Every man and his dog that might conceivably be called a celebrity seem to release a memoir these days. The only surprise is that so many of them feel they have so much to say that their memoirs should come in a three or four book volume. There are some that have a lot to say and deserve to be listened to; some are surprisingly poignant or funny. Here is a list of ten of the most superb (surprisingly so) memoirs ever released.

1. Frank Bruno – Fighting Back

Sectioned in 2003 under The Mental Health Act for the first time (and subsequently several times more in the following years), Frank released this autobiography in 2006. It spoke about his boyhood, his clashes with authority his struggle up the ranks to become the country’s best loved boxer and finally to that coveted world championship belt. He also discusses his mental health issues in-depth and was commended by major mental health charities for his honesty. The book won Best Autobiography at the Sports Book Awards in the year of its release.

2. Marlon Brando – Songs My Mother Taught Me

The well-known actor produced an eye-opening memoir about his life as a struggling actor and about the various relationships with fellow actors, producers and directors. Though many memoirs are generally a summary of their life in a linear fashion, the book plays on themes and he discusses various issues that are important to him. Those looking for insights into the films he made may be disappointed, he sees the process of making a film far less important than the lessons he learnt through his career.

3. Burt Ward ‘ Boy Wonder: My Life in Tights

Few would have believed that the flamboyance, campness and daftness of the 1960s TV version of Batman would lead to such a depraved life for Burt Ward, but that is precisely what happened to this relatively unknown actor when thrust into the limelight as the Bat’s trusty sidekick. Ward speaks openly about nudist beaches, orgies and how he used to give ‘the ultimate autograph’ to adoring female fans. He also speaks of his relationship with Adam West ‘ the actor who played Batman.

4. Andre Agassi – Open

The former Tennis ace’s autobiography kicked up a storm when released in 2009. Openly admitted to using performance enhancing drugs, he was later called upon to surrender all of his titles. The game which likes to present an image of being full of gentlemen and ladies is shown to be a cut-throat world. Agassi even admits to taking crystal meth and hating the game that he had become famous for. His very public spats with Boris Becker are also laid bare.

5. Tina Turner ‘ I, Tina

This is the story of a young black girl growing up in Tennessee, her move into the music industry and her abusive relationship with her ex-husband Ike Turner, divorce and rise to fame through the 1980s. Revealing details about their marriage and divorce which until then hadn’t been public knowledge, the book became a worldwide hit. The biopic of her life ‘What’s Love Got to do with It?’ was based on the book.

6. Christopher Reeve ‘ Still Me

After suffering a horrific accident on his horse, the former Superman star was crippled for the rest of his life. He died in 2004 but not before he managed to write and publish this memoir dealing almost entirely with his life after his accident. Though inevitably his career as Superman is present, it is his new life which is the main focus of the book. Many find it inspiring and it spent 11 weeks as a bestseller and won an award for best spoken word book.

7. Christopher Hitchens – Mortality

‘The Hitch’ was a divisive figure, adored and reviled in equal measure, figure of the New Atheists and target for the vocal fundamentalist Christians. It came as no surprise to anybody when he announced to the world that he had terminal cancer ‘ he was in life a heavy smoker and drinker. This short work chronicles the words and thoughts of a dying man. Rather than lamenting his life choices and impending doom, it is as funny as it is poignant. There are no platitudes here, just the dark humour of a man who had already come to terms with fate. Most movingly, the volume is concluded with a series of notes that would have made up the remainder of the book had he completed it before his death.

8. Stephen King ‘ On Writing

The master of horror wrote what most thought would be a fascinating insight into his method of writing and advice for those who wish to follow in his footsteps: and it is. However, it is as much a personal journey as King became a writer, speaking of the mountain of rejections he received for Carrie. It also speaks candidly about his history of alcoholism and other personal demons ‘ something that he often infuses into his characters. One entire section of the book is dedicated to the horrific car crash that almost claimed his life and went on to inspire him to write Misery.

9. Bobby Robson ‘ Farewell, But Not Goodbye

This poignantly titled book was released in the twilight of the years of the much-loved former player and England manager. It is the story of his life from young football-mad boy to his short playing career and how he moved rapidly into management. Robson appeared a gentle man and a gentleman but in some cases during the book, he comes straight out and says it – ‘Diego Maradona was a cheating rascal’ for example. We also hear about his battles with the cancer that would eventually claim his life. It was re-released with an extra chapter after his death in which his family discuss how proud they were to feel just how loved the late Robson was.

10. Carrie Fisher ‘ Wishful Drinking

Shooting to world fame as Princess Leia, Fisher never imagined the public pressure she would be put under. Reclusive by nature, she later admitted that had she known how big the film would get she might have reconsidered. A lifelong depressive with a history of drug and alcohol abuse, this is a brutal account of Fisher’s ongoing battles. Though it was criticised for some of the aloofness, many others appreciated the dark humour in the discussion of her life and career.

Conclusion

There are some big names in the list above, some not so well-known in certain countries and some international superstars. But they all have something important to say. So the next time you find yourself in the biography section of your local book shop, see if you can get hold of any of those above. If you only read one memoir this year, you would do well to try one of these.