Favourite Autobiographies

The best of the best. An insightful and honest write up of Barbara’s life. This edition was the celebration edition that was published in 2012 and covers Barbara’s life to around 2000.

An enjoyable read on my kindle. So good, I would read again. Explores Barbara’s childhood, career and relationships. Insightful and honest.

The important “Carry On” stage of her career is covered and her times with Sid James.

I was also lucky to see Barbara as a child in a panto and will always remember that. Barbara died in 2020.

I am a bit of a Jimmy Carr fan and I had tickets to see him perform in Leicester. A signed copy of the book was on sale along with the program.

Watching Jimmy live was a memorable experience but I did really enjoy his book probably more so. Well written and full of humour as you would expect.

Not many books in my opinion are genuinely funny but this was. I often found myself chuckling and laughing out loud.

Another funny man – hilarious to watch on TV. Good to see real thought and effort is also made with the book cover. How often are auto biographies just plain studio photos. Whereas, this cover really depicts the books angle.

While an auto biography, this book focusses on class, how it works and Robs upbringing in a working class family. With success, is Rob still working class or promoted to middle? How does it all work?

Unfortunately I missed the opportunity to get a signed copy of this book. Hopefully I will also get to see him perform live at some point.

This book was one of a few that I read in the last 12 months that all complement each other, reflecting on the carriers of those in Wham, Spandau Ballet and the 80’s.

This copy of the book has a book plate with Pepsi and Shirlie’s signatures. The backing singers that played such an important role in the success of Wham, this is their account of life with Wham. Without them, Wham would not have had the same success. Both writers contributing and writing alternate chapters.

Worth reading the next book as well by Shirlie (see below)

I actually read this book first before the Pepsi and Shirlie book. Telling the story of Shirlie and Martin meeting while in their bands Spandeau Ballet and Wham.

An interesting read which documents some of the challenges that they have faced, particularly when Martin was not well and need major surgery.

Follows a similar format of both authors writing alternate chapters. Recounts the 80’s and happenings from that period particularly well.

A book that links in well with a few of the other books on this list. Another 80’s focused book with the story starting prior to the forming of Spandau Ballet and Martin’s success with the band.

One of the most honest accounts that I have read. Martin recalling his contribution to the band, the highs and lows and also reflective of the bands treatment of Tony Hadley.

Martin must enjoy writing as now publishing fiction and he has a thriller out.

An interesting insight into the life of Melanie Chisholm. Exploring her childhood, life pre Spice Girls, auditioning and forming the Spice Girls and life since.

An honest account which documents some mental health aspects and the challenges faced in the public eye.

Possibly my favourite signed (non magic) book as a great signature. Most signed books just have a squiggle but Mel’s is readable and a heart.

This book is quite the eye opener. It is very much about battles with mental health and in many ways was quite sad to read. Not only giving an insight into Susans struggles but helpful as to how to deal with others suffering from such a condition. If only I had read some of this advice before my Dad died, who did struggle with mental health.

There is also a follow up book as well which I started to read and need to finish. For anyone wanting to better understand the impacts that mental health can have on lives, this is worth reading.

I know others who struggled with this but I did personally enjoy.

While offering Andrew Ridgeley’s take on Wham and George Michael, the book varies from interesting to some chapters that I struggled to get through.

While generally an enjoyable book, I had found the Pepsi and Shirley book to be more enlightening about Wham.

This particular edition was also signed. So, I have most of Wham’s (Andrew, Pepsi and Shirlie’s) signatures apart from George. But.. I did get to see George Michael quite close up in his Faith style get up in the 80’s.

A magic book had to feature on this list and I can get away with this one as auto-biographical rather than just magic.

Documenting the journey that journalist Ian Frisch took when attempting to find out about the secretive magic group called the 52. His meetings with famous magicians such as Laura London and Shin Lim and his eventual discovery of magic and becoming part of the 52.

Mostly an interesting read with quite a bit about the backgrounds of some of the most famous magicians in the world.