PEOPLE Picks The Best Celebrity Memoirs of 2024

Books by the celebrities ranging from Bill Clinton, Brittney Griner, Al Pacino, Lisa Marie Presley and Cher offer wit, wisdom and a whole lot of fun

admin

Nov 24, 2024 - 11:48

1221

PEOPLE Picks The Best Celebrity Memoirs of 2024

Books by the celebrities ranging from Bill Clinton, Brittney Griner, Al Pacino, Lisa Marie Presley and Cher offer wit, wisdom and a whole lot of fun

Celebrities from all walks of life stocked bookstore shelves with new memoirs, this year.

Athletes like record-breaking queen Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and WNBA star released from Russian custody, Brittney Griner, politicians like Bill Clinton and Anthony Fauci and a whole slew of celebrities from Cher to Moon Unit Zappa all put out must-read memoirs in 2024.

The best memoirs are raw, in-depth and rich in reflection — not to mention a fun way to get to know your favorite stage and screen stars in a new way. Read on for the perfect excuse to curl up during the holiday season, or great gifts for the music, TV, movies or politics fans in your life.

'Cher: The Memoir, Part One' by Cher

There’s simply no one like Cher. In part one of two, she shares her extraordinary life and rise to fame, including her relationship with Sonny Bono, in revelatory detail.

'Citizen' by Bill Clinton

With a frank, candid look back at Clinton’s post-White House life after serving nearly 30 years in the public sphere, this memoir is rich with reflections on our country’s journey and lessons to carry us forward.

'Master of Me' by Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer grew up a child star, but she's so much more than that. In this powerful new account, the actress and singer takes readers through her journey of finding herself amidst success and life’s challenges while showing readers how to empower themselves in the process, too.

'From Under The Truck' by Josh Brolin

The actor, best known for roles in classics like The Goonies and No Country for Old Men, looks back on his unconventional childhood amongst animals on a California ranch, the tragic death of his mother, Jane, and the journey that brought him to Hollywood fame. With insights on fatherhood, addiction and relationships, Brolin's "un-celebrity memoir" is a thought-provoking read.

'We All Shine On: John, Yoko, and Me' by Elliot Mintz

Elliot Mintz was one of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's most trusted friends. In this heartfelt memoir, the former radio and TV host looks back on his relationship with the famed couple, whom he spoke with daily. He writes about the inner workings, and drama, of Lennon and Ono's artistry and marriage.

'Dinner for Vampires' by Bethany Joy Lenz

dinner for vampires book bethany joy lenz

While Bethany Joy Lenz rose to fame playing Haley James Scott on the early 2000's drama One Tree Hill, the actress was simultaneously involved with a Christian cult, which would soon take both Lenz's earnings and autonomy. In her revealing new memoir, Lenz shares how she escaped a cult life with honesty and dark humor.

'From Here to The Great Unknown' by Lisa Marie Presley & Riley Keough

Before Lisa Marie Presley passed in 2023 at age 54, she asked her daughter, actress Riley Keough, to help her finish her memoir. Taken from recordings her mother left behind, Keough completed this poignant, moving memoir about Presley's life, which recounts Presley's childhood in Graceland with parents Elvis and Priscilla, the crushing grief that followed after the death of her son Ben and more.

'Sonny Boy' by Al Pacino

Before he was the Oscar-winning actor known for movies like Scent of a Woman, Scarface and The Godfather, Al Pacino was a boy growing up in the South Bronx, in a tenement apartment with his mentally unwell mother and grandparents. In his long-awaited memoir, the star looks back on it all, from his rise in Hollywood to his dedication to his craft.

'Be Ready When The Luck Happens' by Ina Garten

Ina Garten book Be Ready When the Luck Happens

The Food Network celebrity cook's long-anticipated memoir reveals a new side to the star. Writing of her difficult and "very lonely childhood," meeting her husband Jeffrey and the journey that led her to become the beloved TV personality and cookbook author she is today, Garten presents her story with warmth, honesty and heart.

'Something Lost Something Gained' by Hillary Clinton

After returning to the classroom as a college professor, Hillary Rodham Clinton reflects on her dream of becoming president and stories from her lifelong political journey.

'Life in The Key of G' by Kenny G & Phillip Lerman

Put a record on and dive into this heartfelt memoir that goes backstage in the 70s with Kenny and greats like John Coltrane and Barry White — and offers some useful life lessons along the way.

'The Third Gilmore Girl' by Kelly Bishop

Actress Kelly Bishop has lived quite a life on both stage and screen. She won a Tony Award for her groundbreaking role in the Broadway musical A Chorus Line, played Jennifer Grey's mother in Dirty Dancing and, of course, became beloved for her time as matriarch Emily Gilmore on the drama-comedy series Gilmore Girls.

In her new memoir, Bishop is looking back on her decision transitioning from dance to drama as well as the roles that have shaped her beyond show business, including failed relationships, life-altering decisions and personal loss. This warm and witty read is an ode to following your heart.

'Who's That Girl?' by Eve

Grammy-winning rapper, actress and talk show host Eve Jihan Cooper has made history with her music, from her 1999 debut album Let There Be Eve...Ruff Ryders' First Lady to her acclaimed single in collaboration with Gwen Stefani, "Let Me Blow Ya Mind." In her new memoir, the star is opening up about that career, along with motherhood, infertility issues mental health and more.

“The book is about a woman who went through a lot,” she tells PEOPLE. “That’s a lot of us. If I can help someone feel less alone, that’s what I care about.”

'Connie' by Connie Chung

The broadcast journalist reports her own story of becoming the first Asian woman to break through in television. She gives a witty and honest look at her career, marriage, motherhood and what it means to break barriers.

'Earth to Moon' by Moon Unit Zappa

Earth to Moon: A Memoir by Moon Unit Zappa

Moon Unit Zappa's father, the late musician Frank Zappa, was known for his legendary rock career. But he was largely absent during his daughter's childhood. It wasn't until he was diagnosed with prostate cancer that the two began to reconcile their differences. In this touching memoir, Moon looks back on her unconventional childhood, her family's complicated relationships and how she and her father finally began to connect.

'Loud' by Drew Afualo

In 2020, Drew Afualo, fed up with the sexist, racist and bigoted content she saw online, took to social media to call out misogyny. Now, the rising internet star, known as the "Crusader for Women," is sharing her message of inclusivity in her empowering debut memoir.

'A Doctor's Journey in Public Service' by Dr. Fauci

Following his 2022 retirement, Dr. Fauci writes of his esteemed 50-year career on the frontline of public health. From his childhood in Brooklyn, N.Y. all the way to his tenure at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institute of Health, as well as his experience working with seven presidents and his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

'The Friday Afternoon Club' by Griffin Dune

Griffin Dunne grew up surrounded by celebrity, as the son of journalist Dominick Dunne, and the nephew of writers John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion. The TV and film veteran reflects back on his famed family's history and tragedy, balancing heartbreak with humor in this revelatory new memoir.

'Entrances & Exits' by Michael Richards

Following a racist outburst in 2006 at the Laugh Factory, the Seinfeld star steps back into the public eye — and reflects on his own struggles along the road to fame — in his debut memoir.

'What a Fool Believes' by Michael McDonald

From his boyhood in Missouri to his struggles with addiction — not to forget his legendary career in music — McDonald, with help from his co-author, actor Paul Reiser, chronicles his life and lessons learned as a Grammy-winning solo artist and member of bands Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers.

'Coming Home' by Brittney Griner

The world was watching when WNBA star Brittney Griner was taken into Russian custody on drug-related charges in 2022. In her much-anticipated memoir, the athlete is speaking out about her wrongful detainment in a Russian penal colony — and the journey back home to her family.

'Bits and Pieces' by Whoopi Goldberg

May book picks Whoopi Goldberg bits and pieces

The View cohost is opening up about the influence of her late mother and brother, Emma and Clyde. From coming of age in New York City's housing projects to witnessing her mother's mental breakdown as a child, Goldberg looks back on the experiences that impacted her in this moving tribute to family.

'I Curse You with Joy' by Tiffany Haddish

In the follow-up to her 2017 bestseller The Last Black Unicorn, Haddish returns with a new collection of insightful, reflective essays, focusing on lessons she’s learned on turning pain into joy as well as receiving comedy mentorship from Bob Saget.

“I’ve learned to take tomatoes being thrown at me and turn them into tomato sauce,” the actress tells PEOPLE. “And I’m going to make some spaghetti.”

'You Never Know' by Tom Selleck

The Emmy Award-winning actor is looking back on his "lucky life" and accidental career, from his days on Magnum, P.I. to his never-before-told stories.

“I don’t have the hooks that a lot of people do,” Selleck tells PEOPLE. “I didn’t rehabilitate myself or have this tragic life. I had my share of certainly ups and downs, but I’ve been very fortunate.”

'By The Time You Read This by Chelsie Kryst & April Simpkins The Space between Cheslie's Smile and Mental Illness' by April Simpkins and Cheslie Kryst

When Extra correspondent and 2019 Miss USA Cheslie Kryst died by suicide in 2022, her mother, April Simpkins, thought to herself "my body is just going to shut down." Simpkins took on the responsibility and fulfilled her daughter's wish of finishing and publishing her memoir.

"I know there were people who were shocked and did not understand," Simpkins tells PEOPLE. "But when I got to a point that I could process the things that she was saying, I understood the place where she was."

'Rebel Rising' by Rebel Wilson

April People book picks book cover Rebel Rising Rebel Wilson

The Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids star opens up about motherhood, finding true love and growing up surprisingly shy. A bold memoir filled with humor and heart.

'Knife' by Salman Rushdie

After the 2022 attack that nearly took the novelist’s life comes a thoughtful, intimate meditation on finding the courage to stand tall again.

'Life: My Story Through History' by Pope Francis

This meditative memoir travels the Pope’s eight-decade journey paralleling the history of the world he's observed and participated in. His eventful life story, calling to the priesthood and rise to the highest office in the church is interwoven with his involvement with world events ranging from sports to politics.

'A Very Private School: A Memoir' by Charles Spencer

March people book pics Charles Spencer memoir a very private school

Spencer, the younger brother of the late Princess Diana, gives an honest, and heartbreaking, look at his experience at the elite boarding school Maidwell Hall through his childhood letters and diaries.

'The House of Hidden Meanings' by RuPaul

The Emmy Award-winning host of RuPaul's Drag Race delves into the ups and downs of his storied life, from his childhood in San Diego to the birth of his drag persona. An intimate look at the supermogul.

'Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere' by Savannah Guthrie

The TODAY show co-anchor touches upon faith and encountering divine love in this inspiring collection of essays.

"What I write about in the book is processing that grief and processing the fact of losing my dad at the age of 16, after years and years," she told PEOPLE. "And through faith, starting to try to understand it in a larger sense and in larger terms, and in God's terms."

'What Have We Here?' by Billy Dee Williams

The acclaimed actor who had his small beginnings in Harlem, writes of his memorable Hollywood career, including his Star Wars reign as Lando — and the strong reactions he got from some fans.

“I'd go on an airplane and the airplane stewards would say, ‘You betrayed Han Solo!," Williams told PEOPLE of the experience, included in the magazine's Feb. 19 issue.

'Outofshapeworthlessloser: A Memoir of Figure Skating, F*cking Up, and Figuring It Out' by Gracie Gold

february People book picks Outofshapeworthlessloser by Gracie Gold

Olympian Gracie Gold is more than an "ice princess," as she reveals in this riveting memoir, which details her private life of dealing with an eating disorder, depression and her high-stakes career.

“A lot of people in skating don’t really know me at all,” she told PEOPLE. “This book dives deeper into [who I am].”

'Far Beyond Gold: Running From Fear to Faith' by Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Sydney McLaughlin's book, Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith

"I think when you're in a profession where you're fighting for gold, silver and bronze, it's always going to be an opportunity to look at yourself and want to be that perfect," the multi-gold-winning Olympic hurdler told PEOPLE. In her inspiring memoir, she shares her experience of facing down obstacles and overcoming perfectionism.

'Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself' by Crystal Hefner

The former Playboy model and widow of Hugh Hefner is breaking down walls by sharing her relationship with Hefner, including the secrets of the Playboy Mansion and starting life anew.

"For years, I had been keeping up the Playboy charade for Hef, for the public," she writes in this revealing memoir.

'Unstoppable' by Maggie Nichols

Nichols became the first person, called "Athlete A," to report sexual abuse by Team USA doctor Larry Nassar. The NCAA champion gymnast opens up about her time training for the Olympics, her experience with body image issues and becoming an advocate for young athletes.

'Karma' by Boy George

January people book picks Boy George Karma

The "Karma Chameleon" singer writes of his English upbringing, his iconic music career and his relationship with Culture Club bandmate Jon Moss. Oh, and there are memorable interactions with Janet Jackson, Madonna and Prince too in this memoir that's written like a good talk with an old friend.