I say “a few” because the biography/memoir genre is probably my least favorite.
I read lots of these in school while going up, especially about Helen Keller, Amelia Earhart, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Back then, it was REALLY IMPORTANT to our public school system that we learn as much as we could about those people.
The main reason I don’t love biographies and memoirs is because we all have stories to share. We’ve all experienced or accomplished at least one very special, memorable thing. Unless someone has a really gripping, fantastic, mind-blowing story to tell, or extremely valuable knowledge to impart, I’m really not that interested.
Anyway, I compiled a small list of some decent biographies I’ve read in recent years. They’re extremely interesting and intriguing, as well as touching, thought-provoking, and inspiring. Lots of positive adjectives there.
How to Make Love Like a Porn Star by Jenna Jameson (2004)
The porn industry is intriguing. I just have so many questions, don’t you?
How to Make Love Like a Porn Star is “Queen of Porn” Jenna Jameson’s personal account about how and why she entered the adult pornography industry. Her story is immensely arousing (in more ways than one) and very engrossing.
Jenna Jameson is a true professional and entrepreneur. Her story is fascinating. It gives you a completely different perspective on the porn industry. She certainly made it work for her. The way she recounts her experiences as an actress is honest and straightforward, and she really does answer all the questions you might have about the porn industry.
As a bonus, the book does feature some naked and sexual pics that are quite saucy. All in all, How to Make Love Like a Porn Star is not a memoir you’re likely to forget anytime soon.
Motherland: Beyond the Holocaust by Fern Schumer Chapman (2001)
Holocaust memoirs can be difficult to get through, because they’re often disturbing. This one is worth shedding tears over.
Motherland sits at a brief 190 pages, but it tells the most beautiful and touching story about Edith Westerfeld, a woman who escaped the Holocaust in 1937 and went to live with distant American relatives.
The writer of this memoir is Edith’s daughter Fern. Fern is a journalist who shares what she witnesses and experiences when she returns to Germany with her mom years later.
Motherland is fascinating—partly due to Fern’s expertise as a journalist. This book is written so well, and in a way that will give you a fresh perspective on how war affects people for life.
That’s Not All Folks! by Mel Blanc (1988)
The voices of Bugs Bunny and the rest of the Looney Tunes family have always been shrouded by magic and mystery—well, to me at least. Who came up with all that zaniness and who came up with the funny voices?
Mel Blanc’s memoir provides a detailed look into the life of the genius who created the recognizable cartoon voices we’ve all grown to love. You may not have known, but Mel Blanc achieved his success through hard, persistent work during the most difficult times in our nation’s history.
One of the most charming aspects of That’s Not All Folks are the photos in the book of Mel Blanc himself. He is laughing, happy, and smiling in every single photograph. He achieved his dream and spent time doing what he loved best. Now that’s success!
Here’s my review of That’s Not All Folks, featured on this website.
Me and My Shadows: A Family Memoir by Lorna Luft (1999)
Me and My Shadows is an inside look at Judy Garland’s alcohol and drug abuse as told by her daughter, Lorna Luft. The memoir provides an intimate look into Garland’s life, and explains how her fame as a child actress haunted her for the rest of her life and career.
Me and My Shadows has its fair share of melodrama, but provides a more intimate look at the darker side of Hollywood.
Luft’s account of her experiences dating Burt Reynolds is downright entertaining. Definitely an enjoyable read, especially if you’re a fan of Judy Garland.
Here’s my review for Me and My Shadows.
Roasting in Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay (2006)
I don’t typically like celebrity biographies, I think they’re so lame. But Roasting in Hell’s Kitchen was a surprise. I liked it because it shows a glimpse into the real Chef Gordon Ramsay, who’s completely different from the ruthless, crazy, short-tempered man portrayed on TV.
Roasting in Hell’s Kitchen is an intimate, in-depth look at how Ramsay rose to the top as a chef through hard work, diligence, and dedication. His story is utterly motivating. It might inspire you to quit your day job so you can pursue your life’s true passion, too!
Here’s my review for Roasting in Hell’s Kitchen.
Did you read any of these books? If so, I’d like to know what you thought about them.
Last Updated on February 19, 2026 by Sarah Ann
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