Books Like...

'The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star' by Nikki Sixx is a memoir chronicling the descent of the Motley Crue bassist into the depths of drug addiction, particularly heroin, cocaine, and alcohol abuse. Through diary entries from 1986-1987, the readers get an intimate look at Nikki Sixx's struggles with addiction, paranoia, and hallucinations, providing a raw and honest portrayal of his dark journey. is structured in a unique format, combining diary entries with commentary from friends, family, and the author himself, offering a multi-dimensional perspective on the life of a rock star battling inner demons.

'Acid for the Children' by Flea is a memoir that delves into the life of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist, offering a raw and honest account of his childhood, teenage years, and young adulthood before the band's formation. The book portrays Flea's journey through dislocation, vulnerability, and manic energy, showcasing his transition from Australia to the US East Coast, LA, and beyond. Flea's writing style is described as authentic, humble, and painfully real, allowing readers to connect with his personal tale of flawed, searching, spiritual, goofy, and completely human experiences.

The narrative of 'Acid for the Children' is filled with entertaining, funny, and sometimes sad stories, providing insight into Flea's life shaped by petty crime, drugs, and music. Despite his onstage persona and the fame of RHCP, Flea remains grounded and sincere in his storytelling, focusing on his true loves - the people and music that influenced his journey. The book offers a unique voice that sets it apart from traditional rockstar memoirs, creating a connection with the reader through an offbeat narrative that reflects Flea's poetic soul and genuine personality.

'Life' by Keith Richards is a mesmerizing autobiography that takes readers on a journey through the life of the legendary rockstar. The book delves into Richards' long and tumultuous career with the Rolling Stones, providing intimate details of his experiences, struggles with addiction, relationships within the band, and his deep passion for music. Through a candid and honest narrative, Richards shares stories of his rock and roll lifestyle, songwriting process, and personal reflections, offering readers a unique insight into the life of a music icon.

'Sing Backwards and Weep: A Memoir' by Mark Lanegan is a raw and unrelenting account of the author's rough upbringing, rise in the Seattle music scene, and his serious struggles with addiction. Lanegan's writing style is described as brutally honest, immediate, and unflinchingly in the moment. The memoir delves into Lanegan's many fraught escapades involving drugs, his interactions with various celebrities of the 90s alternative music scene, and his personal journey through addiction and redemption. Readers are taken on a harrowing journey through Lanegan's life, filled with dark underbelly stories of drugs, sex, and rock and roll.

Improbable as it may seem, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and rock icon Patti Smith were the closest of friends from the time they arrived in Manhattan in the late 1960s. This memoir is about their friendship, their artistic coming of age, and a very particular time and place, Manhattan in the late 60s and early 70s. Patti Smith's writing has a very poetic quality to it, unsurprisingly, being an incredible lyricist and poet. The book delves into the NYC art scene of the late 60's and early 70s, providing a glimpse into the artistic and cultural time of that era.

'The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music' by Dave Grohl is a memoir that takes readers on a journey through the author's life, from his childhood and foray into music to achieving success on his own terms. The book is described as engaging, rich in passion and dedication, and a great read for music lovers. Grohl's storytelling style is praised for being heartfelt, relatable, and humorous, providing insight into his experiences in bands like Nirvana and Foo Fighters.

The book is structured in five parts, covering various aspects of Grohl's life and career, showcasing his deep passion and unwavering dedication to music. Readers highlight the book's ability to capture the essence of living and breathing melodies and harmonies, making it a celebration of creation and the universal love for music. Grohl's writing style is commended for being engaging, captivating, and inspiring, offering a glimpse into the life of one of the biggest names in the music industry.

'High Achiever: The Incredible True Story of One Addict's Double Life' by Tiffany Jenkins is a gripping memoir that delves into the author's harrowing journey through addiction and recovery. Jenkins candidly shares her experiences of living a double life, struggling with drug addiction while engaged to a police officer, which adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to her story. Readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as Jenkins recounts her past, highlighting the challenges she faced, the mistakes she made, and the strength she found within herself to overcome her struggles.

The writing style of 'High Achiever' is described as raw, real, and captivating. Tiffany Jenkins' storytelling is praised for its ability to draw readers in from the first sentence, making them feel like they are experiencing her journey alongside her. Through her honest and open narrative, Jenkins sheds light on the harsh realities of addiction, mental illness, and the power of resilience, leaving readers both inspired and deeply moved by her story.

'Tweak: Growing Up On Methamphetamines' by Nic Sheff is a raw and intense autobiography that delves into the life of the author's struggles with drug addiction, particularly methamphetamines and heroin. The book narrates Nic's journey from experimenting with drugs in middle school to spiraling into the dark world of addiction, involving drug use, the sex trade, and desperate attempts at recovery. The writing style is described as honest, authentic, and revealing, offering a candid portrayal of the harsh realities of addiction and its destructive impact on relationships and family dynamics.

The book provides a deep insight into the mind of an addict, showcasing the cycle of addiction, the highs and lows, and the constant battle for sobriety. Through detailed descriptions and graphic language, Nic Sheff paints a poignant picture of his struggles, failures, and moments of hope amidst the chaos of addiction. Readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster, experiencing the rawness and honesty of Nic's narrative as he navigates through the depths of drug abuse and the relentless pursuit of recovery.

'White Line Fever: The Autobiography' by Lemmy Kilmister provides a raw and unfiltered look into the life of a rock legend. Lemmy shares anecdotes from his early days in the music industry, including insights about the albums he played on and his experiences with bands like Hawkwind and Motörhead. The writing style is described as simple and engaging, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Lemmy's world of music, tours, and larger-than-life persona.

"Me" by Elton John is an honest and candid autobiography that delves deep into the life of the legendary musician. The book showcases Elton's journey from his childhood as Reginald Dwight to the iconic Elton John of today. Through anecdotes and personal reflections, Elton shares his triumphs, failures, and the pivotal moments that shaped him as a person and as an artist. The writing style is described as frank, bawdy, and unflinchingly entertaining, capturing the highs and lows of his life with equal honesty.