Neil Patrick Harris to release memoir in style of ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ books

COME out or stay in? Hit the stage or follow your screen dreams? You get to be the star in Neil Patrick Harris’s forthcoming autobiography.

NEIL Patrick Harris’ forthcoming memoir will be structured in the form of a Choose Your Own Adventure book, the actor has revealed on social media.

Harris’s 8.7 million Twitter followers were treated to the cover image of the book yesterday, which will be released through Crown Archetype, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

“Sick of deeply personal accounts written in the first person? Seeking an exciting, interactive read that puts the ‘U’ back in ‘aUtobiography’?” the promotional site for the book asks.

Rather than being a traditional Hollywood confessional, the book’s publishers describe it as a “Joycean experiment in light celebrity narrative”.

Well covered ... the book’s artwork makes witty reference to a number of Hollywood films, including <i>North by Northwest </i>and <i>Raiders of the Lost Ark</i>.

The reader will be guided through Harris’ life from his birth in New Mexico, through his first acting break, and on to his success in Doogie Howser MD and How I Met Your Mother, among other film and television roles.

“At each critical juncture of your life you will choose how to proceed,” the publishers promise. “You will decide whether to try out for Doogie Howser, M.D. You will decide whether to spend years struggling with your sexuality. You will decide what kind of caviar you want to eat on board Elton John’s yacht.”

“Choose correctly and you’ll find fame, fortune, and true love. Choose incorrectly and you’ll find misery, heartbreak, and a guest stint on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.”

Telling tales ... Harris at the Drama League Awards on May 16. Picture: Mireya Acierto

Yes sir, he can Doogie ... Harris is his breakout role as a child star.

The book goes on sale on October 14.

Harris is following success with success at the moment. The final episode of the ninth season of How I Met Your Mother garnered a record 12.9 million viewers in the US, and his new Broadway show Hedwig and the Angry Inch is up for eight Tony Awards on June 8.

The 185 titles in the Choose Your Own Adventure series of books were released between 1979 and 1998 and sold over 250 million copies worldwide.