Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme created by Bionic Bookworm, now hosted by Meeghan Reads. If you’re interested in participating, check out their blog to get the details and the prompts for each week!
This week’s topic is Top Five Celebrity Memoirs I have read. Memoirs seems to be the main form of non-fiction I read so I have read quite a few. Actually as I began looking at what I have read, I listened to most of them and love when they are narrated by the person themself. This was more difficult than I thought as once I began looking, I wanted to add another and another. Here are five I loved, but there are many more that I also gave 5 stars to.
Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton
I really enjoyed this book for a couple of reasons. First, I listened to it and Dolly narrated so it was great to hear it. Secondly, it included several of her songs. I have always loved Dolly and recommend this audiobook. My Review
Just as I Am by Cicely Tyson (Author/Narrator)
I have only watched a few Cicely Tyson movies (although I watched a couple after listening to this book) but I always thought she was a classy and talented woman. This book gave me insight into what she went through in her early life and when she tried to get into acting. It was very moving and an excellent book to listen to. My Review
The Answer Is…: Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek (Author/Narrator), Ken Jennings (Narrator)
Being a Jeopardy fan and a Canadian, I have always liked Alex Trebek. Not only was he Canadian, but he was actually born in my home province of Ontario and started his career there. He was always a delight on Jeopardy and just an all round good guy. When he announced that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, my heart broke as that is what my husband died from as well. This was another great book to listen to. My Review
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, Written and Narrated by Trevor Noah
I’m pretty sure I will see this one on a few lists, but it is one of my all time favourite memoirs. With his wit, he shares his story of life in South Africa as a mixed race child and his life as it began in comedy. I think it might have been more difficult to read if Trevor himself had not narrated it. My Review
Becoming by Michelle Obama (Author, Narrator)
What can I say about Becoming that others have not already said. This was such an inspirational read. Again, someone who pulled herself up with her own intelligence, hard work, perseverance and support from family. If you get a chance to listen to this book, that is the best way to go. Listening to this book was like sitting down with Michelle Obama and talking to her. My Review
Here are the five I ended with (I made several changes along the way) and all are ones I highly recommend. I listened to all of these and that seems to make them more enjoyable for me. I know I will be adding more celebrity memoirs to my TBR as I visit all the other Top Fives this week.
February 14, 2023 at 5:31 pm
Wonderful!
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February 10, 2023 at 2:21 am
I don’t generally read a lot of biographies, but I’d like to read Trevor Noah’s. Great list, Carla!
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February 10, 2023 at 9:44 pm
Thanks. It is a good one that I always recommend.
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February 9, 2023 at 3:01 pm
Great selection! Born A Crime is one of my favorite memoirs as well.
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February 9, 2023 at 6:46 pm
Thanks, Yvo.
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February 8, 2023 at 4:31 pm
I loved the Michelle Obama memoir too. I like the look of the Dolly Parton memoir and have added it to my tbr.
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February 8, 2023 at 8:42 pm
If you like Dolly, it is a good one. I do recommend listening to it though, Wendy.
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February 7, 2023 at 11:06 pm
I don’t mind a biography every now and then, Carla, and you have interested me in listening to Michelle Obama’s. I’m now on the rather long waitlist at the library. ❤📚
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February 8, 2023 at 7:27 am
I’m glad I could pique your interest Sandy. She has another one that just came out as well, which I am on a long list for. I hope you enjoy Becoming when you get it. 📚🎧💖
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February 7, 2023 at 9:01 pm
I don’t generally read a lot of biographies, but I’d like to read Trevor Noah’s. Great list, Carla!
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February 8, 2023 at 7:25 am
Thanks Julie. His book is quite well written with humor to share some very difficult times.
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February 7, 2023 at 5:33 pm
My favorites would be Barbara Bush (even though I’m closer to Michelle Obama politically), David Niven (both volumes), Lady in Waiting by Anne Glenconner (anxious for the new volume by her). I love diaries–esp indiscreet ones like Chips Channon.
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February 8, 2023 at 7:23 am
Oooo, some to check out, thanks Lisa.
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February 7, 2023 at 12:26 pm
I have only read a few memoirs, but none of these.
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February 7, 2023 at 4:15 pm
After I put this list together, I realized that most deal with people who had to overcome adversity as opposed to just being celebrities via acting, singing etc. All were really good, Sam.
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February 7, 2023 at 12:02 pm
Wow, Carla, what a lot of memoirs. I sort of hoped I’d see Spare here by the notorious Prince Harry. I only read biographies of famous writers.
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February 7, 2023 at 4:12 pm
Thanks, Robbie. I seen to gravitate toward books where they overcome adversity. I haven’t read Spare yet, but I don’t think it will be in my top 5 when I do.
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February 8, 2023 at 9:43 am
I won’t read it but I am interested in other people reviews 😊
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February 7, 2023 at 11:50 am
I’ve only listened to Becoming and I loved it. I need to try the rest of them.
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February 7, 2023 at 4:11 pm
They were all really good, Deanna. I seem to like the inspirational ones, where someone deals with adversity as opposed to Rock Stars etc.
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February 7, 2023 at 11:02 am
Loved Mrs.Obama’s book Becoming! Thanks for sharing. I’m still reading the candy house. So many books to choose from for my next read.
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February 7, 2023 at 4:09 pm
Glad to hear we both enjoyed it. I want to read or listen to her new one. She is such an inspiration. I never know what to read next until I actually pick it up! 😁
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February 8, 2023 at 6:33 pm
You will enjoy The Light we carry too. I was particularly delighted to read more about her mom and interesting encouragement from her close friends. A must-read!
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February 8, 2023 at 8:43 pm
That’s great to hear. I am on a list for the audiobook from the library.
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February 7, 2023 at 9:31 am
I don’t read memoirs but it sounds like you enjoyed every one of them Carla!🤗📚💜
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February 7, 2023 at 4:07 pm
They really were, Susan. I have read a couple that were just meh, but most are enjoyable.
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February 7, 2023 at 8:49 am
Alex Trebek was born in my hometown, so it is ridiculous that I haven’t read his memoir yet. We loved him here!
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February 7, 2023 at 8:55 am
You have to read it, Kristin. He narrates the opening, then Ken Jennings narrates the rest. It is really good.
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February 7, 2023 at 8:41 am
Loved Born a Crime and Becoming!
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February 7, 2023 at 8:55 am
Both were excellent. Glad we both enjoyed them, Nicki.
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February 7, 2023 at 8:26 am
Great picks for this meme today Carla! Thanks for sharing.
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February 7, 2023 at 8:17 am
Trevor Noah’s memoir is also one of my favorites!
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February 7, 2023 at 8:22 am
I expect to see it on a few posts today. Glad you enjoyed it as well, Lisa.
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