The 19 best books about celebrities, including memoirs and biographies

1 year ago 208

I'm Glad My Mom Died and Unprotected book covers

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Books written by or about celebrities uncover deep personal truths and histories.
Our recommendations include books from actors, musicians, comedians, and more.
These picks include memoirs, biographies, and nonfiction behind-the-scenes reads.

As a society, we're fascinated by celebrities, devouring gossip magazines and binge-watching reality shows to uncover the latest drama or spot the imperfect humanity of seemingly perfect famous humans. Whether you love learning about your favorite celeb's unique rise to stardom or hearing the deepest details of their past relationships, books written by or about celebrities can offer everything you want to know and more.

This list of celebrity books includes autobiographical anecdotes, highly researched biographies, and nonfiction accounts of some of our favorite actors, musicians, comedians, and more. From brutally honest memoirs to fascinating stories about working with celebrities, here are 19 of the best celebrity books to read right now.

The 19 best celebrity books to read in 2022:

"The World's Worst Assistant" by Sona Movsesian

"The World's Worst Assistant" book cover

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.99

In "The World's Worst Assistant," Sona Movsesian creates a guide for how she became both a terrible and irreplaceable assistant to Conan O'Brien. Filled with little tips like "How to Nap at Work" and hilarious anecdotes about her working relationship with the famous television host, this fun and funny read is a heartfelt and honest tale about the unique relationship between boss and assistant.

"I'm Glad My Mom Died" by Jennette McCurdy

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.99

In this new and highly publicized memoir, former "iCarly" star Jennette McCurdy recounts her childhood of being pushed into acting by her mother, rise through Nickelodeon stardom, and the detrimental toll it's all taken on her physical and mental health. This isn't a memoir filled with celebrity gossip but rather an exposé of the parental and industry abuse Jennette kept hidden from the world until now.

"Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood" by Danny Trejo, with Donal Logue

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $12.19

Danny Trejo plays a loveable rebel on screen, but off-screen is revered as an exceptional inspiration who has overcome a past of crime, addiction, and pain to help and encourage others. Speaking honestly about the greatest challenges of his life, Trejo's story is one of transformation and redemption.

"The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music" by Dave Grohl

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $13.68

Dave Grohl has always been known as a captivating lyrical and narrative storyteller, demonstrated further by the absorbing warmth of this memoir. In "The Storyteller," Grohl shares his stories of music that changed his life, his music that changed others', and the memories that mark the eventful life of a legendary rockstar.

"The Marathon Don't Stop: The Life and Times of Nipsey Hussle" by Rob Kenner

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $13.99

Nipsey Hussle was a rapper known for his community activism. This biography, titled after his memorable mixtape and the clothing store at which he was killed, is a dedication to his life, his work, and the adversity he overcame to find success.

"The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There" by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $12.99

"The Office" is a cherished comedy mockumentary, beloved and religiously rewatched by fans across the globe. In this nonfiction read, real-life best friends Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey (Pam and Angela, respectively) recount intimate and exclusive behind-the-scenes memories of the show, its iconic cast, and their lasting friendship.

"Will" by Will Smith and Mark Manson

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.99

Hailed as the "best memoir she's ever read" by Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith's transformative memoir traces his path from humble beginnings to international recognition and what happens when unparalleled success isn't the key to happiness. Full of wisdom and entertaining anecdotes, "Will" is a personal story of education and reckoning from one of the most notable actors and musicians of his time.

"Finding Me" by Viola Davis

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.99

Viola Davis is an Academy, Emmy, and Tony Award winner whose memoir is both a deep reflection of her personal growth and a love letter to herself and the woman she has become. It outlines her path to self-love in a world determined to change her and the power of discovering who we are without the labels society places upon us.

"Open Book" by Jessica Simpson

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $8.99

In "Open Book," Jessica Simpson recounts her highly public past with honest, raw, and sometimes painful self-reflection. Once the focus of countless tabloids, Simpson opens up about the lifelong personal struggles she faced while subjected to ridicule about everything from her body to her past relationships.

"We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story" by Simu Liu

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.99

Simu Liu's eventful life took off when his father took him from China to Canada, hoping to make a better life for him but instead offering a harsher home than the one he once shared with his grandparents. Through school, an unsuccessful career as an accountant, and an unexpected journey that began with a Craigslist ad, Simu Liu tells his story of defying the odds, finding family, and coming of age between identities.

"You Can't Be Serious" by Kal Penn

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $13.50

Once pushed by his family to become "something practical," Kal Penn forged his own path through acting, teaching, and a political career, as outlined in his heartfelt and fascinating memoir, "You Can't Be Serious." From facing stereotypes in the movie industry to serving as a White House staff member for the first Black president, Penn's experiences demonstrate that people can have more than one path in life and our choices are far greater than the ones we see right in front of us.

"Yearbook" by Seth Rogen

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $5.99

"Yearbook" is an autobiographical collection of Seth Rogan's funniest and most memorable life experiences, from trying stand-up comedy as a teen to meeting outrageous celebrities. Loved by readers for its raw comedy and entertaining personal developments, this memoir is vivid, upbeat, and undeniably charming.

"Taste: My Life Through Food" by Stanley Tucci

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.00

Though Stanley Tucci is primarily known for his roles in "A Devil Wears Prada" and "The Hunger Games," he shared many of his Italian American family's beloved recipes in his cookbooks and, in this memoir, reflects upon his favorite memories in and out of the kitchen. In a series of charming, humorous, and nostalgic anecdotes, Tucci recalls memorable meals in his childhood home, while preparing for roles, and with his wife and children.

"Greenlights" by Matthew McConaughey

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $13.99

Matthew McConaughey has kept journals for most of his life and, before writing this memoir, sat down with his collected memories and found a central theme of accepting life's inevitable challenges and "catching greenlights." This memoir is both an inspirational and inspired collection of McConaughey's greatest life lessons and advice, narrated with his signature charm.

"Me" by Elton John

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $2.99

Ever since he was a child, Elton John dreamed of becoming a pop star and, though he would ultimately become one of the most successful and impactful musicians in history, fought rejection and addiction on his rise to the top. In "Me," Elton John candidly and affectionately writes about the drama in his early career, his famous friendships, getting clean, and the founding of his AIDS Foundation.

"Just as I Am" by Cicely Tyson

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $10.49

"Just as I Am" was released just two days before Cicely Tyson passed away in 2021. Loved for her timeless perspective, this memoir shares her story of resilience while highlighting the accomplishments of the strong women, friends, and community around her. Tyson's life was marked by pivotal moments in history, great trials, and greater triumphs, all of which are documented in this fascinating memoir of strength and spirit.

"Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics" by Dolly Parton and Robert K Oermann

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $18.14

This photo-rich memoir celebrates the songs that have made Dolly Parton such a musical legend. Organized by theme, Parton recalls the inspiration and development of over 150 legendary songs, from "Jolene" to "9 to 5." Readers are torn between the joy of hearing Dolly Parton's narration and songs in the audiobook version and the value of the photos and memorabilia of the physical copy, but most recommend both for the full experience.

"Unprotected" by Billy Porter

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $11.99

Before Billy Porter became an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner, he was a young, effeminate boy bullied, criticized, and abused in a world that refused to accept him. In this inspirational and powerful memoir, Porter tells his story of rising and healing from great trauma to find his voice and accept his true self.

"The Last Black Unicorn" by Tiffany Haddish

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $11.97

In this hilarious memoir, Tiffany Haddish takes an honest yet lighthearted look at her rise from foster care, through school challenges, and to her comedic success. Written with the perceptive comedy for which she's known, Haddish's memoir is an authentic, quick read for any reader looking for a good laugh.

Katherine Fiorillo is a freelance content writer specializing in books, lifestyle, and e-commerce.Katherine has a B.A. in Journalism from Marist College and previously wrote for BuzzFeed's Shopping and Products beat. She is an Army veteran, an avid reader, and designs book-themed stickers for her Etsy shop.Say hi to Katherine at [email protected].