TEN CELEBRITY BOOKS WE RECOMMEND, HAVEN’T READ, AND DON’T PLAN TO

Kevin Gorian
TEN CELEBRITY BOOKS WE RECOMMEND, HAVEN’T READ, AND DON’T PLAN TO

Quick history tidbit: Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz was born on November 12, 1648. Why is this relevant for an article on books by celebrities? Because since 1980, Mexico has celebrated National Book Day on this date in honor of the "Tenth Muse." And since that day was this week, why not take advantage?

Now, we could recommend complex, classic, and snobby works to continue the tradition of elevating literature to sky-high levels, pretending that anyone who reads more than one book a month is an intellectual. But, as someone who’s read over two thousand pages in 24 hours, I can tell you that idealization doesn’t quite match reality. Books are just another form of entertainment, like movies or TV.

So, since we at The Walk love a bit of celebrity gossip (and we know you do too), here are some books on the juicy mysteries of the stars and celebs letting us into their worlds.

“JUNIOR” by Macauley Culkin

If a train of thought derailed, it would look like this book by Macauley Culkin, a kind of journal filled with reflections and experiences from this iconic ’90s actor.


Macauley is pretty straightforward about this work: don’t buy it, it’s not really a book; it’s practically a joke, and he knows readers are drawn by the morbid curiosity of seeing his name on the cover. Genius lies in this 200-page oddity, which travels through everything from everyday pressures to therapy and dysfunctional families. You’ll either love it or hate it—there’s no middle ground.


“I’M GLAD MY MOM DIED” by Jennette McCurdy


Who didn’t hear about this book, even before it was published? Jennette McCurdy caused a stir with this raw recounting of her life, from childhood to adulthood, unpacking her relationship with her mom and her career at Nickelodeon. An essential read in the genre.

“SEX” by Madonna


What’s left to say about this book? Madonna. Revealing images. The controversial book of all time. A must-have for your coffee table.

“HOW TO MAKE LOVE LIKE A PORNSTAR” by Jenna Jameson


If you know this author’s name, you already have an idea of the book’s direction. If not, don’t look it up online (especially if you’re under 18). Seriously.

This is the memoir of adult film star Jenna Jameson, who takes us through her turbulent past and the gritty details of one of the most profitable industries in the world.

“GREENLIGHTS” by Matthew McConaughey


Matthew McConaughey is more than just a great actor with a hard-to-spell last name. The Oscar winner has a way with words in this book, which, while a bit uneven in execution (there’s a reason Matthew hasn’t quit acting to become a bestselling author), does give us a peek into his mind. It explores the musings of a man in his 50s who wasn’t sure what to do with the thoughts he’d collected.

If you’re a fan of Matthew, you’ll love it. If not, maybe this review will help you decide: “I’ve been writing in journals since I was 18, and this book has inspired me never to share them with anyone.”

“THE WOMAN IN ME” by Britney Spears


A year ago, Britney Spears surprised the world with “The Woman in Me.” No sarcasm or jokes here—this is an honest look at Britney’s lost years, during which she was the center of a global movement. Nothing to critique on the “technical” side. Let’s just say you might want to read it.


“MODELLAND” by Tyra Banks


Tyra Banks dove into literature with this 2011 release, a narrative that follows Tookie to Modelland, a place beyond her wildest dreams. The synopsis says it all: think YA dystopian romance with a classic Mary-Sue character trying to salvage a story that feels written in one night, without edits. Still, it’s a unique story that only Banks could dream up.


It’s worth noting this is (almost) the lowest-rated book on Goodreads from our list, with 2.91 stars. Even the next book has a higher rating, and that’s saying a lot.

“SELFISH” by Kim Kardashian


What else could we expect from Kim Kardashian? The title says it all: a modern Narcissus fable—Kim’s favorite selfies compiled into a book. It’s exactly what you think (though, yes, with added captions for a bit of context). If you need a little inspiration for your own front-facing camera… well, pick up a copy.

“IN THE MAKING (CELEBRITY SEX TAPE)” by Farrah Abraham


Now, this one actually is the lowest-rated on Goodreads, with a solid 2 stars. So, why is it here? Because there’s an audience for everything. The first in a trilogy, this volume introduces us to Fallon Opal—and that’s about all we can say. Fun fact: physical copies are no longer available, as the book has been discontinued. So, that’s something.


“ELIXIR” by Hilary Duff


In 2010, during the peak of YA paranormal fantasy, Hilary Duff decided it was her moment to shine in literature, so she wrote the story of Clea Raymond, a photojournalist who, after her father’s disappearance, begins to notice something strange in her photos: a man she doesn’t know.


This book has everything a teen could want: a predictable mystery, a love triangle, an ancient connection, and fewer than 350 pages. At least it’s rated higher than Tyra Banks’s.


And yes, in case you’re wondering: it’s a trilogy—“Elixir,” “Devoted,” and “True.”

So there you have it—ten celebrity books we recommend you (probably) won’t read either!