I love an autobiography, especially an audio version. Below you will see a list of my top autobiography I read, or listened to in 2023. Some are more unknown and other best sellers, but all of them I feel are worth a read.
I Don’t Take Requests – DJ Fat Tony
I Don’t Take Requests was a fantastic read. Through the chapters, Tony is brutally honest about his life and himself. You may find yourself not liking him as a person as he tells tales of his harsh personality and mood swings. Midway through the book, the drug stories and anecdotes can seem like a bit much, but it’s all there, written for a reason. His honesty makes this book, and in the second half of his story, you really get to see how low he got and what made him change his life around. Toward the end, you really feel for him, and some of the final chapters really got to me emotionally.
This autobiography is well worth a read (or a listen on audio). Even if some of the writing can be reparative, it’s still worth your time.
Process: Finding My Way Through – Lucy Spraggan
What a brilliant autobiography. I remember Lucy from X Factor, but never kept up with her journey. This entire book was openly and honestly written. The ‘juicy’ parts about her time on X Factor may be the major draw for readers, but there is so much more to Lucy’s story than just being that X Factor girl. Lucy brilliantly wrote the early chapters, which focus on her early years and finding her gender identity. You will laugh during some stories she tells, cringe at others and feel heart broken during the rest.
This is a great read for any fans of Lucy Spraggan and even people who know little about her.
Strong Female Character – Fern Brady
Wow wow wow. What a great read/listen.
I picked up the audio version of Fern’s book after seeing a few recommendations for it online at random. I remembered her from Taskmaster and I’m so glad I gave it a chance. It’s a wonderful book that takes an honest look at undiagnosed autism in females. Fern takes you through her battle to understand herself and the fight she put up to get a diagnosis. This book is filled to the brim with exciting stories, including anecdotes from her climb from an unknown comic to Taskmaster contestant. A fun listen as an audiobook with Fern’s voice making things even funnier, even during some of the darker parts. A must read.
Karma – Boy George
Some insightful stories about Boy George’s rise to fame and the troubles that followed. The audiobook was fantastic, and hearing George burst out laughing at his own jokes was a real joy to hear. Two bonus songs are part of the audio book as well, so any big fans of Boy George’s music should be pleased. A very honest retelling of himself that I admire. It isn’t always easy to tell the whole truth, but I feel George did in this book.
Oh Miriam! – Miriam Margolyes
I love Miriam and really enjoyed this book. The writing and voice work on the audiobook was fab, as I’d expected from her. I gave the 1st book a 5 star, but even though I enjoyed this one; it felt unfocused, with not much structure compared to the first. Saying that, I’d still 100% read a 3rd when she is ready to write it.
The Woman in Me – Britney Spears
This was an interesting listen. I was sceptical if this was truly Britney’s words. She doesn’t narrate the audio book apart from a brief introduction. As the book went along, it’s clear she must have had input into this. There are many personal stories only she would know. I hope Britney writes a sequel. I feel this only scratched the surface of her life, and in a second book, she could go much deeper into things. Some chapters feel cut short, and they end just when you want to delve deeper.
