14 of the Best Celebrity Memoirs & Biographies to Read or Gift

Julie Andrews is an acting legend and cultural icon, but that's certainly not all she is. Home Work tells the story of her years in Hollywood—her work on such iconic films as Mary Poppins, her struggles with fame and new motherhood, and her relationship with Blake Edwards. Full of humor and heart, this memoir offers readers a glimpse into the woman behind the legend.

Comedian Mike Birbiglia first began telling stories about the wild ups and downs of parenthood at the Nantucket Film Festival in 2016. Those stories were so compelling that Birbiglia went on to turn them into a Broadway show. The New One collects many of those beloved stories—funny, poignant, and honest—in one place. It also includes poems written by his wife, Jennifer Hope Stein, during the same tumultuous years of early parenthood.

In Beautiful on the Outside, former Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon outlines the long journey from his childhood in Scranton, PA, to his position as beloved athlete. He recounts how he got through some of the toughest times by relying on humor and an optimistic attitude. Warmhearted and funny, his recollections of the many mishaps and messes he encountered on his way to success will resonate with anyone who's ever dreamed big.

Barry Sonnenfield, the successful director and cinematographer behind such blockbuster hits as The Addams Family and Men and Black, uses his unique and humorous voice to tell his own story in this coming-of-age memoir about his winding, unexpected, and sometimes challenging road to international acclaim.

Theft by Finding collects almost thirty years of journal entries, all selected by David Sedaris himself. Full of funny observations, strange stories, and moving recollections, these snippets are Sedaris, one of the most renounced humorists of our time, at his most raw and unedited. Whether his sharp eye is trained on himself or others, you'll want to sit up and pay attention: these observations are often as smart as they are hilarious.

In this gorgeous, vulnerable memoir, actress Sally Field offers readers a rare look into her inner life. In Pieces is the story of her childhood and coming of age, her storied acting career, and the relationships that have shaped her life, including her complex relationship with her mother. Beautifully written and full of the same emotional complexity that Field is known for in her acting, this is memoir that will appear to fans of both literature and film.

Al Roker, beloved cohost of The Today Show, shares the wisdom, insight, and hard lessons he's learned from four decades working in the media. You Look So Much Better in Person is chock full of useful tips for navigating workplace meltdowns, awkward social interactions, unexpected challenges, and just about everything else that life can throw at you. In addition to plenty of savvy advice, Roker tells stories from his own career, beginning with his days as weather forecaster in college.

Comedian Loni Love shares her meandering journey to self-acceptance in this funny and moving memoir about learning how to shed expectations and live proudly and loudly as yourself. Full of relatable mistakes and practical advice, I Tried to Change so You Don't Have To is the down-to-earth celebrity memoir you've been waiting for.

In Life with the Afterlife, Amy Bruni, paranormal investigator and star of the Travel Channel's Kindred Spirits, shares her insights from a lifetime of supernatural encounters, research into ghosts, and work with people seeking out spirits. Full of her signature compassion and conviction, the stories in this book are as much about the living as they are about the dead.

Internet sensation, video blogger, and writer Franchesca Ramsey tells the moving and quirky story of her accidental plunge into activism in this upbeat and compelling memoir. Well, That Escalated Quickly tackles big questions about how to discuss—and address—questions of race, gender, sexuality, and privilege in the age of internet dialogue and social media. As funny as it is insightful, this book is a great jumping off point for those who want to take a deeper look at the nuances and complexities of online activism.

Brimming with Hanks's signature optimism and delight, The World According to Tom Hanks is a celebration of the actor's life and work. Gavin Edwards explores Hanks's childhood, personal life, and all the ups and downs of his remarkable career in this funny, inspiring, and insightful biography. Split into ten sections based on the "ten commandants" that sum up Hanks's particular views and philosophies, this book is a must-read for Tom Hanks fans, movie buffs, and anyone interested in pop culture.

Meryl Streep is one of the most celebrated female actors of our time. In Queen Meryl, Erin Carlson explores her rise to prominence, her varied and complex roles, her Oscars and accolades, and the role that feminism and activism have played in her life and career. The book also delves into Streep's extraordinary career after the age of 40, in defiance of Hollywood norms and expectations. Paired with illustrations by artist Justin Teodoro full of quirky sidebars, this is a biography worthy of Streep's remarkable life and achievements.

Beautifully illustrated and full of hand-lettered quotes from the man himself, If Keanu Were Your Boyfriend is a funny, earnest, and unabashed celebration of America's favorite movie star. If you've ever wondered what it would be like if Keanu actually were your boyfriend, this charming book, part homage and part biography, is for you.

If you're in need of a little glamor pick-me-up, who better to turn to then the Queen of Glamour herself? The Little Book of Marilyn is a style and lifestyle guide for modern women, offering tips on glamour, fashion, and decor inspired by the country's most iconic movie star, as well as everyday lessons and inspiration from her extraordinary life.