Choose the life that interests you
You do not need to admire every decision someone has made to find their story interesting. Start with what draws you in: the making of a performance, growing into a public role, or finding a voice after difficult experiences. A memoir is a personal perspective, rather than a complete independent history.
Autobiography or memoir?
The terms overlap. An autobiography often traces a broad life story, while a memoir may concentrate on particular experiences or themes. We include both here because the useful question for a reader is what part of the author’s life the book explores.
Consider listening
If you enjoy hearing someone tell their story, sample the audiobook. Check who narrates the particular edition; not every life story is read by its author. My Name Is Barbra is narrated by Streisand herself and includes additional anecdotes and music, according to its publisher.
Before choosing an edition
Check the title and author together to avoid buying an unofficial biography or a summary. Compare the format, print size or audio sample, and look for content information if there are subjects you would rather avoid. These are researched introductions, not claims that we have personally read every book.
Three lives to explore
My Name Is Barbra — Barbra Streisand
Streisand tells her story from her Brooklyn childhood through a career in music, theatre and film. A natural starting point for readers interested in creative work and the person behind the performances. The author-narrated audiobook offers another way into the story, with extra anecdotes and music. Choose this when you want to settle into an extensive account, rather than a brief career overview.
Find editions on Amazon UK ↗ (opens in a new tab)Becoming — Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama reflects on her upbringing, working life, motherhood and years in the White House. Consider this if you are interested in the relationship between a private identity and a highly public role. Check which edition you are buying: an adaptation for younger readers also exists, so the title alone may not identify the version you intend to read.
Find editions on Amazon UK ↗ (opens in a new tab)Finding Me — Viola Davis
Davis recounts her journey from childhood in Rhode Island towards a life in acting, exploring identity and finding her voice. Consider this if you want a personal story that reaches beyond professional achievements. It addresses painful experiences, including poverty and abuse; approach it as a candid memoir rather than a light collection of backstage anecdotes.
Find editions on Amazon UK ↗ (opens in a new tab)