31 Celebrity Memoirs That Are Actually Worth Reading
“If you’re a completist, start with Drew’s first memoir, the propulsive Little Girl Lost (out of print but easy to find secondhand), which she wrote when she was 14. It recounts a young Barrymore’s stratospheric rise and quick drug-fueled descent, while Wildflower finds an older, more assured Barrymore looking back at a larger-than-life existence, one in which she emancipated from her parents, forged out on her own, and paved her distinctive path. As Drew writes, “I wanted to rescue myself. And I did.” —Danny Feekes, managing editor at Goodreads
“I’ve been reading this in fits and starts for about a decade, and I’ve still yet to encounter another life story so dutifully (and beautifully) re-examined. It’s easy to take Fonda’s cool self-assuredness—even in handcuffs!—for granted now, but before Firebrand Jane there was “plain Jane,” woefully uncomfortable in her pores and skin and determined for out of doors validation. To chart her path from then till now (and to consider all that’s nonetheless to return) is one thing I wouldn’t thoughts doing for one more ten years.” —Marley Marius, Vogue options assistant
“All three of Fisher’s memoirs reflect her trademark cool demeanor and self-deprecating nature, but her final release is my favorite. The beating heart of the book is the story of teenage Fisher’s secret three-month-long affair with Harrison Ford, then 33 and married with two kids. Fisher was hopelessly, naively in love with him, and Ford took advantage of the situation. You won’t find much behind-the-scenes Star Wars intel, but you will find an honest, painful account of Fisher’s experience as a young woman in love and at the mercy of so many patriarchal forces.” —Cristina Arreola, books journalist
“This book of essays from the legendary actress covers everything from Hollywood to motherhood with her signature style and humor. She has a new book out in 2020, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.” —Kate Childs, CAA Books Executive
