Celebrity memoirs are a specific genre of book that not every celebrity has mastered (quite often because of a mismatched ghostwriter, but that’s an issue for another day), but when it’s done well, it’s done really well. Celebrity memoirs give us a peek into our favorite artists’ lives, sometimes showing us that celebrities really are just like us, but more often giving us incredible anecdotes that are unbelievably unrelatable. But that’s why we love the genre.
The genre is made even better by sublime narrators, the celebrities who have mastered the art of oral storytelling and understand that listening to the audio version of their book is a completely different experience and needs to be made that much more entertaining. Whether you’re a fan of their work or not, these celebrities have outstanding memoirs.
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Known for her work on Saturday Night Live and Parks and Recreation, Amy Poehler is an excellent writer with great comedic timing, and it shines through in her memoir Yes Please. Honest and clever, Poehler’s book proves exactly why she’s the comedy legend that she is.
Act Like You Got Some Sense by Jamie Foxx
How can you not like listening to Jamie Foxx? Whether he’s singing or telling a joke, Foxx has a smooth and engaging way of sharing his thoughts, and it’s evident throughout the narration of his memoir Act Like You Got Some Sense. Foxx used the book to share stories of childhood, adulthood, and parenthood, all of which he talks about with his signature sense of humor.
Dolly Parton, Songteller by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is a living legend who’s written some of the best songs of all time, and she shares her stories from those songs in Dolly Parton, Songteller. What’s best about this recording is how Parton narrates. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think you were having coffee with a friend rather than listening to a multimillionaire reading in a recording studio.
The Storyteller by Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl has lived a pretty amazing life. He’s met incredible people and done incredible things. He’s a brilliant musician who’s shared his talents with the world for decades, and he’s also proven that he’s a brilliant storyteller and excellent narrator whose memoir, The Storyteller, is absolutely worth a listen.
A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost
Most people are familiar with Colin Jost thanks to his now-iconic Weekend Update joke swap bit with co-anchor Michael Che, but he’s actually a fantastic comedy writer who’s served as head writer for Saturday Night Live. Jost talks about his time on SNL and much, much more in his memoir A Very Punchable Face. Jost might have a punchable face, but he’s got a great sense of humor.
She Memes Well by Quinta Brunson
Is there anything Quinta Brunson can’t write? The most famous former BuzzFeed employee, Brunson is responsible for the sitcom Abbott Elementary, but she first found notoriety thanks to the internet, and she tells all about her rise to stardom in She Memes Well. You’ll be itching to binge Abbott again when you’re finished listening.
Each of these titles can be purchased on Audible.