Celebrity Memoirs

High-profile celebrity memoirs are often released in the fall, in time for the holidays and gifting. This fall, there are a number of eagerly anticipated memoirs being published including ones by Lionel Richie, Cher, Mark Ronson, Margaret Atwood, Charlie Sheen, and more. I enjoy listening to these types of books versus reading them in print because almost always, the author is reading their story, which makes it so engaging to hear. It feels like they personally are telling me their story. Today I am recommending some of my favorite celebrity memoirs:

In Gad We Trust by Josh Gad – In his wonderful memoir, Josh Gad dives into a wide array of personal topics, the lasting impact of his parents’ divorce, how he struggled with weight and self-image, his first big break, his take on fatherhood, and much more. I devoured this one on audio in two sittings and am now an even bigger fan of his than I already was. I loved the backstage gossip and behind-the-scenes stories about filming the Frozen movies and performing in his Broadway shows. For fans of Broadway shows and Disney movies.

Matriarch by Tina Knowles – Tina Knowles, the mother of iconic singer-songwriter Beyoncé, is known the world over as a Matriarch with a capital M: a determined, self-possessed, self-aware, and wise woman who raised and inspired some of the great artists of our time. Her life's journey – through grief and tragedy, creative and romantic risks and turmoil, the nurturing of superstar offspring and of her own special gifts – is the remarkable story she shares with readers in this stellar memoir. I knew very little about Knowles, but thoroughly enjoyed her story from its humble beginnings in segregated Galveston to traveling the world with Beyoncé. Knowles narrates this heartfelt memoir which added to my listening enjoyment. For fans of music and stories about strong women.

Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks – When Brooks suddenly lost her partner of more than three decades, author Tony Horwitz (his book Confederates in the Attic is one of my favorite nonfiction titles), the demands were immediate and many. Without space to grieve, the sudden loss became a yawning gulf. Three years later, she booked a flight to a remote island off the coast of Australia with the intention of finally giving herself the time to mourn. This beautiful book toggles between the days following his death and her time in Australia. It is such a moving story about love, loss and pain, reflection, and how life isn’t always fair. For fans of books about grief and those who enjoy epic love stories. 

The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop – Bishop’s long, storied career has been defined by landmark achievements, from winning a Tony Award for her turn in the original Broadway cast of A Chorus Line to her memorable performance as Jennifer Grey’s mother in Dirty Dancing to her iconic role as matriarch Emily in the Gilmore Girls. I listened to this one and highly recommend that format. Bishop narrates, and it is like listening to a fun friend tell you stories. For fans of Broadway shows, The Gilmore Girls, and show business.

When the Going Was Good by Graydon Carter – From the pages of Vanity Fair to the red carpets of Hollywood, editor Graydon Carter’s memoir recounts the glamorous heyday of print magazines when they were at the vanguard of American culture. Carter is humble and charming as he chronicles his time at Vanity Fair (and earlier publications) and what life was like during the golden age of magazines when news and stories were consumed in an altogether different manner. His stories highlight the magic of a bygone era and made this reader nostalgic for print magazines. For fans of literary stories and nostalgia.

For more book recommendations and bookish thoughts, see Cindy’s monthly Buzz Reads column, her award-winning Thoughts from a Page Podcast or follow @ThoughtsFromaPage on Instagram.