by Stephen Fry
First published 2011
Stephen Fry navigates the dizzying world of 1980s showbiz, from his Cambridge days to the glittering heights of fame. Confronting demons of addiction and self-doubt, he claws his way to the top, elbowing past peers like Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson. Fry's sharp wit and boundless charm propel him through triumphs and missteps alike, as he grapples with the price of success. Ultimately, this is a poignant, uproariously funny tale of an unlikely star's journey of self-discovery.
Genres: biography, drama, autobiography, memoir, non-fiction, comedy
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking, uproarious
Tropes: coming-of-age, overcoming-adversity, rags-to-riches
Setting: Great Britain
Period: 20th century
464 pages · Paperback · Penguin
Content warnings: addiction, mental-illness