10 Celebrity Memoirs So Juicy They Read Like Fiction
It's safe to say that we all need an escape from our own lives now and then. And getting lost in the pages of a book is the easiest way to do that. But what if you got to experience someone else's life instead? That's where celebrity memoirs come in. Written by the stars themselves (often with a co-author), celebrity memoirs are packed with fascinating details about the star's youth, their rise to fame and, in many cases, a bit of behind-the-scenes gossip, drama and intrigue. And these days it seems every celebrity, from actual royals like Prince Harry to Hollywood royalty like Tom Selleck, has penned a memoir. Many of them even narrate their stories for the audiobook versions. Unsure of what to add to your To-Be-Read (TBR) list? The book lovers at Woman's World have rounded up our favorite celebrity memoirs to get you started. Happy reading!
Spare by Prince Harry
Prince Harry was a happy-go-lucky kid, enjoying life as the second-born to the heir to the British throne, until the day his mother, Princess Diana, tragically died. From then on, the whole world scrutinized every move (and mistake) Harry made as he attempted to navigate life without her. In this intense memoir, he details his reasons behind his struggles in school, dives into his relationship with older brother Prince William and shares things about his life the public may or may not have known.
What readers are saying: "Harry is such an intelligent man and an accomplished writer. This is an interesting look into the Royal family and all the “smoke and mirrors” surrounding their fa?ade. Prince Harry speaks the truth! Excellent read, I laughed. I cried. Prince Harry is tough as nails when he needs to be, but a very loving and honorable man."
The Seasons of My Mother: A Memoir of Love, Family, and Flowers by Marcia Gay Harden
Marcia tells the story of her life, travels and adventures as a child of a military family that moved often, including the challenges her mother faced raising a family abroad as well as her own journey to becoming an acclaimed actress. Her anecdotes about their life and relationship and dealing with her mother’s memory loss are moving, funny and inspiring.
What readers are saying: “Missing my mom as I always do, I was looking forward to this new memoir written by the actress Marcia Gay Harden as a tribute to her mom — and a way to preserve her mother’s memories as Alzheimer’s disease began to steal them,” says Nancy Heller, Woman's World copy editor. “As I read about Marcia’s relationship with her mom, I was left smiling with happy memories of my own mother. It’s so clear how much Marcia loves her mom, and this book honors her and all mothers. It brought me feelings of joy and gratitude!”
The Vanity Fair Diaries by Tina Brown
In this memoir-style book, magazine editor Tina Brown chronicles what it was like to revamp the iconic celebrity-focused magazine when the publication was losing traction. She kept diaries for all eight years during her run as editor-in-chief and gives readers an insight as to what magazine life was like during that time. This memoir also includes some of the hottest stories that ran in ‘Vanity Fair’ and how Brown adjusted to life in a new country. Told openly, with light humor, this book is one not to miss.
What readers are saying: “I was feeling uninspired after a small setback a few days ago,” says Anna Traver, Woman's World Assistant Editor. “And this lively collection of diary entries from the former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair—during her tenure in the ’80s and ’90s—quickly made me feel like anything was possible! This was fascinating and I felt more empowered the longer I read.
Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci
Stanley Tucci is no stranger to a good meal — he did grow up in an Italian American family after all — and he’s discussed those recipes in his cookbooks. Now, in ‘Taste,’ he shares the stories of where those delightful dishes came from. This book is a combination of Tucci’s love for food and anecdotes from his life. You’ll find his signature humor throughout and maybe get some food inspiration of your own.
What readers are saying: "I tend to like books that talk about food and Stanley Tucci's memoir was wonderful. His description of pasta left my mouth watering to the point that I made spaghetti that very night. Weaving stories, recipes, and descriptions of food experiences and traditions we learn about Tucci as a young man, actor, and family man. We also learn about his values."
Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories by Kelly Ripa
In ‘Live Wire’, Kelly uses her sharp wit and uninhibited storytelling method to regale the reader with a wide variety of true tales about her rise to fame, various run-ins with celebrities and even her most embarrassing moments. The morning show host shares tidbits from her life as a media mogul, a wife, a mother and a daughter. Her relatabilty, humor and quick wit make this an easy page-turner.
What readers are saying: "I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I watch Live! fairly regularly so I thought I knew a lot about Kelly's life. But this gave me a look at much more about her and her family. And I laughed out loud, truly, many times. I love her sense of humor. And her candor."
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
Written by Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes, this book chronicles her life, her TV success and the year she devotes to saying yes to things that challenge her. This memoir dives into her life before the Year of Yes and includes childhood memories and stories and her devotion to creating relatable, enjoyable TV characters.
What readers are saying: “I’m still getting used to having an empty nest,” admits Nancy Heller, Woman's World Copy Editor. “So when I saw this book about saying yes to new possibilities, it seemed like a great way to embrace the new season in my life! Seeing how Shonda forced herself to experience things has inspired me to say ‘yes’ and go on more adventures in my new chapter!”
Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey
Brimming with never-before-told anecdotes, wisdom and honest heartfelt advice, this autobiography written and narrated by Matthew McConaughey will wow listeners. Woven together from different diary entries and memories throughout his life, McConaughey shares stories about his 50-year personal and professional journey — from career milestones and missteps to his favorite poetry and go-to advice that helped him see life in a new, positive and hopeful way.
What readers are saying: "Greenlights, written by Matthew McConaughey, is one of the best autobiographies I have ever read and listened to. I ordered it first on Audible. I enjoyed the book so much, I ordered a hard copy as well. The actor narrated Greenlights himself and hands down he has spoiled me for every other book I will ever listen to. His flow while he narrates his book is flawless. It’s as if he just called me on the phone and decided to tell me his stories."
Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls by Lauren Graham
Lauren Graham is candid and funny in this collection of her personal essays. With stories from her time on the Gilmore Girls set to the challenges of being a single woman in Hollywood, this memoir covers it all. She comes to life in the book and brings out an energy that resonates with readers.
What readers are saying: "Gilmore Girls is my favorite show and I knew I had to read this memoir immediately," says Courtney Shapiro, Woman's World Digital Associate Editor. "It was almost as if Graham was speaking to me directly. I loved reading about her acting career and her time between seasons of the show. I found myself laughing out loud and genuinely enjoying her anecdotes."
You Never Know: A Memoir by Tom Selleck
Unveil the real life of the man behind the mustache in Magnum, P.I. star Tom Selleck’s new memoir. The actor brings readers on his journey to the top in Hollywood, his temptations and distractions, his misfires and mistakes and, over time, his well-earned success. Along the way, he shares never-told stories from his personal and professional life, revealing that Hollywood is never easy, even for the industry’s biggest stars.
What readers are saying: "Reading this book, I learned more about the beloved actor’s life and enjoyed all the anecdotes about his A-list friends, from Frank Sinatra to Carol Burnett," says Woman's World Senior Editor Kathy Fitzpatrick. "As I read, I found myself smiling — Tom was great company!”
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
Britney Spears opens up for the first time about her childhood and the court case that changed her life. Her truth is revealed in this groundbreaking memoir and she doesn't leave anything on the table. With a lighthearted tone, Spears shares her story about her endurance not only in the pop music industry but also in her personal life, with anecdotes about her fellow Disney Mouseketeers, pop stars and more famous friends.
What readers are saying: " I could not put this book down. I finished it in one day. Very telling and honest story. I don’t even like to read but I knew this was going to be one that I could not put down and I was not disappointed."
For more page-turning book recommendations:
11 Best Nonfiction Books Guaranteed to Boost Happiness: From Memoirs to Journals + More!
