World Book Day: Our Favorite Pop Culture and Celebrity Reads

April 23 marks the annual World Book Day, where we romanticize reading like it’s a full-time job (as it should be), crack open that novel we’ve been “meaning to get to,” and fall in love with fictional men who ruin real men forever.

Between romance novels and thrillers lies pop culture, celebrity books that dish unfiltered celebrity memoirs, drama, the glamour, and the real stories behind the fame.

Check out our top picks for pop culture and celebrity reads below:

Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, Growing Up – Naya Rivera

The late Glee star Naya Rivera wrote a memoir that is so notable and quotable, pages will be posted on your desktop. In Sorry Not Sorry Rivera opens up about fame, flaws, and finding herself, offering up hard-earned wisdom with a razor-sharp wit. More than a memoir, it’s a reminder to own your story, chase your dreams, and never apologize for who you are. Bonus points for the listicle at the end of every chapter citing what she is and isn’t sorry about.

Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel’s Tween Empire – Ashley Spencer

Think you know everything about Disney Channel’s “golden age?” Think again. In Disney High, author Ashley Spencer has garnered hundreds of interviews with former Disney executives and celebrities, granting readers first-hand insight into what went on when the cameras went down. From feuds to puppy love, get ready to dig a little deeper a la the Cheetah Girls.

How to Save a Life: The Inside Story of Grey’s Anatomy – Lynette Rice

ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy has been a television phenomenon since its inception in 2005. The series catapulted its cast and writers into immediate stardom – but not without its pitfalls. How to Save a Life is an oral history gathering direct intel from cast and crew members to reveal what happened behind iconic scenes, devastating departures, and feisty feuds.

Welcome to the O.C.: The Oral History―Behind the Scenes of a Megahit TV Show – Alan Sepinwall

On the topic of TV oral histories, The O.C. launched stars, paved a way for teen dramas to follow, and introduced us to Chrismukkah, but again, not without its challenges. Rolling Stone’s chief TV critic Alan Sepinwall conducted interviews with creators Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage, and key cast members, including Ben McKenzie, Mischa Barton, Rachel Bilson, Adam Brody, Peter Gallagher, Kelly Rowan, Melinda Clarke, Tate Donovan, and many more to offer an inside look to the iconic pent houses that made us fall in love with Orange County. 

The Woman in Me – Britney Spears

After being relieved of her conservatorship in 2021, Britney Spears wrote a tell-all that is strong, insightful, and poignant. Readers learn the real truth about the pop princess’s musical journey and what led her to become the icon she is today.

I’m Glad My Mom Died – Jenette McCurdy

TW: Eating disorders, Death

Despite the pearl-clutchingly shocking title, Jennette McCurdy’s I’m Glad My Mom Died is a tough, yet beautifully written read that exposes her darkest days behind her time on Nickelodeon. While dealing with an overbearing stage mom and a severe case of bulimia, the actress talks through her anxiety, shame, and self-loathing. It doesn’t ease up until her mother’s passing and McCurdy’s departure from acting, where she embarks on a healing journey to discover what she truly wants.

God-Level Knowledge Darts: Life Lessons from the Bronx – Desus Nice & The Kid Mero

Who would’ve thought that a Bronx summer school meet would turn into a comedy empire (which saw an unfortunate split in 2023 – but anyways). Before the two hosted the illustrious late-night Showtime series aptly titled Desus and Mero, where they spit hottakes and interviewed the likes of Denzel Washington, Dr. Fauci, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and many, many more, Daniel Baker and Joel Martinez were just your average Bronx kids. Their hilarious memoir talks about early beginnings and answers some of the most pressing questions, like the ethics of ghosting in a relationship. After all their years on the Bronx streets, they wanted to share all they’ve learned. Is it too soon for a reunion?

Grab an iced latte and curl up on the couch with these top picks – happy reading.