15 books for the movie & TV superfan in your life
If you've got a movie and television enthusiast on your holiday shopping list, check out this collection of celebrity memoirs and essay collections.
You can see the complete CBC Books gift guide here.
GuRu by RuPaul
RuPaul, Emmy Award-winning host of the reality television hit RuPaul's Drag Race, offers a collection of hard-earned wisdom and personal philosophy in GuRu. "Here, we will explore the path of the seeker," RuPaul opens the book. "The one who dares to feel more, to experience more and to fearlessly love more." RuPaul's next project: starring in the Netflix sitcom AJ and the Queen.
Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon
A love letter to the American South, Reese Witherspoon's memoir Whiskey in a Teacup describes how the Academy Award-winning actress was shaped by her upbringing in Tennessee. The title comes from her grandmother Dorothea, who described Southern women as "whiskey in a teacup... delicate and ornamental on the outside, strong and fiery on the inside."
Most Dramatic Ever by Suzannah Showler
Suzannah Showler digs into 16 years of The Bachelor/Bachelorette in Most Dramatic Ever, exploring how the reality show became a cultural phenomenon and a Monday night staple for millions of households. Rose by rose, Showler breaks down the game show/love story formula and draws out exactly what is so compelling about the version of romance the show sells.
The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish
Tiffany Haddish chronicles her remarkable life in The Last Black Unicorn, from being bullied and living in foster care in South Central Los Angeles to starring in films like Girls Trip alongside Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith and Regina Hall. The comedy star says learning to be funny was her survival — it kept other kids from beating her up and earned her first dollars as a Bar Mitzvah hype woman.
The Kids in the Hall by Paul Myers
Paul Myers chronicles the storied history of the Canadian comedy troupe The Kids in the Hall. From their early days performing sketches in Toronto clubs to their cult-hit television show, Myers interviews the cast and producer Lorne Michaels, exploring how the Kids became icons of comedy.
Son of a Critch by Mark Critch
In the memoir Son of a Critch, This Hour Has 22 Minutes comedian Mark Critch describes how his light-hearted trouble-making began with growing up in 1980s Newfoundland. From trying to buy beer from a cab driver as a youngster to photo-bombing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as an adult, Critch relays a series of funny stories that is now longlisted for the 2019 RBC Taylor Prize for nonfiction.
The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman
In this oral history, sitcom royalty Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman describe the origins of their 18-year romance and lessons learned along the way. Known for their iconic roles on Will & Grace and Parks & Recreation respectively, Mullally and Offerman offer a very funny, heart-felt account of their lives, marriage and the many jigsaw puzzles completed together.
So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y'all Don't Even Know by Retta
Parks and Recreation and Good Girls star Retta describes her transition from contract chemist and medical school hopeful to comedy actress. So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y'all Don't Even Know is a candid and funny memoir about chasing your dream and encountering the perks and pitfalls of fame.
Blowing the Bloody Doors Off by Michael Caine
British actor Michael Caine has starred in over 100 films, including classics like Alfie and The Italian Job, as well as Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy. In Blowing the Bloody Doors Off, Caine shares stories and lessons accumulated over his six-decade career.
Perfect Is Boring by Tyra Banks and Carolyn London
Tyra Banks teams up with her mother Carolyn London for this candid account of her life and career. Banks credits her mother's pep talks and tough love for inspiring her hard work ethic and dedication in becoming a supermodel, entrepreneur and television personality. Currently, Banks stars in Life Size 2.
My Squirrel Days by Ellie Kemper
Ellie Kemper, "best-intentioned redhead next door," shares tales from her childhood and career in comedy in My Squirrel Days. Whip-smart and self-deprecating, My Squirrel Days describes Kemper's journey from directing her family's holiday pageant to starring in The Office and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
In Pieces by Sally Field
Oscar winning actor Sally Field has written a memoir that takes readers on a journey from her lonely childhood in Pasadena to her glittering years on Broadway and in Hollywood. The book is also a tribute to her mother Margaret, who died in 2011 and was a lifelong champion of Field's career.
Everything's Trash, But It's Okay by Phoebe Robinson
Bestselling writer Phoebe Robinson is back with a new collection of funny essays, Everything's Trash, But It's Okay. Robinson tackles an array of cultural issues, including intersectionality in feminism, societal beauty standards and unhealthy work obsession, with her well-honed wit and arsenal of popculture references. Robinson is known for hosting the podcast/television show 2 Dope Queens and starring in the film Ibiza.
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life by Eric Idle
Monty Python's Eric Idle offers a "sortabiography" for his fans — a collection of funny, probably true stories from his life and career. With the offbeat humour that made him famous, Idle describes his comedy coming-of-age in the 1960s and 1970s and how he ended up rubbing shoulders with greats like David Bowie, George Harrison and Robin Williams.
Final Report by Rick Mercer
When satirist and comedian Rick Mercer announced that the 15th season of the Rick Mercer Report — the popular comedy CBC television series — would be its last, it was the end of an era. But Mercer, in true form, still had much to rant about. His new book is a carefully curated look at never-before-published rants from the last five seasons of his hit show, along a collection of the very best rants from earlier years.