Staying in for a month is far from ideal, but we’ve got to make the best of it. Instead of aimlessly browsing Netflix or Hulu for yet another show to binge on, why not pick up a book to read? Keeping things light hearted yet insightful are these six celebrity memoirs that will easily chase away your circuit breaker blues.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Divided into a total of three parts—Becoming Me, Becoming Us and Becoming More—Michelle Obama’s autobiography recounts her childhood, life with Barack Obama as well as her time in the White House. Told as eloquently as you’d expect from a former First Lady, Becoming by Michelle Obama is engaging and riveting as she wholeheartedly bares her soul into the book.
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
If you watch The Daily Show with Trevor Noah after he took over from the shrewd Jon Stewart, you must already be familiar with his sense of humour. Yet his jovial spirit isn’t the best aspect of the book; it’s his resilience (a word we’ve come to appreciate more) that shines through. From growing up in Apartheid to becoming a hustler, Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood offers a poignant glimpse into the life of the Emmy nominee.
Bossypants by Tina Fey
A household name in comedy, Tina Fey needs no introduction. Which is probably why her book Bossypants topped The New York Times bestseller list. In this piece, she speaks freely (as she should), loading up on punchlines and delivering humorous anecdotes as well as analogies. It’s almost a little short of a memoir and more of a compilation of thoughts. Either way, don’t miss this one.
The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer
While you may expect Amy Schumer’s memoir to make you as uncomfortable as Lena Dunham’s does, the star of her own sketch comedy series on Comedy Central pens rather sweet prose. She shares about being born into a family of privilege before losing it all, achieving success through standup and even transitioning out of comedy. In short, it’s real talk that we like.
Insatiable: Porn–A Love Story by Asa Akira
Famed adult film actress Asa Akira’s Insatiable: Porn–A Love Story is nothing if not compelling. A peek into her life and career, the memoir is also punctuated with haikus written personally by the female performer herself. But besides being hilarious, Akira also reveals hard hitting truths about the industry she’s in, the uncomfortable revelation of her occupation to her parents, and much more.
Yes Please by Amy Pohler
Another not-quite biographical memoir comes from Tina Fey’s longtime friend, S.N.L cast mate and movie partner, Amy Pohler. Pohler’s Yes Please sees blank pages, pictures, script snippets and more. Seth Meyers of his own late-night show also chips in some words alongside the actress’ parents. But fret not, you’ll still get your dose of Pohler; just get ready to doodle on those empty spots.
