Love Life

( 39 )

Overview

On the heels of his New York Times bestselling Stories I Only Tell My Friends, Rob Lowe is back with an entertaining collection that “invites readers into his world with easy charm and disarming frankness” (Kirkus Reviews).

After the incredible response to his acclaimed bestseller, Stories I Only Tell My Friends, Rob Lowe was convinced to mine his experiences for even more stories. The result is Love Life, a memoir about men and women, actors and producers, art and commerce, ...

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Love Life

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More About This Book

Overview

On the heels of his New York Times bestselling Stories I Only Tell My Friends, Rob Lowe is back with an entertaining collection that “invites readers into his world with easy charm and disarming frankness” (Kirkus Reviews).

After the incredible response to his acclaimed bestseller, Stories I Only Tell My Friends, Rob Lowe was convinced to mine his experiences for even more stories. The result is Love Life, a memoir about men and women, actors and producers, art and commerce, fathers and sons, movies and TV, addiction and recovery, sex and love. Among the adventures he describes in these pages are:

· His visit, as a young man, to Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion, where the naïve actor made a surprising discovery in the hot tub.
· The time, as a boy growing up in Malibu, he discovered a vibrator belonging to his best friend’s mother.
· What it’s like to be the star and producer of a flop TV show.
· How an actor prepares, for Californification, Parks and Recreation, and numerous other roles.
· His hilarious account of coaching a kid’s basketball team dominated by helicopter parents.
· How his great, great, great, great, great grandfather may have inspired everything from his love of The West Wing to his taste in classic American architecture.
· His first visit to college, with his son, who is going to receive the education his father never got.
· The time a major movie star stole his girlfriend.

Linked by common themes and his philosophical perspective on love—and life—Lowe’s writing “is loaded with showbiz anecdotes, self-deprecating tales, and has a general sweetness” (New York Post).

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Editorial Reviews

From Barnes & Noble

For those who had never seen him interviewed, Rob Lowe's 2011 Stories I Only Tell My Friends was one of the most pleasant surprises of the season. Now this veteran, yet still youthful actor is back with another batch of stories about his life on and offstage. Marked like its predecessor with rare candor and touching humor, Love Life captures the sometimes strange passage of a star in the process of becoming a man, a husband, a friend, and a father. A sweet, entertaining read; worthy of bestseller lists.

Publishers Weekly
04/14/2014
Actor Rob Lowe's (Stories I Only Tell My Friends) second memoir deals largely in his more recent past, using the personal essay as a form to reflect on a variety of topics most, notably his television work and life as a husband and father. He provides insight into his acting process, how he held his own in a scene with Dame Maggie Smith, captured the essence of JFK for Killing Kennedy and conceived the character he played in Soderbergh's Behind the Candelabra. He also breaks down some of his post-West Wing failures like NBC's The Lyon's Den plagued by production, writing, and actress problems and CBS's Dr. Vegas, where Lowe found himself ruing his insistence on casting troubled actor Tom Sizemore. When he does travel back to earlier years he seems less invested, but paints a vivid picture of 1970's Malibu, "a bastion of laissez-faire, self-centered, malignant disregard," recalls a visit to the Playboy Mansion at age 19, and being on set for Alec Baldwin's classic speech in Glengarry Glen Ross, "one of the largest beat-downs an actor has ever delivered." On parenting, Lowe shares several amusing anecdotes, the best of which involves a camping trip and a Bigfoot costume, and he reflects on the mix of pride and sadness of sending his son off to college. Lowe's second effort is an interesting insider's perspective on what works in Hollywood and what seems to be irredeemably broken and his advice on life and relationships is well-conceived and intelligent. (Apr.)
The Washington Post
"Engaging, relatable… entertaining and admirably frank."
Elle
“Lowe addresses his life with a welcome levity. This book confirms that Lowe is more than just a pretty face."
AARP Magazine
“Not just pretty but witty and wise.”
Booklist
"Lowe had been reborn as a winning memoirist."
Book Forum
“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.”
Tulsa World
“If you love Rob Lowe, you'll love his "Love Life."…. His self-effacing humor keeps the pace brisk.”
Miami Herald
“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.”
Bookpage
“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.”
Carpool Candy
“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.”
All You Editors
“[An] easygoing but thoughtful memoir.”
Red Carpet Crash
“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.”
Shelf Awareness
“A wild ride of a memoir by Rob Lowe that will leave you amused, fascinated and ultimately charmed.”
Daily Mail
“[Lowe is] an interesting and perceptive writer.”
Family Choice Awards
“An interesting read, and a page-turner. Lowe has an amazing insight about life and what is important.”
Good Men Project
“Love Life is just as genially and charmingly guarded as its predecessor. … [Lowe] is admirably self-aware.”
Associated Press Staff
“[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.”
USA Today
“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. ”
Elle
“Lowe addresses his life with a welcome levity."
Entertainment Weekly
"[Lowe] writes with perspective and humorous self-effacement.”
New York Post
“[Love Life] is loaded with showbiz anecdotes, self-deprecating tales and has a general sweetness that some readers might not be expecting from Lowe.”
Kirkus Reviews
2014-03-18
Actor Lowe follows up his Stories I Only Tell My Friends (2011) with a potpourri of observations and reflections about youthful indiscretions, celebrity tidbits, marriage and fatherhood, addiction and the acting life. In his Brat Pack days, the author's good looks cast him as a leading man and, at the same time, an underrated actor. Readers will learn there's more to him: his love of the craft; seriousness in steering his acting, writing and producing career; dedication to his wife and sons; and a keen self-awareness. He readily admits his flaws—e.g., self-centered tendencies ("[Parks and Recreation co-star] Rashida Jones claims that I am what she likes to call a benevolent narcissist") and emotional aloofness. Given the latter, it's no surprise that his best writing comes in astute observations of the world he inhabits rather than through introspection, which comes off as a bit forced. The strongest material demystifies the process of developing projects for TV and film or choosing and preparing for roles. Lowe approaches his work with an adventurous spirit and an eye toward improvement, and he notes how he often chooses more challenging characters rather than leading roles. Lowe obviously enjoys pointing out the absurdities of show business, as when he conjures up a hilarious conversation between an agent/manager and his client that captures the duplicitous nature of the game. Tender essays about his family show a more vulnerable side to the actor. He writes of losing it after sending his oldest son off to college, teaching the youngest boy how to stand up to a bully on the baseball field, and his glowing admiration for his wife. Readers won't soon forget his most fearless essay, which recounts a raw, heartbreaking experience from his days in rehab for his alcohol addiction. A savvy writer with a quick wit, Lowe invites readers into his world with easy charm and disarming frankness.
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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780594643555
  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  • Publication date: 4/8/2014
  • Pages: 272
  • Sales rank: 81613
  • Product dimensions: 6.10 (w) x 9.10 (h) x 1.10 (d)

Meet the Author

Rob Lowe

Rob Lowe is a film, television, and theater actor; a producer; and an entrepreneur. He is also involved in politics and is the author of Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography. He lives in Los Angeles.

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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 39 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(26)

4 Star

(9)

3 Star

(3)

2 Star

(1)

1 Star

(0)
See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 39 Customer Reviews

  • Posted Fri Apr 25 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    more from this reviewer

    Love Life by Rob Lowe follows his fascinating memoir Stories I O

    Love Life by Rob Lowe follows his fascinating memoir Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography which was published in 2011. With the kind of rave reviews it received which catapulted the book to the top of the bestseller list, I’m sure there is bound to be a sense of disappointment with his second book. Not because it is poorly written or that it does not have great content worth reading, but living up to a certain degree of expectation or hype is a difficult thing to follow through. On that count, many readers will be frustrated.

    Love Life is an absorbing, stimulating and thought-provoking read. It is a confirmation of the gift that Rob Lowe is bestowed as an author. What is particularly fascinating, and mostly likely to endear with readers, is the fact that he is open about his life, and is not unduly worried to talk about it. He is not the type to confine himself or his family within a limited protective shell. He lives quite a normal life, the kind of life that humans are meant to live. He has seen his own fair share of failures and successes and he is not about to discuss them or admit his mistakes. Reading the book opens new eyes with which to see him as he really is.

    What is plainly clear is that he knows what he is writing, talking or doing. He has learned and unlearned many things in life and shares them with profound abandon. What I find particularly interesting is the part about his family. He also offered an exciting look into the world of television and movie. Love Life by Rob Lowe is the lessons of life that the author learned during his life’s journey. It is informative, entertaining and incredibly inspiring.

    3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Sun Jun 15 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Loved this book!

    Entertaining, insightful, honest, funny, and well written! Keep writing Rob, you have a gift for this!

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Sun May 11 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    I Also Recommend:

    Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography

    Surprisingly Great Read!

    I had read Rob Lowe's first book when it came out and then saw him promoting this book on TV. This book was really well written, easy to read and enjoyable. Rob tells stories about his career and family and why he has made the choices he has. Very insightful. Rob isn't just another pretty face - he has a great mind and shares some of the things he has learned in life in this book.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Tue May 06 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    This was a good book, but it's not a scandalous kiss and tell bo

    This was a good book, but it's not a scandalous kiss and tell book. The love life he's referring to is his wife, who he obviously adores (lucky lady). Still has good stories about the past and about being a father and the challenges of acting. Plus, he refers to Dayton, Ohio, numerous times, which is close to where I live. :)

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Tue Apr 22 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    I Also Recommend:

    Pride Over Pity
    Unbecoming Travolta: A Memoir of Mania and Multiple Personalities
    Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies

    Rob Lowe has seen it all and done it all. He¿s been to the heigh

    Rob Lowe has seen it all and done it all. He’s been to the height of fame, he has experienced the fall from fame, he has been through image-destroying scandals, and he has survived it all to come out on top. His private stories told in Love Life are very interesting. Rob is very open about his life and the stories are both honest and inspirational, with just the right touch of humor.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Sun Apr 13 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Annabelle

    Anyone on

    1 out of 16 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Sun Oct 05 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Teriific book

    I love how Rob takes you through different eras of his life and the reader gets peak into the past and read about a great story.
    History of hollywood,his personal life orjust whatwas going on inthe world at that time. No matter a fabulous read!!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Thu Aug 28 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    A great summer read

    He's just adorable....in looks and in personality. Self-deprecating (although he's not afraid to remind you of his acclaimed acting), sweet and very thoughtful. I preferred his first book, but this one is a solid follow-up. Keep 'em coming Rob!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Jun 27 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    To abby

    Sure, choose anybook, i love giving girls and women pleasure

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Thu Jun 26 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Abby to anyone

    Looking for bf i have blond hair blue eyes big b.oobs and a se.xy body

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Jun 13 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Loved It!!!!!!

    An easy, intimate read.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Mon May 26 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Riley to Jassy

    Want to chat go to lovd and i will be waiting.plus i did not misspell lovd wrong it is a real book.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Mon May 12 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    To jassy from caroline

    I slowly take your clothes off.

    0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Wed May 21 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Jassy to Riley

    Hi

    0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Fri May 09 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    For fans¿. Not as good as his first book.

    So first to set expectations…. this book is less about Rob Lowe's "Love Life" than an instruction from him for you to "love life." For those looking for juicy tidbits about his romantic or sexual escapades you may be disappointed. There are certainly a few of those, yes, but most of the book is not focused on them.

    Lowe's first book Stories I Only Tell My Friends was wonderful. After that, this book is a bit of a let down.

    There are some wonderful parts to it, and some less wonderful. It felt a little all over the place with no clear logic as to what stories he included in the book and why in this particular order. In many places he throws around the names of his celebrity friends and co-workers and then in other stories - some of the ones in which you'd most want to know "who" he is writing about- he leaves them unnamed. Overall, the book does give you insight in Rob's life as a happily married man, involved father, and successful actor. There are some great moments about his appreciation for life and thoughts to how we can all enjoy and appreciate our own lives more. As a fan, I enjoyed the book but felt it could have used a better editing job to craft it into something even better than it is and as well done as his first one.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Sat May 03 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Alex

    Walks in and says i am Mr.Big Di.ck

    0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri May 02 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Not what I expected

    I read the first book by Rob Lowe and it was far better than this one. I thought he went into too much detail at times making it hard to follow. Was disappointed.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Mon Apr 28 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Jen to blain

    U related to bill?

    0 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Sun Apr 27 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Rebecca

    ...

    0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Sun Apr 27 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Blaine

    Blaine snoeberger is my real name....just got done watching fastand the furious my

    0 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

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