There’s nothing celebrities love more than talking (mostly about themselves). They’re also pretty keen on dispensing advice and providing inspiration to us lesser mortals. To be fair, we love to listen and talk about them too. So we’ve hunted down the best advice guides, memoirs and celebrity biographies on the shelves…
Britney – Inside The Dream, Steve Dennis
What they say: “The energy of his storytelling cannot be faulted” - The Times.
What we say: Britney is simply misunderstood, or at least that’s what author Steve Dennis has passionately penned in his novel Britney – Inside the Dream. His unauthorised biography of the troubled pop star certainly couldn’t be accused of cutting corners; details are incredibly thorough (some may say obsessively so). This book is an in-depth examination of ‘Brit-Brit’s’ past in an effort to find out what makes her tick (i.e. shave off her hair and drive with her baby on her lap). It’s also very much a look at the circumstances that led her to become one of the biggest pop stars in the world. There are interviews with friends and extended family, and a psychotherapist has been consulted in order to analyze her childhood behaviour.
This is very much a tender portrait of Britney; even the writing style is quite sweeping and romantic. Is it worth reading? For curiosity’s sake, absolutely. As for diehard fans, they’ll adore all the detailed information.
Our favourite tip: Did you know Britney’s Momma filed for divorce before she was born? She’d had it with the shenanigans of her adulterous, alcoholic husband…
HarperCollins, AU$32.99/NZ$34.99
Stori Telling, Tori Spelling
What they say: “This could be just the beginning of Spelling’s literary glory” -www.People.com
What we say: It shot to the top of the New York Times Bestseller List, and for good reason, as sTORI TELLING is really rather good. Okay, we’ll admit to being surprised. The media has always delighted in pigeonholing Tori as a rich Hollywood brat who grew up in an enormous mansion, enjoyed dabbling in plastic surgery and only became famous through her Dad’s TV Series (Beverly Hills 90210 of course). Now she’s set the record straight in sTORI TELLING, her memoir.
It’s honest, funny and heartbreaking at times. This book talks about it all: her decadent childhood, teenage issues, her famous nose job, her time on 90210, her troubled relationship with her mother, and of course her happy ending with husband Dean. It’s quite addictive reading, particularly the early chapters that detail what it was like to grow up as a Spelling. Most surprising is her down to earth approach to life. Yep, it seems Tori Spelling has a whole lot more substance than anyone ever realized.
Our favourite tip: Tori’s first kiss was at age fifteen, with the household Chef. He was promptly fired.
Penguin, AU$24.99/ NZ$28.00
The One Hundred, Nina Garcia
What they say: “…Nina Garcia’s list is the definitive one for all women. In times of financial insecurity at least you know your money is going to work for you season after season” – www.SteepingBeauty.com
What we say: Nina Garcia, the formidable fashion judge from Project Runway is a tad scary. However she’s an expert when it comes to fashion, and with her help you can build a timeless wardrobe. This stunning book contains the secrets that every woman needs to know - the 100 wardrobe items that will never go out of style and are indispensible to eternal fashion.
Gorgeously illustrated with whimsical watercolour drawings (by Ruben Toledo) this beautiful coffee table book will really help you hone your wardrobe. It has a light conversational tone, is easy to read and digest and has some great clothing trivia and fun facts to boot. Is it truly useful? Absolutely. Many of the items she suggests are high-end, but there’s nothing to stop switched on girls finding similar budget savvy alternatives.
Our favourite tip: “You want to look like you just threw it on. Effortlessness must be a part of any stylish woman’s arsenal”. – Nina Garcia.
HarperCollins, AU/NZ$29.99
How To Dress, Gok Wan
What they say: “When it comes to making women feel good about themselves, Gok Wan is a genius” - CLOSER
What we say: “Gorgeous girl, everybody in the world has the right to feel good about their appearance and that includes you”, instructs Gok Wan. The celebrity stylist and host of the popular TV show How to look good naked has a knack for putting together great outfits and more importantly, a knack for making women feel fantastic, whatever their size. How to Dress is his style guide, and it’s all about looking good and dressing well for every occasion.
The book is divided into sections, for example ‘Work Wear’ and ‘Holidays’. Its pages are full of enthusiasm and punctuated with his characteristic endearments. As for the visuals, a group of gorgeous gals model all the outfits, and what fabulous outfits they are. Accessories also feature, and outfit appropriate hairstyles aren’t forgotten. This is a great book, but more than the fashion, it’s Gok’s awesome attitude that makes it so.
Our favourite tip: It’s easier to cinch in the waist of a cardigan with a leather belt than a knitted one, and a contrasting colour will focus eyes on your waist.
HarperCollins, AU$24.99/NZ$29.99
I Met The Walrus, Jerry Levitan
What they say: “I remember fondly, how young Jerry came to us and did the interview, when so many journalists were trying to speak to us. He was not only brave but very clear and intelligent. Both John and I thought it was a very pleasant experience” – Yoko Ono
What we say: When Jerry Levitan was 14-years old, he snuck into a Toronto hotel room and met John Lennon. The Beatle fanatic was then invited back to do an exclusive interview. This was in 1969 when John Lennon and Yoko Ono staged two week long “Bed-Ins for Peace”. Everybody gets fifteen minutes of fame, or so Andy Warhol said. Jerry Levitan has taken his life-changing moment, and really run with it. I Met The Walrus is his account of the experience with John, the circumstances around the meeting, and what happened afterwards.
It’s gorgeously illustrated with drawings by James Braithwaite and contains never before seen photos of the famous pair. It’s a really nice read, and it’s easy to get caught up in Levitan’s excitement. Unfortunately he later had a breakdown and spent his 41st birthday in a psychiatric ward… Beatle fans will adore this book and will also enjoy the DVD interview keepsake that comes packaged with it. I Met The Walrus was the basis for the 2008 Academy Award nominated film of the same name.
Our favourite tip: Levitan didn’t prepare a single question for his interview with John Lennon.
HarperCollins, AU$49.99/NZ$39.99
Celebrity – How Entertainers Took Over The World And Why We Need An Exit Strategy, Marina Hyde
What they say: In this collection of her greatest hits columns, Hyde breezily checks the evidence of entertainers who once were just happy to talk about their favourite subject – themselves…” – The Age
What we say: This book doesn’t strictly fit our celebrity memoir and advice guide theme. However given that we are dedicating a whole section to celebrity books, it seemed only appropriate to include this refreshing take on just how powerful celebrities have become. Celebrity – How Entertainers Took Over The World And Why We Need An Exit Strategy is a very satirical look at the incredible influence of celebrities in the 21st century.
It’s absolutely brilliant, totally hilarious, and come to think of it, highly disturbing. Author Marina Hyde examines a world obsessed to the point of lunacy by celebrity. No star is safe in this book, “Feast your eyes, then, on Sharon Stone’s peace mission to Israel, on a world where Angelina Jolie advises on the Iraqi reconstruction effort or Charlie Sheen analyses 9/11, and in which Jude Law’s attempts to establish contact with the Taliban are reported without irony”. It’s very dry, very mocking, and very brilliant.
Our favourite tip: “Releasing a perfume is now a rite of passage for all zealously venal celebrities”- Marina Hyde.
Random House, AU$34.99/NZ$37.99
My Word Is My Bond, Roger Moore
What they say: “In this memoir, Moore proves that he is much more than James Bond, and the impact he has had during his 80 years has been quite significant” – www.Bookreporter.com
What we say: The names Roger Moore and James Bond really go hand in hand. After all, Moore was the longest playing (and arguably most handsome) 007 ever. Now, at age 80, the English gentleman has penned his story. In My Word Is My Bond he looks back on memories from his early childhood as a war evacuee, to his first big break, his Hollywood career and his most satisfying role ever- working with Unicef.
Filled with his characteristic wit and charm, and really quite delightful to read, this is a comprehensive account of a living legend’s life. His early years as a child experiencing World War II are fascinating, and really provide a context for the formation of this huge star. Really, the book is just as charming as 007, but no surprises there.
Our favourite tip: Moore had to commit ‘fake’ adultery, with a hired ‘adulteress’ in order to be granted a quick divorce from his first wife.
HarperCollins, AU/NZ$49.99
Miss Dahl’s Voluptuous Delights, Sophie Dahl
What they say: “Sophie has a great style of cooking and recipes that you really want to eat” – Jamie Oliver
What we say: This gorgeous cookery book is the creation of Sophie Dahl, granddaughter of legendary author Roald Dahl, plus-sized model and writer. Sophie caused shockwaves on the catwalk with her curves and love of food. She’s modeled all around the world, and enjoyed much success. In between shoots she’s always indulged her love of cooking, which is how this book came to be. Miss Dahl’s Voluptuous Delights is filled with 100 of her favourite recipes.
This culinary delight is highly visual and beautifully presented. In fact, it’s enjoyable just looking through the pages. As for the recipes, they are divided into the four seasons: autumn, spring, summer and winter, and then broken into breakfast, lunch, supper and pudding. Despite looking mouthwatering, the recipes are uncomplicated to prepare and yield consistently good results. We can’t get enough of the Banana Bread and Flourless Chocolate Cake. Each season is prefaced with Sophie’s food related memoir, which is really the highlight of the book. She talks about her trials with weight, being judged, and ultimately the peace she has found with herself and her lifestyle.
Our favourite tip: “Soaking can redeem even the most pitiful dried fruit into plump juice heaven” – Sophie Dahl.
HarperCollins, AU$39.99/NZ$44.99
Jeska Innes
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