Celebrity Memoir Books to Read Instead of Woody Allen’s

On the heels of Hachette’s decision to cancel Woody Allen’s memoir, APropos of Nothing, you may have a celebrity memoir-sized whole in your heart during your time in quarantine. Fear not, because celebrities are in quarantine with you, as they keep reminding us on social media. Regardless, it appears that the publishing industry is still publishing the celebrity memoir. We’ve compiled the year’s forthcoming books by the rich and famous for your reading pleasure.

Turning your already famous life into fodder for book clubs and beach reads is a rite of passage. Or rather, celebrities who pay ghostwriters to turn their lives into best sellers is. Either way, household names like Michelle Obama and Carrie Fisher give fans a peek behind the curtain in releasing their books to the world.

This year, readers will see stories from Alicia Keys, 50 Cent, and Anthony Bourdain, whose final book World Traveler: An Irreverent Guide will be published in October by HarperCollins. Jessica Simpson’s memoir Open Book, released on February 4, debuted on the New York Times’ Best Sellers’ list and has remained for the past four weeks. Riverdale’s Lili Reinhart will break the mold this year by publishing, not a memoir, but a collection of her poetry, from Macmillan. These celebrity memoirs will give us all a soothing, nostalgic look at what life was like for the rich and famous before Coronavirus changed everything.

Open Book by Jessica Simpson (February 4)

Simpson’s recent memoir has been such a pleasant surprise. The book tells stories of the singer and actress’ alcohol abuse and childhood sexual trauma, as well as her relationships with Nick Lachey, Johnny Knoxville and John Mayer.

More Myself: A Journey by Alicia Keys (March 31)

Musician Alicia Keys follows Simpson’s footsteps in publishing More Myself this month, which promises to chronicle her early career, struggles with privacy and celebrity, and her expectations of female perfection. Oprah has already blurbed it — dangerous praise these days.

Scammer by Caroline Calloway (April 1)

Am I outing myself by including Instagram scammer Caroline Calloway’s memoir in this round up? She allegedly will self-publish on April 1, but I’m not holding my breath.

Hell and Other Destinations: A 21st-Century Memoir by Madeleine Albright (April 14) 

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright reflects on her career since leaving office in 2001 in her forthcoming memoir.

A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir by Colin Jost (April 14) 

Colin Jost dishes all things SNL in his forthcoming book. I wonder if he’ll reveal how he’s somehow engaged to actress Scarlett Johansson?

I’m Your Huckleberry: A Memoir by Val Kilmer (April 21)

Fourth-best Batman Val Kilmer will release I’m Your Huckleberry on April 21, giving readers a peek into his career, love life and recent health problems.

Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (April 28)

The lyrical genius behind lines like, “I’m into having sex; ain’t into making love,” will release his second memoir on April 28.

Resistance: A Songwriter’s Story of Hope, Change, and Courage by Tori Amos (May 5)

Singer-songwriter Tori Amos’ forthcoming Resistance is a call to political action.

Swimming Lessons by Lili Reinhart (May 5)

Riverdale’s Lili Reinhart will publish a collection of poetry this spring. You can read some previously written love poetry about costar Cole Sprouse on her Instagram.

The Cobbler: How I Disrupted an Industry, Fell From Grace, and Came Back Stronger Than Ever by Steve Madden (May 12)

Shoe God Steve Madden will tell the story of growing his brand into a multi-million dollar business in The Cobbler.

World Traveler: An Irreverent Guide by Anthony Bourdain (October 13)

The final book from the late chef and TV host, and co-written by his longtime assistant Laurie Woolever, will catalog some of Bourdain’s favorite destinations.

Blood: A Memoir by the Jonas Brothers (October 20)

Co-written by Neil Strauss, the Jonas Brothers’ forthcoming celebrity memoir promises fans a look into the group’s start, rise to fame, break-up in 2013 and recent reunion.