The Bottom Line
Anyone in the late eighties and early nineties who loved the character of Mike Seaver on Growing Pains will want to read Still Growing. A delightful book, Still Growing is an autobiography of the life of Kirk Cameron, who played the mischievous teenager, Mike Seaver, on the award-winning TV sitcom. Still Growing tells the story of how despite fame, there was an emptiness inside of Cameron until he found Jesus Christ. The book is a breath of fresh air as it shows how a young teen idol can survive in Tinsel Town, standing up for Christian values.Pros
- Transparency of the author in sharing his weaknesses, as well as his faith in Christ.
- Enjoyable, easy read.
- Great family pictures.
- Gospel message.
- Excellent title and cover.
Cons
- Jumped around somewhat with too many details about his extended family.
Description
- Genre: Autobiography
- Release Date: April 2008
- Author: Kirk Cameron
- Publisher: Regal Books
- ISBN: 9780830744510
- Format: Hardcover, 256 Pages
Book Review - Still Growing by Kirk Cameron
Still Growing held my attention right from the beginning and I managed to read it in one day, and almost one sitting. I have to admit I somehow missed watching Growing Pains, but was an avid fan of another family sitcom, Full House and the family's oldest daughter, "D.J. Tanner." It was after reading the first few chapters that I was surprised to learn that Kirk is the older brother of actress Candace Cameron who played D.J. I had the opportunity to hear Candace Cameron share some years ago about how she was a born-again Christian, but I never made the connection with her older brother.The book opens with the author sharing in the first chapter how he was "On Top of the World," the center of attention, having everything the world esteems important in the way of fame and riches. Cameron is very real in sharing his doubts about God. Then, through the prodding of a Christian friend, he attends the church pastured by Chuck Swindoll. The Holy Spirit moved that day in the sermon Pastor Swindoll preached, as Cameron opened up his heart to the God he had once denied. Readers will see how God begins to work in his life, giving him integrity to incorporate his new Christian beliefs into his acting career. When I read how he refused to do a scene waking up in bed with a beautiful young woman, I shouted aloud, "Amen, Kirk!"
My heart was warmed as I learned how he fell in love with another actress, Chelsea Noble, also a strong Christian whom he met on the set of Full House while visiting his sister, Candace. Chelsea was making a guest appearance on the show and Kirk thought she was "beautiful at first sight." Later they met again when Chelsea played a role in Growing Pains and their relationship eventually blossomed into marriage.
After marrying, the couple adopted their first two children and then had some of their own, for a total of six kids. Their love for children is also seen in how they started Camp Firefly, a ministry that helps stressed and overburdened family members of sick children find joy again.
The first half of the book is divided into his early life and career, followed by his conversion to Christianity. The final chapters chronicle his life with his family and ministry, as well as his role in other film endeavors, such as the Left Behind series.
About the Author
Best known for playing Mike Seaver on Growing Pains, Kirk Cameron, who was once an atheist, is a dynamic evangelical Christian. Cameron portrayed journalist Buck Williams in the popular Left Behind movies and will be starring in Fire Proof, a new film scheduled to release this summer. He produces and co-hosts The Way of the Master television show and is winner of the National Religious Broadcaster's Best Program of the Year award. He's married to the former Chelsea Noble, who also stared in Growing Pains and Left Behind. Cameron and Chelsea head up Camp Firefly, a week-long retreat program for terminally and seriously ill children and their families. The couple makes their home in Southern California with their six children.
Favorite Quote from the Book
"I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ." (Philippians 3:8, NASB, Page 205)
Venice Kichura is a freelance writer and guest contributor for About.com. Besides writing articles, short stories, and poems, she's a pencil artist who also dabbles in watercolors and acrylics, as well as enjoys needlework, crochet, and knitting. Her main passion is ministering to both Christians and nonbelievers through the printed word. For more information visit Venice's Bio Page.
