That’s exactly what happened to John Abendshien, whose real-life house became the star of Home Alone. More than just a film set, it turned into a character of its own, filled with traps and slapstick chaos that helped make the movie a global hit.

Decades later, the house remains legendary. Tourists visit, merchandise abounds—even gingerbread replicas exist. In this book, Abendshien shares the fascinating behind-the-scenes story: how the location was chosen, what filming was like, and the surreal experience of having a blockbuster take over his home—and life.

Filming lasted five months in 1990, but the impact never ended. What followed was a mix of magic and madness, as the family’s home became a permanent tourist attraction.

Blending humor and heartfelt reflection, Abendshien draws parallels between himself and young Kevin McCallister, noting the film’s deeper themes of family, independence, and resilience. Over time, the house stopped being just his—it became everyone’s Home Alone house. And as he says, when you're part of something this beloved, you're never really home alone.