https://www.reddit.com/r/books/comments/1ixv2fm/an_autobiography_that_surprised_you_with_how_good/
created by most-royal-chemist on 25/02/2025 at 13:33 UTC
187 upvotes, 231 top-level comments (showing 25)
I saw a thread earlier discussing the worst and most insufferable autobiographies that we've ever read. It got me to thinking that there were several autobiographies that I completely fell in love with, couldn't put down until I finished cover to cover, and made me a life-long fan of the writer.
The one that really comes to mind for me is "Confessions of a Prairie Bitch," by Alison Arngrim, who played Nellie Olson on Little House on the Prairie. Her life has been interesting, to say the least, and she has a way of writing that is vivid and conversational, so it feels like you're sitting and chatting with her over drinks rather than reading.
What was your happy surprise of an autobiography?
Comment by VampireHunterAlex at 25/02/2025 at 13:38 UTC
148 upvotes, 2 direct replies
There should be a big distinction between a biography you were SURPRISED at how good it was….and just a plain good biography.
I guess my answer would be Bruce Campbells “If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B-Movie Actor” (2002). Being a young horror fan, I knew I’d like it, but it’s insight into the world of indie filmmaking was very eye opening.
Comment by Individual_Crab7578 at 25/02/2025 at 13:52 UTC
437 upvotes, 9 direct replies
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
I saw all the hype around it and figured it was overblown… I was wrong.
Comment by marcorr at 25/02/2025 at 14:29 UTC
185 upvotes, 6 direct replies
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but I was really impressed by how much heart and humor he put into his story.
Comment by SergioRosello at 25/02/2025 at 13:57 UTC
63 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Autobiography of Malcolm X. Also: autobiography of a Yogi. Both excellent in my opinion.
Comment by HERCULESxMULLIGAN at 25/02/2025 at 14:08 UTC
54 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Open by Andre Agassi
Comment by L8terG8ter17 at 25/02/2025 at 14:50 UTC
56 upvotes, 5 direct replies
Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson. There were moments in this book I laughed so hard tears were streaming down my face.
Also, Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh. Funny, raw, and relatable.
Comment by Inertbert at 25/02/2025 at 13:58 UTC
56 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Postcards from the edge by Carrie Fisher or Just Kids by Patti Smith
Comment by ChrisGoddard79 at 25/02/2025 at 14:04 UTC
44 upvotes, 3 direct replies
Mick Foley: Have a nice day.
Comment by That_Branch_9878 at 25/02/2025 at 13:42 UTC
38 upvotes, 1 direct replies
The Friday Afternoon Club by Griffin Dunne. It came up on my library app and recognized Griffin as "that guy from American Werewolf in London" so I gave it a go. Loved it! He's had an absolutely nuts life and his family history is incredible.
Comment by mmmmpork at 25/02/2025 at 20:15 UTC
36 upvotes, 3 direct replies
I know they're not technically "autobiographies", but all of David Sedaris' writings are autobiographical and absolutely delightful. He's witty, self deprecating, so so so funny, and just a very good writer in general. I highly recommend his books. They are literally laugh out loud funny, I've been brought to tears laughing so hard at some of his stories.
Comment by letsgojigglypuff at 25/02/2025 at 15:39 UTC
30 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I absolutely loved both Wishful Drinking and The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher.
I was surprised by how funny and warm and heartfelt they both were, and how generally positive she was about her crazy family and career experiences.
Comment by Ok-Sentence-1978 at 25/02/2025 at 13:58 UTC
57 upvotes, 3 direct replies
“Educated” and “I’m glad my mom died” have been my two favorites
Comment by Happylittletree29 at 25/02/2025 at 14:30 UTC
52 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner!
I randomly picked it up at the library and it ended up being on of my favourite and most emotional read of the year.
Comment by gopms at 25/02/2025 at 14:08 UTC
22 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Just Kids by Patti Smith. I guess it is more of a memoir than an autobiography but close enough!
Comment by goldengirlsnumba1fan at 25/02/2025 at 14:09 UTC
18 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Down the Drain by Julia Fox!!! A lot of people think she’s just a shallow gold digger that dated Kanye but wow she’s lived a wild and interesting life. She also reads the audiobook. A very eye opening and captivating ride!
Comment by darkroast_art at 25/02/2025 at 19:32 UTC
18 upvotes, 0 direct replies
The Disaster Artist, by Greg Sistero. I expected it to be entertaining, since it tells the story of Greg's involvement with Tommy Wiseau and the making of "The Room" -- but it is a FANTASTIC book. The movie is good, but the book is so much better.
Comment by HamiltonBlack at 25/02/2025 at 14:01 UTC
17 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Total Recall by Schwarzenegger. Mixed into his fascinating life story is a very good work philosophy and insight into positive thinking and mindset.
Comment by ThatUndeadLove at 25/02/2025 at 13:54 UTC
46 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I’m glad my mom died by Jenette McCurdy. I wanted to read it because i liked her a lot as a teen and young adult. I didn’t expect it to be good. I was blown away. One of the best books i have ever read.
Comment by TheMachineTookShape at 25/02/2025 at 13:57 UTC
15 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Johnny Vegas' autobiography has his alter ego (i.e. the Johnny Vegas part of the real comedian underneath) popping up and speaking in a different font, and i really enjoyed it.
Comment by Fulla_Flava at 25/02/2025 at 18:40 UTC
14 upvotes, 3 direct replies
The Moon’s a Balloon, and Bring on the Empty Horses by David Niven. Obviously he’s been passed on for some time now so may not be well known, but maybe not to truthful stories about old Hollywood as well as his early life which are hysterical and poignant.
Comment by dicentra_spectabilis at 25/02/2025 at 13:45 UTC
33 upvotes, 3 direct replies
Hello Molly, by Molly Shannon. The audiobook was excellent, and she is really endearing.
Comment by monty_kurns at 25/02/2025 at 13:54 UTC
34 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Known and Unknown by Donald Rumsfeld. I despise the man and came out of the book still despising him, but his book was a good read and not as self-serving as most political memoirs. His pre-Bush administration stuff was an interesting look in his early years and he didn’t try to justify his decisions after 9/11. He approached it more from a “this what and how it happened” angle more than a “why”. Still not a fan, but I appreciate the effort.
Total Recall by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The man just lived an interesting life and he doesn’t try to downplay mistakes he made, especially as governor or in his personal life. Probably the best memoir I’ve read in recent years and would love to have him sign it one day.
If Chins Could Kill by Bruce Campbell. Probably my favorite for a light autobiographical read. He gives you a lot of insight on his career and knows how to spin a story.
Comment by BSB8728 at 25/02/2025 at 14:08 UTC
31 upvotes, 0 direct replies
He fought in Korea, contracted an extremely rare strain of malaria, underwent a potentially deadly experimental treatment without the benefit of today's subject-protection rules, and had astonishing adventures -- and a lot of sex -- while shooting films in locations all over the world.
While many famous people hire ghost writers to pen their autobiographies, I really think he wrote this himself. One of my favorite parts was when he recalled being bullied at school. His mother showed up at recess and told him to point out the bullies, and then, "much to my surprise, she beat the shit out of them."
Comment by jayne-eerie at 25/02/2025 at 14:03 UTC
12 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I really loved Elton John’s book, Me. He has a fascinating story, he’s got a great perspective on the highs and lows of his career, and I liked that he acknowledges his faults without making a whole lot of excuses.
Plus there’s just some great gossip that comes from knowing basically everybody famous in the last 50 years. (The story about Princess Diana, Richard Gere and Sylvester Stallone is particularly *chef’s kiss*.)
Comment by zumothecat at 25/02/2025 at 22:28 UTC
11 upvotes, 0 direct replies
My Life in France, by Julia Child. She was so much more interesting than most people know.