect intonation - which is something that's really crucial to my being more captivated than irritated when listening - but his mastery of accents & impersonations was a much appreciated bonus. just to pick one, his Bill Clinton was spot on!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

several, the narrative had me giggling as well as tearing up more than once, and without giving anything away I was very impressed with how Lowe portrayed his mother & his relationship with her.

Any additional comments?

for this admitted movie & TV-series buff, the fascinating descriptions of his work experiences prompted me to (re)discover Lowe's performances in "the Outsiders", "St. Elmo's Fire" & "About Last Night" (one of the most watched flicks in my VHS-library 8) as well as the pilot of "the West Wing", which all still held up to me - at least accompanied with this read ...

Excellent

Any additional comments?

I have always avoided books written by celebrities (or ghost writers) . But this book.. I think it's a combination of Rob Lowe voice , the stories and the obvious passion for movies. Buy it, you will not regret it .

This was a great listen!

I was sceptical at first not being a huge fan but the story telling was awesome and he has a very pleasent voice to listen too. I am a big fan now!

Utterly fun!

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

Insightful, witty, FUN

What was one of the most memorable moments of Stories I Only Tell My Friends?

His experience on the set of the outsiders. I felt like I was right there with them, a fly on the wall.

What does Rob Lowe bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

With his tone, he draws you in with him. Like you were having the conversation over a glass of pinot.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When he couldnt cry and Tommy gave him that little touching speech.

Any additional comments?

Halfway through it I purchased the movie the outsiders and watched it. Bawled! Stay Golden Rob!

Fabulous book to listen to

Having grown up in the 80s and being a young and impressionable teenager i can remember watching Rob Lowe in many of the movies he mentions. He was gorgeous then he's even more so now. But listening to his voice has been absolute pleasure. His determination to succeed and the trials he's been through show that everyone is human and everyone can fall. It's those who get up who succeed. Thank you for sharing such intimate interesting details Rob it's been a fun ride!

Amazing Amazing Amazing

I was so sorry that this book ended... I loved the whole thing from start to finish. Forget acting Rob your impersonations are fanbloodytastic....that is the only thing I would say that I think you would miss when you read the physical book. Well narrated, interesting and although he talks about himself and talks about all the right people he never over does it doesn't feel like name dropping. He has alot more to live and I am sure there is more in his career to write about down the track...I will be ther first to get a copy.

Rob Lowe shares his Stories - refreshingly Honest

Would you consider the audio edition of Stories I Only Tell My Friends to be better than the print version?

Yes, Great to hear Rob's story in his own voice, of course can not be done in print version.

What does Rob Lowe bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Rob Lowe shares his Stories - in a refreshingly honest and straight forward narrative. From a young child who found his acting passion early and the amazing determination he applied at a young age, to growing up in Malibu, to landing his first feature film.

Rob's story is full 'I can't believe that happened moments' and if you grew up around this time, it is very interesting to hear how Rob and other actors reached for their dreams.

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

Yes, several nights I stayed up too late listening, when I should have been sleeping.

Any additional comments?

If you grew up in the 80's and 90's and watched any of Rob's films or the West Wing, well well worth a listen!!

Loved this and I'm not even a big fan of Lowe

What did you like best about this story?

All the anecdotes about growing up in Malibu in LA, all the name dropping... All the inside stories about movies and stars I love... Read this if you grew up in the eighties!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I couldn't stop... I listened to the entire book in two days... Lowe has a great reading voice and stories to match.

Just a taste of things to come.

Rob Lowe has always been one of my favorite actors. I thought that he would be too young for an autobiography, but I was wrong. He has written about the first and second act, I can't wait for the third.