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I didn’t grow up with the typical Hollywood diet of movies and shows as a child – that just wasn’t really a thing where I live.
But as I’ve gotten older and really started diving into pop culture, I’ve been feeding my inner child by watching old rom-coms and getting into those dramatic period pieces.
And, let me tell you, there is a lot of drama to unpack.
If you’re into Hollywood or just curious about the behind-the-scenes world of it all, I think you’ll love this.
In this post, I’ve listed some of the best books about Hollywood – from the perspectives of actors, directors, crew members, and more.
These books really go into what it felt like to be part of that golden age of Hollywood, and honestly? They’re incredible.
Hawks on Hawks by Joseph McBride
This book is like sitting down with one of Hollywood’s most brilliant directors, Howard Hawks, and just listening to him talk about his life, work, and love for movies.
Joseph McBride interviewed Hawks for seven years, and – you can really feel how much Hawks loved telling stories through film.
Whether it was a romantic comedy or a Western, he always made magic.
He worked with all the big stars – Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne – and knew exactly how to bring out the best in them.
If you’re someone who loves behind-the-scenes stories and wants to learn how movies used to be made, this book is like a goldmine.
I especially love how relaxed and honest Hawks is here – it doesn’t feel like a textbook, but more like he’s talking directly to you.
By Myself by Lauren Bacall
Reading By Myself feels like having tea with Lauren Bacall while she opens up about everything – her fame, her love life, and the ups and downs of being a Hollywood icon.
She’s so honest and thoughtful, and you can tell she’s not trying to impress anyone – she just wants to share her story.
And of course, her marriage to Humphrey Bogart is legendary, but she doesn’t just focus on that.
She talks about what it’s like to grow up in front of cameras and learn to stay strong in a world that often isn’t kind to women.
It’s elegant, emotional, and beautifully told.
I felt like I knew her by the end, and it made me appreciate classic Hollywood even more.
Negative Space by Manny Farber
This one is for those of us who love movies in a deeper, artsy way.
Manny Farber was one of the boldest film critics out there, and Negative Space shows exactly why.
He didn’t just talk about big blockbusters – he celebrated the gritty, small, under-the-radar films that didn’t always get love.
He also had this sharp, playful way of writing that makes even his critiques feel exciting.
I liked how he could explain why something worked (or didn’t) in ways that made me think about movies differently.
You don’t have to agree with everything he says, but he’ll definitely make you think.
It’s not a soft, breezy book, but it’s so rewarding if you’re passionate about movies beyond the surface.
Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow
Honestly, this one had me hooked from the very first page.
It’s intense, emotional, and sometimes even scary, but it’s such an important read.
Ronan Farrow takes us inside his investigation of sexual abuse in Hollywood, and it honestly feels like a real-life spy movie.
He talks about being followed, threatened, and doubted, all while trying to help brave women share their stories.
The strength and courage in this book blew me away.
I was in awe of the people who risked so much for justice. It’s heavy, yes, but unforgettable.
Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher
I love how Carrie Fisher tells her story with so much humor, even when she’s talking about really difficult things.
Wishful Drinking is honest, hilarious, and messy in the best way.
She talks about what it was like to be the daughter of two huge stars, to become Princess Leia as a teenager, and to live with mental illness and addiction.
But the way she tells it? It’s like laughing through your tears.
She doesn’t hide anything – her wild relationships, the pain, the weird Hollywood stories – they’re all here, and she somehow makes them feel both outrageous and deeply human.
You’ll laugh, cry, and admire her honesty so much.
The Star Machine by Jeanine Basinger
This book is like taking a walk through old Hollywood with someone who knows all the secrets.
Jeanine Basinger explains how studios used to make stars – from the clothes they wore to the movies they were forced into.
It’s wild how much control studios had.
She tells you about big names like Lana Turner, Tyrone Power, and Errol Flynn, and shows how their lives were carefully planned and how that sometimes made them miserable.
It’s juicy, smart, and full of interesting little stories that will make you shocked.
I loved learning how fame used to work, and why things are so different now.
It’s such a fun read for anyone curious about vintage Hollywood.
Mommie Dearest by Christina Crawford
This is one of the most heartbreaking Hollywood books I’ve ever read.
Christina Crawford tells the painful truth about growing up as the daughter of Joan Crawford – a glamorous movie star who, behind closed doors, was abusive and cruel.
It’s hard to read at times, especially knowing how much Christina had to hide for so long.
But her strength really shines through. She survived, she spoke up, and she helped others find the courage to talk about their own pain.
This book doesn’t glamorize fame – it shows its dark side, and the cost of pretending everything’s perfect.
It’s raw and brave, and I think it helped change the way people talk about trauma.
The Friedkin Connection by William Friedkin
If you love stories about rebel filmmakers, you have to read this one.
William Friedkin is best known for directing The Exorcist and The French Connection, and in this book, he spills everything – from his wild early days to the madness of making movies that shocked the world.
He writes just like he films: fast, bold, and no holding back.
I loved how he talks about trying new things, fighting with studios, and chasing stories that no one else wanted to tell.
He was part of that generation that changed Hollywood forever, and his passion comes through on every page.
Shock Value by John Waters
This one is so much fun and so different from every other Hollywood memoir.
John Waters is all about breaking rules, and Shock Value is his love letter to weirdness, wild stories, and making movies on a shoestring.
He talks about growing up in Baltimore, meeting Divine (his unforgettable star), and how he made outrageous movies that became cult classics.
And the best part? He makes you feel like it’s okay to be odd or different or too much.
His writing is cheeky, joyful, and full of love for the misfits of the world.
I found myself smiling the whole way through. It’s weird in the best way.
Haywire by Brooke Hayward
Haywire is a beautifully written and deeply emotional book about what happens when a picture-perfect family falls apart.
Brooke Hayward was born into Hollywood royalty – her father was a big-time agent and her mother was a famous actress – but behind the glamour was a lot of pain.
She shares what it was like growing up in a home full of pressure, silence, and emotional distance.
There’s heartbreak in every chapter – broken marriages, mental illness, even suicide – but Brooke writes with such honesty and grace that it never feels hopeless.
If you’re even a little bit curious about Hollywood – its glitz, its mess, its legends – these books will take you on a ride.
Some will make you laugh, others might make you cry, but all of them will stay with you.
I personally think they’re must-reads for any lover of film, fame, or just great stories.
Let me know if you’d read these books or if you’ve read any you enjoyed – drop them in the comment section.
