I totally agree with this. I've read so many bad celeb memoirs, the mark of which I've decided is: "There was this one time when... [insert random ass memory here]."
I guess I get something out of even the worst ones when I "care" about that celeb for some personal reason. And I often prefer them on audiobook while doing other tasks.
I'm adding all three of these to my TBR, but I would say I also loved Born a Crime, I'm Glad My Mom Died, and Open. Also adore a good chef memoir, that's my comfort read for sure: 32 yolks, notes from a young black chef, kitchen confidential
I have heard such good things about Born a Crime! Doesn’t surprise me that it’s good because Trevor Noah is so smart and well spoken. I tried Im glad my mom died on audio book and i couldn’t get through it, but might be me— i’m not really wild about the audiobook thing. I def hear you on the personal sentiment and i really loved your writing on Open in your own newsletter!
I second Born A Crime! An absolutely exceptional memoir - beautiful storytelling and super compelling reflections. It’s a great road trip audiobook, especially because hearing Trevor Noah speak all of the languages he refers to in the book is far more interesting than trying to sound out the words in my head 😆
I loved it as well! Definitely one of the better celebrity memoirs I’ve read, and one that also spoke to a very distinct and troubling time in South Africa (at the beginning)—personal and global history perfectly portioned out.
The whole time I was reading it, I kept thinking: "oh, the author is make a stylistic choice writing like a child... because obviously she was traumatized and infantalized, so this is a *choice* she is making and wow, how clever!" but then I realized part way through that this wasn't a choice at all... just juvenile, amateur writing.
i have heard great things and i tried it on audiobook and couldn’t get into it, but that’s on me cuz im not really an audiobook gal— i’ll have to give the hard copy a whirl. and of course!!! loved that piece so much 💗
The title for this column was a stellar 🪝 and the read was even better. That’s from someone who pretty much just can’t stand what you so fittingly named “the celebrity industrial complex” so I don’t read celebrity memoirs, like ever. Neither Barack nor Michelle Obama’s, not Prince Harry’s “Spare” umm, really, none of them. But This! I read it ALL & now I want to read the books, too. What I’m really saying is, I Like YOUR Writing. ✍️ It’s excellent, and it even includes “what to listen to” to go with it. Now That’s A Treat! Thanks for making this a compelling review!! I’m going to go get these books, as I Love A Good Read (🎼Look What You Made Me Do🎤)!
OMG my heart!! Saying you like my writing is my kryptonite, there's no better compliment! Truly thank you so much for reading, and for your kind words. I agree– I am at the point where I cannot stand celeb memoirs, I refuse to be duped again 😂 hopefully I've waded through enough of a sample size that these will resonate in some fashion. And again I am with you– I could not care less about the Prince Harry memoir. I sort of excluded politicians from this list because while I realize they have aids, speech writers, and the like, they at least have some writing training (assuming through English, History, or PoliSci majors in undergrad)– which is more than we can say for most Hollywood memoirs.
If you read any of the above please lmk what you think!! 💗📚
I’ve never read the 3 you included here, but I agree with your criteria that is lacking in what has become a rather gimmicky, celebrity cash-grab. I really enjoyed Sinead O’Connor’s “Rememberings”. Also this could be shut down, and I must admit I haven’t finished it, but I’ve listened to a bit of Julia Fox’s “Down the Drain” on audiobook. While she may not make all of your criteria, there’s something about listening to her tell her stories that comes across as more authentic. Not sure how others feel, but even if it’s a bit overdramatized, I kinda imagine her as someone who moves through their life as if she’s always performing on a stage, lol.
i agree! i read Julia Fox’s memoir and it gets a lot of points for being candid and fun, and believable for the reasons you state. and I agree— her whole life is performance art and she seemingly does not give an F what anyone thinks, which i love!
i haven’t read that one! i tried it on audiobook and couldn’t get it into it, but i tend to prefer physical books so i’ll have to return to it. i hear good things tho!
I don’t read celebrity memoirs because I’m not interested in them that much. However, I find Trevor Noah interesting and his “Born a Crime” was brilliant and well written. I felt the authenticity, honesty and it was relatable to me as an African.
Danny Trejo's autobiography is incredible; I think I recommend it to anyone within earshot at any opportunity. Also, Bruce Campbell's 'If Chins Could Kill' is a great look into his life as an actor and into the struggle of low-budget filmmaking. (note: my idea of celebrity is pretty different from a lot of others')
This is an interesting post to me because I’ve never been especially interested in memoirs. But last year I read three really good ones. All beautifully written by the author and each, in a different way, exploring topics much bigger than the life of the writer. All of these people are well known in the UK, but maybe not so much overseas. The first was Fathomless Riches by Richard Coles. It follows his life as a young, gay man in 80s, navigating political upheaval, the AIDS crisis, plenty of recreational pursuits and being part of a hit-making pop group, before finding his faith and ending up as a Church of England vicar. Coles is highly intelligent and very witty and tells a very nuanced and fascinating story. The second was A Very Private School written by Charles, Earl Spencer (Diana’s brother). A successful historian, Charles turns his attention to his own privileged but terrible childhood, unpicking the attitudes of class and revealing a layer of filth in the private school industry that now has the police investigating. The final one was My Family by comedian and broadcaster David Baddiel. A close study of his parent’s idiosyncratic marriage, dealing with infidelity, masculinity, Jewishness and - above all - love. Very sad, utterly hilarious, very well written.
Wow Sharon, thank you so much— i’ve never heard of these and they all sound incredible, i’ll have to check them out! thanks so much for reading and for these excellent suggestions!
Fascinating read! I just finished Julia Fox's memoir, and while I totally believe what you said about her adult retelling of childhood, I believe she checked off #2 and #3 on your list! The memoir was a honest and messy retelling of her life, she wasn't trying to look cool at any point and was frank about how she made the same mistakes over and over and over again. For such a major IT GIRL, I was surprised how relatable and human she seemed. Curious to know if u agree! thanks for posting this :)
I agree with you that julia fox’s book is SUPER fun to read and she’s very open about her own shortcomings which i loved. Like i mentioned I struggled a little with her descriptions of her childhood, but totally agree that her voice is great and that she’s not trying to prove anything— just being herself. Thanks for reading!!! 📚💗✨
I’m a memoir-avoidant reader and can say the only two I have read recently have been Becoming and Spare. Your insights definitely make me want to grab these books!
I’m a big fan of Alan Cumming’s Not My Father’s Son and Baggage—big dramatic famous stories as well as small, tender, heartbreaking personal reflections.
cannot believe Just Kids by Patti Smith is not on this list
Not everything can make the cut!!!!!!!!!!!!
feels rigged
Why??
i’m joking lol it’s one of my favorites
Agree about Patti Smith’s Just Kids — that singularly changed how I thought about memoirs!
Just Kids is awesome. 💖
I totally agree with this. I've read so many bad celeb memoirs, the mark of which I've decided is: "There was this one time when... [insert random ass memory here]."
I guess I get something out of even the worst ones when I "care" about that celeb for some personal reason. And I often prefer them on audiobook while doing other tasks.
I'm adding all three of these to my TBR, but I would say I also loved Born a Crime, I'm Glad My Mom Died, and Open. Also adore a good chef memoir, that's my comfort read for sure: 32 yolks, notes from a young black chef, kitchen confidential
I have heard such good things about Born a Crime! Doesn’t surprise me that it’s good because Trevor Noah is so smart and well spoken. I tried Im glad my mom died on audio book and i couldn’t get through it, but might be me— i’m not really wild about the audiobook thing. I def hear you on the personal sentiment and i really loved your writing on Open in your own newsletter!
I second Born A Crime! An absolutely exceptional memoir - beautiful storytelling and super compelling reflections. It’s a great road trip audiobook, especially because hearing Trevor Noah speak all of the languages he refers to in the book is far more interesting than trying to sound out the words in my head 😆
I listened to born a crime on a road trip too! And totally agree that hearing Trevor read it really made it exceptional.
I loved it as well! Definitely one of the better celebrity memoirs I’ve read, and one that also spoke to a very distinct and troubling time in South Africa (at the beginning)—personal and global history perfectly portioned out.
I’m Glad My Mom Died had such a distinct voice!
The whole time I was reading it, I kept thinking: "oh, the author is make a stylistic choice writing like a child... because obviously she was traumatized and infantalized, so this is a *choice* she is making and wow, how clever!" but then I realized part way through that this wasn't a choice at all... just juvenile, amateur writing.
🤣😭😂
Ok I loved I’m Glad My Mom Died though!!! The rest I will agree are mostly trash. Also thanks for sharing my stuff 🖤☺️
i have heard great things and i tried it on audiobook and couldn’t get into it, but that’s on me cuz im not really an audiobook gal— i’ll have to give the hard copy a whirl. and of course!!! loved that piece so much 💗
Also haven’t tried any that you loved so adding those to the list.
I am already dying to know what you think of the hard copy. I secretly hope you think it's as terrible as I do :D
The title for this column was a stellar 🪝 and the read was even better. That’s from someone who pretty much just can’t stand what you so fittingly named “the celebrity industrial complex” so I don’t read celebrity memoirs, like ever. Neither Barack nor Michelle Obama’s, not Prince Harry’s “Spare” umm, really, none of them. But This! I read it ALL & now I want to read the books, too. What I’m really saying is, I Like YOUR Writing. ✍️ It’s excellent, and it even includes “what to listen to” to go with it. Now That’s A Treat! Thanks for making this a compelling review!! I’m going to go get these books, as I Love A Good Read (🎼Look What You Made Me Do🎤)!
OMG my heart!! Saying you like my writing is my kryptonite, there's no better compliment! Truly thank you so much for reading, and for your kind words. I agree– I am at the point where I cannot stand celeb memoirs, I refuse to be duped again 😂 hopefully I've waded through enough of a sample size that these will resonate in some fashion. And again I am with you– I could not care less about the Prince Harry memoir. I sort of excluded politicians from this list because while I realize they have aids, speech writers, and the like, they at least have some writing training (assuming through English, History, or PoliSci majors in undergrad)– which is more than we can say for most Hollywood memoirs.
If you read any of the above please lmk what you think!! 💗📚
I’ve never read the 3 you included here, but I agree with your criteria that is lacking in what has become a rather gimmicky, celebrity cash-grab. I really enjoyed Sinead O’Connor’s “Rememberings”. Also this could be shut down, and I must admit I haven’t finished it, but I’ve listened to a bit of Julia Fox’s “Down the Drain” on audiobook. While she may not make all of your criteria, there’s something about listening to her tell her stories that comes across as more authentic. Not sure how others feel, but even if it’s a bit overdramatized, I kinda imagine her as someone who moves through their life as if she’s always performing on a stage, lol.
i agree! i read Julia Fox’s memoir and it gets a lot of points for being candid and fun, and believable for the reasons you state. and I agree— her whole life is performance art and she seemingly does not give an F what anyone thinks, which i love!
I was wondering; why didn’t you write about I‘m glad my mom died bc this book hit different, and was def my fav celebrity memoir so far
i haven’t read that one! i tried it on audiobook and couldn’t get it into it, but i tend to prefer physical books so i’ll have to return to it. i hear good things tho!
I don’t read celebrity memoirs because I’m not interested in them that much. However, I find Trevor Noah interesting and his “Born a Crime” was brilliant and well written. I felt the authenticity, honesty and it was relatable to me as an African.
I have heard such good things about this, and i really love Trevor Noah! I’ll have to grab a copy. thanks for reading & for the rec!
You’re welcome. I enjoyed reading your insights, thank you for sharing.
Danny Trejo's autobiography is incredible; I think I recommend it to anyone within earshot at any opportunity. Also, Bruce Campbell's 'If Chins Could Kill' is a great look into his life as an actor and into the struggle of low-budget filmmaking. (note: my idea of celebrity is pretty different from a lot of others')
I’m not familiar with Bruce Campbell but I love Danny Trejo! i’ll have to check it out. Thanks for reading!
I liked Trevor Noah's book. Lisa
This is an interesting post to me because I’ve never been especially interested in memoirs. But last year I read three really good ones. All beautifully written by the author and each, in a different way, exploring topics much bigger than the life of the writer. All of these people are well known in the UK, but maybe not so much overseas. The first was Fathomless Riches by Richard Coles. It follows his life as a young, gay man in 80s, navigating political upheaval, the AIDS crisis, plenty of recreational pursuits and being part of a hit-making pop group, before finding his faith and ending up as a Church of England vicar. Coles is highly intelligent and very witty and tells a very nuanced and fascinating story. The second was A Very Private School written by Charles, Earl Spencer (Diana’s brother). A successful historian, Charles turns his attention to his own privileged but terrible childhood, unpicking the attitudes of class and revealing a layer of filth in the private school industry that now has the police investigating. The final one was My Family by comedian and broadcaster David Baddiel. A close study of his parent’s idiosyncratic marriage, dealing with infidelity, masculinity, Jewishness and - above all - love. Very sad, utterly hilarious, very well written.
Wow Sharon, thank you so much— i’ve never heard of these and they all sound incredible, i’ll have to check them out! thanks so much for reading and for these excellent suggestions!
My pleasure! I’ll certainly be looking up your recommendations.
Learning that Gucci Mane has a book is the most inspiring and oddest thing I've learned today lol.
hahahah i’m so glad I could be of service 😂
That many?
😂😂😂 good point
Maybe not a MUST read, but Cicely Tyson's memoir Just as I Am was very good. Please consider adding it to your list. She was very deep.
Fascinating read! I just finished Julia Fox's memoir, and while I totally believe what you said about her adult retelling of childhood, I believe she checked off #2 and #3 on your list! The memoir was a honest and messy retelling of her life, she wasn't trying to look cool at any point and was frank about how she made the same mistakes over and over and over again. For such a major IT GIRL, I was surprised how relatable and human she seemed. Curious to know if u agree! thanks for posting this :)
I agree with you that julia fox’s book is SUPER fun to read and she’s very open about her own shortcomings which i loved. Like i mentioned I struggled a little with her descriptions of her childhood, but totally agree that her voice is great and that she’s not trying to prove anything— just being herself. Thanks for reading!!! 📚💗✨
I’m a memoir-avoidant reader and can say the only two I have read recently have been Becoming and Spare. Your insights definitely make me want to grab these books!
Thanks so much for reading! if you do check any of these out, let me know what you think!
I loved Becoming. Just saying.
This is a wonderful piece, thank you.
I’m a big fan of Alan Cumming’s Not My Father’s Son and Baggage—big dramatic famous stories as well as small, tender, heartbreaking personal reflections.
Thank you so much for reading! i love alan cummings and i wasn’t aware he had a memoir— i’ll have to check it out. thanks for the rec!