Skip to footer

10 memoirs by children of famous parents

Martha Stewart's daughter Alexis has recently published Whateverland: Learning to Live Here, a non-too-flattering book detailing her life with the domestic queen. Stewart is just the latest in a long line of children to publish memoirs about their lives with famous parents – some complimentary, others less so. The veracity of several have been called into question by family members or other doubters.

1. "Mommie Dearest," by Christina Crawford

  • By Molly Driscoll, Monitor contributor

Later turned into a movie that gave America a new view of wire hangers, Crawford's memoir Mommie Dearest is a horrific tale about growing up as an adopted daughter to movie star Joan Crawford. In the book Christina claims that she was physically and emotionally abused by the actress, whom she says was an alcoholic. The book ignited a debate that continues to this day as to whether the stories it tells are true.

1 of 10
You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us