For Fans of Child Actors
‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’ by Jennette McCurdy
Jennette McCurdy’s I’m Glad My Mom Died is as impressive in form as it is in vulnerability. Beginning with a six-year-old McCurdy’s perspective on acting, art, and her mother, the voice ages up as the memoir unfolds to reveal dark, if not unsurprising, truths about life as a child actor.
Despite the shocking trauma it details, McCurdy’s relationship with her abusive and opportunistic mother is far from the main reason why this book is great—it’s touching because of how honestly the actor shares her experiences, her journey to independence, and how she found her passions after decades of working only to please others.
The Celeb Chef Read
‘Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly’ by Anthony Bourdain
A brutally honest, hilarious, and crass recount of Bourdain's lifestyle sprinkled with life lessons of how to operate, both inside and outside of the kitchen. Kitchen Confidential is a super fun read about the good, the bad, and the ugly of restaurant culture.
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A Memoir That Reads Like Poetry
Love, Pamela: A Memoir of Prose, Poetry, and Truth
Pamela Anderson is pealing back the layers in her memoir released in January 2023. The book alternates between her telling her own story and writing her own poetry, which creates a beautiful and unforgettable read.
Anderson quickly became a cultural icon at a young age, and found that her narrative was written for her by the media and paparazzi. Now, she's sharing her perspective on life in the spotlight as a Playboy cover model, and showing the confident, carefree woman she's become.
A Powerful Memoir
Pageboy: A Memoir
The central theme to Elliot Page's Pageboy: A Memoir is wanting to be seen for who we really are. An emotional, and at times heartbreaking, read, Page takes readers through his story of finding himself in this complicated world.
If you're looking for a story about finding the strength and courage to truly be yourself, this memoir is for you.
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For the Y2K Fan
‘Open Book’ by Jessica Simpson
It's been three years since we listened to this memoir (narrated by Simpson herself!) and there are still some juicy details that pop into our heads about once a month. It’s Simpson’s story (from her point of view, for once), plus lots of Hollywood and music biz gossip.
For Star Wars Fans
‘The Princess Diarist’ by Carrie Fisher
Released in 2016, The Princess Diarist is a memoir based on the diaries Carrie Fisher kept while filming the Star Wars trilogy. She makes some shocking revelations in the book, and ultimately details what it was like as a young actress working on one of the most famous movie sets of all time.
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Oprah's Book Club Pick
‘Finding Me’ by Viola Davis
A top pick in Oprah's Book Club and a New York Times best-seller, Finding Me by Viola Davis is an exploration of both struggle and success.
Davis herself described the book like this: “In my book, you will meet a little girl named Viola who ran from her past until she made a life-changing decision to stop running forever.”
For Marvel Fans
‘We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story’ by Simu Liu
Liu is the star of Marvel's first Asian superhero movie, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and with that came a new level of fame. His first memoir details his family's journey from China, adjusting to life as a movie star, and ultimately finding his own way.
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Vulnerable and Funny
‘Baggage: Tales from a Fully Packed Life’ by Alan Cumming
Alan Cumming's second book, Baggage, explores happiness, how you never really recover from your past, and his life in Hollywood.
Cumming writes, “But in everything, each failed relationship or encounter with a legend... in every bad decision or moment of sensual joy I have endeavored to show what I have learned and how I’ve become who I am today: a happy, flawed, vulnerable, fearless middle-aged man, with a lot of baggage.”
The Juicy Royal Memoir
‘Spare’ by Prince Harry
One of the most anticipated memoirs of all time, Prince Harry's Spare is his opportunity to tell his own story—about being in the public eye, his mother's death, and the treatment of his wife, Meghan Markle. It's honest and drops many truth bombs.
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The Deeply Inspiring Read
‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama
In 2018, Michelle Obama published her critically acclaimed memoir, Becoming. In her own words, she describes writing the book as a “deeply personal experience” and hopes that her words can inspire and encourage readers to “find the courage to become whoever they aspire to be.”
If You're Looking for a Light Read
‘Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)’ by Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling's memoir is not your typical memoir—in a good way. Rather than a full accounts of her life and career, Kaling tells her story through short stories, essays, and photos. It's light, fun, and a good easy read.

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