I’m obsessed. Listening to audiobook memoirs during my daily commute, my favorites are read by the authors themselves. It makes the ride more enjoyable, and there is something special about listening to a person read aloud their own memoir. It feels like they’re sitting right there, sharing their story with me and me alone. Here are some favorites:
Then Again by Diane Keaton
Diane shares her life in this lovely memoir, including how she became an actress, her decision to adopt her first child at age 50, and her relationship with her mother, Dorothy Hall, who passed away in 2008. Diane reads aloud with pure emotion, sometimes brought to laughter or tears as she reads, making it feel quite genuine.
My Lucky Life in and Out of Show Business by Dick Van Dyke
Start your commute each morning with Dick Van Dyke, sharing life stories with his own familiar voice. I loved it! He recounts his incredible career, including when he met Mary Tyler Moore, his time filming the Dick Van Dyke Show, and what it was like participating in the forever-magical Mary Poppins. Step in time! Step in time!
Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life by Steve Martin
Steve Martin’s memoir is both funny and thoughtful, looking back upon his life and work as a comedian. He tells how he came to form his signature comedic style, starting with one of his early jobs doing magic tricks at the Disney magic shop, as well as why he left stand-up comedy at the height of his fame 
to focus on film-making.
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of the Princess Bride by Cary Elwes
Cary Elwes recounts some of his most memorable stories: the filming of the now-iconic film The Princess Bride, his nervousness throughout the experience that he might get replaced, the countless hours he and Mandy Patinkin spent practicing for their famous sword fight, and his favorite moments with Andre the Giant.
Multiple co-stars, including Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin and Billy Crystal, also chime in to share their memories, making it all the more insightful.
By Myself and Then Some by Lauren Bacall
Reading aloud in that distinctive voice, Lauren Bacall discusses her career, meeting and falling in love with her husband Humphrey Bogart, and her friendships with other screen legends like Katharine Hepburn.
Listening to Bacall was remarkable, especially after her passing last year at age 89.
Want more? Listen to Bossy Pants by Tina Fey, Yes Please by Amy Poehler, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and Other Concerns) by Mindy Kahling, and Still Foolin’ ‘em by Billy Crystal for more great memoirs read aloud by the author.
~posted by Chris
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