JOHN STAMOS IF YOU WOULD HAVE TOLD ME Memoir

John Stamos is a household name thanks to a four decades in the TV, movie and music business.  This is thanks in part to an iconic TV sitcom called FULL HOUSE.  Stamos, now 60, and yes, more handsome than ever, shares his life story, bears his soul and we are richer for having read it.  Why now?  Fair question that John addresses in a very candid, touching and poignant response.  Happily married to his wife Caitlin with whom he shares the joys parenting their five year old son, Billy, there are troubling and depressing periods due to loss of loved ones, disappointments in relationships and career.  It's striking  John's assessment of his blessings and regrets (he's had a few). Firstly, he comes from a very loving family.  (We should all be so fortunate to have parents and siblings like John's). And if that's not enough, the real life family born from Full House which is still solid.  For those fortunate to know John personally (including yours truly) you know he's a considerate, sincere and warm human being.  John tributes his career but more importantly, his values to how he was raised.  A memoir without family dysfunction is refreshingly positive.  This doesn't mean the novel is purely sanguine.  John's life has its heartbreaks.  He reveals regrets, culpability and remorse at the breakup of his marriage to actress Rebecca Romijn. A major take-away from his memoir is to own one's mistakes and not repeat them.  There's an epiphany that with great love there comes great sorrow with its passing.  John mourns the irreparable loss of his parents and his very close friends; his beloved co-star Bob Saget and Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys.  It's interesting to note how the deep connection with Bob developed over time, struggles, shared good-times and rough-times.  The essence of John's writing is a tribute to the preeminence of family, friends and celebrating life.  Of course, Stamos' career in entertainment is extremely fascinating.  His regaling of his numerous Broadway roles in musicals was eye-opening.  Unfortunately, the pressures inherent to performing live theater played a major role in a toxic, dependence on alcohol.  John's candor about drinking, driving and his DUI are...sobering.  John cannot be accused of trashing people but he is guilty of name dropping multitudes of famous celebrities and artists as friends.  The overall tone of this memoir is cheery, grateful and relatable. John doesn't cotton to false modesty; the man knows he's good looking,  But, he's much more than just a pretty face.  He's a talented dramatic and comedic actor, skilled musician on the drums, a wonderful friend and devoted husband and doting dad.  Enjoy your beautiful family, friends and life, John.  Order the cake.  Skip the calamari.  Thanks for sharing.