Rob Lowe penning his memoirs

It was announced this week that Rob Lowe will be penning his memoirs, "Stories I Only Tell My Friends", to be published by Henry Holt and Co. in May, 2011.

Back in the early 1980's, Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack was parodied by a new brood of characters called the Brat Pack. It included, but was not limited to, the likes of Emilio Estevez, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, and Rob Lowe. In the three decades since the beginning of the Brat Pack, it's been Lowe who has arguably gone through the most change, not only in his personal life but in his career.

The question becomes what part of his life will Lowe really cover? There's certainly a lot to choose from.

In the 80's, he had a much publicized on again, off again relationship with Melissa Gilbert which was widely reported as volatile. Then there was the notorious late 80's sex tape scandal when Lowe was allegedly taped with a minor. He's had drug issues and alcohol problems, too. More recently, a family nanny has made some startling claims to Lowe's character. Certainly, he has plenty of demons and accusations to write about.

There's also a story that Lowe has told on television about how long it took for him to turn his life around. He married and started a family. He became clean, free of any substance abuse. Then one day he entered a diner and there was his old pal, Judd Nelson, still obviously deep into the world of drug abuse. It was like seeing an old mirror for Lowe. It was his old life. It's not known if he'll include this story and how it made him feel in his memoirs, which he is reportedly writing on his own without the aid of any ghostwriters, but it would seem to be a pivotal story to share.

Odds are, Lowe will address his career choices. After rebounding from years of bad personal choices during which he co-starred in films like The Outsiders, St. Elmo's Fire, and Youngblood, Hollywood welcomed him back in The West Wing where he received all kinds of accolades. He surprised many when he quit that Emmy winning show, following it up with a couple of TV bombs. Then he bounced back again with a role in Brothers and Sisters, only to leave it for a short term stint on Parks and Recreation. Perhaps he'll explain his unique choices.

Lowe's memoirs could be sensationalized, depending upon which personal topics he chooses to address. The professional side of things will no doubt be there, but tabloid central will be abuzz to see what he has to say about drugs, sex tapes, and maybe even nannies. It's bound to be fascinating reading.