The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family

Although this books would at first seem far from my experiences growing up as a black youth in the public housing projects in a small town in Indiana and being raised by a single divorced devoted mother. However, the similarities of brotherhood and a family’s tenacity and hustle really kept me glued to reading this book, especially the tenacity of a parents putting their children first. This book jogged a joyful reminiscing of my childhood experiences. I also learned a lot about the “art of the pitch” never miss an opportunity, so Opie and Clint(aka where’s your bear”I have a great book/movie pitch for you!P.S. the inside scoops on “ The Andy Griffin Show” (childhood fav) were great)

This is a wonderful book by Director and Actor Ron Howard and his Actor younger brother Clint Howard. I reviewed this book for my book club recently and they loved it! The book is a heartwarming and realistic portrait of the brothers’ family life in Hollywood with their parents Rance and Jean Howard including challenges and successes from their early childhood to near present. I recommend this book!

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.

I enjoyed the story and it would make a great movie! I always suspected that Ron Howard was a nice guy who loves his job and I was right! It was nice to meet him and Clint like this since I will never get to do that in person. Great Job!

I grew up watching these actors grow up. What wonderful stories were told about a family in show business. I loved it all. Couldn't put it down.

What I find interesting is there was no jealousy at all from them. They all cheered each other on. When few families are in the same business you can tell, but not these guys. Plus just because your an actor and famous not everyone gets a chance to become successful director, but Ron Howard was.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Howard’s sharing with us. Great read.

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 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.