The best celebrity memoirs to read in 2023
There seems to be a highly anticipated autobiography being released left, right and centre by actors, musicians and celebrities. Everyone wants to know their deepest, darkest secrets and get an inside scoop into lives we can hardly imagine.
With so many on offer, as well as more on the way – and with Britney Spears' tell-all now available – we thought we might narrow down your search for your next book obsession.
Here are some of the most memorable, thought-provoking, heartwarming (and equally heartbreaking) memoirs and autobiographies you might not have heard of or are still waiting to get your hands on.
Happy reading!
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
The Woman in Me, by Britney Spears
Britney Spears is one of the biggest names in pop culture. Over the last 25 years, we've seen her life play out in the media – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Now able to speak following the termination of her conservatorship in 2021, Spears is finally telling her life story from the one perspective we haven't heard – her own.
Now 42 per cent off, Spears' memoir The Woman in Me reveals details about her early career, the lead-up to her conservatorship, and her eventual release. It also addresses her relationship troubles with key figures in her life including parents Jamie and Lynne, siblings Jamie Lynn and Bryan, and teenage sons Jayden and Sean, as well as the juicy details behind her romance with Justin Timberlake.
PARIS: The Memoir, by Paris Hilton
From early '00s 'it-girl' to beloved modern icon, Paris Hilton's brand has shifted massively over the last few years. Now, with warmth and authenticity, she's stepping up to share more of her story in PARIS: The Memoir, which takes us through a childhood and adolescence fraught with rebellion, and a series of 'emotional growth boarding school', where she was allegedly subjected to years of abuse. With fresh insight into the 'bimbo' we loved to hate for years, you'll finish this memoir with a brand new perspective on this tenacious and intelligent heiress.
My Journey to the World Cup, by Sam Kerr
Sam Kerr is fast becoming one of our favourite local heroes. Although she's missed a few World Cup games due to injury, we're still enamoured with her prowess on the field. Before becoming captain of the Matildas, though, Sam was an average young girl who dreamed of playing AFL. Her book, released just last month, tracks the process of her dreams, and how she became Chelsea's top goal-scorer and one of the best strikers in women's football. Buy the paperback now for $22, or grab the Kindle version for $17.99.
Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, by Matthew Perry
Friends made Matthew Perry a star, thanks to his role as the hilarious and sarcastic Chandler Bing. In the wake of his sudden death, fans are flocking to his book Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing
In his memoir, Perry recalled in great detail his childhood troubles, his big break, his journey up the celebrity ladder, and his battle with addiction. It is an incredibly revealing tale, worth a read.
Love, Pamela, by Pamela Anderson
Known worldwide for her iconic beauty and pictures on the front of Playboy Magazine, Pamela Anderson's image is easy to call to mind. However, as her star rose throughout the 1990s, her name was found among the tabloids as she became the first well-known victim of image-based abuse. Now reclaiming her narrative, she shares her life via her memoir, where she talks of her love for her children and the causes close to her heart. Get ready to have all your perceptions shifted when it comes to this highly recognisable, but slightly mysterious blonde bombshell.
I'm Glad My Mom Died, by Jennette McCurdy
You often think of child stars as the types to fall off the wagon due to the bad influences in the world of celebrity. Former Nickelodeon star and iCarly actress Jennette McCurdy didn't seem to follow that route. Since the show's end, it would seem she returned to an ordinary life – but as you read the gripping tale of her childhood, you'll learn that's not the case and never was, even prior to her big break.
McCurdy retells a story of devastating mistreatment and abuse by her mother in her aptly-titled autobiography I'm Glad My Mom Died, as well as her coercion into show business and the troubles that came along with it. The content doesn't make the book the easiest of reads, but it's certainly gripping and hard to put down.
Spare, by The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry
There was no way we could leave this juicy and much-discussed memoir off the list. After an early leak, readers have had a glimpse of what to expect from Prince Harry's Spare, but that is just the start of it.
There is so much more to read and learn from the former HRH about his life behind palace walls, his relationships with those around him and the impacts of his mother's premature death. This is bound to be the must-have book of 2023.
READ MORE: The royal books to read once you've finished Prince Harry's memoir
Greenlights, by Matthew McConaughey
Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey has taken a deep dive into his past, revealing the weird and wonderful tales of his life, sharing an honest take on his childhood, the words of wisdom he has carried throughout his life and the mistakes he has learned from.
This New York Times best seller is separated by important life lessons he's learned throughout his life instead of chapters. Inside are copies of handwritten notes McConaughey started documenting and writing in diaries at age 15. This is a great read for fans of his work, as well as others who want a unique perspective on life.
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music, by Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl is one of the most formidable figures of modern music. As the former drummer of Nirvana and lead singer and guitarist of Foo Fighters, he's undoubtedly seen a lot and experienced even more.
Detailing his childhood in Virginia, his work as a touring musician starting at age 18, as well as all the weird and wild experiences destined for a rock star, this book is set to give a really interesting read of the man behind it. What makes it even more poignant is that since its release, Grohl's Foo Fighters bandmate and close friend, Taylor Hawkins, died during an international tour, which frames many of the tales in a new light.
Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard, by Tom Felton
Many would probably recognise him best as Draco Malfoy, the rival and nemesis of Harry Potter. Actor Tom Felton takes a deep dive into the magical world behind the scenes of Hogwarts, as well as the less whimsical moments in his life as an adult in his memoir Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard.
The Happiest Man on Earth, by Eddie Jaku
His name might not be the most recognisable, but his riveting story will make it unforgettable. Eddie Jaku was arrested in November 1938 amid the beginning of World War II, in his home country of Germany, and went on to live in concentration camps for seven years. The horror he witnessed didn't manage to take the optimism of life away from him, and he vowed to smile every day, earning him the title The Happiest Man on Earth.
This memoir was released in July 2020 as a way to mark his 100th birthday. Jaku died in October 2021, but still holds what you'll learn is a much-deserved title.
The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner, by Grace Tame
Grace Tame is a name we're all familiar with, having been written and read across all news platforms in the country. With her memoir The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner, Tame is taking back her name and story and putting it in her own words.
My Dream Time, by Ash Barty
From winning international grand slams right back to when she first picked up a tennis racquet at age five, Ash Barty goes into depth about the important moments of her life so far in My Dream Time.
The Australian sporting hero reveals details of the hard work behind her sporting success, how she dealt with being number one, and how she coped with losses as the top of her field. She also delves into personal moments and memories and her pride as an Indigenous Australian.
Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story, by Bono
Paul Hewson grew up in a turbulent Ireland in the 1970's wanting to become a musician. While he didn't under that name, Bono did. Now almost solely recognised as Bono, he has written his autobiography detailing his childhood, the death of his mother in his teen years, his life in U2, his marriage and family and his activism fighting poverty and AIDS. Inside the book are 40 chapters, each named after a song in the U2 discography.
Windswept & Interesting, by Billy Connolly
Billy Connolly is a Scottish stand-up comedian who has been making audiences laugh with his observational comedy for over 50 years. His autobiography Windswept & Interesting reveals the heartbreak behind the hilarity, detailing that he became an orphan at age four and suffered abuse throughout his childhood. Every area is covered in great detail from his difficult upbringing, his work on stage and screen, and up to his recent diagnosis of both cancer and Parkinson's Disease.
The Girl Who Fell From The Sky, by Emma Carey
Like many young people, Emma Carey decided to spend her time travelling. When she was 20, she decided to take a trip to Switzerland, where she managed to survive a tragic accident that saw her fall from 14,000 feet.
Since that day, she has been a paraplegic. Carey details her life story, the accident itself and the aftermath in The Girl Who Fell From The Sky revealing how she remains a positive and optimistic person despite the challenges she faces and reminds readers to keep seeing the glass half full and to not take anything for granted.
A Promised Land, by Barack Obama
On November 4, 2008, the United States elected its first black president, Barack Obama. A Promised Land is the first volume in Obama's series of memoirs, detailing his political goals from his early life, the lead up to his election and presidency as well as heart-stopping moments take took place under his leadership in the oval office, like dealing with the Global Financial Crisis and the assassination of Osama bin Laden.
This is an important read for the modern era from one of the most influential figures of the 21st century.
Heartstrong, by Ellidy Pullin
Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin was an Australian two-time snowboarding world champion who represented the country at three Olympic Winter Games. At age 33, Alex died after drowning on a Gold Coast beach. His partner Ellidy writes in Heartstrong about her grief in losing Chumpy and her decision to proceed with having a child following his death.
READ MORE: The new reads our team simply can't put down
A Life on Our Planet, by David Attenborough
He could arguably be the most influential documentarian, but Sir David Attenborough reveals he is much more than that in A Life on Our Planet. It goes into depth about his goals as a young man towards working with nature and the environment, and delves into his work as an environmentalist.
There is also a focus on his feelings about the human impact on nature, the environment and climate change as well as what he sees fit to be measures taken in the future to improve conditions for future generations.
Before & Laughter, by Jimmy Carr
Jimmy Carr is most known as a British stand-up comic and panel show host who can make even the grouchiest person smile with his quick wit and not-so-PC humour. Prior to reaching this success, he reveals he had a sad and uneventful period in his early 20s. In his autobiography Before & Laughter, Carr goes into how he changed his perspective on life and worked towards a happier self – something all readers can learn lessons from. He also goes into much-discussed topics like his hair loss and tax troubles, all done with his signature comedic styling.
Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter, by Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson
Curtis Jackson may be better known as his rap name '50 Cent'. Despite being a world-famous rapper, he had to overcome life difficulties and tragedies to reach the level of success he has. Since his breakout into show business, he has become a successful businessman, earning millions of dollars a year. Styled similar to a self-help book, Jackson reveals all the lessons he learnt that got him to where he is, and how his fans and readers can take his advice and implement it in their own lives.
The Patient Doctor, by Dr. Ben Bravery
When he was 28, Ben Bravery was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer. Retelling the experience in The Patient Doctor, Bravery explains his embarrassment and struggles in his 18 months of treatment, his recovery and how the whole ordeal transformed his perspective that drove him to start a new career as a medical professional.
Anyone who has gone through the healthcare and hospital system will be able to relate to the difficulties Bravery faced and eventually overcame to survive his disease and make the best of a bad situation.
READ MORE: Why a cancer survivor became a doctor
Tough: My Journey to True Power, by Terry Crews
Former NFL star, TV host and actor Terry Crews is known for his nice guy image, strong body frame and hilarious performance on the sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Behind this is a man who had several difficulties and faced huge challenges with masculinity, racism and personal insecurities, all brought to light and presented as a raw retelling in his memoir Tough: My Journey to True Power.
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