5 Memoirs to read this summer that may just surprise you

There are so many books to choose from when planning your summer reading. And sometimes, you might be looking for something a little different. Perhaps this is the year you are planning to read more memoirs. Or maybe you already read these types of books, but you are looking for a change of pace in terms of the types of memoirs you are reading.

From Prince Harry to Matthew Perry, these are the five memoirs you might want to check out from the library or snag from your closest bookstore as soon as possible. While they may not always be the lightest reads, they are definitely worth diving into.

5 Memoirs to read this summer, including Prince Harry’s Spare

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

Since Matthew Perry’s death in November 2023, it has been a challenge to watch some of his past work, including Friends. That is because his life was tragically cut short. And so it can be hard to find the enjoyment in the humor. However, reading his memoir, you realize that even the humor was tempered by tragedy. It was simply a tragedy that we may have missed at the time.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is our chance to truly learn more about who Matthew Perry was behind the smiles and laughter. From his struggles with addiction and alcohol to the relationships he had while filming Friends, this book feels like it touches on so many interesting aspects of what made the actor tick. And it does it in a way that is open, honest, and raw.

Spare by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex

Love him or hate him, it is hard to deny that there has been plenty of tragedy in Prince Harry’s life. And that tragedy has shaped who he is today. His memoir is a chance to explore his life through his eyes. Whether you agree with him about exposing family secrets, or not, everyone should be given a chance to tell their truth. And that is what this book is. This is Prince Harry‘s truth!

Spare is a rather open and honest look at the prince’s life from his perspective. This was his chance to tell the world who he is, and it was done in a way that told the story. This is the story of his life and there are certainly moments that will make you cry and laugh. But as with any memoir, this is only one side of the story, and that is important to note.

Paris: The Memoir: A Memoir for Young Women in the Age of Influencers by Paris Hilton

For a lot of people, Paris Hilton is simply the girl who helped start the world of influencer culture. Or maybe she is that The Simple Life girl. However, if you read her memoir, you will understand that there is so much more to Paris Hilton.

In her memoir, Hilton gets brutally honest and raw about her life, and it is eye-opening. This is not someone who lived a simple life. Instead, even with wealth and a powerful family behind her, she found herself dealing with the unimaginable. And that is a tragedy. But, the way she has fought back is triumphant, and her memoir is a chance for her to tell her story so that others can find their own strength.

Making It So: A Memoir by Patrick Stewart

Some actors are so iconic that a simple phrase is all it takes for a person to know exactly who are talking about. With a career that has included some impressive roles, including that of Jean Luc Picard in the Star Trek franchise, Patrick Stewart is one such icon. And as an icon and a legend, it makes sense that we want to know more about the man in his own words. So it makes sense that when his memoir, Making It So came out in October 2023, we had to read it.

This book tells his story in a way that doesn’t shy away from the highs and lows of life. It is a testament to who Patrick Stewart is as a thespian, that when reading his memoir, we can hear his voice in our heads and feel that sense of passion that he seems to exude. This is a must-read memoir about a man who has earned our respect over the years.

The House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir: The Transformational Power of Facing Yourself Fearlessly by RuPaul

The final must-read memoir on our summer reading list is about another legend and icon. RuPaul is a chameleon and an entertainer. He has built a brand for himself that has changed the lives of so many others and he does it with a charm and charisma that is hard to ignore. But what is life like for RuPaul behind the curtain?

In his new memoir, which released in March 2024, he tells his life’s story in a very honest way that reminds us all that this is a man who can be charming and witty, while also being vulnerable. This is a guide to how he lives his life authentically and with a dedication and perseverance that has truly lead to his global success and brand.

What do you think of our summer reading list? Have you read any of these memoirs? Which of these memoirs will you be reading this summer?