Cher, 80, Reveals Her Favorite Books and the Movie She’s Watched ‘At Least 100 Times’
The icon shares book recs, film obsessions and the remake she dreams of starring in!
Key Takeaways
- Cher, 80, an avid reader despite being diagnosed with dyslexia, shares her favorite books.
- The icon has watched the 1958 film ‘Auntie Mame’ at least 100 times.
- Part two of Cher's highly anticipated memoir releases November 17, 2026.
Cher turns 80 today, and after more than six dazzling decades in the spotlight, the bona fide icon still knows how to surprise people. From her Oscar-winning performance in Moonstruck to her fearless fashion moments and chart-topping hits like ‘Believe,’ Cher’s long been one of Hollywood’s most legendary stars. But beyond the cameras, glitz and glamour, Cher harbors a genuine love of storytelling, books and movies. She’s even called herself an avid reader despite having dyslexia. In fact, the diagnosis also once led her to a romance with Tom Cruise.
Over the years, she’s opened up in interviews about some of her favorite books and films (including one remake she dreams of starring in!) and how working on her memoir was a labor of love over the course of many years.
So whether you’re looking for your next page-turner or just want to see what inspires the one and only ‘Goddess of Pop,’ we rounded up Cher’s favorite books—from historical nonfiction to self-help—movies and more! Plus, more details about the highly anticipated second installment of her memoir.
Cher’s favorite books: nonfiction to self-help!
Cher has never let her dyslexia diagnosis (more on that below!), affect her passion for reading.“I love to read,” she told Us Weekly in an interview. “And I have taught several young people to read.”
She went on to reveal one of her go-to books. “One of my favorite books is God Against the Gods: The History of the War Between Monotheism and Polytheism by Jonathan Kirsch.” She also shared a couple of must-read self-help books—and one she described as “one of the best.”
‘God Against the Gods’ by Jonathan Kirsch
In this sweeping book, bestselling author Jonathan Kirsch takes readers back to one of history’s most pivotal cultural battles. Each chapter explores the dramatic clash between the ancient pagan world—where many gods and belief systems coexisted—and the rise of monotheism—the demand for devotion to one faith. Combining sharp storytelling with historical research, Kirsch traces the roots of religious intolerance from Ancient Egypt to the turbulent fourth century, when two Roman emperors—the Christian Constantine and the pagan Julian—fought for political power and the spiritual future of civilization itself.
What other readers are saying: “This is an amazing book that teaches you the history of western religion in a digestible way that feels more like a story than a history book.”
‘Healing the Child Within’ by Charles L. Whitfield
This classic 1987 book penned by Charles L. Whitfield is popular in the recovery and self-help world for its compassionate approach to childhood trauma and emotional healing—and it’s one of Cher’s favorite books of all-time. In her 1991 lifestyle and fitness book, Forever Fit, she praises this as “one of the best books I’ve ever read.”
In clear, easy-to-understand terminology, Whitfield explores the difference between the “true self” and the protective “false self” many people develop after painful experiences. Decades after its release, the book remains recommended by therapists and readers looking to better understand recovery, self-worth and healing from the past.
What other readers are saying: “I cannot rave enough about this book. I thought I would be able to just skim through the book, but it is a lot deeper and informative than I ever imagined. It is an easy read and very practical. The information is applicable, so it may be best to take each chapter in and not rush through. I think this way you will be able to retain the information. It has really given me a lot of insight about myself, my family of origin and some answers to why or how people behave in ways that they do.”
‘You Can Heal Your Life’ by Louise Hay
Another book Cher recommends in her 1991 lifestyle guidebook, Forever Fit, is You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay. This book—which has sold more than 50 million copies—became a global self-help phenomenon when it first released in 1984, thanks to its message about the connection between your mindset, your emotional wellbeing and your physical health.
Filled with positive affirmations and practical exercises, the book encourages readers to challenge negative thought patterns and embrace self-love as part of their own healing process. This book is still one of the most widely read books in the wellness and personal growth space.
What other readers are saying: “It’s hard to fathom a book selling over 50 million copies and being on the NYT Best Seller list twice, the first time for 14 weeks and achieving that honor again for a second time 22 years later. This is truly a landmark book. I suspect it may have been one of, if not the first self-help book. If you’re not 100% happy with your life and you’re not already one of the 50+ million who has read this book, I urge you to do so. It can truly be life-changing. Even being familiar with the principles, it never hurts to have a refresher of such important information.”
Cher opens up about her dyslexia diagnosis
Cher’s passion for these transformative books is even more remarkable when you understand her personal journey with reading. Dyslexia is a common learning disorder that primarily affects reading, spelling and language processing. Cher wasn’t officially diagnosed until she was in her thirties, but she never let it hold her back.
“I learned almost everything I learned by hearing it in the classroom,” she told Barbara Walters during an interview in 1988. “I’m a much better reader now. I read very slowly,” she continued.
Another fun fact? Her diagnosis led to a love affair with none other than Tom Cruise. That’s right! “A bunch of people who were dyslexic were invited to the White House, and Tom and I are both dyslexic,” she told the Daily Mail. “We didn’t go out till way later, but there definitely was a connection there.”
Cher’s favorite films: classics on repeat!
In her interview with Us Weekly, she described her deep love of a classic film—and her hopes for a remake. “I have watched the 1958 film Auntie Mame, with Rosalind Russell, at least 100 times,” Cher said. “I would love to play that part in a remake.”
Another classic she deems a “perfect” film? The Godfather. In 2013, Cher did an official AMA (ask me anything) on Reddit and one fan asked what her favorite movie is. “That’s an almost impossible question,” Cher said. “The thing that popped into my mind is The Godfather. And maybe Godfather II might be better. Actually, Francis gave me as a present the two of them cut together, which is amazing. I think that’s what I think is a perfect film, the two of them cut together.”
When will part two of her memoir be released?
The follow-up to her bestselling first memoir, Cher: The Memoir, Part One continues Cher’s extraordinary story in her own voice. Covering decades of career highs, personal struggles, iconic reinventions and unforgettable pop culture moments, the second installment offers an intimate look at one of entertainment’s most enduring legends—from her early years with Sonny Bono to her later success as a solo artist and global icon. The book releases on November 17, 2026.Cher described the process of writing the memoir and recounting old memories as difficult, and noting that it took a very long time to complete the book. “It’s hard telling everything about your life,” Cher told Entertainment Weekly. “Some things really don’t belong. I wasn’t as forthcoming in the first version. Then I thought I don’t want to do this like this, because if you’re going to tell your life, you’ve got to tell your life. So, I went back and made the decision to say much more than I actually wanted to.”
Can’t wait to read part two of Cher’s memoir? Pre-order your copy today!
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