The literary landscape of 2025 is being defined by an unexpectedly entertaining and diverse collection of autobiographies. Moving beyond predictable life lessons, this year's standout memoirs deliver captivating stories, genuine laugh-out-loud moments, and revelations that will truly make you gasp.
Compelling Stories of Resilience and Truth
Nobody's Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre stands as a frank and powerful account published shortly after the author's death. Giuffre, who became the most prominent victim of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, details her upbringing, the years of abuse she endured, and her exhausting fight for justice. This sobering memoir is the story of a woman determined to reclaim her narrative.
In Hostage by Eli Sharabi, readers are given a stark and gripping firsthand account. Sharabi, the first released Israeli hostage to tell his story, recounts the 491 days he spent in captivity in Gaza after being taken from his home on 7 October 2023. He describes the intense hunger, fear, and psychological pressure, offering an unflinching record of the resilience that kept him alive.
Entertainment Icons and Beloved Personalities
Fans of the beloved sitcom are in for a treat with When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between by James Corden and Ruth Jones. This warm and funny memoir provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Gavin & Stacey grew from a small BBC Three project into a genuine national treasure. The co-creators share how they dreamed up iconic characters like Nessa and Smithy and navigated the show's sudden success and the personal challenges that followed.
Last Rites by Ozzy Osbourne and Chris Ayres serves as the final memoir from rock's wildest icon. It is a work that is both brutally honest and surprisingly tender, charting Ozzy's journey from an Aston factory worker to a heavy metal legend. He recalls wild nights, battles with addiction, his deep love for his wife Sharon, and his dedication to his music right up until his passing.
Kathy Burke offers A Mind of My Own, a funny, straight-talking, and candid reflection on her life. She traces her path from an Islington childhood to becoming one of Britain's most loved and level-headed entertainers, recalling her start at the Anna Scher Theatre and the unapologetic honesty that has defined her career.
Inspiring Journeys and Reflective Accounts
Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai returns with Finding My Way, a candid and unexpectedly funny memoir about the years after the Taliban attack that made her a global symbol. She writes with refreshing normality about friendship, first love, academic struggles, and the universal chaos of university life, reminding readers she is still figuring things out.
Sir Anthony Hopkins presents a reflective journey in We Did Ok, Kid. He looks back on his tough upbringing in Port Talbot and his celebrated career in film and theatre. Hopkins recalls the pivotal role of Hamlet, milestones like working on The Silence of the Lambs, and the long road to sobriety that redefined his life.
Penny Lancaster shares a clear and unshowy account of her life in Someone Like Me. She writes about her supportive childhood and life with Rod Stewart, but also tackles tougher subjects she has rarely discussed, including school bullying, dyslexia, sexual assault, and IVF, as well as her current work as a Special Constable.
For a dose of media nostalgia, Graydon Carter's When the Going Was Good is a witty and entertaining memoir. It charts his rise to becoming the editor who turned Vanity Fair into a cultural powerhouse, complete with insider gossip from Condé Nast and stories about assembling a legendary roster of writers.
Finally, Jess and Norma by Jessica Asquith and Norma Burton offers a cosy and good-humoured read. This affectionate memoir from the popular social media duo looks back at the moments that shaped their beloved bond, filled with family stories and Norma’s trademark one-liners on everything from dating to self-care.
