Anything Goes

The title of the book, Anything Goes, is appropriate in several ways. Anything Goes is the name of the musical which started John Barrowman's professional career in 1989. But more broadly, it could refer to a "no holds barred" risk-taking attitude, an attitude which Barrowman explicitly acknowledges as essential to his success as a performer.

Early on, in high school, Barrowman's guidance counselor told him that his pursuit of the dramatic arts had to be supplemented with a "Plan B," a more reasonable course of study that could lead to employment and a livelihood should drama fail. But Barrowman, even at that age, never had any use for a Plan B. He had a "fame or bust" perspective, and he similarly encourages the reader to go for their dreams and never settle for second best.

Barrowman attributes his risk-taking to genetics. His father and his brothers were known...