As a writer, I love to read. As a reader, I love to review. Every review can serve the next person. It’ll give them a little idea of maybe what to expect or simply what you yourself, thought of the book. I finished “The Boys” this morning and then, took myself off to Goodreads to see what others had said. I always make a point of not reading reviews first, I never want any preconceptions to cloud my views. I got a sample of the book. It was the foreword, written by Bruce Dallas Howard, and that just grabbed me. I knew this would be good.
When you pick up this book, around 400 pages greets you. I don’t look on this as a celebrity memoir. It’s history. A family history that the Howard family have been gracious enough to share.
Yes, the Howard family are famous, but I found that this seemed to play second fiddle in this book. This book is about a family whose children were encouraged to follow their dreams. This book is about finding out who you want to be, and paving your pathway towards that ambition.
When memoirs are good, they resonate with you, and so they should. This one did with me. A young boy wants to make films and sets his pathway to that dream. He has a brother who he is incredibly close to and parents who support him. The ideal family. Supportive and loving.
What makes this book stand out from other memoirs, is that there is no sensationalism. There is little scandal (if you count Clint’s drug use). It is an incredibly honest approach to their industry journey and the fact that they have had solid family support. This book shows 2 brothers that are grounded. It clearly demonstrates their work ethic and that is to be applauded.
I have seen reviews that call the book “too nice” or “safe” or “boring”. To those people, I ask….what’s so wrong about a memoir where things go right. The Howard life was not perfect and both Clint and Ron admit their mistakes. (Yes Ron, you should never have told your daughter Santa wasn’t real!)but what this book demonstrates in volumes is the love and appreciation that these two brothers have for each other.
For every success that Ron has had, he is incredibly humble and that is one hell of a quality to see in someone of his calibre. I have learned a lot about them both in this book. The diary nature of the writing, while telling both sides of the story, allows for brotherly banter too and that is both beautiful and comical to be part of.
The snippets from American Graffiti, the chats you had with Richard Dreyfuss and the fact that your mum was Blanche Lovell……Ron, Clint…..you made my day.
