The only thing more intriguing than a celebrity memoir? A celebrity reading the audiobook version of their own memoir. As much fun as it is to hear famous voices reading regular audiobooks, somehow it's even better to get to hear them telling their own stories, in their own voices. Luckily, more and more celebs are recording the narration for their own audiobooks, so we're getting to hear them talk about their own lives, however they want. There's plenty of memoirs to choose from, so we've rounded up some of the best books from the biggest names right now! Keep reading to see which celebs have taken the plunge into narrating their own audiobooks.
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes
Westley himself, Cary Elwes, narrates his memoir of behind-the-scenes stories in As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride [1]. Not only does he tell his own stories, but he brings in all his famous friends to read the parts pertaining to them: Billy Crystal, Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, and more all lend their voices to Elwes's memoir of the classic movie.
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
In her 2011 memoir Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) [2], Mindy Kaling shares her observations on pretty much everything: life, love, Hollywood, friendship, humour, and more. It's everything you'd expect from Kaling's clever sense of humour, and more.
Then Again by Diane Keaton
Then Again [3] gives Diane Keaton [4] the space to tell her own story — and it's a fascinating one. Keaton uses her memoir to introduce the world to her mother, Dorothy Hall. Keaton narrates her mother's in-depth journals and her family as a whole, revealing a portrait of a complicated woman and her bond with her daughter.
In the Country We Love by Diane Guerrero
Best known for her role on Orange Is the New Black [5], Diane Guerrero uses her own voice to share her memoir In the Country We Love [6]. When she was fourteen, her parents were detained and eventually deported, leaving her to rely on the support of friends to finish her education and build a life for herself. Guerrero reflects on her life and the broader immigrant experience.
Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain
It's certainly bittersweet now to listen to Anthony Bourdain [7] narrate his memoir Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly [8]. Still, for a wild ride that narrates the highs, lows, and delicious meals of this icon's life, it's only fitting that he had the chance to narrate his own story.
Bossypants by Tina Fey
Tina Fey [9]'s Bossypants [10] is an oldie-but-goodie in the celebrity memoir niche. Fey's unique voice, which has turned her into one of the biggest names in modern comedy, is even more hilarious when she's reading it aloud for listeners. The book covers all the touchstones you'd expect, but with a heavy helping of humour and relatability.
Love, Loss, and What We Ate by Padma Lakshmi
Love, Loss, and What We Ate [11] is Padma Lakshmi's memoir of her complicated and incredible journey from an immigrant childhood to being a major star in the celebrity food world. She shares stories of her family, her upbringing, and her professional journey — plus plenty of anecdotes about the memories she has that have created her relationship with food.
Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham
Truly, no one except Lauren Graham could truly capture her particular style, which is why it's so fun to hear her narrating her memoir Talking as Fast as I Can [12]. Structured as a series of smaller essays, the memoir gives Graham space to talk about her life, her career, and, yes, Gilmore Girls [13].
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
In his funny and gut-wrenching memoir Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood [14], Trevor Noah tells his own unique story, from his occasionally terrifying childhood anecdotes to the story of his rise in the comedy world. His comic gifts are on full display as he basically becomes a voice actor for all the characters in his life's story up til now.
Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life by Steve Martin
Steve Martin [15] is one of our living comedy legends, and it's both intriguing and (expectedly) hilarious to listen to him tell his own story in Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life [16]. Although he gives voice to some of the funniest memories of his comedy career, he also veers into more serious territory, talking about the cost of fame and his complicated familial relationships.
Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher
The late, great Carrie Fisher had such a unique voice that it's no wonder no one but her could narrate the audiobook of her most famous memoir, Wishful Drinking [17]. She covers everything from her Hollywood childhood to her iconic roles to her self-destructive behaviours, all with her signature dry humour.
This Is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare by Gabourey Sidibe
Gabourey Sidibe [18]'s This Is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare [19] is the kind of celeb memoir we wish there were more of: funny, surprising, honest, and wise. She covers her unconventional childhood and upbringing, her quick rise to fame when Precious arrived, and what she's learned as her career has continued on.
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
Yep, that's right: Shonda Rhimes, your favourite TV creator, wrote a memoir and then narrated the audiobook version herself! In Year of Yes [20], Rhimes chronicles a yearlong experiment her sister challenged her to: say yes to all the opportunities that came her way, instead of making excuses to say no.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Former First Lady Michelle Obama [21] narrates her inspirational memoir Becoming [22] in her own voice — and won a Grammy for it! The memoir follows the ups and downs of her life, from childhood through her professional life and into her role in the world's biggest spotlight.
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Amy Poehler [23]'s Yes Please [24] is much more than just a straightforward memoir. Poehler assembles an all-star guest cast to help her read her collection of personal essays, jokes, anecdotes, and more, including Carol Burnett, Seth Meyers, and even Patrick Stewart!
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
Born to Run [25] isn't just the name of Bruce Springsteen's famous song — it's the title of his memoir, which he narrates himself on this audiobook. The music icon describes, in detail, the story of his life, from his New Jersey upbringing to his revelation that he wanted to pursue music, all through the ups and downs of his career.
Kicking and Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul, and Rock & Roll by Ann & Nancy Wilson
Kicking and Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul, and Rock & Roll [26] is a classic behind-the-music story with a decidedly female voice — two of them, in fact. The Wilson sisters share their own words on how they forged forward to break new ground in music, as women and as musicians both, and how the success of their band Heart changed so much in their lives and in the industry.
I Don't Know What You Know Me From: Confessions of a Co-Star by Judy Greer
Judy Greer, aka the "best friend" in every other millennial rom-com, brings a sharp sense of humour to her memoir I Don't Know What You Know Me From: Confessions of a Co-Star [27]. It's a funny series of personal essays, covering all the usual "best friend" topics — plus some Hollywood tales that are sure to have you giggling.