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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.

In the captivating memoir, "The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family," renowned filmmaker Ron Howard takes readers on an inspiring journey through his life, his illustrious career in Hollywood, and the intricacies of family dynamics.

With warmth and candor, Howard recounts his childhood growing up in an acting family, the challenges and triumphs of his early acting career, and his transition into directing, where he found immense success. He paints a vivid picture of the golden age of Hollywood, sharing anecdotes and insights from his collaborations with iconic figures like John Wayne, Henry Fonda, and Clint Eastwood.

At the heart of the book lies Howard's unwavering commitment to family. He touchingly narrates the joys and tribulations of raising four children in the spotlight, balancing his professional aspirations with his role as a father. He delves into the struggles of balancing career and family, the importance of communication and understanding, and the enduring power of love and support.

With his trademark humor and self-deprecating wit, Howard offers a refreshing perspective on the highs and lows of Hollywood, the pressures of fame, and the enduring values that truly matter. "The Boys" is not just a memoir; it's an ode to family, creativity, and the transformative power of pursuing one's dreams.

Whether you're a fan of Ron Howard's work, an aspiring filmmaker, or simply someone seeking inspiration, "The Boys" is an enchanting read that will leave you entertained, uplifted, and grateful for the unwavering bonds of family.