In this autobiography of a simple Midwestern boy, actor Rob Lowe tells the tales of his journey to award-winning fame, his story beginning very early in his life with his family struggles and problems fitting in at school. After becoming a child star, Lowe’s fame rockets after starring in The Outsiders and St. Elmo’s Fire and becoming a member of the infamous media-spawned Brat Pack, a group of young stars in the 80s recognized for partying and debauchery. Lowe tells of his career successes and failures and his struggles with alcoholism, romance, and discovering himself as an actor, culminating in his experience of what he describes as one of the best roles of his lifetime: starring as Sam Seaborn in the critically acclaimed TV series The West Wing.

This autobiography is different from what I expected it to be, but I have nothing but positive things to say about it. It is amazing to read about all the people Rob Lowe met that would go on to become just as famous (Charlie Sheen and Janet Jackson are only two of many examples). I also delighted in reading about all the hard times Lowe has been through in his life; I had no idea everything that he had been through just from watching his film and TV work. Stories I Only Tell My Friends is a triumph of nonfiction that is just as captivating as any fictional novel, and I recommend it to any fan of Rob Lowe or anyone who enjoys a great coming-of-age story.

Availability: COSMOS
Review Submitted by: Brianna Glase
Rating: Highly Recommended