10 Best Autobiographies in 2023 (Jonathan Van Ness, Michelle Obama, and More)

Pros:

• Has an emotional story told through a witty and hilarious writing style
• Has a light tone that balances the serious topics of the autobiography
• Talks about celebrating oneself

Cons:

• Reviewers mentioned that it has long-winded sentences

Jonathan Van Ness is best known for being the grooming expert on the show Queer Eye. Here, the author talks about her journey to becoming who she is today by overcoming her trauma. This book is raw, honest, and deeply moving. The author's story is bound to resonate with anyone looking for inspiration.

Some reviewers felt like the book needed more edits and a more straight-to-the-point format of writing. But most readers got through this book in one sitting, simply because they could not put it down.

Pros:

• Gives an inside look at the life of a former first lady of the United States of America
• Tackles inspirational experiences
• Gives insights into the world through the eyes of an influential leader
• Includes book club guide with discussion prompts
  

Cons:

• According to some readers, the chapters become repetitive

This rich and entertaining memoir of former first lady Michelle Obama allows readers an inside look into her personal life. From her childhood to her advocacies, each chapter is filled with words of wisdom. She talks about the balancing act of being a mother, a first lady, and a wife while dealing with public and private battles.

There were some comments about this book being a bit slow. Nevertheless, this autobiography is highly rated for its insightful yet entertaining tone that leaves the reader feeling inspired and awed by Michelle’s life story.

Pros:

• Includes stories of other famous musicians like John Lennon, Freddie Mercury, and Rod Stewart
• Raw, in-depth look into Elton John's life
• Easy-to-read and entertaining style of writing

Cons:

• Stories of drug use and descriptive sexual content

Elton John is one of the most influential celebrities in the music industry and a five-time Grammy Award winner. In his book, he does not shy away from recounting his struggles with drug addiction and his eventual road to recovery. This is a drama-filled autobiography that details his rise to fame and the challenges he had to face.

Some reviewers would have preferred it if the book looked deeper into Elton John's music career. Nevertheless, they say this book is equal parts entertaining and emotional. Readers praised this autobiography for being real and honest with its readers.

Pros:

• Chronologically presents events, making it easy to follow the story
• The audiobook contains Malala reading her famous speech in the United Nations
• Discusses activism to fight for the right to girls' education

Cons:

• Contains heavy subject matter

Because of her bravery to speak out against the Taliban, Malala suffered a gunshot to the face at the age of 15. After a week in a coma, she awakened with an even stronger determination to fight for the right to girls' education. This is an inspiring autobiography about how a brave voice can make a difference.

Some readers said that the book has a slow start. Nevertheless, people who are passionate about human rights will find themselves drawn to this book. Readers praised this autobiography for being easily comprehensible and having a profound message.

Pros:

• It's not a cookbook, but does include recipes
• Has humorous writing style
• Discusses foodie films
• Described as a charming and heartwarming memoir
  

Cons:

• No index compiles the recipes
• Some reviewers don't appreciate the occasional political commentary
  

Stanley Tucci is an award-winning actor who grew up in an Italian-American family. In his autobiography, he shares the dishes that he grew up with along with his foodie projects. He lets readers in on some of his best food-related movie projects and even teaches a few recipes.

Some readers were a bit disappointed that there were no pictures in the book! They also commented on the book's tendency to be verbose. However, readers enjoyed the book's discussion of food and films. They agreed that it was a very entertaining and mouthwatering read.

Pros:

• Contains discussions on identity
• Touching mother and daughter story
• Talks about Asian-American culture
• Includes family photos
  

Cons:

• It's emotionally heavy and not considered a light read

Singer-songwriter Michelle Zauner touches readers with her heartfelt story about loss and identity. After losing her mother to cancer at the age of 25, she begins to reminisce about her childhood and reflects upon what this means for her future and her identity as an Asian-American musician.

Readers commented that this book is a melancholy read and some wished for lighter moments. However, they agreed that this is a moving story that was very personal to the author. They appreciated how grief was honestly dealt with in the book.

Pros:

• The autobiography has an entertaining writing style
• It is about the author's life but also about South African history

Cons:

• According to readers, it is a little bit repetitive

Comedian and late-night TV host Trevor Noah recounts the challenges of his early childhood, growing up in South African society in the middle of apartheid. It mixes humor with deep, moving personal stories.

However, some reviewers wished there was more discussion on the history of South Africa. Nevertheless, the author manages to balance lightheartedness with some emotion-heavy content. Readers loved the author's witty writing style and his sense of humor. They also said that the book drives home important messages.

Pros:

• Inspirational story on fighting through illness
• Talks about the author's perseverance to become successful in pro rugby
  

Cons:

• Contains serious discussions on illness
• Reviewers say a lot of it is about rugby, which may not interest non-fans
  

Being one of the most successful rugby players in the world, Rob Burrow inspired his fans with his iron will and perseverance despite his illness. Being forced to retire at the age of 37 due to motor neuron disease, he made it evident that he was not going down without a fight. His story will inspire readers that come across his story.

Readers were touched by the story and generally found it to be a well-written autobiography. They loved that it discussed and raised awareness on motor neuron disease. They also said that they have found some of the best lessons about life while reading Rob Burrow's journey.

Pros:

• Humor that balances the more serious topics
• Includes political discussions and insights from the author
• It is also a coming-of-age story

Cons:

• Does not go in-depth on the author's career

In this autobiography, Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic and third woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court, shares her personal journey. She weaves an inspiring tale of a girl from the Bronx working her way to the top of the judicial system. This humorous story inspires, enlightens, and entertains.

Some readers pointed out that they wanted more details on her career. Despite this, reviewers agree that it is an inspiring autobiography. Readers were impressed by the honesty and personal presentation of Sotomayor’s life story in a way that connects with the reader and paints a vivid account of her self-determination.

Pros:

• Tackles themes beyond sports, such as coming-of-age
• Discusses the author's life of fame and some pitfalls of being a celebrity

Cons:

• Does not delve into the sport of tennis too much

Andre Agassi is an Olympic gold medalist and a former number one tennis player. He tells of his difficult journey to success, the highs and lows of stardom, and his complicated relationship with fame. This book is an emotional read with powerful tales for tennis fans and non-sports fans alike.

Some readers criticized the book's early chapters for being repetitive. Nevertheless, his smart and funny personality elevates the book to must-read status. Most reviewers found that Andre’s persona shines throughout the book.