What do you think?
Rate this book
A Full House of Growing Pains: A Hollywood Mother's Journey
Barbara Cameron is a typical Christian mom who wants only the best for her children. As they were growing up, she did all the typical "mom" stuff, but her children were anything but typical. They were both television stars on hit sitcoms. Guiding them through the dark and seductive culture of Hollywood, Barbara was successful in keeping them grounded and making sure that God was first in their lives. They grew up to be spectacular adults, free from all the influences that assailed them except one-God's. She gives hope to every parent, along with sage advice on how to protect your children from "the world." The book is largely anecdotal and generously illustrated with never-before-seen family photos. A bold behind-the-scenes look into the private lives of her famous children and their faith.
245 pages, Hardcover
Published July 10, 2006
3 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Cameron
1 book3 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Barbara is the mother of four children two of whom are familiar to many for their roles on hit television shows. Kirk Cameron who played Mike Seaver on the hit television series, "Growing Pains" and Candace Cameron played D.J. Tanner on the hit show "Full House". After gaining exposure to the entertainment business in the early 1980s, Barbara began her own talent agency in 1989, representing actors of all ages until her retirement after 12 years.
Barbara is a member of the Board of Directors for Skip1.org. Barbara and her husband Robert live in Ventura County, California and are the proud grandparents of 16 grandchildren!
Barbara is the mother of four children two of whom are familiar to many for their roles on hit television shows. Kirk Cameron who played Mike Seaver on the hit television series, "Growing Pains" and Candace Cameron played D.J. Tanner on the hit show "Full House". After gaining exposure to the entertainment business in the early 1980s, Barbara began her own talent agency in 1989, representing actors of all ages until her retirement after 12 years.
Barbara is a member of the Board of Directors for Skip1.org. Barbara and her husband Robert live in Ventura County, California and are the proud grandparents of 16 grandchildren!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 28, 2010
I didn't find anything exemplary about this book. I picked it up for my daughter, who is a huge fan of Full House and Growing Pains, and decided I should probably preview it first. Well...the very first chapter starts out with the Mom preparing for a date in which she plans on having an affair. Perhaps not the best material for my daughter to read?
By the end of the book, Barbara Cameron still comes off as a shallow character. I found it laughable how she insists she was a "normal" mom and not a stage mother (which may be true, but a lot of this book was her tooting her own horn--who knows what the REAL truth is?), priding herself on being the cookie lady, finding it unbelievable the the object of her affection would not also want to have an affair with her. When he tells her he's not interested, she's absolutely sure he must be lying! And in one point, she writes about what she wore to entice this man and says, "I knew I looked hot." That's when I laughed.
It also doesn't seem fair to me that she insists she was the guiding light keeping her family centered on God. After reading the book, it seems to me her family found God on their own because she certainly did very little (except to yell at Kirk one time to not disrespect God.) Kirk was invited to church by a girlfriend, her husband was invited by a coworker. In fact, it was Kirk who gave her a tape that turned HER around. Granted, she did do a good job keeping her kids centered and from getting sucked into Hollywood like so many child stars, but to claim she was the spiritual influence in their life seems completely untrue.
This book was "okay" in my opinion, but not great.
By the end of the book, Barbara Cameron still comes off as a shallow character. I found it laughable how she insists she was a "normal" mom and not a stage mother (which may be true, but a lot of this book was her tooting her own horn--who knows what the REAL truth is?), priding herself on being the cookie lady, finding it unbelievable the the object of her affection would not also want to have an affair with her. When he tells her he's not interested, she's absolutely sure he must be lying! And in one point, she writes about what she wore to entice this man and says, "I knew I looked hot." That's when I laughed.
It also doesn't seem fair to me that she insists she was the guiding light keeping her family centered on God. After reading the book, it seems to me her family found God on their own because she certainly did very little (except to yell at Kirk one time to not disrespect God.) Kirk was invited to church by a girlfriend, her husband was invited by a coworker. In fact, it was Kirk who gave her a tape that turned HER around. Granted, she did do a good job keeping her kids centered and from getting sucked into Hollywood like so many child stars, but to claim she was the spiritual influence in their life seems completely untrue.
This book was "okay" in my opinion, but not great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2019
Barbara Cameron started her adventure as a mother just as most people do. She married Robert, a math teacher, and the two had four children (Kirk, Bridgette, Melissa, and Candace) in fairly close succession. Money was tight, and their marriage wasn't ideal, but it was decent. Though Robert was emotionally distant with Barbara, their family and spending time together was extremely important. On a whim, Barbara took her friend Fran up on her offer to have Barbara's children meet with her son's Hollywood agent, Iris. Iris took Kirk on as a client, and later took on Candace.
This initial meeting started rounds of auditions, commercials and, later, opportunities for long-running television shows for both kids. Barbara became their manager, and the adventures were whirlwind. Kirk took the role as Mike Seaver on Growing Pains and Candace took the role of DJ Tanner on Full House. The two literally grew up on their respective television series, and Barbara provides her insider's view of the world of a television mom.
But Barbara's marriage was not as ideal as the careers of her two children. She became more and more disenchanted with her relationship with Robert, and began making plans to leave him for someone else. The results of this changed her entire life and future and are a second focus of her book.
Barbara's writing style is simple and easy to follow and read. Her journey emotionally makes her a real person, with whom readers immediately feel a connection. It is clear that Barbara is not an untouchable Hollywood mother, but has experienced her own struggles and is transparent enough to share them with others.
There is a spiritual message in the book. Ray Comfort has been a tremendous influence on their entire family, and their testimony to their Christian beliefs is quite evident. If you were a fan of these television shows as I was (and still am) you will delight in this great behind-the-scenes story about the lives of some of our favorite characters from their mother's point of view. A Full House of Growing Pains is a wonderful, touching memoir, and would make an excellent gift.
June 19, 2015
This book was nothing like the positive reviews portray it. Oh, there are a couple of decent chapters at the end where the author talks about her faith and helping others, but three-fourths of the book is about an uneducated stage mom who thinks she's just about perfect and does nothing but complain about her husband and fantasize about having an affair. It's shocking how wrong this book is in terms of direction. Instead of an inspirational story of a woman who had some failures in her marriage but turned her life around, it's a woman who claims to be just about a saint who blames all of her problems on her husband. Yet there is zero evidence that the guy is bad and all the signs point to her being the problem in the marriage, including multiple chapters about her desires to sleep with another man (what are those doing in a "Christian" book???).
Three different times in the book she says she committed her life to Christ. How many more times will she need? First she says she's a Christian in the early years and offers many prayers that Kirk or Candace get parts in commercials or shows. Then after she falls for a guy on the Full House set and leaves her husband, she has another born again experience as she follows the rest of the family to church. Then there's a third time where she "really" gets the gospel when a minister Kirk works with delivers a fire and brimstone message about being a terrible sinner.
Namely, this woman is confused and messed up. It's very disappointing because her kids appear to have turned out great (of course, who knows what really goes on behind the scenes). She had a great husband and decent kids--yet she appears to only want to praise herself and demean those around her. She slams Kirk as a child not showing more excitement or communicating more with her. She raises issues with Candace. I feel worst for one of her daughters who she repeatedly mentions as being slow academically. There are many things in this book that don't need to be made public, and it's not the way to write an inspirational Christian story. There are some good behind-the-scenes stories of Kirk and Candace, but otherwise you'll be depressed.
Three different times in the book she says she committed her life to Christ. How many more times will she need? First she says she's a Christian in the early years and offers many prayers that Kirk or Candace get parts in commercials or shows. Then after she falls for a guy on the Full House set and leaves her husband, she has another born again experience as she follows the rest of the family to church. Then there's a third time where she "really" gets the gospel when a minister Kirk works with delivers a fire and brimstone message about being a terrible sinner.
Namely, this woman is confused and messed up. It's very disappointing because her kids appear to have turned out great (of course, who knows what really goes on behind the scenes). She had a great husband and decent kids--yet she appears to only want to praise herself and demean those around her. She slams Kirk as a child not showing more excitement or communicating more with her. She raises issues with Candace. I feel worst for one of her daughters who she repeatedly mentions as being slow academically. There are many things in this book that don't need to be made public, and it's not the way to write an inspirational Christian story. There are some good behind-the-scenes stories of Kirk and Candace, but otherwise you'll be depressed.
September 3, 2011
Penned a couple of years before son Kirk's autobiography, this tells the story of Barbara Cameron, mother, wife, and entrepreneur.
Growing up in a loving but rather strict environment, Barb had self-esteem issues from a young age. She met her future husband when she was eighteen and married him within about a year. Several years older, Robert had a university education and a career as a teacher. He also had loads of confidence. It wasn't long before Barb's low self-regard plummeted even further.
Four children came along in quick succession and Barb was busy with all the duties of motherhood. When Kirk was nine years old, he and his siblings auditioned for one of the best Hollywood agents. The three youngest went on to have success in commercials and/or television at one time or another, and from the outside everything looked rosy. But eventually, terribly unhappy in her marriage, Barb surprised everyone by leaving her husband and beginning a new life on her own. Her story is largely about the events that led up to that decision and about what happened afterward.
Although Barb's book was written before his, I actually found it quite helpful to read Kirk's book first. Without having read Kirk's, I'm not sure I would have had the same interest in his mother.
I recommend this book for anyone interested in women's biography or books about women of faith.
Growing up in a loving but rather strict environment, Barb had self-esteem issues from a young age. She met her future husband when she was eighteen and married him within about a year. Several years older, Robert had a university education and a career as a teacher. He also had loads of confidence. It wasn't long before Barb's low self-regard plummeted even further.
Four children came along in quick succession and Barb was busy with all the duties of motherhood. When Kirk was nine years old, he and his siblings auditioned for one of the best Hollywood agents. The three youngest went on to have success in commercials and/or television at one time or another, and from the outside everything looked rosy. But eventually, terribly unhappy in her marriage, Barb surprised everyone by leaving her husband and beginning a new life on her own. Her story is largely about the events that led up to that decision and about what happened afterward.
Although Barb's book was written before his, I actually found it quite helpful to read Kirk's book first. Without having read Kirk's, I'm not sure I would have had the same interest in his mother.
I recommend this book for anyone interested in women's biography or books about women of faith.
October 1, 2009
I LOVED this book. I certainly didn't expect to! I only wanted to read it because I was hoping for some Full House stories. (I love me some Full House.) I certainly didn't expect to care about Kirk and Candace Cameron's mother, Barbara.
Yesterday I picked this up and thought I would read a chapter or two really quick. Well, I read the entire book in that one sitting. I was instantly brought into the story, and realized that Barbara Cameron has led a fascinating life on her own. I LOVED the stories of how Kirk and Cameron got started, and alternately, it was tough to read about her failing marriage.
I knew Kirk Cameron had become a born-again Christian on the set of Growing Pains, causing much resentment for the cast. But I never knew how it came to be. It's all in here (towards the end of the book) - the exact moment they all started attending church and inviting God into their lives. Barbara was able to save her marriage, and she started a summer camp for kids who are dying, so they might spend their last few years in joy. She started her own talent agency, and began making missionary trips to Africa. In short, she found the happiness she had been searching for her whole life.
A great book, I really enjoyed it.
Yesterday I picked this up and thought I would read a chapter or two really quick. Well, I read the entire book in that one sitting. I was instantly brought into the story, and realized that Barbara Cameron has led a fascinating life on her own. I LOVED the stories of how Kirk and Cameron got started, and alternately, it was tough to read about her failing marriage.
I knew Kirk Cameron had become a born-again Christian on the set of Growing Pains, causing much resentment for the cast. But I never knew how it came to be. It's all in here (towards the end of the book) - the exact moment they all started attending church and inviting God into their lives. Barbara was able to save her marriage, and she started a summer camp for kids who are dying, so they might spend their last few years in joy. She started her own talent agency, and began making missionary trips to Africa. In short, she found the happiness she had been searching for her whole life.
A great book, I really enjoyed it.
February 4, 2008
I had seen Candace,her daughter speak in my hometown. She was very moving and informational. After she got done speaking, she encouraged people to buy her mother's book among other things. I was intriged to learn more about the Cameron family, so I bought the book and had it autographed. I liked the book. It is a fun, easy read. I recommend it to anyone who ever liked Kirk Cameron (Mike on Growing Pains), Candace Cameron (DJ on Full House), or has a child in show business.
April 23, 2008
I bought this book because I wanted to know more about Kirk Cameron but it really is more about the mom. It is an interesting read because you get to look at Hollywood. It has a definite religious undertone which was fine with me. While she does tell her negative feelings, she still comes off a little holier than thou. I did enjoy reading about Full House & Growing Pains.
Read
June 29, 2015Wow, We know how Hollywood convinces a believer into doing the wrong thing for the money and fame, but this young actor gave his life to Jesus and it is exciting to see what he and his wife are doing for the disadvantaged, disabled children and their parents. Don't want to be a spoiler alert so you will have to read how this affected his entire family.
August 13, 2016
It was cool to read about how Kirk & Candace got into the TV business. The pictures are neat to see too. But I did not enjoy hearing about Barb's dissatisfaction with her marriage & desires to have an affair - TMI (too much information).
July 3, 2013
It was just ok. Towards the end of the book I got bored with It.
February 2, 2015
Enjoyable and quick read.
November 12, 2013
This was a really good book! It makes me want to re-watch all the Full House and Growing Pains episodes to see when the sisters and parents were extras. What a wild ride this woman was and is now on!
June 17, 2023
Wow! This book is so boring! My highlights to follow:
1. Book opens up with the mom sending her two other children out so she could have an affair
2. Father is an athiest but very brutal.
3. Father would have one kid, with a speech problem, say grace and then strike that kid on the head.
4. Father would scream at child with a learning disability. He was a teacher!
5. Mother said NOTHING.
6. Mother thanks and begs the lord for a job for her children.
7. Mother believes Make-A-Wish children go downhill after having their wish. Not clear on the
concept, not much brains there.
8. Only redemption - the prom date was lovely.
1. Book opens up with the mom sending her two other children out so she could have an affair
2. Father is an athiest but very brutal.
3. Father would have one kid, with a speech problem, say grace and then strike that kid on the head.
4. Father would scream at child with a learning disability. He was a teacher!
5. Mother said NOTHING.
6. Mother thanks and begs the lord for a job for her children.
7. Mother believes Make-A-Wish children go downhill after having their wish. Not clear on the
concept, not much brains there.
8. Only redemption - the prom date was lovely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2021
As a fan of both Full House/Fuller House and Growing Pains, I found this book really interesting. I enjoyed it a lot.
December 19, 2023
Delightful memoir about the mother of two child stars
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews