Love Life

By: Rob Lowe

Narrated by: Rob Lowe

Following the success of his New York Times bestselling memoir Stories I Only Tell My Friends, acclaimed actor Rob Lowe returns with Love Life—a funny, heartfelt, and deeply personal collection of stories that “invites readers into his world with easy charm and disarming frankness” (Kirkus Reviews).

In Love Life, Lowe continues to pull back the curtain on his life in Hollywood, delivering a candid and often hilarious take on celebrity, fatherhood, fame, and personal growth. With his signature blend of wit, honesty, and reflection, Lowe opens up about addiction and recovery, the ups and downs of an acting career, and the sometimes awkward, always memorable experiences that have shaped him.

Among the unforgettable stories:
-His eye-opening visit to the Playboy Mansion as a wide-eyed young actor
-An awkward childhood discovery in Malibu
-Life behind the scenes on sets like Californication and Parks and Recreation
-The trials of producing a failed TV show
-A comical experience coaching youth basketball amid overbearing parents
-Visiting college with his son, and confronting what he missed himself
-How a movie star once stole his girlfriend—and what he learned from it

Lowe’s reflections are tied together by an underlying philosophy about love, relationships, and learning from life’s curveballs. With “showbiz anecdotes, self-deprecating tales, and a general sweetness” (New York Post), Love Life is an entertaining and surprisingly moving portrait of a man who’s lived in the spotlight—and kept his sense of humor and humanity.

Perfect for fans of celebrity memoirs, behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories, and anyone who loved Stories I Only Tell My Friends, Love Life shows a beloved actor at his most open and relatable.

Critic reviews

“[Lowe] skillfully weaves stories together with common themes and a philosophical perspective. … Fans who fear he gave up all the good stuff in the first book will be pleasantly surprised. … Lowe’s candor and willingness to admit his flaws create an authentic voice. His easy writing style will hook readers who won’t judge his book by the handsome man on its cover.”

“Lowe's self-effacing and straightforward assessments of his own foibles and weaknesses, combined with first-rate storytelling skills. . . .make [Love Life] still feel like a night on the town with a well-connected, charismatic friend with more tales to spill. . . .[I]t's sweet, and he includes very funny accounts. . . . Showing how well he can laugh at himself. ”

“Lowe addresses his life with a welcome levity. This book confirms that Lowe is more than just a pretty face."

"[Lowe] writes with perspective and humorous self-effacement.”

“Not just pretty but witty and wise.”

“[Love Life] is loaded with showbiz anecdotes, self-deprecating tales and has a general sweetness that some readers might not be expecting from Lowe.”

"Engaging, relatable… entertaining and admirably frank."

“A savvy writer with a quick wit, Lowe invites readers into his world with easy charm and disarming frankness.”

"Lowe had been reborn as a winning memoirist."

“Somehow Lowe manages to describe a visit to the Playboy Mansion and an unpleasant grade-school sleepover next to the manatee tank at Sea World with equal enthusiasm.”

“If you love Rob Lowe, you'll love his "Love Life."…. His self-effacing humor keeps the pace brisk.”

“The fact that his second book is every bit as engaging as the first proves his point. I’m betting he could do an equally fine job on a third.”

“Lowe vividly depicts what it was like to be a 19-year-old Hollywood heartthrob. . . . As in the best celebrity memoirs and musings, Love Life is sprinkled with star power. . . . [Lowe] spills secrets and private thoughts with eloquence.”

“Lowe is a gifted storyteller who uses humor and self-deprecation to draw readers in, and keeps their attention with fun tales of Hollywood behind-the-scenes.”

“[An] easygoing but thoughtful memoir.”

“Incredible. … This isn’t your typical celebrity written book. This was a fun read and very well written, that’ll have you laughing and shedding a tear along the way.”

“A wild ride of a memoir by Rob Lowe that will leave you amused, fascinated and ultimately charmed.”

“[Lowe is] an interesting and perceptive writer.”

“An interesting read, and a page-turner. Lowe has an amazing insight about life and what is important.”

“Love Life is just as genially and charmingly guarded as its predecessor. … [Lowe] is admirably self-aware.”

Open, Honest, Sentimental... not quite as Intimate

In Rob Lowe’s first book he shared an intimate portrait of himself - sharing his vulnerabilities, his failures and successes, his friendships and loves. He was open and honest and humble. I came away from that book feeling as though he had allowed me to know his heart and I became a bigger fan than I had been before. Stories I Only Tell My Friends was a wonderful memoir from a man who was willing to learn from his mistakes and share those lessons with me. I loved it.

So, when Love Life was released I immediately added it to my audible.com Wish List. I finally read it yesterday and today. This sophomore effort is good - but not as good as Stories … was. Mr Lowe remains open, unpretentious and self-aware. He shares much about his love for his family and is particularly vulnerable when speaking of his two sons. He certainly allows us to see that he truly does love his life. But… at times I felt the book became a “how to” book for aspiring actors. Although I enjoy the glimpses into this world that I know nothing about, the reason I loved Stories … was that he opened his heart and mind and shared his inner self. That is what I was looking for in Love Life, He did it, but not as much, and I wanted more.

Having said that, I look forward to a third installment.

Extraordinary work - well done Rob Lowe!

Would you consider the audio edition of Love Life to be better than the print version?

I did not think he could top his first book, but this is terrific. Thoughtful, honest and funny. I want to meet his wife, Cheryl and spend an afternoon hang out with them at a BBQ. I highly recommend this next series of stories.

What did you like best about this story?

All of the stories and how he tells them. His self awareness is refreshing.

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

Hearing his stories in his own words and voice. It brought an honesty and warmth that just added to the book. Somehow he connects with his listener in a way that just reading it, would not have done.

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

Yes, I laughed and was so touched by the story of Buck. I felt a kindred spirit to what he has learned about himself at his age.

Any additional comments?

Thank you for sharing your stories and lessons Mr. Lowe.

Rob Lowe is a "proven" author

Where does Love Life rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is my second experience with a Rob Lowe authored and read selection and I'm pleased to say "Love Life" was on par with his autobiography - a personal, reflective, often humorous, and in this case, family-focused read.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Rob, of course. Yet, not in the way many of us can fully define depending on the era we became familiar with him. I was taken into his characters as well as the public and private person keeping me engaged as the stories are told.

Which scene was your favorite?

The missteps that failed to lead to roles and opportunities he would have easily entertained had he had the chance.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Keeping it in Perspective

Any additional comments?

Read it!

Simply enjoyed the storytelling ride. Thanks Rob

If you could sum up Love Life in three words, what would they be?

Smooth, thoughtful, solid

What did you like best about this story?

The stories and life wisdoms.

What about Rob Lowe’s performance did you like?

His reading of his own story with the appropriate flow.

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

No. I like breaking it up.

Any additional comments?

Great.

No one follows the frog...

Enjoyable book but the second the last chapter was worth it all! Lorne Michaels is my hero. Rob tells many wonderful stories. This isn't the book for you if you want to hear 'The West Wing' stories. But great for everything else. Funny too!