Book Review: Love Life by Rob Lowe

When Rob Lowe's first book was published in 2011, he received the kind of rapturous reviews that writers dream of and rocketed to the top of the bestseller list. Now, in Love Life, he expands his scope, using stories and observations from his life in a poignant and humorous series of true tales about men and women, art and commerce, fathers and sons, addiction and recovery, and sex and love.

I read Love Life as part of the Nonfiction Reading Challenge. I've always liked Rob Lowe and having read some of his earlier writing I knew this book would be an entertaining read. I was not disappointed.

Rob tells stories from his time in Hollywood, as well as personal stories. He's a great writer and his sense of humour leaps off the page throughout the book. I've seen Rob interviewed many times and he's a very funny man. It's great to see this side of him coming out in his writing too. Having read this book I believe one of the best things about Rob is his ability to laugh at himself. He doesn't take life, or himself, too seriously. That makes his writing a joy to read.

Rob seems to be a thoughtful celebrity. Sure, he has his ego and definitely wants to succeed as an actor, but it's also clear that he loves the craft of acting and intentionally takes on roles because of the challenge he will face. He isn't a snob about roles - he doesn't just play leading men. He's in it for the artistry of acting. I admire him for that. 

I also loved the way Rob spoke of his family. He recognises that family is more important than his famous job. He knows acting is a means to an end. Yes it's a passion of his, but so is his family. I found the sections about his eldest son leaving home for college to be very well-written. It's obvious an emotional time for Rob, and I admire his candor in speaking about such a personal struggle. 

Love Life is an easy read. There is nothing astounding in the book, but it's an entertaining look at Rob Lowe's professional and personal life. I enjoyed it.