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.

27 people found this helpful

Fantastic listen - bravo Rob!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I read Rob Lowe's first book earlier this summer on the recommendation from a very well-read (think massive non-fiction tomes) friend, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. On the strength of my enjoyment of Mr. Lowe's first memoir, I picked this one up as a literature break. I listened to both books, and note that Mr. Lowe is an excellent narrator. His diction, affect, mimicry (he is a master vocal imitator) and expressiveness make him very, very easy and enjoyable to listen to. I am unsure how much I would enjoy reading this book - certainly I would not enjoy it more than listening to it and fear that I would like it somewhat less. Reviews are all over the place but I give this one 5 stars. Listen to it if you can. Classics are his recounting of a visit to the Playboy Mansion, creating a Bigfoot sighting for his boys whilst camping, and his insight into successfully authoring one's own life. I recommend, especially as an audiobook.

12 people found this helpful

Charming and insightful.

Have read both of his books and they are at times both laugh out loud funny, sadly
nostalgic, and gently insightful. Would
Recommend to anyone over 18 since there is some language.

8 people found this helpful

Rob Lowe the Philosopher

An excellent reading by a sincere man who has grown to be so much more than mere "pretty boy". His stories, humor, and intelligence are inspired. Treat yourself to this book.

6 people found this helpful

Good, But Not Great

Rob Lowe's first book set the bar super high and it's still one of my all time favorite Audible books. I was really excited about this new one. I would've loved for him to go into more detail about his early life in Malibu and tales from movies sets. As a sophomore effort this was just ok for me. I felt like it was a lot about his family life, more serious stories that would probably interest someone who is trying to be an actor and his struggle to deal with his kids leaving home for school. Although well written and read I just wasn't into it.

18 people found this helpful

Bravo .. Again ..

I've now read both of Lowe's books and have to say they are equally terrific. There's something special about an author reading his own book. I found Lowe's take on family, career, relationships and life's priorities refreshing. I look forward to his next book!

4 people found this helpful

Unforgettable

Much more than a memoir. Insightful, poignant. I highly recommend this book as well as Rob Lowe's first book, Stories I Only Tell My Friends. Excellent!

4 people found this helpful

Insightful, interesting and uplifting

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

Thoughtful, loving and compelling

What did you like best about this story?

Congratulations to Rob for yet another biography that is filled with warmth, humility and love. So many young actors are emotionally stunted by the endless attention their good looks and talent affords them at too young an age. Clearly Rob navigated his early years fairly deftly, with only a few self admitted bumps along the way. He found his footing early on, and putting one foot in front of the other, is leading the life he has worked so hard to achieve. The stories he shares of his journey thus far, reflect a maturity and determination that is both impressive and inspiring.

16 people found this helpful

Missing Chapters of Stories I Only Tell My Friends

Last year I read Rob Lowe's first book, Stories I Only Tell My Friends. It was one of the best autobiographies I've ever read. Rob Lowe is an actor I really never followed until he joined the Parks and Recreation cast and became the star of that show. His character on Parks and Recreation was one of the main reasons why Jenn and I sticked with the series. He played the extremely positive boss/health nut who "literally" never had a bad thing to say about anyone.

Rob Lowe recently released his second book, this one titled Love Life. I thought going in that this might be a deeper look into his teen idol sensation which made for some of the most interesting stories in his first book, but it really wasn't. More then anything Love Life was actually about his deep love and passion for life. The book jumps all over the place, from his days as a child, to minutes before he finished the first draft of the book. Unfortunately unlike the first book this one just jumps around so much that its hard to understand what his main goal was for this book.

That's not to say that it wasn't highly entertaining, because even with the books shortfalls its still a very entertaining book. Having got the audio version, Rob Lowe reads his own novel and for me that really makes an autobiography. You can hear his love for his family, his deep devotion to his friends, and the genuine honor he feels for the life he's lived.

Unfortunately even with all the good vibes, Love Life just feels like the cut/missing chapters of his first novel. There still highly entertaining but lack the substance and the structure to make it a lasting memory like his first novel. Rob Lowe has a sincere talent for writing and I cannot wait to see what else he writes in the future.

11 people found this helpful

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.

11 people found this helpful