Rock’n Reads: Celebrity Memoirs & Music-Inspired Stories
Hoopla’s Reading Club
For Hoopla’s reading challenge for May, we’re reading and recommending audiobooks, eBooks, and comics about rock n’ roll. We’re calling it Rock’n Reads! Rock’n Reads spotlights celebrity memoirs that blend real-life stories with music culture as well as stories set in the music world.
The music memoirs and music biographies offer behind-the-scenes glimpses of artists, songwriters, and rock icons shaping sound and culture. And the stories bring the world of music performers to life. Let’s read about rock!
Audiobooks About Rock n’ Roll
By Kate Watson and read by Stephanie Rose and Logan Anare
Patrick “Patty” O’Shannan doesn’t want to be here. He barely looks at Lucy unless it’s to scowl. But her sound engineer quit last minute, and he’s all she’s got. The deal’s simple: survive the tour, save Patty’s family’s bar, no strings. Except…yeah, things get messy fast.
Written and read by Patti Smith
Patti Smith’s award-winning memoir is about her deep relationship with the artist Robert Mapplethorpe in 1960s and ‘70s New York. It traces their early struggles, artistic growth, and lasting bond. Written with lyrical clarity, it reflects their shared journey through poverty, creativity, recognition, and loss.
By Ivy Fairbanks and read by Gary Furlong and Frankie Corzo
Cielo “Lo” Valdez doesn’t do second chances, especially after Aidan O’Toole broke her heart chasing his music career. Years later, they’re reunited at a wedding, still tangled in old feelings. Now he wants her back, but she’s not sure some mistakes are worth forgiving.
eBooks with Rock n’ Roll Themes
The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits
By Jennifer Weiner
Cassie and Zoe Grossberg ruled the 2000s as the Griffin Sisters—one a shy musical genius, the other thriving on fame—until a messy breakup ended it all. Twenty years later, they’re estranged, but when Zoe’s daughter digs into their past, buried secrets start coming to light.
By Zoraida Cordova
Ariel del Mar’s a global pop star with Siren Seven, but she craves a normal life. On the eve of her forced solo debut, she sneaks out, meets a rising musician, and impulsively joins him on tour, finally chasing freedom, love, and a chance to figure out who she is.
By Cher
With humor and honesty, Cher tells how she went from uncertain beginnings to global superstardom with no clear plan. It follows her childhood, meeting and marrying Sonny Bono, and how their complicated relationship made them famous before eventually pulling them apart.
Rock n’ Roll Comics
Freddie Mercury: Shadows Illuminated
By Tres Dean and illustrated by Kyla Aiko, Robin Richardson, Safiya Zerrougui, and Tammy Wang
This insightful comic follows Freddie Mercury from his childhood in Zanzibar to his rise as a global rock star. Told through his own words, each chapter highlights different sides of his life and personality along the way.
By Jason Loo and illustrated by Rafael Loureiro
Alison Blaire, aka Dazzler, is heading out on a big comeback world tour with a new crew. But between her fame as a mutant and a sudden violent attack, things go off track fast because someone’s trying to shut her show down for good.
By Noah Van Sciver with various illustrators
Rufus Baxter’s a washed-up dreamer still clinging to his ’80s hair metal glory days, long after his bandmates died. After getting kicked out of his storage unit, he takes a last-minute wedding gig, leading to a trippy road trip that forces him to face his past.
Hoopla’s Reading Challenge for May
How do you join Hoopla’s reading challenge? Just read! Browse Hoopla’s Rock’n Reads collection and find a title (or two, three, four). Rock on!
*Titles may vary by library
Endless entertainment.
No subscription required.
With Hoopla you can read, listen, and watch for free with your library card.
Get Started