If You Would Have Told Me: A Memoir

Written by John Stamos

Narrated by John Stamos

This program is read by the author.

“...I love him, and I respect him, and I need him. We all do.” —from the foreword, written and read 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.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt & Company.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Oct 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9781250911155

John Stamos

John Stamos, a three-time Emmy nominee, has earned his reputation as a highly regarded actor and producer throughout his over forty-year career in television, film, and on Broadway. His rise to fame began with his role in General Hospital and he has since captivated viewers with his diverse performances in Big Shot, You, ER, Grandfathered, Full House, and Fuller House and on stage in Cabaret, Bye Bye Birdie, and Gore Vidal’s The Best Man. Beyond acting, Stamos is a skilled musician, collaborating with The Beach Boys since 1985. He also serves as an ambassador for Childhelp.

Reviews for If You Would Have Told Me

[Karen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great read. Stamos is honest and open in sharing his journey of highs and lows. There is plenty of humor and self-deprecation along the way. The heart of this book is family: the one you are born into and the ones you pick up on the road of life.

[mettieanne · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

John has some really great stories and I cried multiple times while he spoke of loved ones lost. But I ended up liking him less because of this book. Some parts were off putting. That said, he has lived a very full life with stories worth telling.

[Stephanie Eichhorn · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Felt like he just sold out people to write a book. Says he doesn’t talk politics bc he realizes we don’t want to hear it yet very clearly makes several political statements! He is clearly conceited and egotistical. Finds ways to brag about himself over and over. Don’t waste your time. He is out of touch and self centered.

[AnnaEmsiņa · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It was nice though difficult listening in audio version but Stamos voice made the way easier. Jumping between different timeline of events was main difficulty to listen and follow the story.

I loved the part of the story where he tells of his true and close friendship with best friend and brother Bob Saget an also all his way through life with parents love and teachings in heart.

[Madison Zwahr · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So good. I enjoyed it so very much! I definitely recommend the audio.

[Dan Kastenbaum · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolute pure Honesty, Heart, and Humour. This Man's life somehow gives us all hope during the hardest times that we all have a purpose and an opportunity to rewrite our own destiny. He reminds us to love those close to us fiercely and He somehow makes us feel better about ourselves while being brutally honest about His own personal struggles. I could have listened to this for hours more...Hopefully Mr. Stamos will write about Fatherhood and Marriage more in another Book, as Billy grows! Thank you John for sharing your Story with us all!

[Danielle hardiman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great job! Always an uncle jesse fan so it is nice to hear who he really was. John great reading, the parts about Bob are sad, but John did a great job!

[marcia2larue · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Pretty interesting, more then a few "f" bombs, but I am old enough to handle it!

[Manny Gagaoudakis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The audio is what makes this book.
Stamos gives a great reading. Emotional, heart-felt, and funny . He brings his memoirs to life. Cool,interesting, and charmed life. Entertaining.

[Tiffany P · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a beautifully written book! I laughed, I cried, it was poignant and heartfelt. It was everything you want from a memoir.

[Nyla Brown · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Awe, this book was truly amazing! I always loved you as an actor, and now I love you as an author. I recently lost my parents to cancer, and my heart aches every day. Our family lives are so similar. I swear we had the same parents,only mine are an African American version of yours...lol. I'm so glad you have found love, happiness, and so many blessings along the way. Your tribute to the remarkable Bob Saget was really profound. Your book is very inspirational, and you should forever be Proud!

[maureen gattuso · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely the best bio I’ve read and I’ve read a lot of them- genuine and also funny and even cried in a couple parts

[Pam Lindsey Phillips · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I couldn't stop listening. I laughed a lot and cried too.
I couldn't help but fall in love with his Parents. When he talked about losing his Mother I broke down as I lost mine a few months ago.
I'm thrilled he is happy now.
I'll be referring this book to my Audiobook family.

[onlyme0817 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is soooooo good! Thank you John Stamos for being so vulnerable, humble, and kind. I am crying my eyes out but what a great memoir!!