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If You Would Have Told Me: A Memoir
New York Times Bestseller
“...I love him, and I respect him, and I need him. We all do.”
—from the foreword by Jamie Lee Curtis
If you would have told a young John Stamos flipping burgers at his dad’s fast-food joint that one day he’d be a household name and that, at the height of his success, he’d be living alone, divorced, with no kids, high on a cocktail of forgetting, he might’ve asked, “You want fries with that?”
John burst onto the scene in General Hospital, propelling him into the teen idol stratosphere, a place that’s often a point of no return. But Stamos beat the odds and over the past four decades has proved himself to be one of his generation’s most successful and beloved actors. Whether showing off his comedic chops on Full House or his dramatic skills on ER, pushing the boundaries on Broadway or living out his youthful dreams as an honorary Beach Boy, John has surprised everyone, most of all himself.
A universal story about friendship, love, loss, and the courage to embrace love once more, John Stamos’s memoir is filled with some of the most memorable names in Hollywood, both old and new. Funny, deeply poignant, and brutally honest, If You Would Have Told Me is a portrait of a boy who went from believing in Disney magic to a man who learns that we have to create our own magical moments in life.
“...I love him, and I respect him, and I need him. We all do.”
—from the foreword by Jamie Lee Curtis
If you would have told a young John Stamos flipping burgers at his dad’s fast-food joint that one day he’d be a household name and that, at the height of his success, he’d be living alone, divorced, with no kids, high on a cocktail of forgetting, he might’ve asked, “You want fries with that?”
John burst onto the scene in General Hospital, propelling him into the teen idol stratosphere, a place that’s often a point of no return. But Stamos beat the odds and over the past four decades has proved himself to be one of his generation’s most successful and beloved actors. Whether showing off his comedic chops on Full House or his dramatic skills on ER, pushing the boundaries on Broadway or living out his youthful dreams as an honorary Beach Boy, John has surprised everyone, most of all himself.
A universal story about friendship, love, loss, and the courage to embrace love once more, John Stamos’s memoir is filled with some of the most memorable names in Hollywood, both old and new. Funny, deeply poignant, and brutally honest, If You Would Have Told Me is a portrait of a boy who went from believing in Disney magic to a man who learns that we have to create our own magical moments in life.
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,957 reviews
January 26, 2024
I know I am in the minority here, but I found this book very tedious to read.
Stamos tries too hard to come off as a comedian and he’s just corny to me.
I was never a fan of The Beach Boys. I’m sure their music was fine and I am about the same age as John Stamos, but I guess my taste in music was more pop rock or just plain rock music. The Beach Boys just seemed like an old group that was trying to hang on to an era long gone…. But I am an East Coaster… so maybe it was a West Coast thing. Either way…. I was bored with all The Beach Boys talk and really didn’t care that John played drums with them or any other groups.
My daughter loved the show Full House and still watches reruns even now and she is in her 30’s. I tried to watch it with her when she was young, but found it pretty lame and hated the catch phrases.
I did enjoy Stamos in ER when he played Dr. Tony Gates. ER is still one of my top five series.
I’m very sorry for the loss of his friend Bob Saget. That was a shock. I caught some of his stand up routines and found them pretty raunchy, but he enjoyed what he did and he was happy doing that until his death. I still am not sure how he died. I know he died in his sleep, but it’s sad that he was so far from home and my heart breaks for his wife and family.
John came out with his story of his molestation by a babysitter and it’s just thrown out there in the book like a one sentence story. He went from his proposal to his wife to a quick mention of what happened with his babysitter. It was just an odd combination. I’m not really sure why he put it in the book since he just skips onto another Beach Boys story in the next paragraph. I thought he would have included that part of his life back when he was talking about Cory Feldman and Cory Haim and how they were abused in their lives by the industry. It was just strange the way he tossed it in there at that time…. Like an after thought.
I kind of think that I like John less now than before I read the book. He seems a bit shallow. A bit full of himself.
He really can’t act. He is not that interesting and I found myself just sticking with the book to get it finished.
He tells about his divorce from his first wife Rebecca Romijn. She must have found him as boring as I do.
Stamos is a huge name dropper. I was tired of hearing about Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. I was never a fan of Don Rickles, but my brothers thought he was so funny while we were kids. Just not my cup of tea.
John has finally settled down with Caitlyn…. A girl 23 years younger than him and they have a new baby. It’s just a shame it took him to almost 60 years of age to find her. But he definitely seems to be living his best life. I wish them many years of happiness.
One other thing that bewildered me was the whole chapter of acknowledgments at the end of the book that went on and on and on…. But he never mentions Caitlyn or their child. I just found that to be a big oversight unless he wrote this book long before he met her and added her into his story just before it went to print and never changed the acknowledgments.
All in all…. It was a very disorganized book, jumping from one time in his life to another and it left me confused and feeling like I read an incomplete book.
Back to the library it goes and I hope the next person enjoys it more than I did.
Stamos tries too hard to come off as a comedian and he’s just corny to me.
I was never a fan of The Beach Boys. I’m sure their music was fine and I am about the same age as John Stamos, but I guess my taste in music was more pop rock or just plain rock music. The Beach Boys just seemed like an old group that was trying to hang on to an era long gone…. But I am an East Coaster… so maybe it was a West Coast thing. Either way…. I was bored with all The Beach Boys talk and really didn’t care that John played drums with them or any other groups.
My daughter loved the show Full House and still watches reruns even now and she is in her 30’s. I tried to watch it with her when she was young, but found it pretty lame and hated the catch phrases.
I did enjoy Stamos in ER when he played Dr. Tony Gates. ER is still one of my top five series.
I’m very sorry for the loss of his friend Bob Saget. That was a shock. I caught some of his stand up routines and found them pretty raunchy, but he enjoyed what he did and he was happy doing that until his death. I still am not sure how he died. I know he died in his sleep, but it’s sad that he was so far from home and my heart breaks for his wife and family.
John came out with his story of his molestation by a babysitter and it’s just thrown out there in the book like a one sentence story. He went from his proposal to his wife to a quick mention of what happened with his babysitter. It was just an odd combination. I’m not really sure why he put it in the book since he just skips onto another Beach Boys story in the next paragraph. I thought he would have included that part of his life back when he was talking about Cory Feldman and Cory Haim and how they were abused in their lives by the industry. It was just strange the way he tossed it in there at that time…. Like an after thought.
I kind of think that I like John less now than before I read the book. He seems a bit shallow. A bit full of himself.
He really can’t act. He is not that interesting and I found myself just sticking with the book to get it finished.
He tells about his divorce from his first wife Rebecca Romijn. She must have found him as boring as I do.
Stamos is a huge name dropper. I was tired of hearing about Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. I was never a fan of Don Rickles, but my brothers thought he was so funny while we were kids. Just not my cup of tea.
John has finally settled down with Caitlyn…. A girl 23 years younger than him and they have a new baby. It’s just a shame it took him to almost 60 years of age to find her. But he definitely seems to be living his best life. I wish them many years of happiness.
One other thing that bewildered me was the whole chapter of acknowledgments at the end of the book that went on and on and on…. But he never mentions Caitlyn or their child. I just found that to be a big oversight unless he wrote this book long before he met her and added her into his story just before it went to print and never changed the acknowledgments.
All in all…. It was a very disorganized book, jumping from one time in his life to another and it left me confused and feeling like I read an incomplete book.
Back to the library it goes and I hope the next person enjoys it more than I did.
November 5, 2023
My honest opinion is not a very good one. The content mainly consisted of dropping all the big names encountered throughout his career and a whole lotta Beach Boy chat. It came off as very narcissistic and the only person I would recommend this book to is John himself.
February 7, 2024
Hey, John Stamos… How you doin? 😏
Yeah okay, I still have a major crush on this man. In fact, in my opinion, I think John Stamos is the most handsome man that has ever walked the planet. John Stamos is now 60 years old, and he is still aging like a fine wine. But on to the book…
Of course, I thought this memoir was fantastic. John Stamos did not hold back. In fact, there were pages that were very emotional when he talked about his true feelings with past relationships, his drinking, and dealing with the deaths of close friends and family members. There were also many laugh out loud moments in this book- one in particular was when he went to audition for the role of Blackie Parrish for General Hospital with a yellow bandana tied around his leg. He didn’t know what that represented (and neither did I), and it was pretty funny.
Stamos touched base about all the TV shows he was on, which included: General Hospital, Full House/Fuller House, ER, and Grandfathered. He also did many guest appearances on TV shows, and starred in a Netflix series (You). I also learned that John Stamos starred in Broadway (how did I miss that?!). Stamos starred in Cabaret, and Bye, Bye Birdie on Broadway.
In this memoir, we also learn of Stamos’ deep friendship with The Beach Boys and how he has been touring with them for years and playing drums with them. We learn that he had a close friendship with Don Rickles (who knew?), and Howard Stern amongst many other famous people. He also talks about his deep friendship and love for the late Bob Saget, which still breaks my heart.
One of the fondest things in this memoir is the love John Stamos has for his late parents, especially his mother. Throughout this memoir, John includes handwritten notes that his mother had wrote to him through the years. I felt that was so touching and heartfelt. I also found Chapter 32- I Love You More, to be the best chapter in the book. The love John and his mother had for one another was undeniable.
I also loved reading about how John met his current, and beautiful wife Caitlin. I am so happy that John has found his true love (I gave up a long time ago, however if it doesn’t work out I’m still free-maybe. Lol). They also have the cutest little son together, and I love seeing photos of them.
Which brings me to the conclusion of the book. John Stamos provided many pictures at the end of the book, which were a definite treat to look at. All I can say is… “Have Mercy” 😎
Yeah okay, I still have a major crush on this man. In fact, in my opinion, I think John Stamos is the most handsome man that has ever walked the planet. John Stamos is now 60 years old, and he is still aging like a fine wine. But on to the book…
Of course, I thought this memoir was fantastic. John Stamos did not hold back. In fact, there were pages that were very emotional when he talked about his true feelings with past relationships, his drinking, and dealing with the deaths of close friends and family members. There were also many laugh out loud moments in this book- one in particular was when he went to audition for the role of Blackie Parrish for General Hospital with a yellow bandana tied around his leg. He didn’t know what that represented (and neither did I), and it was pretty funny.
Stamos touched base about all the TV shows he was on, which included: General Hospital, Full House/Fuller House, ER, and Grandfathered. He also did many guest appearances on TV shows, and starred in a Netflix series (You). I also learned that John Stamos starred in Broadway (how did I miss that?!). Stamos starred in Cabaret, and Bye, Bye Birdie on Broadway.
In this memoir, we also learn of Stamos’ deep friendship with The Beach Boys and how he has been touring with them for years and playing drums with them. We learn that he had a close friendship with Don Rickles (who knew?), and Howard Stern amongst many other famous people. He also talks about his deep friendship and love for the late Bob Saget, which still breaks my heart.
One of the fondest things in this memoir is the love John Stamos has for his late parents, especially his mother. Throughout this memoir, John includes handwritten notes that his mother had wrote to him through the years. I felt that was so touching and heartfelt. I also found Chapter 32- I Love You More, to be the best chapter in the book. The love John and his mother had for one another was undeniable.
I also loved reading about how John met his current, and beautiful wife Caitlin. I am so happy that John has found his true love (I gave up a long time ago, however if it doesn’t work out I’m still free-maybe. Lol). They also have the cutest little son together, and I love seeing photos of them.
Which brings me to the conclusion of the book. John Stamos provided many pictures at the end of the book, which were a definite treat to look at. All I can say is… “Have Mercy” 😎
October 26, 2023
This is a story about Hollywood fame, fortune, and fuck ups. This is a story about home, heart, healing, and hummingbirds
HAVE MERCY! This was incredible. Stamos’s memoir opens with an incredibly touching and heartfelt foreword by Jamie Lee Curtis that has readers even more excited to see what's between these pages. Stamos unflinchingly lays out his journey through drug and alcohol addiction, his brotherhood with Bob Saget, his rise to stardom and to America’s heartthrob, his divorce, the formation of his beautiful family, and so much more.
This was an astonishingly moving and emotional memoir. I laughed out loud and I cried. It was a true treat to listen on audiobook and hear Stamos tell his own story. You can hear the different inflections in his voice as he reminisces, sometimes choking up and sometimes laughing to himself. Be sure not to miss out on the physical copy, though, because the pictures that are included are worth the book itself.
5 shiny, glowing stars. Cannot recommend enough.
HAVE MERCY! This was incredible. Stamos’s memoir opens with an incredibly touching and heartfelt foreword by Jamie Lee Curtis that has readers even more excited to see what's between these pages. Stamos unflinchingly lays out his journey through drug and alcohol addiction, his brotherhood with Bob Saget, his rise to stardom and to America’s heartthrob, his divorce, the formation of his beautiful family, and so much more.
This was an astonishingly moving and emotional memoir. I laughed out loud and I cried. It was a true treat to listen on audiobook and hear Stamos tell his own story. You can hear the different inflections in his voice as he reminisces, sometimes choking up and sometimes laughing to himself. Be sure not to miss out on the physical copy, though, because the pictures that are included are worth the book itself.
5 shiny, glowing stars. Cannot recommend enough.
Read
December 10, 2023Genre ~ memoir
Publication date ~ October 24, 2023
Est page Count ~ 342 (p+ 37 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 44 minutes
Narrator ~ the author
Memoirs are always a little weird to me because how do you remember exactly what was said 40-50 years ago ~ did ya take notes knowing you might write a book one day? Doubtful.
John tells us his story chronologically from his DUI, to his first audition (luckily he didn't get peed on 😂), to his time on General Hospital (before my time of watching it), to playing with The Beach Boys, to Full House (I've probably seen every episode, and even watched the reboot Fuller House), to his marriage with Rebecca, and then their divorce, to his time on the show ER (never watched it), to his time on Broadway (I had no clue), to his current marriage and being a father.
He talks about his struggles with alcohol, the friendships he made along the way and those he lost too soon. He is a name dropper and you'll find out he hung out with Frank Sinatra and Don Rickles, and of course, Bob Saget, to name a few. He had a great relationship with his supportive parents who have passed. An interesting Full House fact ~ Adam was supposed to be his character's name until he suggested the change to Jesse.
Side note ~ still a looker at 60.
Narration notes:
I'm so happy John narrated. I feel like it makes memoir's that much more authentic. He has a great voice and unless I missed it I don't think he said have mercy, in the way he's known for, which was disappointing.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Publication date ~ October 24, 2023
Est page Count ~ 342 (p+ 37 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 44 minutes
Narrator ~ the author
Memoirs are always a little weird to me because how do you remember exactly what was said 40-50 years ago ~ did ya take notes knowing you might write a book one day? Doubtful.
John tells us his story chronologically from his DUI, to his first audition (luckily he didn't get peed on 😂), to his time on General Hospital (before my time of watching it), to playing with The Beach Boys, to Full House (I've probably seen every episode, and even watched the reboot Fuller House), to his marriage with Rebecca, and then their divorce, to his time on the show ER (never watched it), to his time on Broadway (I had no clue), to his current marriage and being a father.
He talks about his struggles with alcohol, the friendships he made along the way and those he lost too soon. He is a name dropper and you'll find out he hung out with Frank Sinatra and Don Rickles, and of course, Bob Saget, to name a few. He had a great relationship with his supportive parents who have passed. An interesting Full House fact ~ Adam was supposed to be his character's name until he suggested the change to Jesse.
Side note ~ still a looker at 60.
Narration notes:
I'm so happy John narrated. I feel like it makes memoir's that much more authentic. He has a great voice and unless I missed it I don't think he said have mercy, in the way he's known for, which was disappointing.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
November 7, 2023
Do yourself a favour and listen to this book. John Stamos is funny, he is honest and he is entertaining. So many great stories. He will always be Uncle Jesse to me, but I loved hearing about his other roles and his time with The Beach Boys. And he is a massive Disneyland fan so that scores major points in my book.
November 10, 2023
Have mercy, this was not good.
November 13, 2023
John Stamos believes everyone has a book in them, and shares his story in If You Would Have Told Me.
John grew up in California. He has of course held multiple roles as an actor but I will always associate him first as Uncle Jesse on Full House. I did not know he’s a Disney adult, though this doesn’t appear to be a new reveal in his book, just news to me. He is also a part-time, unofficial member of The Beach Boys, playing with the band regularly.
John talks about his life growing up, his career as an actor, his first marriage and divorce, his long held desire for a family, his, at times, tense relationship with Bob Saget and ultimately, their friendship. John is close with his own family and you can tell he’s a genuine person. The later chapters in If You Would Have Told Me have more substance and reflection, and I enjoyed them the most.
John grew up in California. He has of course held multiple roles as an actor but I will always associate him first as Uncle Jesse on Full House. I did not know he’s a Disney adult, though this doesn’t appear to be a new reveal in his book, just news to me. He is also a part-time, unofficial member of The Beach Boys, playing with the band regularly.
John talks about his life growing up, his career as an actor, his first marriage and divorce, his long held desire for a family, his, at times, tense relationship with Bob Saget and ultimately, their friendship. John is close with his own family and you can tell he’s a genuine person. The later chapters in If You Would Have Told Me have more substance and reflection, and I enjoyed them the most.
November 12, 2023
I never had an opinion on John Stamos. Now, I dislike him. 🤷🏻♀️
Read
April 23, 2024Wow, John Stamos certainly is narcissistic. So much name dropping and going on about the women he’s dated and the roles he’s had and how amazing he was at all of them. I was so happy to see him fail when he finally spent a few paragraphs talking about it.
I read Jodie Sweetin’s and Andrea Barber’s memoirs and liked that they were honest about their struggles and humble about their successes. Maybe it’s just that struggle is so much more interesting to me than success.
I got so tired of reading about The Beach Boys, and how he’s so honored that he got to play with them so many times, so honored to have met Frank Sinatra and all these other celebrities. So annoyingly transparent with the name dropping. And why did he have to mention the $175,000 value of his wife’s necklace when she was robbed? And why does he have to mention he’s driving a Tesla when he goes to Bob Saget’s house to mourn with family and friends after his death? And why when recounting when he’s given some kind of dumb lifetime achievement award for helping neglected children does he again make it about HIM and talk about the time his babysitter did some weird things to him, so now he’s a victim too. (I know it shouldn’t happen to anyone, but he said he hadn’t thought about it in years and doesn’t seem to have caused any long term trauma, but a little perspective here, John.) And then he says he hopes his son wins an award like this too. Not “I hope my son is a kind and generous person who gives of himself to others and realizes how blessed he is by all the privilege he will undoubtedly have by being my son.” Nope. I hope my son wins an award for being a good person because he’s just as awesome as me.
In the intro to the book, Stamos lists all these wide ranging supposed characteristics of hummingbirds, as some kind of spiritual bird to him. I really hate when people misrepresent bird behavior. Most of the things he says are just generic, but I will never trust anyone who describes a hummingbird as generous. They may possibly be one of the least generous birds around. Especially those ruby throated ones he talks about.
So yeah, I don’t recommend this one, but I have a really hard time with big egos so it was especially infuriating for me.
I read Jodie Sweetin’s and Andrea Barber’s memoirs and liked that they were honest about their struggles and humble about their successes. Maybe it’s just that struggle is so much more interesting to me than success.
I got so tired of reading about The Beach Boys, and how he’s so honored that he got to play with them so many times, so honored to have met Frank Sinatra and all these other celebrities. So annoyingly transparent with the name dropping. And why did he have to mention the $175,000 value of his wife’s necklace when she was robbed? And why does he have to mention he’s driving a Tesla when he goes to Bob Saget’s house to mourn with family and friends after his death? And why when recounting when he’s given some kind of dumb lifetime achievement award for helping neglected children does he again make it about HIM and talk about the time his babysitter did some weird things to him, so now he’s a victim too. (I know it shouldn’t happen to anyone, but he said he hadn’t thought about it in years and doesn’t seem to have caused any long term trauma, but a little perspective here, John.) And then he says he hopes his son wins an award like this too. Not “I hope my son is a kind and generous person who gives of himself to others and realizes how blessed he is by all the privilege he will undoubtedly have by being my son.” Nope. I hope my son wins an award for being a good person because he’s just as awesome as me.
In the intro to the book, Stamos lists all these wide ranging supposed characteristics of hummingbirds, as some kind of spiritual bird to him. I really hate when people misrepresent bird behavior. Most of the things he says are just generic, but I will never trust anyone who describes a hummingbird as generous. They may possibly be one of the least generous birds around. Especially those ruby throated ones he talks about.
So yeah, I don’t recommend this one, but I have a really hard time with big egos so it was especially infuriating for me.
November 20, 2023
3.5 Stars!
If you grew up in the 1990's than you probably watched Full House. I don't actually remember when it aired originally but the reruns were on TBS nonstop. John Stamos is obviously Uncle Jesse. I don't care what he does in the future, he will always be Uncle Jesse. A few years ago when I battling a serious illness I binged the entire series E.R. I was shocked when deep into the series run up popped Uncle Jesse, looking fine as hell.
Uncle Jesse can get it any day.....
I should probably talk about the book now.
The title is too long but it's cute. John Stamos is corny and I mean that in good way. He's now cool and when he tries to be cool it just comes off funny but cute...Have I mentioned John Stamos is cute. This was a quick little read and given the fact that I didn't know anything about him including the fact that he has a child and a wife. I didn't love this book because I didn't feel like I really got to know him. I mean I still have no idea why he and Rebecca Romijn got divorced. He paints her as this evil horrible person but it seems like the only thing she did was get more famous than him. He comes off super insecure and I hope he doesn't divorce his current wife if she ever becomes independently famous. The only time I felt a connection to him was when he talked about his parents and Bob Saget. Those three got the most deep emotions out of him, when discussed his wife it mostly talked about how he stalked her for 5 years and then 6 months after dating told her they should procrastinate( he didn't use that word but I think it fits).
I like John Stamos but the way he talks about women he's been in relationships with is in a way that bothers me. He's always the victim Rebecca is evil, his wife just wanted to be friends, his first Hollywood girlfriend cheated on him with Tony Danza( can you blame her? I'd sleep with a 70 something year old Tony Danza right now). It's always woe is me and its kind of annoying.
I would still recommend this book because I loved Full House as a kid. I haven't rewatched it as an adult and I don't think it'll hold up but I still enjoy the memories. Also for the older folks you'll enjoy it if you remember him from General Hospital. Plus he's handsome and the book as pictures...so there's that!
If you grew up in the 1990's than you probably watched Full House. I don't actually remember when it aired originally but the reruns were on TBS nonstop. John Stamos is obviously Uncle Jesse. I don't care what he does in the future, he will always be Uncle Jesse. A few years ago when I battling a serious illness I binged the entire series E.R. I was shocked when deep into the series run up popped Uncle Jesse, looking fine as hell.
Uncle Jesse can get it any day.....
I should probably talk about the book now.
The title is too long but it's cute. John Stamos is corny and I mean that in good way. He's now cool and when he tries to be cool it just comes off funny but cute...Have I mentioned John Stamos is cute. This was a quick little read and given the fact that I didn't know anything about him including the fact that he has a child and a wife. I didn't love this book because I didn't feel like I really got to know him. I mean I still have no idea why he and Rebecca Romijn got divorced. He paints her as this evil horrible person but it seems like the only thing she did was get more famous than him. He comes off super insecure and I hope he doesn't divorce his current wife if she ever becomes independently famous. The only time I felt a connection to him was when he talked about his parents and Bob Saget. Those three got the most deep emotions out of him, when discussed his wife it mostly talked about how he stalked her for 5 years and then 6 months after dating told her they should procrastinate( he didn't use that word but I think it fits).
I like John Stamos but the way he talks about women he's been in relationships with is in a way that bothers me. He's always the victim Rebecca is evil, his wife just wanted to be friends, his first Hollywood girlfriend cheated on him with Tony Danza( can you blame her? I'd sleep with a 70 something year old Tony Danza right now). It's always woe is me and its kind of annoying.
I would still recommend this book because I loved Full House as a kid. I haven't rewatched it as an adult and I don't think it'll hold up but I still enjoy the memories. Also for the older folks you'll enjoy it if you remember him from General Hospital. Plus he's handsome and the book as pictures...so there's that!
November 6, 2023
I found this memoir disappointing for multiple reasons. One, Stamos seems to stay on the surface with every topic, never really delving deep into his emotions and his insights. Two, he talks in detail about certain people-The Beach Boys, Don Rickles, complaining about his ex wife-all people I am fine with him talking about here, but it just went on too long (we're here to read about YOU Johns Stamos). Three, overall I just didn't find this very compelling or entertaining.
watch me full review!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwYuP...
watch me full review!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwYuP...
July 26, 2024
If you would have told me I was going to like this book, I would say you were right!
John Stamos surprisingly has a lot to say and many life lessons to share. Everything from his days as Blackie Parrish to Marvyn Korn, Stamos gives you a backstage pass as his life as an actor and the emotional turmoil that goes with it. He opens up about his personal life too, including marriage, divorce, becoming a father, addiction, and the loss of those nearest and dearest to him.
I highly recommend the audiobook since he reads it himself and does amazing voices. Not only that, but during some of the deep emotional parts, you can hear the pain or joy in his voice. Uncle Jesse may have been the funny care-free guy we love from Full House, but John Stamos is the man we can all learn a lot from. – Alyssa C.
John Stamos surprisingly has a lot to say and many life lessons to share. Everything from his days as Blackie Parrish to Marvyn Korn, Stamos gives you a backstage pass as his life as an actor and the emotional turmoil that goes with it. He opens up about his personal life too, including marriage, divorce, becoming a father, addiction, and the loss of those nearest and dearest to him.
I highly recommend the audiobook since he reads it himself and does amazing voices. Not only that, but during some of the deep emotional parts, you can hear the pain or joy in his voice. Uncle Jesse may have been the funny care-free guy we love from Full House, but John Stamos is the man we can all learn a lot from. – Alyssa C.
November 8, 2023
A little disappointing in that it seemed to have been advertised as a story of Stamos overcoming alcoholism and coming to terms with his life choices. There is very little of that in the stories he tells, and being honest, the first half of the book comes across as self aggrandizing. It may be he’s trying to be funny but many of the statements come across as egotistical. As far as his sobriety, props to him for his recovery. But again as far as thus journey as the focus of his book is very misleading. He opens with his DUI arrest setting the stage and then doesn’t mention his alcohol intake again until page 205. For two chapters he discusses his abuse of alcohol particularly when he embarks on his Broadway journey, and then he just drops that subject again. There’s no real discussion of where in his career he begins his sobriety journey. I wanted to know more of how he worked his program and how he is staying on that path especially since he hyped that up in the opening. I do appreciate his last two chapters on his new life, his incredible loss of Bob Saget, and his inspiring messages of embracing life and love, and maybe these were the best chapters because he wasn’t trying to be funny.
December 26, 2023
One day I can only hope to love someone the way John Stamos loves himself. And the Beach Boys.
November 8, 2023
Very surface and lots of name dropping. Don't feel like I really learned who John Stamos is, just what he wants to present to the world as his persona.
December 14, 2023
Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy :)
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Had more off days than good lately but still managing to read 📚 :).
I enjoyed reading about John's life and the influences around him that made him who he is today. His missteps along the way seem like they have made him a stronger person and I'm happy that he's doing better and has found someone to love (his child sounds adorable).
Loved his passion for Disney :)
I grew up with the beach ⛱️ boys music 🎶 (dad had all their albums) but for me it was just okay aside from good vibrations.
I did enjoy John talking about them though (the crowd for that one concert..seeing the picture of the crowded, holy crap! How did anyone move in all that?). You can hear his passion through the pages.
He has a good sense of humor... we'd probably get along:).
Bob Saget's standup humor wasn't to my taste but I'm glad it made him and other people happy. I teared up reading John's telling of everything 😢. Their friendship was a beautiful thing.
His closeness with Don Rickles had me smiling too.. one of my favorite chapters was the one about their friendship.
His proposal to Caitlyn was adorable <3.
It was interesting with the behind the scenes of Full House.. I didn't know Bob and John couldn't stand each other at first or that John wasn't keen on the show at first. Or that Bob was unhappy too at first.
Stories off the set have always fascinated me.. looking through the mirror to see the other side.
It was nice that they were still close all those years later too.
Would recommend giving this book a chance, I had a good time with it :)
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Had more off days than good lately but still managing to read 📚 :).
I enjoyed reading about John's life and the influences around him that made him who he is today. His missteps along the way seem like they have made him a stronger person and I'm happy that he's doing better and has found someone to love (his child sounds adorable).
Loved his passion for Disney :)
I grew up with the beach ⛱️ boys music 🎶 (dad had all their albums) but for me it was just okay aside from good vibrations.
I did enjoy John talking about them though (the crowd for that one concert..seeing the picture of the crowded, holy crap! How did anyone move in all that?). You can hear his passion through the pages.
He has a good sense of humor... we'd probably get along:).
Bob Saget's standup humor wasn't to my taste but I'm glad it made him and other people happy. I teared up reading John's telling of everything 😢. Their friendship was a beautiful thing.
His closeness with Don Rickles had me smiling too.. one of my favorite chapters was the one about their friendship.
His proposal to Caitlyn was adorable <3.
It was interesting with the behind the scenes of Full House.. I didn't know Bob and John couldn't stand each other at first or that John wasn't keen on the show at first. Or that Bob was unhappy too at first.
Stories off the set have always fascinated me.. looking through the mirror to see the other side.
It was nice that they were still close all those years later too.
Would recommend giving this book a chance, I had a good time with it :)
November 23, 2023
What’s better than a celebrity memoir era? ✨ For me, John Stamos is not John Stamos; he’s Uncle Jesse. I was unaware of the many other roles he has played over the years. It was amazing to read his recollections of his time on Broadway. My mind was blown. Cabaret and John’s role as the Emcee appeared to be worlds away from his time on Full House. I was thoroughly impressed. I also had no idea about his struggles with alcohol, and it was great to read he has been sober for eight years. Finally, the snippets of handwritten notes from his parents were a nice touch. I’ll be watching to see what John does next.
November 8, 2023
It’s not him, it’s me. Turns out I’m a lot less interested in John Stamos’s life than I thought I was.
October 26, 2023
I don’t typically like to rate memoirs because it’s someone else’s life and experiences, but I absolutely loved this one. I couldn’t stop listening!
November 6, 2023
I love celebrity biographies; I always feel like I am having coffee with the author, that last a few days. However, with this one, the more I read, the more I felt disconnected, and could not get emotionally involved even though I have always loved John Stamos throughout his career.
I felt he goes in surface with the personal aspects of his life, not giving many details. I understand, that’s his choice! I mean he certainly hasn’t only had 3 relationships in his life…
I was disappointed about the General Hospital chapter. He only mentions Tony Geary, Kin Shriner, Rick Springfield, Demi Moore and Chris Robinson. I would have wanted to read about Jack Wagner who was chosen to replace him as the next heartthrob and Genie Francis.
He does explain his relationships with the Full House cast but you don’t know how it came to end and how Fuller House was resurrected.
I was especially bored during the many chapters about his theatre experience.
If you are a Beach Boys fan, you will certainly enjoy as he tells many stories performing with them or personal moments.
I don’t understand how he chose the chapter on how he proposed to bring up how he was abused as a child? I didn’t get the link and had to reread a few pages to understand if I had missed something. I did not.
Finally, he spends 11 pages thanking people at
the end but never mentions his wife or sisters.
Globally, I was disappointed. I feel he chose what he wanted to share and presented himself in a good light. I have no doubt he was brought up with good family values but shouldn’t he have expressed more of the bad times? What about his stay at Cirque Lodge? He only mentions the Center in his acknowledgments.
If you are looking for a good celebrity biography, try Matthew Perry or Jennifer Simpson!
I felt he goes in surface with the personal aspects of his life, not giving many details. I understand, that’s his choice! I mean he certainly hasn’t only had 3 relationships in his life…
I was disappointed about the General Hospital chapter. He only mentions Tony Geary, Kin Shriner, Rick Springfield, Demi Moore and Chris Robinson. I would have wanted to read about Jack Wagner who was chosen to replace him as the next heartthrob and Genie Francis.
He does explain his relationships with the Full House cast but you don’t know how it came to end and how Fuller House was resurrected.
I was especially bored during the many chapters about his theatre experience.
If you are a Beach Boys fan, you will certainly enjoy as he tells many stories performing with them or personal moments.
I don’t understand how he chose the chapter on how he proposed to bring up how he was abused as a child? I didn’t get the link and had to reread a few pages to understand if I had missed something. I did not.
Finally, he spends 11 pages thanking people at
the end but never mentions his wife or sisters.
Globally, I was disappointed. I feel he chose what he wanted to share and presented himself in a good light. I have no doubt he was brought up with good family values but shouldn’t he have expressed more of the bad times? What about his stay at Cirque Lodge? He only mentions the Center in his acknowledgments.
If you are looking for a good celebrity biography, try Matthew Perry or Jennifer Simpson!
December 15, 2023
ugh 😭 i just didn’t enjoy this like i thought i would. this is nothing against John Stamos as a person, and i will continue to love Full House. although after reading this, it makes me not really care for him as a person because of how he came off in this book (into himself, complaining a lot). i don’t think he’s a bad person or anything, but he didn’t come off in the best light in this memoir (i guess he’s honest at least). i think this was part of why i wasn’t caring for this book.
almost the first half of this book felt like he was name dropping different celebrities and talking about his time with them. that’s fine, but it was just way too much and offered no introspection or reflection like i might expect in a memoir (then again, he did mention at the beginning that this is just his life story). whenever i read a memoir, i think, could i have gotten this information from reading the wikipedia page? i’d say the answer here is mostly yes. i did enjoy some small tidbits but was half listening to most of this. it just wasn’t as interesting as i hoped it would be, and i was never dying to pick it back up.
if you’re looking for a celebrity memoir, i’d recommend a different one.
almost the first half of this book felt like he was name dropping different celebrities and talking about his time with them. that’s fine, but it was just way too much and offered no introspection or reflection like i might expect in a memoir (then again, he did mention at the beginning that this is just his life story). whenever i read a memoir, i think, could i have gotten this information from reading the wikipedia page? i’d say the answer here is mostly yes. i did enjoy some small tidbits but was half listening to most of this. it just wasn’t as interesting as i hoped it would be, and i was never dying to pick it back up.
if you’re looking for a celebrity memoir, i’d recommend a different one.
January 11, 2024
I felt like John Stamos sped through certain sections of this book that demanded way more explanation and unearthing especially his bout with alcoholism, his divorce from Rebecca Romijn, and being molested as a child.
Understandably these events would be uncomfortable for anyone to write about but great memoirs are deeply personal.
Understandably these events would be uncomfortable for anyone to write about but great memoirs are deeply personal.
Read
April 24, 2025If You Would Have Told Me is an inside look at the life of a Hollywood legend. John Stamos narrates the audiobook version, which I highly recommend. He is raw, honest, and vulnerable and weaves humor throughout. I had the honor of meeting the actor and author while he was on his book tour last fall. He is definitely a people person. Critics say he name drops in the book. I disagree. Who else will he be talking about in his life when he has been in Hollywood since he was a teenager? John covers topics that are difficult and don't always put him in the best light. I believe the intent is to help readers who share these struggles or are around people with the same struggles. It also shows that fame and money don't exempt people from problems. While waiting for John Stamos to arrive at the venue for the event, a few women were suggesting that the photo on the cover was probably airbrushed or from a few years ago. I'm here to tell you that isn't the case. John appears to be aging like a fine wine where 60 is the new 40. If you are a fan of Full House, the Beach Boys, or the actor in general, I highly recommend his memoir. As it turns out, love, family, and happiness are universal and unite us all.
December 12, 2023
Usually when I read a memoir, I end up liking that person just a little bit more. That was not what happened with the memoir by John Stamos. While it seems that if you're friends with John Stamos he'll be loyal no matter what, he came off as arrogant and even an asshole at times. And instead of seeming to be ashamed of past behavior where he acted like an asshole, he just seemed to be bragging about. And his fake little chuckle. He did it SO MUCH.
As for the writing of the book, a lot of times it just seemed like name dropping where it didn't fully fit and a lot of stream of consciousness. There was a lot of potential to really dive into his emotions and his struggle with addiction, but it just didn't happen.
In all, there were a lot of things about this memoir that didn't sit right with me. And often, even if a memoir isn't well written, we at least get a deeper look into that person's life, seeing what has made them into the person they are today. I wish we would have gotten that with If You Would Have Told Me.
As for the writing of the book, a lot of times it just seemed like name dropping where it didn't fully fit and a lot of stream of consciousness. There was a lot of potential to really dive into his emotions and his struggle with addiction, but it just didn't happen.
In all, there were a lot of things about this memoir that didn't sit right with me. And often, even if a memoir isn't well written, we at least get a deeper look into that person's life, seeing what has made them into the person they are today. I wish we would have gotten that with If You Would Have Told Me.
December 1, 2023
Summing up this autobiography in statements:
White privilege, male privilege, white male privilege, playboy, mama's boy, can't live life without the fame, woe is me, misogynist (even though he tries so hard not be, that most would be fooled), getting by on good looks, narcissistic, name dropper, struggles to be with strong women, boring. Oh. So. Boring.
If I could live another life, it would be John's. Because that is how cushy it is.
Note to self: Don't read autobiographies like this after reading one by the likes of Siya Kolisi.
White privilege, male privilege, white male privilege, playboy, mama's boy, can't live life without the fame, woe is me, misogynist (even though he tries so hard not be, that most would be fooled), getting by on good looks, narcissistic, name dropper, struggles to be with strong women, boring. Oh. So. Boring.
If I could live another life, it would be John's. Because that is how cushy it is.
Note to self: Don't read autobiographies like this after reading one by the likes of Siya Kolisi.
January 17, 2024
A fantastic adventure of life, love, and lessons.
Enjoyed hearing about his mentors, guides, family, best friends,and how the contributed to his life.
Enjoyed hearing about his mentors, guides, family, best friends,and how the contributed to his life.
November 15, 2023
All memoirs get 5⭐️ because it feels weird to rate somebody’s life story as anything less.
That being said, I wanted to hear a little more about Full House. I know his life is much more outside of that, but that’s my one criticism.
It was heartbreaking to hear about Bob’s passing from his point of view.
That being said, I wanted to hear a little more about Full House. I know his life is much more outside of that, but that’s my one criticism.
It was heartbreaking to hear about Bob’s passing from his point of view.
November 28, 2023
I was very disappointed in this book. I think I’m over poorly edited celebrity memoirs. John Stamos didn’t have much to say and most of what he did said made him sound like an ass.
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