18 best nonfiction books for fans of Madonna, memoirs or cultural histories
Call it Peak Gift Book: For whatever reason (perhaps pandemic delays), 2023 has witnessed a major nonfiction groundswell of memoirs, biographies and cultural histories that are both substantial and a lot of fun.
The pop revolutions of the 20th century work their way through biographies of Madonna and Lou Reed, memoirs by Sly Stone and Werner Herzog, histories of High Times magazine and Toni Morrison's brilliant circle. More recent books trace the rise of streaming TV, cool beauty products, American Apparel and whatever it is Julia Fox represents.
Throw in some big-idea books about time, conspiracy politics and the climate crisis. With virtually a book for every interest, you can't go wrong.
Madonna: A Rebel Life
Dishy tell-all or serious cultural biography? Author Mary Gabriel won't make you choose. Her weighty volume captures Madonna's astonishing rise from working-class roots through New York's blazing 1980s nightclub scene and on to a level of superstardom that allows the author to bear down on why, exactly, the performer matters so much. It's not
