The best celebrity memoirs reveal the most juicy, unknown stories from famous people themselves. These books also elicit empathy for people we think we know, who can be different than they seem. Here, you’ll find my favorite life stories by celebrities that both shock and immerse you all at the same time. Let’s get literary!
List of the Best Celebrity Memoirs
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
- I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
- Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
- Mean Baby by Selma Blair
- The Office BFFs by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
- Open Book by Jessica Simpson
- Spare by Prince Harry
- Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham
- The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop
- The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
Reading Tip: All of these audiobooks are fabulously narrated by their authors, except for Britney Spears’s, narrated by actress Michelle Williams. Fear not — she, too, is an excellent narrator! I always recommend audiobook memoirs because they are so engaging in this format.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Becoming is one of the best-selling memoirs. It’s Michelle Obama’s life story, in her words and voice, from the beginning through her time in the White House. What makes it so great is her relatability.
She’s so accomplished and has experienced so many uncommon life experiences, yet she seems just like the rest of us.
Unlike many celebrity memoirs, it also has a real (not ghostwritten) feel. If you like Michelle Obama, you will very likely love this book.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
I’m Glad My Mom Died was arguably the most talked about memoir of its publication year, and for good reason. Not only does the title stop you in your tracks, but so does the content.
McCurdy is a former Nickelodeon child star with a lot to say about being raised by a stage mom, as well as the dark truths about being a child star, all of which contributed to eating disorders, addiction, and unhealthy relationships.
She’s incredibly courageous in telling how she’s overcoming her challenges. It’s a jaw-dropper.
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
If you listen to only one of these celebrity memoirs as an audiobook, make it Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential. Why? Because no one, and I mean no one, writes, reads, and speaks like him. There truly is only one way to consume this book: in his singular, recognizable voice.
In this book that catapulted him to fame, Bourdain shares about his early life in the kitchens of the restaurant business, particularly in New York City. He shares secrets about the restaurant industry that made me feel like I was an insider learning confidential information for my ears only.
This book truly keeps his memory alive.
Mean Baby by Selma Blair
Mean Baby lives up to its hype! Blair narrates a very intimate story very intimately.
Not just a tale of coming-of-age in Hollywood (though there’s lots of that too), it’s best at conveying Blair’s difficult relationship with her mother and the true stories behind her recent battle with MS.
Naturally, it’s very emotional, bringing Blair to tears on occasion. Her vulnerability did not go unnoticed; rather, it made this book unforgettable.
The Office BFFs by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
The Office BFFs is exactly what it sounds like: “Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There.” It’s both a behind-the-scenes window into the making of the beloved show and a memoir of friendship between the two stars who met on the set and remain besties to date.
How these talented actresses and real-life friends share their stories makes them feel like two of your closest pals chatting casually over coffee. It’s such a delight!
Reading Tip: The audiobook comes with exclusive audio content from other cast members, too.
Open Book by Jessica Simpson
In Open Book, Simpson dives deep into her marriage and divorce to Nick Lachey, as well as so many other bombshells and topics, including addiction, sexual abuse, and speculation about her weight.
Simpson’s emotional, no-holds-barred writing makes the reading experience feel like a private, secret-revealing conversation between two friends. You truly can feel her heart.
She is also very self-reflective and not afraid to talk about herself, which has made this book a favorite of readers worldwide.
Reading Tip: The audiobook version comes with exclusive songs.
Spare by Prince Harry
Spare, as you may expect, walks you firsthand behind the scenes of a very public life, from his mother’s death to the present. Prince Harry gets very personal and real about himself and everything he deems wrong about the royals as an institution.
Prince Harry lets the reader in on royal life in a totally unprecedented way. He also has a lovely voice that’s pleasant to listen to on audio.
Related Posts: Review of Spare by Prince Harry | Book Club Questions for Spare.
Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham
Talking As Fast As I Can is a feel-good escape book for fans of Gilmore Girls.
The woman best known as Lorelai Gilmore shares a collection of personal essays in a voice that’s as fast and quirky as her beloved character. Gilmore Girls fans will rejoice as she reveals behind-the-scenes stories about the show and reflects on her life, particularly as a working actress.
This isn’t a “tell-all,” but rather, amusing ruminations as PG as Gilmore Girls. It’s a little bit Lauren, a little bit Lorelai, and a whole lot of fun.
The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop
The Third Gilmore Girl is the memoir of the woman behind the iconic role of Emily Gilmore. Actress Kelly Bishop reflects on her illustrious career, from winning a Tony Award in A Chorus Line to starring in Dirty Dancing and, of course, Gilmore Girls.
Through personal stories, she recounts her transition from dance to acting, her relationships, her advocacy for women’s rights, and so much more.
Bishop’s status as a Hollywood icon shows in this forthright memoir of a long life in show business. She’s as headstrong as Emily but far more warm-hearted. She openly reveals deep secrets with confidence in her truths and shares all her greatest Gilmore Girls moments, from her favorite episode to her favorite Gilmore “guys.” She even tells the reader her final words to Ed Hermann.
You’ll find appreciation for her role as Emily and so far beyond that.
Related Post: Books About Gilmore Girls | The Third Gilmore Girl Review
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
The Woman in Me is the pop star’s shocking memoir revealing fame and generational trauma’s impact on her life. She gets extremely candid about many topics, most notably her relationship with Justin Timberlake (who’s referenced nearly as much as her family), as well as her conservatorship and every other notorious moment of her very public life.
Is it worth it? 100%. Even if you already know the most shocking details she reveals, there’s definitely a lot more to the story, and reading it in full makes a lot of things “make sense” about her life.
Related Post: Discussion Questions for The Woman in Me
Recap
The best celebrity memoirs reveal the most juicy, unknown stories by the famous people who lived them. They’re most often best listened to in audiobook format, as they are generally narrated by the author, making their stories that much more intimate and engaging. Pick your favorite celebrity from this list and get started reading his or her book!
remember, it’s a good day to read a book. – jules
