From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough

January 24, 2025

From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keogh

A memoir of growing up Presley by the daughter and granddaughter of Elvis Presley. Like the children of many celebrities, Lisa Marie led a troubled life, expected to follow in her famous father's footsteps. The story shifts back and forth from Lisa Marie to her daughter Riley. At times, it was hard to remember who was talking, because both Lisa Marie and Riley refer to their mothers as "my mom" - it would have been clearer if Lisa Marie would have referred to her mother as Priscilla and Riley would have referred to her mother as Lisa Marie. 

Even though she was four when her parents divorced, and then nine when Elvis died, for all of her life, Lisa Marie worshipped the memory of Elvis. The media was frequently cruel to her, criticizing her singing career and also her problems with her weight. There are some really weird things too, like after her son committed suicide, Lisa Marie kept his body in a room at her home on ice for months. She died way too young, from a variety of causes including drug abuse and an unstable life. A look at a sad life that should have been so much more. If you are looking for a biography of Elvis, this isn't it.

Lisa Marie near the end of her life

Me by Elton John

January 15, 2025

Me by Elton John

From his boyhood in a London suburb to being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, Elton John (nee Reginald Dwight) has led a drama-filled life. His recent memoir talks about his meteoric rise to fame, his addiction problems, and his celebrity friends (and losing many of those friends to addiction, suicide and AIDS). 

He also talks about his personal life, finding lasting love, becoming a father, his philanthropic work, and the trauma of losing his hair. Recommended for music fans, especially 1970s/1980s rock.

Elton John in his 1970s glory

The House of Hidden Meanings by RuPaul

April 28, 2024

The House of Hidden Meanings by RuPaul

Long before he became the fabulous RuPaul, international drag superstar, he was a gay Black child with a mother who suffered from depression her entire life and a father who was largely AWOL. This is a memoir of growing up poor, Black and queer in San Diego and Atlanta, always feeling different and trying to find a place where he belonged. RuPaul discusses candidly his dysfunctional family, his struggles with drugs and alcohol, and his journey to find and accept his identity. If you're expecting a book with celebrity anecdotes, life as a drag queen, and behind-the-scenes dish, this is not that book.

RuPaul in character - I should have legs like that

All About Me! My Remarkable Life in Show Business by Mel Brooks

February 22, 2022

All About Me! My Remarkable Life in Show Business by Mel Brooks

At age 95, Mel Brooks has written a fabulous autobiography of his life as an actor/director/writer/producer of some of my favorite zany, irreverant films.

Love this - what a mensch!

Mel Brooks with Harvey Korman and some busty girl from Blazing Saddles

Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark by Cassandra Peterson

December 26, 2021

Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark by Cassandra Petersen

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, Queen of Halloween, reveals all in this entertaining autobiography. From her childhood in Kansas to being a showgirl in Las Vegas to comedienne, and finally to late-night hostess of vintage horror films, we travel with Elvira as she meets iconic celebrities, works at comedy clubs, and creates her now-famous image.

Scarred as a toddler by burns, Elvira shows us that whether scars are physical or emotional (and she had both), they can be a blessing or a curse. At 70 years old, she still looks great and enjoys what she does, and has at long last found real love.

Fun, heartbreaking, honest and shocking, this is Elvira at her campy best. Fans of celebrity bios will enjoy this honest look at a Hollywood legend.

Elvira (aka Cassandra Peterson)