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I’ve always been fascinated by celebrity memoirs.
There’s something about peeling back the curtain and seeing the vulnerable, unfiltered sides of the people we think we know.
These books aren’t just about fame; they’re about what it means to dream, struggle, and grow—things we all experience in our own ways.
If you’ve ever wanted to see the human side of the stars, the memoirs on this list are for you.
They’ve made me laugh out loud, cry quietly, and even rethink what it means to chase your dreams.
Let me show you the ones I think you’ll love as much as I did.
1. My Life So Far by Jane Fonda
Reading Jane Fonda’s memoir felt like sitting down with someone who’s lived ten lives in one.
She opens up about everything—her Hollywood upbringing, struggles with self-image, and finding her voice as an activist.
What I loved most was how honest she was about the lessons she learned, especially around relationships and forgiveness.
It made me think about my own journey and the ways we can keep evolving.
2. Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business by Dolly Parton
Dolly’s memoir is just like her—funny, warm, and full of heart.
She tells her story of growing up poor in Tennessee, chasing her dreams, and becoming a legend with that signature humor of hers.
I loved how she didn’t shy away from the tough parts but still found a way to make me laugh.
It’s like Dolly herself sat me down and said, “Here’s how I got here, honey.”
3. Touched by the Sun: My Friendship With Jackie by Carly Simon
This book gave me such an interesting look at Carly Simon’s unlikely friendship with Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
Carly writes about how they connected over deep conversations, shared lunches, and navigating their very public lives.
It wasn’t all light and fun—there’s a lot about love, loss, and vulnerability, too.
It made me think about the unexpected people who can change our lives.
4. In Pieces by Sally Field
Sally Field’s memoir hit me hard.
She dives into her early Hollywood years and her complicated relationship with her mom with such raw honesty.
You can feel her struggles to find herself in a world that often tried to define her.
Her story of resilience and self-discovery felt so real, and it’s stuck with me since I finished it.
5. Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama
This book took me on an emotional journey as Obama reflected on his search for identity as the son of a Black African father and a white American mother.
He writes about everything—his childhood, losing his father, and traveling to Kenya to meet his family.
I found his honesty so refreshing, and the way he wrestled with big questions about race and belonging was really powerful.
6. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah’s memoir is both hilarious and heartbreaking.
He grew up in apartheid South Africa as the mixed-race child of a Black mother and a white father—literally “born a crime.”
His mom is the true hero here, raising him with love and courage despite the danger they faced.
I laughed out loud so many times but also found myself tearing up. It’s a wild, inspiring story.
7. The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl’s memoir felt like listening to an old friend share amazing stories.
He writes about his life as a kid in Virginia, joining Nirvana, and then leading the Foo Fighters, but it’s not just about the big moments.
He talks about meeting rock legends and bedtime stories with his kids with the same enthusiasm.
It’s so fun and full of heart—it reminded me why I love music.
8. This Will Only Hurt a Little by Busy Philipps
Busy Philipps’s book was like sitting down with your funniest, most brutally honest friend.
She writes about growing up in Arizona, her awkward teen years, and making it as an actress in Hollywood.
She doesn’t hold back—there are lots of laugh-out-loud moments, but she also dives into some tough times with surprising depth.
I loved her humor and vulnerability.
9. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
This was such a fun, lighthearted read.
Mindy shares stories from her life, like growing up as a chubby kid, making it in comedy, and figuring out romance and friendship along the way.
She’s hilarious, but there’s also this relatability in how she talks about insecurities and dreams.
It felt like hanging out with your super funny, slightly dramatic friend.
10. Fresh Off the Boat by Eddie Huang
Eddie Huang’s memoir was a wild ride.
He writes about growing up as the rebellious son of Taiwanese immigrants, clashing with his parents, and finding his identity in food, hip-hop, and skate culture.
His voice is raw and unapologetic, and I loved how he balanced humor with real emotion.
It’s not just about being an immigrant kid—it’s about figuring out where you belong.
11. Bossypants by Tina Fey
Tina Fey’s book is exactly what you’d expect—smart, funny, and so relatable in a slightly ridiculous way.
She talks about her awkward teenage years, her time on SNL, being Liz Lemon on 30 Rock, and her chaotic-but-hilarious experiences as a working mom.
I loved how she poked fun at herself and shared career advice without taking anything too seriously.
It felt like having a laugh with a super cool older sister.
12. The Vanity Fair Diaries by Tina Brown
This one was a juicy peek into the wild world of 1980s media and glamour.
Tina Brown writes about taking over Vanity Fair in New York, the backstabbing office politics, and all the iconic covers she pulled off (like the naked, pregnant Demi Moore shot).
It was fun to read about her life as a British transplant balancing work, family, and all that chaos.
Her wit and determination were seriously inspiring.
13. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Jennette McCurdy’s memoir hit hard—it’s raw, darkly funny, and heartbreaking.
She shares what it was like growing up as a child actor on iCarly under the control of her overbearing mom, who pushed her into fame while causing so much damage.
Jennette’s journey of breaking free, going to therapy, and finally finding her own voice was so powerful. Her honesty really stuck with me.
14. Becoming by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama’s memoir was like sitting down with someone wise and warm while they told you their life story.
She writes about growing up on the South Side of Chicago, balancing a demanding career with being a mom, and her time in the White House.
I loved how down-to-earth she made it all feel, even as she talked about these huge, history-making moments.
It left me feeling inspired to tackle life with grace and determination.
15. The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
This book was Britney’s chance to finally tell her story, and wow, she didn’t hold back.
She writes about her rise to pop stardom, the heartbreak and control she faced during her conservatorship, and the fight to reclaim her life.
It was emotional and eye-opening, and I loved seeing her strength shine through.
You can tell how much she’s been waiting to speak her truth.
16. Spare by Prince Harry
This one felt like sitting down with Prince Harry over coffee while he told you everything about his life—grief, love, the royal family drama, all of it.
He writes about growing up in the shadow of Diana’s death, his struggles with mental health, and meeting Meghan Markle.
It’s raw and vulnerable, and I came away with a lot of respect for how he’s chosen to take control of his story.
17. Just Kids by Patti Smith
Patti Smith’s memoir was so beautiful and poetic.
She writes about her deep friendship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe in New York during the 60s and 70s.
It’s a love letter to art, youth, and the magic of finding someone who truly understands you.
Her way with words is incredible, and it felt like being transported to another time and place.
18. Pageboy by Elliot Page
Elliot Page’s memoir was deeply moving and brutally honest.
He writes about growing up, finding his identity as a trans man, and navigating the pressures of fame.
What stood out to me was his openness about mental health, love, and resilience.
It’s such an important story, and I admired how vulnerable he was in telling it.
19. Rita Moreno: A Memoir by Rita Moreno
Rita Moreno’s memoir was a dazzling journey through her life, from a tough childhood in Puerto Rico and the Bronx to becoming a Hollywood legend.
I loved reading about her breakthrough in West Side Story, her struggles with being typecast, and her fiery romance with Marlon Brando.
She’s so honest about the challenges she faced as a Latina in the industry, and her story is as inspiring as it gets.
20. My Autobiography by Charles Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin’s autobiography was like sitting down with one of the original Hollywood geniuses.
He writes about his tough childhood in London, how he rose to fame, and what it was like creating some of the most iconic films of all time.
I loved how thoughtful and funny his writing was—it’s such a fascinating glimpse into early Hollywood and his extraordinary life.
21. By Myself and Then Some by Lauren Bacall
Lauren Bacall’s memoir is such a fascinating look into old Hollywood.
She talks about her whirlwind romance with Humphrey Bogart, their iconic movies, and the life she had to rebuild after his death.
I loved how she didn’t sugarcoat the ups and downs, including her relationships with legends like Frank Sinatra and Jason Robards.
It’s filled with big names and big emotions, but her warmth and honesty make it feel personal.
22. You Got Anything Stronger? by Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union feels like that friend who can make you laugh one second and cry the next.
She opens up about her surrogacy journey, motherhood, and calling out racism in Hollywood with such vulnerability.
I really appreciated how she shared the joy and challenges of her life so openly.
It’s a mix of deep, reflective moments and hilarious stories, and it made me feel like I was chatting with a close friend.
23. My Name Is Barbra by Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand’s memoir is just as legendary as you’d expect.
She takes you through her entire career—her rise from Brooklyn to Funny Girl fame, her passion projects like Yentl, and even her activism.
What I loved most was how much she let her personality shine through—funny, opinionated, and so unapologetically Barbra.
It’s a true behind-the-scenes look at a one-of-a-kind life.
24. The Beauty of Living Twice by Sharon Stone
This book is so much more than just Sharon Stone’s Hollywood stories.
She writes about surviving a stroke, rebuilding her life, and finding meaning in her family and humanitarian work.
I was moved by her honesty about the trauma she faced in the industry and her resilience in overcoming it.
It’s powerful, raw, and full of hard-earned wisdom that left me feeling inspired.
I hope you find a memoir here that touches your heart like these touched mine.
If you’re inspired to pick one up, let me know how you like it!
And don’t forget to share your favorites with me—I’m always on the hunt for new stories to love.
