What does it take to become a best-selling author these days: is it fame, or is it talent? By taking a look at the authors below, you may believe it's the former. Which is sad considering the many talented and aspiring authors who aren't given the opportunities to pursue their dream of publishing a novel. Instead, we're bombarded with junk that is written (well, co-written) by celebrities, because star power sells.
This is our fault, after all, since we're the ones buying it. And while some celebrity authors are indeed worthy of their success, the following "celebrities" (a term I use loosely) are not, and should never have gotten even remotely close to a book deal, let alone the coveted title of New York Times Best Selling Author.
Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi – "A Shore Thing"
The dwarf-like member of the raucous "Jersey Shore" crew is indeed a best-selling author. Which is kind of sad, isn't it? Regardless, fans of the reality series flocked to book stores (for the first time, I assume) to purchase the book, which happens to be a retelling of her visits to the Jersey Shore through fictional characters.
The novel is something reviewers claim is both "witty" and "illuminating," which is doubtful. Yet somehow the book hit the 24th spot on the New York Times Best Sellers list.
Vinnie Guadagnino - "Control The Crazy"
Hey, Snooki wasn't the only one to take advantage of her "Jersey Shore" fame, as Vinnie Guadagnino also somehow became a best-selling author after his book "Control the Crazy: My Plan to Stop Stressing, Avoid Drama, and Maintain Inner Cool" appeared on the Best Sellers list. This is a self-help book, ladies and gentlemen. A guy who appeared on the "Jersey Shore" wants to help you. No, thanks.
Nicole Richie – "The Truth About Diamonds"
Nicole Richie, who's probably best known as Paris Hilton's friend on "The Simple Life" cashed in on many opportunities since her television debut. One of these things was her 2005 novel "The Truth About Diamonds," which, like Snooki, is a retelling of her life through fictional characters. Again, for reasons unknown, this novel hit 23 in the "Hardcover Fiction" category in the New York Times Best Sellers list.
Miley Cyrus – "Miles To Go"
In 2009,
Miley Cyrus was 16 and had come out with an autobiography on her life. Apparently her life up until that point contained enough material to compile 288 pages worth of content. The book was wildly successful, hitting the top spot in the New York Times Best Sellers list in the "Children's Chapter Book" category. Did they read it? Probably not. But they sure as hell bought it, and that's all that matters.
Lauren Conrad – "L.A. Candy"
This famous lady-author has made an absolute killing in the book-writing business.
Lauren Conrad, the protagonist in MTV's "Laguna Beach" and "The Hills", wrote a book (again, a retelling of her life through fictional characters – a good formula, evidently) that took the top spot in the New York Times Best Seller list for "Children's Chapter Books."
Since her stellar debut, Conrad has written a library's worth of successful "literature" (I use this term lightly), including: "Sweet Little Lies", "Sugar And Spice", "Lauren Conrad Beauty", "Lauren Conrad Style", "Lauren Conrad Celebrate", "Starstruck", and "Infamous." That's enough, Conrad. You're no J.K. Rowling. I think we're good.
Farrah Abraham – "My Teenage Dream Ended"
Better known as "Farrah Superstar: Backdoor Teen Mom" (the title of her sex tape)
Farrah Abraham, who stars in the MTV series "Teen Mom" managed to write a memoir titled "My Teenage Dream Ended" in 2012. According to Examiner.com, the novel hit the 11th spot on the New York Times Best Sellers list. Why? Honestly, I have no idea. I mean, I'll admit I did watch her sex tape. But at least that was free.
Tyra Banks – "Modelland"
Supermodel turned talk show host
Tyra Banks is a best-selling author as well. Indeed, her novel (whose main character is named "Tookie De La Creme," so take from that what you will) hit the second spot of the New York Times Best Seller list in the "Children's Chapter Books" category. The synopsis is strange, but essentially follows a woman in her pursuit to become a model. In other words: not for us.
Paris Hilton – "Confessions Of An Heiress"Paris Hilton's book "Confessions of an Heiress" is a sad excuse for a book, and is more of a professionally crafted scrapbook covered in photos of the amateur porn star doing what she does best: nothing.
Apparently there's both "advice" and "inside scoops" readers can indulge in as well, but since Paris Hilton's stardom was the result of a very shitty sex tape, advice isn't exactly what people seek from "The Simple Life" star. Regardless, her book indeed hit the New York Times Best Seller list in 2004.
Justin Bieber – "First Steps 2 Forever: My Story"
Like Miley, Justin Bieber published an autobiography at just 16-years-old. Young girls bought it because it had a picture of Bieber on the cover, and it's very unlikely they actually read it. Be that as it may, the novel did make the coveted New York Best Seller list in 2010.
Kris Jenner – "Kris Jenner And All Things Kardashian"
While all of the Kardashians have their own books, Kris Jenner, the matriarch of the Kardashian clan, is probably least deserving. In her defense though, she does have some scandalous things to write about, including her very close friendship to OJ Simpson during his infamous trial. She later followed her debut memoir with a cookbook, which unsurprisingly nobody bought because we all know the Kardashians have their own kitchen staff.