Autobiographies have become a way of learning about prominent celebrities’ phenomenal backstories. When beautifully written, they can evoke strong feelings from readers and provide a candid exploration of the lives of those we know as superstars.
Autobiographies are popular, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Celebrities like Barbara Streisand, Viola Davis, Matthew Perry, Prince Harry, Pamela Anderson, and others have released memoirs on big topics, from addiction to abuse.
Autobiographies have recently been doing well in the book market compared to other periods. Memoirs and biographies have experienced a 26% growth rate in sales revenue over the last five years.
What are the most unique autobiographies compelling enough to replace doom scrolling on social media? This article covers the most captivating, bizarre, and honest autobiographies of contemporary celebrities you must read. Let’s begin with Prince Harry’s much-hyped memoir.
Spare, by Prince Harry
When Spare was published, it was an international literary event, selling 3.2 million copies worldwide after the first week of publication. People who were interested in the most-discussed story of Harry and Meghan, hurried to bookstores, to take their copies. Published by Penguin House, the book saw intense media coverage. It has been translated into fifteen languages and reviewed by several prominent literary critics.
Anyone who has experienced their share of dysfunctional families (and even those who haven’t) will have a deep-rooted reaction to Prince Harry of England’s explosive memoir, Spare. In it, the charming heir struggles with his relationship with the patriarchal royal family as he navigates his love life and journey to self-realization.
In Spare, Harry talks about his love story with Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. There are romantic recollections but also devastating reminiscences of the couple having a miscarriage and their nasty encounters with the British Press. In addition, there are details on arguments between the couple, but the fact that they have mutual respect for one another shines through.
Finding Me, Viola Davis
When Viola Davis published her moving and inspiring autobiography, she was already a 56-year-old celebrity flourishing in the spotlight and no longer that Rhode Island kid riddled by trauma and abuse. The memoir traces the author’s experience with racism, financial difficulties, limited opportunities in the entertainment industry as a black woman, and romantic relationships.
Sharing candid details about her struggle with self-esteem, body image, and self-acceptance, Davis’s real and touching memoir opens up discussions on issues relating to self-love and confidence. It is also eloquently written, with emotional lines that allow readers to vividly picture the actress’s journey to stardom. The memoir was a masterpiece, earning the actress a Grammy win for the audiobook and top spots on the Amazon Book Charts and the New York Times Audio Nonfiction Bestseller List.
Friends, Lovers, and The Big Terrible Thing, Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry is best known for his sarcastic quips, wry observations, and wit in his television shows. He gets serious in his memoir and details his struggles with alcohol and drugs and how he dealt with his addictions via Alcoholics Anonymous, Rehab, and Detox.
He also elaborates on the relationships and health issues he suffered due to his addiction. Packed with cynical humor and frankness, Friends, Lovers, and The Big Terrible Thing is a raw, honest exploration of Matthew Perry’s life. Aside from topping New York’s Best Seller List and getting glowing reviews from Goodreads, the memoir sold about 96,000 copies weekly when it came out.
Becoming, Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama’s warm and inspirational autobiography, Becoming narrates the story of the First African-American-First Lady’s upbringing in Chicago’s South Side. She talks about happy memories, family life, gaining admission to a school for gifted students, and eventually going to Princeton. She also covers the tragic loss of her friend to cancer, her father to multiple sclerosis (MS), and a miscarriage.
Becoming is a beautifully written memoir that details Michelle’s childhood and how she coped with the demands of the White House. Unsurprisingly, the book ended up on several best-selling lists and sold almost 170 million copies worldwide. Becoming marked her post-White House career and lifted her star power.
I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette McCurdy
Jennette McCurdy’s autobiography, which you should not judge by its title, is hilarious, truthful, and heartbreaking at the same time. Former Nickelodeon television star Jennette McCurdy details her relationship with her high-handed mother.
She covers her battles with eating disorders, body image, and unhealthy relationships in this ninety-one-chaptered novel. A quick read would reveal that there is so much to this ‘Sam and Cat’ star. She got control over her life after her mother died. She had to quit acting and start therapy, but eventually figured out what she wanted for herself. Jennette McCurdy’s memoir went worldwide and sold over two million copies.
Final Thoughts
We can only truly realize that celebrities are also normal humans with struggles and personal drama after reading the autobiographies and memoirs written by some of our favorite stars. If you want to learn about the dark sides of showbiz, dirty secrets, humble beginnings, and Hollywood drama, autobiographies are a great place to start.
