I saw a thread earlier discussing the worst and most insufferable autobiographies that we've ever read. It got me to thinking that there were several autobiographies that I completely fell in love with, couldn't put down until I finished cover to cover, and made me a life-long fan of the writer.
The one that really comes to mind for me is "Confessions of a Prairie Bitch," by Alison Arngrim, who played Nellie Olson on Little House on the Prairie. Her life has been interesting, to say the least, and she has a way of writing that is vivid and conversational, so it feels like you're sitting and chatting with her over drinks rather than reading.
What was your happy surprise of an autobiography?
by most-royal-chemist
7 Comments
Spare. I was shocked at how good it was.
There should be a big distinction between a biography you were SURPRISED at how good it was….and just a plain good biography.
I guess my answer would be Bruce Campbells “If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B-Movie Actor” (2002). Being a young horror fan, I knew I’d like it, but it’s insight into the world of indie filmmaking was very eye opening.
Confessions of a Prairie Bitch.
The Friday Afternoon Club by Griffin Dunne. It came up on my library app and recognized Griffin as “that guy from American Werewolf in London” so I gave it a go. Loved it! He’s had an absolutely nuts life and his family history is incredible.
Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollett.
Hello Molly, by Molly Shannon. The audiobook was excellent, and she is really endearing.
Harvey Fierstein’s autobiography “I was better last night” audiobook version is even better