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The Boys cover art

The Boys

By: Ron Howard, Clint Howard
Narrated by: Ron Howard, Clint Howard, Bryce Dallas Howard
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Publisher's Summary

An AudioFile Best Audiobook of 2021

Winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award: "This audiobook is simply a delight...a must-listen."

“This extraordinary book is not only a chronicle of Ron’s and Clint’s early careers and their wild adventures, but also a primer on so many topics - how an actor prepares, how to survive as a kid working in Hollywood, and how to be the best parents in the world! The Boys will surprise every reader with its humanity.” (Tom Hanks)

"I have read dozens of Hollywood memoirs. But The Boys stands alone. A delightful, warm, and fascinating story of a good life in show business.” (Malcolm Gladwell)

Happy Days, The Andy Griffith Show, Gentle Ben - these shows captivated millions of TV viewers in the ’60s and ’70s. Join award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard and audience-favorite actor Clint Howard as they frankly and fondly share their unusual family story of navigating and surviving life as sibling child actors.

“What was it like to grow up on TV?” Ron Howard has been asked this question throughout his adult life. in The Boys, he and his younger brother, Clint, examine their childhoods in detail for the first time. For Ron, playing Opie on The Andy Griffith Show and Richie Cunningham on Happy Days offered fame, joy, and opportunity - but also invited stress and bullying. For Clint, a fast start on such programs as Gentle Ben and Star Trek petered out in adolescence, with some tough consequences and lessons.

With the perspective of time and success - Ron as a filmmaker, producer, and Hollywood A-lister, Clint as a busy character actor - the Howard brothers delve deep into an upbringing that seemed normal to them yet was anything but. Their Midwestern parents, Rance and Jean, moved to California to pursue their own showbiz dreams. But it was their young sons who found steady employment as actors. Rance put aside his ego and ambition to become Ron and Clint’s teacher, sage, and moral compass. Jean became their loving protector - sometimes over-protector - from the snares and traps of Hollywood.

By turns confessional, nostalgic, heartwarming, and harrowing, The Boys is a dual narrative that lifts the lid on the Howard brothers’ closely held lives. It’s the journey of a tight four-person family unit that held fast in an unforgiving business and of two brothers who survived “child-actor syndrome” to become fulfilled adults.

©2021 Ron Howard, Clint Howard (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about The Boys

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An excellent family chronicle

Ron and Clint's narration brings to life the Howard family history in a way that makes them seem like old friends.

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Amazing story of resilience and family.

What a life the Howard brothers have led. Could easily listen to another +20hrs of these stories.

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Listening to The Boys I almost forgot the bushfire

Such an engaging story; I laughed and cried. So engaged that I forgot my surroundings while driving through the bushfire in NT Australia. I'm now getting the book for my husband to read. True story tellers, incredible. Must read or listen.

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A really illuminating story of fascinating people

As one who participated in the various entertainments, that these two gentlemen were involved in, and someone who appreciates the entertainment business, this is an enlightening and fascinating story. Ron Howard’s work has always been very impressive. His movies extraordinary. His acting performance is believable, and though I did not know about Clint Howard, I remember many of his much of his work, which is also fascinating. Thank you for the great stories offered and the wonderful family communication made; very much worth listening to.

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Heartwarming and interesting backstory to the Howard boys.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and especially loved having Ron Howard’s voice in my ears for a few days. I was a huge fan of his work in Happy Days and have followed his career as a talented director. I also enjoyed hearing from Clint Howard and his recount of family and Hollywood. The brothers’ love and admiration for each other and their parents, is genuine and truly heartwarming. Thumbs up for this one! 👍🏼

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great memoir

I loved it. Both brothers telling their own story worked well. Much of the book is about their time as child actors. Highly recommended.

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What a journey

Loved the beautiful brotherly spirit and the Howard family dynamics
What a lovely journey the boys took me on

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Wonderful insight into their childhood

Wonderful insight into their childhood,
Very interesting story love that they both read the story.

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Tops

Most satisfying read I've had in a long time. This is about a showbiz family that helps each other !!

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Great story, beautifully told, well done!!!!

Felt like an honest account of a two very interesting lives, and also the story of great parents

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