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Books matching: candid memoir

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher
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    A funny, heartfelt memoir for fans of Carrie Fisher and Star Wars, offering an honest look at youth, fame, and heartbreak - with plenty of Fisher's trademark wit, but less Star Wars scoop than you might expect.

    'The Princess Diarist' by Carrie Fisher is a memoir that focuses on her experiences while filming Star Wars: A New Hope, particularly delving into her affair with co-star Harrison Ford. The book includes excerpts from Fisher's journals during that time, adding a personal touch to her musings on insecurities and reflections on her past. Fisher's writing style is described as witty, introspective, and filled with clever word plays, capturing her teenage insecurities and her journey through show business.

    Network gave us Howard Beale’s iconic rant, “I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore,” and Paul Simon won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year for Still Crazy After All These Years...
    November 2016
    272 pages

  2. #2

    My Grandfather's Son by Clarence Thomas
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    Gritty, candid, and at times divisive, this memoir offers an unfiltered look at Clarence Thomas's journey - flaws and all. It’s a compelling read for those curious about how one man’s past shaped his views, but it might not win over fans seeking objective distance or equal time for all sides.

    "My Grandfather's Son" by Clarence Thomas is a candid memoir detailing the life and journey of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. The book reveals Thomas' upbringing in poverty, his struggles with society's low expectations, and his growth as a person and development of ideals. It delves into his background, including his strict upbringing with his grandparents, his education, and his transformation from his chaotic early years to finding support in the Republican party. The memoir also covers Thomas' experiences with the Democratic party, his reflections on race relations, and the challenges he faced during his Supreme Court confirmation hearings.

    The book provides insight into Clarence Thomas' gratitude towards those who shaped him, his angst and anger during his college years, and his regrets from his past. It touches on his determination to succeed despite societal challenges and his personal struggles, including his shortcomings and regrets. The memoir captures Thomas' journey from poverty in Savannah, Georgia, to his time in Missouri and DC before his Supreme Court nomination, shedding light on his personal growth, challenges, and the unfair treatment he faced during the confirmation process.

    I was nine years old when I met my father. His name was M. C. Thomas, and my birth certificate describes him as a “laborer.” My mother divorced him in 1950 and he moved north to Philadelphia, leaving...
    2007
    332 pages

  3. #3

    Who I Am: A Memoir by Pete Townshend
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    A raw, introspective, sometimes frustrating but always honest memoir - ideal for fans of Pete Townshend and those craving the true, unvarnished side of rock 'n' roll. Not the best 'Who' group biography, but a compelling look into the mind of a rock legend.

    'Who I Am: A Memoir' by Pete Townshend is an autobiography that delves into the life and experiences of the legendary guitarist and songwriter. Through Townshend's own words, readers are taken on a journey through his tumultuous life, from his struggles with addiction and personal demons to his creative process and musical innovations. The book provides insights into Townshend's relationships, his role within The Who, and his evolution as an artist, all while offering a candid and honest account of his successes and failures.

    I am a war baby though I have never known war, born into a family of musicians on 19 May 1945, two weeks after VE Day and four months before VJ Day bring the Second World War to an end. Yet war and it...
    October 2012
    704 pages

  4. #4

    Kiss Me Like a Stranger by Gene Wilder
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    'Kiss Me Like a Stranger' by Gene Wilder is a touching and candid memoir that offers a selection of stories from his life in chronological order. The book delves into Gene Wilder's personal experiences, from his early life struggles and failed relationships to his successful acting career and battles with cancer. Readers get a deeper insight into the man behind the iconic roles he portrayed on screen. Gene Wilder's writing style is described as honest, intimate, and filled with his unique voice, making the readers feel like they are having a conversation with the author himself.

    She indicated the plain couch in front of me. There were no pictures on the walls. Margie sat in a comfortable-looking armchair, with an ottoman—which she wasn’t using—resting in front of her. Her fac...
    1997
    293 pages

  5. #5

    Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
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    An honest, heartfelt, and beautifully drawn memoir about family, addiction, and resilience - absolutely worth picking up if you want a real-life story that packs a punch.

    'Hey, Kiddo' by Jarrett J. Krosoczka is a graphic memoir that delves into the author's childhood, being raised by his grandparents due to his mother's heroin addiction, and not meeting his father until he was 17 years old. The book portrays the struggles and triumphs of Jarrett's unconventional family setup, highlighting themes of addiction, familial love, and the power of art as a coping mechanism. Through a candid and heartfelt narrative, Krosoczka shares his journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the complexities of family dynamics, all depicted in a graphic novel format that resonates with readers, especially those who appreciate graphic memoirs.

    The author's poignant storytelling and evocative artwork capture the raw emotions and challenges faced by a young boy growing up in a non-traditional family environment. From dealing with absent parents to finding solace in his passion for art, Jarrett's narrative unfolds with honesty and vulnerability, offering a glimpse into the impact of addiction on familial relationships and the enduring bonds of love that shape his upbringing. 'Hey, Kiddo' not only portrays the author's personal struggles and triumphs but also serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding hope and healing in the midst of adversity.

    October 2018
    320 pages

  6. #6

    The Hilarious World of Depression by John Moe
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    A refreshingly honest and surprisingly funny memoir for anyone touched by depression, but the tone and humor may not suit every reader.

    'The Hilarious World of Depression' by John Moe is a candid memoir that delves into the author's battles with chronic depression. Moe, a college graduate, devoted family man, comedian, writer, and host of public radio programs, uses sustained ironic humor to recount his personal struggles with depression and various family events. Through his compelling narrative, Moe aims to shed light on what it is like to live with depression, providing insights that resonate with those who have experienced mental health issues and offering valuable resources for those seeking to understand the condition better.

    Moe's memoir not only tackles the serious subject of depression but also brings a sense of humor and lightness to the narrative. By blending poignant storytelling with ironic humor, the author creates a compelling and engaging read that resonates with readers who may be familiar with the topic or those seeking to gain a deeper understanding of mental health issues. Through his personal experiences and interactions with mental health professionals, Moe offers a refreshing perspective on depression, making the book both informative and relatable.

    “I’ll probably make jokes,” I said to begin our first appointment. “It’s part of the way I talk. I like to make jokes about grim and grisly stuff as a way of facing it. The jokes, the laughs, that’s o...
    May 2020
    298 pages

  7. #7

    The Happy Hooker by Xaviera Hollander
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    Outrageous, raw, and infamous - "The Happy Hooker" is a provocative slice of 70s counterculture. Curious? Buckle up, it’s a wild ride - but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

    'The Happy Hooker' by Xaviera Hollander is a gritty and raw portrayal of the world of high-class call girls in the 1970s. The book delves into the operations of the world's oldest profession, providing a dark and realistic look at the experiences of Xaviera Hollander, who is depicted as a true sexual pioneer. The writing style is described as honest, shocking, and wildly honest, covering topics such as prostitution, police corruption, and the sexual revolution of the era.

    “You there in the red-white-and-blue Saks fuckin’ Fifth Avenue dress – don’t bend forward so far, otherwise ah’m gonna tear it off and eat you up!” Five minutes more and there could be a bloodbath, wi...
    1972
    316 pages

  8. #8

    Inside Out by Demi Moore
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    A candid, compelling Hollywood memoir that showcases Demi Moore's resilience - warts and all - even if it doesn't answer every question. Great for fans of real-life drama and honest introspection.

    'Inside Out' by Demi Moore is a candid and introspective memoir that delves into the personal life and struggles of the renowned actress. The book provides a raw and honest account of Moore's journey, from her troubled childhood to her rise to stardom, her marriages to Bruce Willis and Ashton Kutcher, battles with addiction, and the complexities of balancing career and family. Readers found the narrative to be insightful and eye-opening, shedding light on the challenges faced by Moore behind the glamorous facade of Hollywood. The writing style is praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, making the reader feel connected to Moore's story on a personal level.

    It may sound strange, but I remember the time I spent in the hospital in Merced, California, when I was five years old as almost magical. Sitting up in bed in my soft pink fleecy nightgown waiting for...
    September 2019
    292 pages

  9. #9

    My Traitor's Heart: A South African Exile Returns to Face His Country, His Tribe, and His Conscience by Rian Malan
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    A deeply honest, thought-provoking journey through the heart of apartheid-era South Africa, told with gripping candor and complexity. Not always comfortable, but always powerful.

    Rian Malan's book 'My Traitor's Heart' is a profound memoir that delves into the author's journey as an Afrikaner in South Africa, grappling with his own white privilege, the complexities of his country's history, and his evolving political beliefs. Through candid storytelling, Malan reflects on his family's role in shaping South Africa, his personal struggles with his conscience and privilege, and his commitment to the liberation of black South Africans. The book explores themes of identity, colonialism, apartheid, and the internal conflict of being torn between the oppressor and the oppressed.

    I’m burned out and starving to death, so I’m just going to lay this all upon you and trust that you’re a visionary reader, because the grand design, such as it is, is going to be hard for you to see....
    December 1989
    384 pages

  10. Gritty, heartbreaking, and honest - this isn’t an easy read, but it’s an important one. Damaged sheds light on real-life struggles within foster care and the urgent need for compassion and systemic change.

    'Damaged: The Heartbreaking True Story of a Forgotten Child' by Cathy Glass is a compelling narrative that delves into the harrowing experiences of an abused child named Jodie. The book sheds light on the unimaginable trauma that Jodie endured, showcasing the resilience and dedication of foster carer Cathy Glass and her family in providing care and support to the young girl. Through a candid and honest approach, the author navigates the complexities of Jodie's past while highlighting the challenges and triumphs of fostering such a deeply troubled child. The writing style is emotionally evocative, offering a poignant portrayal of the realities faced by abused and neglected children within the foster care system.

    I warmed to the flattery; it was nice to be appreciated after all this time. Jill and I had been working together now for four years and had established a good relationship. As a link worker for Homef...
    2006
    339 pages

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