BECAUSE HIGH-FALUTIN’ novels are grand and all, but sometimes you need something packed with juicy revelations and plenty of glamour.
1. Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology by Leah Remini
Leah Remini starred in the long-running TV show King of Queens – in 2013, she very loudly and publicly broke from the Church of Scientology, which she had been a member of since childhood.
Her memoir details her time in the Church, from going to Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ wedding to being shunned by family and friends after her exit. Interesting stuff.
2. Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher
Having previously alluded to her upbringing in her novel Postcards From The Edge, Carrie Fisher’s first memoir tells the true story of her life in the frank way she was known for. A book about mental illness and drug addiction shouldn’t be this funny, but it is.
3. Open by Andre Agassi
When this autobiography was first published in 2009, tennis great Andre Agassi shocked the world by revealing he tested positive for methamphetamine in 1997.
That’s just one revelation in a book full of them – from his relationships with Barbra Streisand and Brooke Shields to the fact that he wore a hairpiece in the early days of his career. Oooh.
4. Little Girl Lost by Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore had quite the start in life according to this book, written when she was just 15. After starring in ET in 1982, she quickly descended into alcoholism and drug addiction, ending up in rehab by the age of 14. Fascinating and sad.
5. Watch Me by Anjelica Huston
Huston has written two memoirs – her first, A Story Lately Told, deals with her childhood in rural Ireland (on her film director dad’s lavish country estate).
This second volume, however, is where the real stuff happens. Watch Me takes in her arrival in Hollywood, from her relationship to Jack Nicholson to her Oscar win, and every page is dripping with celebrity names.
6. Down The Rabbit Hole by Holly Madison
For seven years, Holly Madison was Playboy founder Hugh Hefner’s ‘#1 Girlfriend’ – he has many, you see. In her book, she talks about the time she spent living at the Playboy Mansion and well, she doesn’t hold back. Give us the GOSS, Holly.
7. Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe
If you mostly know Rob here from Parks and Recreation or The West Wing, you’re in for a wild ride. This memoir goes through his sex tape scandal, affair with Princess Stephanie of Monaco, and time as a member of the 80s Brat Pack. Lots to chew on there.
8. No Lifeguard On Duty by Janice Dickinson
These days, Janice Dickinson is known from her time on America’s Next Top Model and I’m A Celebrity – in the 80s, she pretty much coined the term ‘supermodel’.
Dickinson’s book details her rise and fall, with addiction, eating disorders, and relationships with a host of Hollywood types (including a young Liam Neeson).
9. I’m With The Band by Pamela Des Barres
Seen Almost Famous? Kate Hudson used this book, by original ‘groupie’ Pamela Des Barres, as inspiration for her character Penny Lane.
Des Barres tells stories of her time in Los Angeles during the 60s and 70s, with appearances from Frank Zappa, Jimmy Page and Mick Jagger.
10. Clothes Music Boys by Viv Albertine
Viv Albertine was the guitarist in the all-female punk band The Slits, and her excellent picture of the 1970s punk scene (not exactly friendly to female musicians) will certainly take the shine off some of your musical heroes.
11. What Falls Away by Mia Farrow
Mia Farrow’s memoir will also give you pause over certain male celebrities – namely Frank Sinatra (who she married at the age of 21), composer André Previn (who left his wife for her), and director Woody Allen (who left Farrow for her adopted daughter).
