We recently asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to tell us which celebrity books they actually find really good. Here are some of their best recommendations.
1. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
"Shonda Rhimes's Year of Yes had me like 'YASSSS!' the whole time I was reading it. She's an inspiration to women working in the Industry and is proof that you CAN be successful doing things your own way. And her book is sassy! Love it!"
Submitted by Nicole Garcia, Facebook.
"I really enjoyed listening to Shonda Rhimes's Year of Yes audiobook and would recommend it to everyone."
Submitted by Jo Forrester, Facebook.
2. Yes Please by Amy Poehler
"I recommend Yes Please by Amy Poehler to just about everyone I talk to. The thing is, there's something for every person in that book. Literally everyone. I never shut up about it. I've lent out my copy so many times I had to buy a second one to read while my first one was away. They're both pretty well worn now. But it's worth it, 'cause she made me love myself and my life and all the challenges that go with that."
Submitted by Elenor Irene Paul, Facebook.
"I read it during a somewhat dark time so I wasn’t feeling too great about anything and this book not only made me laugh but influenced me to change my perspective on myself, my future, my relationships. It was an extremely humorous book that also had powerful messages on self image and self respect. I’m still extremely grateful I read this when I did. Lol Amy if you ever get this you saved my life with your wit and humor and most importantly raw honesty."
Submitted by reenief.
3. One More Thing by B.J. Novak
"Definitely read One More Thing by B.J. Novak. This collection of short stories is at times strange, but incredibly insightful and just makes you in awe of how hella smart this guy is. Depending on your personal situation, you will find yourself in this book."
Submitted by Jasmine Shewakramani, Facebook.
"It is not at all what I expected, but I mean that in the best way possible. He's such a smart, witty, insightful writer. It's exactly as the title suggests – a collection of stories. All fictional, all so, so different. Some made me laugh, some made me choke up, some made me genuinely scared, all of them made me think. Everyone should read this!"
Submitted by Amy Geron, Facebook.
"I'm about Mindy Kaling's books. For any women, anyone really who feels like they have no idea what is going on with their life and feels lost as if everyone is running a race and you don't know where the starting line is, read her books. Very relatable and makes you reflect in a more cheerful way the crappy aspects of trying to adult when on the inside you are a helpless child dressed as an adult. It got me through the post-grad blehs."
Submitted by Jennifer Lynn, Facebook.
"Mindy Kaling's Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) is like a really long but absolutely accurate and stupendous anthem for the quiet, nerdy, awkward girls everywhere just trying to find their way in the world, and make people laugh/take them semi-seriously along the way. It made me feel better reading about her challenges, and brought me comfort to know that I'm not alone, like the chapter on hookups or peaking in high school, or on making real friends. Her other book Why Not Me? is also fantastic!"
Submitted by Amelia Eqbal, Facebook.
5. Gray by Pete Wentz
"Gray by Pete Wentz was really good considering, although the characters had different names it was based on what he went through with mental illness."
Submitted by carolinem4f57e0965.
6. Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari
"It’s a smart, researched book – combined with the wit and comedy of Aziz. It’s such a thought-out analysis of how internet and smartphones changed the way we communicate and date. I’d definitely recommend it."
Submitted by punx.
"Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari was a great nonfiction book that wasn’t a memoir. I felt like some of his personal generalizations about millennials were a bit misguided and heavily influenced by his own personality, but the overall study of love in the modern age was very interesting and he gave it a fun spin."
Submitted by Katherine Rose.
7. Bossypants by Tina Fey
"Tina Fey's Bossypants is hysterical. If you haven't read it, go read it. If you've already read it, read it again."
Submitted by Samantha C. Sullivan, Facebook.
"I am from a very conservative culture and I read Bossypants by Tina Fey in college. I was amazed to learn how much I could relate to her journey as a woman being from a completely different background. Fey laces her pages with the brutal truth of living in a male-dominated world where women get called bitches for leading others and demanding respect. Basically... I love Tina Fey and literally EVERYONE should read Bossypants!"
Submitted by Katherine Truesdale, Facebook.
8. Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart
"As a very clumsy and somewhat awkward individual, it was a pleasure to read about someone so well known who had been in very similar situations! Seeing how well she has done for herself despite all of the awkwardness really encourages me."
Submitted by notadisneyprincess.
"A funny, alternative layout for an autobiography which goes through different aspects of life… She even has conversations with her younger self! (Plus it’s absolutely hilarious and relatable.)"
Submitted by benr4b45c7122.
9. Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis
"Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis was great! It’s very personal and really sad at times (I was sat on a train crying reading a certain part) and you get to hear all of the funny moments between the Chili Peppers and the true meaning behind quite a few of their songs. I really enjoyed reading how they evolved throughout the years, and unlike some autobiographies it was interesting and I loved it!!"
Submitted by nicola182.
"It's interesting, it gives every single song he recorded an extra meaning, and it's such an emotional book."
Submitted by Nadia Suchowiercha, Facebook.
10. Egghead: Or, You Can't Survive on Ideas Alone by Bo Burnham
"It's not a biography... it's actually poems. But they're all so great. Some are funny and some are really clever... and some of them are precious. It's actually one of my favorite books. The illustrator Chance Bone is also super talented. It's an easy read and I suggest it to everyone."
Submitted by Sarah Kierstead, Facebook.
11. Just Kids by Patti Smith
"Just Kids by Patti Smith is hands down the most beautifully written memoir I’ve ever read. I knew very little of Patti’s music and even less about her personal life so this book was a revelation. It revolves around an unconventional friendship/love story which is so touching but it also gives you a great sense of the arts scene in NYC in the '70s. It also just reads so lyrically, it is hard to put it down because it flows so nicely."
Submitted by Katherine Rose.
12. Girl Walks Into a Bar... by Rachel Dratch
"This is the best memoir I have ever read, and dare I say the funniest book I’ve read to boot. This is a book that is endearing and GENUINELY ‘laugh-out-loud’ funny; as Dratch puts aside her embarrassments and social faux pas to tell the story of her life ‘after success’ – a change to the usual story of careers from other celebrities out there, and one that will leave you with a new sense of respect and adoration for the completely down-to-earth and hilarious ex-SNL star. If you enjoy memoirs, or even just love a book that makes you cry with laughter, then this is the book for you."
Submitted by LukeSeawalker.
13. The Gun Seller by Hugh Laurie
"It’s a spy novel spoof that doesn’t read like broad parody. It’s funny and serious and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it."
Submitted by Dani257.
14. I'm the One That I Want by Margaret Cho
"It's a little older (I read it about 16 years ago), but I really like Margaret Cho's I'm the One That I Want. It's not all comedy... a lot of it focuses on her journey to self-acceptance after having her self-esteem repeatedly shattered. If you like her, you'll like the book."
Submitted by Amy Gabriel, Facebook.
15. Confessions of a Prairie Bitch by Alison Arngrim
"Confessions of a Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated by Alison Arngrim is SO GOOD. So good. I don't know what else to say."
Submitted by Jen Price, Facebook.
16. Moab Is My Washpot by Stephen Fry
"I read Moab is my Washpot by Stephen Fry when I was at an important stage in my life: leaving secondary school and heading to university. I'd suffered from issues that made my teenage years particularly difficult: mental breakdowns, loneliness, anxiety... It reminded me that my self worth didn't lie in what a delusional happy life I could live straight away, and that life is really a stab in the dark and unexpected, but despite the hard times, your hard work and sense of humour will always pull through and take you to where you want to be. Still have no idea what the title means to this day, but it's beautifully and yet still very conversationally written, like all of Stephen Fry's books. He could be describing a jar of pudding, and yet it would still be un-put-down-able."
Submitted by Áine Fortune, Facebook.
17. It's So Easy (And Other Lies): The Autobiography by Duff McKagan
"In this book, Duff tells his story about being in Guns N' Roses along with the drugs, sex, and alcohol. In case anybody doesn’t know, Duff was a HUGE drinker. Being nicknamed 'the King of Beers' and even having Duff Beer from The Simpsons named after him. He tells how he almost died because his pancreas swelled to the size of a football and was leaking stomach acid, giving him third degree burns due to heavy drinking. He tells how he overcame his bad habits, and this book is very inspiring."
Submitted by AnimeGNR1996.
18. Brunette Ambition by Lea Michele
"She not only shares her experiences but she gives us tips from yoga poses, recipes, and relationship advice. Love this book, I would absolutely recommend it!"
Submitted by Madi2002.
19. Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham
"Lena is a book writing genius. I love how you can tell her quirkiness through the words she is writing."
Submitted by markiehale0426.
"Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham was incredibly insightful about the ins and outs of growing up."
Submitted by Kathryn Mitchell, Facebook.
20. Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan
"It's for every parent who loves their children, but is also ready to lose their marbles. Jim Gaffigan lets everyone know that being a comedian isn't glamorous, but kids are great source material. It's also a great tribute to his wife, the glue that keeps them together. It's a humble way of showing that life would be pretty boring without our family."
Submitted by Ann Catherine Hughes, Facebook.
21. Bouncing Back by Joan Rivers
"[It] was published in 1997 when she was probably in her 60s, and yet it was still able to be relevant and inspiring to me even though I was maybe 16 at the time. She really did a fantastic job of talking about how she overcame a number of obstacles and tragedies in her life and became a wise, stronger person. She really had a natural gift for writing."
Submitted by Matty Cormier, Facebook.
22. Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology by Leah Remini
"I really think everybody should read Leah Remini's Troublemaker. It has a lot of intelligent things to say about finding yourself, dealing with insecurity and where to look for guidance. It is also a very well written account of her life up til this point. I really came out of reading it with a lot of respect for her."
Submitted by Matty Cormier, Facebook.
23. The Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx
"Nikki Sixx – Heroin Diaries. It really does stay with you forever."
Submitted by beckiechatteris.
24. Not My Father's Son: A Family Memoir by Alan Cumming
"Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming is heartbreaking, but so good."
Submitted by Jen Price, Facebook.
25. The Rainbow Comes and Goes by Anderson Cooper
"Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt's The Rainbow Comes and Goes really puts life and relationships in a new perspective. The book is all conversation between a mother and son via email and you get to know how similar they are despite how opposite they may seem. While their lives seem to be all glamorous and fame, they have actually suffered a lot of loss and pain growing up. Highly recommend it!"
Submitted by Tina Marie Cerami, Facebook.
26. Instant Mom by Nia Vardalos
"Instant Mom by Nia Vardalos actually made me cry when she chronicled her very personal journey with becoming a mother."
Submitted by Kathryn Mitchell, Facebook.
27. I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence and Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People by Amy Sedaris
"I Like You and Simple Times by Amy Sedaris are unlike any celebrity book you might read. She blends pretty much truly hilariously terrible crafting/DIY/recipe ideas with odd short stories and interesting advice to make one heck of a read. Although, her cheeseball recipe is unparalleled."
Submitted by Katherine Rose.
28. Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris
"It was such an original and funny way to tell his story, there are lots of touching parts to it, and it is a moving book in so many ways."
Submitted by Nadia Suchowiercha, Facebook.
29. Born With Teeth: A Memoir by Kate Mulgrew
"Born with Teeth by Kate Mulgrew was fascinatingly dark and interesting."
Submitted by Rosey Waters, Facebook.
30. Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song by Sarah Bareilles
"It’s a book of reflection and personal confessions. It is deeply inspiring to follow her growth as a person and as a musician to becoming the person that she wants to be, and creating the type of music that she wants to make. She writes about her songs that are pinnacle to her life, and she writes in an honest and humerous tone and with an optimistic attitude. This is an influential book."
Submitted by annieh.
31. Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe
"Rob Lowe’s Stories I Only Tell My Friends is amazing; so juicy yet authentic. I know a lot of people may not like Rob Lowe for various reasons; to them, I recommend this book. His second book, Love Life, is also very, very good."
Submitted by alyssakay211.
32. Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler
"I remember laughing out loud numerous times in public places. Absolutely hilarious and well written."
Submitted by Christina Harris, Facebook.
33. Kick Me: Adventures in Adolescence and Superstud: Or How I Became a 24-Year-Old Virgin by Paul Feig
"They are honestly the most hilarious memoirs I’ve ever read. If you ever felt like a nerd or geek in school, or even later in life, these books are relatable to the point of being painful but you still find yourself laughing right through them."
Submitted by Katherine Rose.
Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.