Best Entertainment Books December 2024

Born Standing Up

In this candid memoir, Steve Martin bares his soul, recounting his journey from a shy kid performing magic tricks to becoming one of America’s most beloved comedians. With wit and vulnerability, he reflects on his early days at Disneyland, his groundbreaking stand-up career, and the toll of fame. Martin’s prose is as sharp as his comedic timing, offering readers a rare glimpse into the mind of a true entertainer. A poignant, funny, and deeply human story of self-discovery and artistic evolution.

Born Standing Up

The Last Black Unicorn

Growing up in one of the poorest neighborhoods in South Central Los Angeles, Tiffany Haddish learned to survive by making people laugh. If only she could have laughed off some of life’s biggest challenges – like being the school mascot as a teen, or spending two years as a foster child. Now, in her hilarious yet heartfelt memoir, Haddish shares “unicorn-rare” tales of her journey from hardship to Hollywood stardom, proving that, with resilience and humor, anything is possible.

Wishful Drinking

Carrie Fisher’s “Wishful Drinking” is a raw, hilarious journey through Hollywood royalty, addiction, and mental health. With her trademark wit, Fisher recounts growing up as showbiz royalty, her struggles with bipolar disorder, and her battles with substance abuse. It’s like sitting down for a drink with your funniest, most honest friend who just happens to be Princess Leia. Fisher’s self-deprecating humor shines through, making even the darkest moments oddly relatable. A must-read for anyone who’s ever felt like a glitter-covered train wreck.

The Princess Diarist

Carrie Fisher’s “The Princess Diarist” is a raw and witty journey through her experiences filming Star Wars. With her trademark humor, Fisher shares intimate details from her affair with Harrison Ford and the surreal world of sudden stardom. Her newly discovered diaries from that time reveal a vulnerable young woman grappling with insecurity and fame. It’s a bittersweet glimpse into the mind of a cultural icon, filled with self-deprecating jokes and poignant reflections on life in the spotlight.

Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl

Carrie Brownstein’s raw and unflinching memoir takes us on a journey through her tumultuous youth and the birth of the iconic punk band Sleater-Kinney. With candid honesty, she explores her struggles with anxiety, family dynamics, and finding her place in the male-dominated music scene. Brownstein’s wit shines through as she recounts awkward encounters and triumphant moments, painting a vivid picture of the 90s riot grrrl movement. Her words resonate with anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider, reminding us that sometimes, our hunger for belonging can lead us to unexpected places.

Scrappy Little Nobody

Anna Kendrick’s “Scrappy Little Nobody” is a delightfully candid peek into the life of a Hollywood star who still feels like an outsider. With self-deprecating humor and refreshing honesty, Kendrick shares hilarious anecdotes from her journey to fame. From awkward childhood moments to red carpet mishaps, she invites readers into her world with warmth and wit. It’s like chatting with your funniest friend over coffee, if your friend happened to be an Oscar-nominated actress. A charming, relatable read that’ll leave you grinning.

The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo

Amy Schumer’s raw and unapologetic memoir had me laughing out loud one minute and tearing up the next. With her trademark wit, she dishes on everything from her awkward teenage years to her rise in comedy. I loved how she tackled serious topics like gun violence and body image with both humor and heart. Schumer’s voice shines through on every page, making you feel like you’re chatting with a hilarious friend over drinks. A refreshingly honest and relatable read.

Why Not Me?

Mindy Kaling’s “Why Not Me?” is a delightful romp through the mind of one of Hollywood’s wittiest writers. With her trademark humor and candor, Kaling shares personal anecdotes and insights on everything from romance to career struggles. Her self-deprecating style and relatable experiences make you feel like you’re chatting with a close friend over coffee. It’s a quick, enjoyable read that’ll leave you laughing and inspired to embrace your own quirks and ambitions.

Yes Please

In her candid memoir, Amy Poehler invites readers into her world with wit and warmth. From childhood antics to SNL shenanigans, she dishes on it all. Poehler’s voice shines through, making you feel like you’re chatting with an old friend over coffee. She tackles tough topics with humor and grace, offering nuggets of wisdom along the way. It’s a delightful romp through the life of a comedy icon that’ll leave you laughing and inspired.