The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family

Knew alot about brother Ron & Clint Howard going into this book. Most interesting was how dad and mom brought the kids up and took risk moving out to CA from OK. Dad Rance could only get supporting roles and work was sporadic, so family essentially lived off Ron's child acting, primarily w/starring role in popular 1960s hit The Andy Griffith Show, which ran for an impressive 8 seasons.While I luved all the different stories from both Ron and Clint, they offered some interesting insight into some actors (both good and bad) that I didn't know. Loretta Swit was a b-tch to Ron Howard during his teen years during episode they were both involved in. 47- yr old Cloris Leachman was very flirty/seductive with teenager Ron at her house when going role, for her casting approval. He got the job.The only thing that I didn't like reading - and expected at some point - was Ron's gradual early conservative leanings descending towards more liberal as he more often got involved with late 1960s/early 70s influences that went against some of his mid-western values upbringing. Especially when his popular & well-liked character Richie Cunningham, was from moderate-conservative upcoming (remember dad Howard Cunningham was die-in-the-wool republican during few episodes...so was Fonzie!). This is who Ron became and leans heavily left now (Of course Pottsie & Ralph Mouth were democrats). Clint on the other hand was always rebellious, didn't have Ron's talent and got roles because he was cute, odd looking boy. Eventually as he got older while he could act he simply became odd-looking, borderline unattractive/weird-looking.Great, feel-good book about normal family that made it in Hollywood with no help from any insider.

My sister, my daughter and I try to read a book and then discuss it in our own mini book club. This is our most recent choice. I enjoyed reading the boys’ perspectives and read it fairly quickly. I admire their willingness to share honestly their pain as well as their successes. I also admired their dedication and commitment to their family members. Worth reading.

I found the audio on cd a real pleasure to listen toa wonderful and well done book that really told a wonderful story of these two brothers and would encourage any one to read or listen to

I wasn't expecting such an honest book describing the life of an actor and found it educational from the actors point of view. I also enjoyed the journey they took me on reading about their childhood, love of family and friends as well as their up and downs while growing up.I'll probably read it a few times more. That's how much I enjoyed it. Can't wait to see the movie. (Hey, Ron, hint, hint).Thanks to both authors, Ron and Clint Howard, for sharing their incredible life experiences with us.

Enjoyed this family journey through the 60s and 70s era of TV and film making, and their personal stories. Very enjoyable.

I am not sure if all the name dropping was essential.Introspection could have been strongerOverall a strong book.

Hollywood is so often sensationalized it was refreshing to read this story about how two boys grow up in Hollywood and their family values continue to show through. A great read

This was a great book. Not only a journey of two brothers but of a family. An easy read. Great history of television and the making of movies as well

I enjoyed this novel and was amazed at the boys parents for their non stop infatuation with their sons careers....did the boys actually have a choice ? They were in the movie/TV world from small children ! Was their Father living his own wishes for fame , by pushing his children into HIS chosen career ? I don't doubt, for a single moment, the great love between the members of that family .It was fascinating to read their rise to fame . Their youngest son , Clint, turned to drugs and alcohol as he grew up , so sad. As much as I enjoyed reading their stories , I felt the book was a little too drawn out towards the end.

This book was a surprisingly pleasant experience to read. Enjoyed very page. The Howard brothers have done their parents proud by their brotherly love.

A well written biography by the Howard brothers. What an amazing life they both lead.

I read this book and know nothing more about Ron Howard than I did before I read it. What should have been an interesting read of a fascinating life was dull and skipped over parts I wanted to learn more about. This book is a memoir of his father, so if you want to learn all about Rance Howard, this is the book for you!

Hyped on Graham Norton, sounded interesting... it’s not. Somehow, with the combination of poor writing and many, many cultural references that mean nothing to the average UK reader - especially if you were born after 1950 - what should be an account of interesting lives in show business becomes an extremely dull read. Honestly, a well written account of the lives of the colourful characters in your local pub would be more engaging. It’s a shame because Ron Howard seems like a good guy and can be very good at what he normally does. Stick to the day job, Ron.