10 books by musicians that you'll want to read immediately

Need a book recommendation? Look no further than this list of books and memoirs by some of your favorite musicians. 

Tranny: Confessions of Punk Rock's Most Infamous Anarchist Sellout by Laura Jane Grace (Against Me!) with Dan Ozzi

Laura Jane Grace's memoir is an incredible look at a woman's identity crisis within the scheme of one of punk rock's most important and beloved modern bands. It's characterized by an extreme bravery and supplemented by the detailed journals she kept throughout her life, making it a must-read for more than just fans of Against Me!.

Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

Springsteen is known for his ability to use lyrics to tell a vivid story. It's no wonder that his recent autobiography—named after one of his most impressive and enduring songs—is gritty, philosophical and extremely personal. His poetic prose successfully tells his humble story, taking readers through the rise of one of the greatest musicians to ever live.

Sincerely, John the Ghost by John O'Callaghan (The Maine)

Released in April 2016, this book of poetry accompanied an EP of the same title comprised of six tracks recorded by O'Callaghan's solo side project. With poems that show the origin of the lyrics of several songs by the Maine, this book is a must-have for fans of the band. 

Just Kids by Patti Smith

This memoir documents the punk queen's famous relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. It's beautifully written and won the National Book Award for Nonfiction for a reason.

Flowers + Filth by William Francis (William Control, Aiden) and Lisa Johnson

Francis' poetry in this book ranges from dark and borderline disturbing to joyful and loving, making for a beautifully dynamic assortment. Paired with art photography from Lisa Johnson—one of rock's finest photographers—this book contains a can't-miss stunning collection. 

Read more: 16 iconic photos of your fave bands and the stories behind them

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Can I Say: Living Large, Cheating Death, and Drums, Drums, Drums by Travis Barker (Blink-182) with Gavin Edwards

If you've ever wondered about the highs and lows of being a rockstar, then Barker's brutally honest memoir is the book for you. At a whopping 416 pages, the book covers everything from his past drug addiction to the plane crash that nearly killed him. Nothing is left out, making for a comprehensive picture of life on the road with one of the most famous pop-punk bands of all time.

Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan

Published over a decade ago, Dylan's first memoir—covering the selected years 1961, 1970 and 1989—continues to make nearly every list of the best books about music, including taking the No. 1 spot on Billboard's 100 Greatest Music Books of All Time. In 304 pages, Dylan uses his unrivaled gift of storytelling to dance through the creation of three of his pivotal albums and to paint a beautiful picture of New York's 1960s folk scene using the romantic style of the poets that inspired his love for writing. He has promised two more volumes of his memoir, and we hope he follows through.

Rotten: No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs by John Lydon (Sex Pistols) with Keith Zimmerman and Kent Zimmerman

This autobiographical work is everything you would expect from the infamous Johnny Rotten: over 300 pages of angry rants about everything from British politics to his hatred of hippies. It's personal and aggressive and raw—everything we love about the Sex Pistols.

Girl in a Band: A Memoir by Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth)

Despite her aloof persona, Gordon's memoir is beautifully intimate. It's a wonderfully written exploration of her career as a female visual artist and musician in the post-punk New York scene, and it provides an unmatched look into one of the most influential bands of all time.

Autobiography by Morrissey (The Smiths)

Morrissey's expansive autobiography covers everything from his birth through present day. It is entertaining and engrossing—reminiscent of the singer's incredible lyricism with the Smiths. Weighing in at a tremendous 464 pages, the book is quite a commitment but absolutely worth it.

Which books would you recommend? Let us know in the comments.