I’m a fan of podcasts. I have a few favorites I listen to in the morning while I’m getting ready, or during the day while I’m driving. They run the gamut from financial, world events, entertainment and one, Stuff You Should Know (check it out!), that’s just so randomly fun and educational. But a few weeks ago, I was listening to an interview with Ron Howard. Yes, for a generation or more you know him as both Opie AND Richie Cunningham. But hopefully you also know him as a director of such diverse films as Splash and Apollo 13.

Well, it turns out that Ron and his brother, Clint Howard (also an actor), wrote a book together, ‘The Boys’, about growing up in Hollywood and their lives in the entertainment world. It sounded kinda interesting so I decided to get a copy. BUT…it turns out it’s not that easy to find even though it was published in 2021. It seems to be out of print. Still, I poked around online and found a used copy for pretty cheap. What the heck, I went ahead and ordered it.

Once it arrived it sat in my to-be-read pile for a few weeks…did I really care to read about Ron and Clint Howard? The pictures were fun, but really, how interesting could it be? Probably more or less a rote telling of acting in a T.V. series or movies. Yawn… Finally, one dull day, I thought what do I have to lose. I picked it up, and boy, I’m glad I did!

It’s quite a fun and entertaining book, told in a back-and-forth way between the two brothers, about growing up with incredibly supportive and knowledgeable parents who helped them both navigate the treacherous waters of the entertainment industry. This is a business known for chewing up and spitting out young actors after all…which it almost did to them on more than one occasion.

This was like reading two books in one. On the one hand, it’s a fascinating insight into how the television and movie business works. We see it from the point of view of small children who initially think of it as more fun and games than work, but as time progresses, it becomes a combination of a business and a calling for them both.

It’s also, however, the story of a very tight knit family. The Howards have each other’s back and that safe harbor clearly made all the difference for the brothers growing up. This could have been a cautionary tale of the worst case scenario for impressionable young boys—and it wouldn’t be the first time such a tale could be written. How different their lives would have turned out without that support. Their parents’ dedication to their children, even in the face of personal challenges, is both inspiring and touching. And the bond between these two brothers is enduring.

If you enjoy a good biography, find the ins and outs of the entertainment business even a little interesting, or if you enjoy a truly amazing real-life coming of age story, I recommend you check out the used books stores…there’s gotta be another copy out there somewhere! Enjoy!

Ps…‘The Boys’ is available once again, you can find it on Amazon. ;)