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In its first week, Cher: The Memoir, Part One sold 44,701 copies, according to Publishers Weekly, and it went straight to number one on The New York Times list, where it stayed for three weeks. It is the third book by the singer of “I Got You Babe” and “Believe”, and the first in which she tells her own story at full length, from her childhood to the years with Sonny Bono. This guide covers her 3 key books, in order, and where to begin.
By Lisanne Swart · 3 key books · 1991–2024 · Updated October 2026
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Quick answer
Cher has published three books: Forever Fit (1991), a health and fitness book; The First Time (1998), her first memoir; and Cher: The Memoir, Part One (2024). Start with Part One; a second volume is scheduled. Read on for what each book covers.
Where to Start with Cher
If you want her life story in full
→ Cher: The Memoir, Part One (2024) — the 2024 memoir, up to 1976.
If you want the shorter, earlier version
→ The First Time (1998) — her 1998 memoir.
3 Cher Books, in Order
Forever Fit
A health, fitness and beauty book, published in 1991, setting out the lifetime plan of its subtitle.
The First Time
Her first memoir, written with the journalist Jeff Coplon and published in November 1998.
Cher: The Memoir, Part One
The first of two volumes, published by Dey Street Books on 19 November 2024 (HarperCollins in the UK). It covers the years up to 1976, including her marriage to Sonny Bono. It sold 44,701 copies in its first week and debuted at number one on The New York Times bestseller list.
In What Order to Read Cher
Start with Part One. It is the fullest account of her early life. The First Time is her earlier, shorter memoir, written with Jeff Coplon in 1998.
Cher: The Memoir, Part Two has been announced but not yet published; its date has moved, and it is listed for April 2027.
A reading path
1. Cher: The Memoir, Part One (2024)
2. The First Time (1998)
3. Forever Fit (1991)
The years · 1946–2024
Quick facts about Cher
- Known for
- Hits from “I Got You Babe” (1965) to “Believe” (1998), and an Academy Award for Moonstruck
- 1946
- Born in El Centro, California
- 1965
- “I Got You Babe” with Sonny Bono
- 1988
- Oscar for Moonstruck
- 1998
- The First Time; “Believe”
- Born
- Cherilyn Sarkisian, 20 May 1946, El Centro, California
- Breakthrough
- “I Got You Babe” (1965), with Sonny Bono
- Academy Award
- Best Actress for Moonstruck (1987)
- Biggest hit
- “Believe” (1998)
- Honours
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2024)
- Married
- Sonny Bono, then Gregg Allman
The red mark is 2024: Cher: The Memoir, Part One, the first full account of her life.
How Cher Writes: Her Speaking Voice on the Page
Cher’s memoirs are written in the first person, in her own voice. The First Time was written with the journalist Jeff Coplon; Part One is credited to Cher alone.
The two memoirs are built differently. The First Time is the shorter book; Part One is much longer and covers only the years up to 1976, which gives room for her early life and the years with Sonny Bono.
Forever Fit is a different kind of book, a practical health and fitness plan from 1991, and belongs to her fitness work rather than to the memoirs.
Watch
Cher on her memoir
Cher talks to NBC’s TODAY in 2024 about Cher: The Memoir, Part One, her years with Sonny Bono and her career.
Frequently asked questions about Cher’s books
How many books has Cher written?
Three: Forever Fit (1991), The First Time (1998) and Cher: The Memoir, Part One (2024). Part Two is announced but not yet published.
What are Cher’s books in order?
Forever Fit (1991), The First Time (1998) and Cher: The Memoir, Part One (2024).
Where should I start with Cher?
With Cher: The Memoir, Part One (2024), the fullest account of her early life.
What is Cher’s most famous book?
Cher: The Memoir, Part One (2024). It debuted at number one on The New York Times bestseller list and stayed there for three weeks.
When is Cher’s memoir Part Two coming out?
It was first announced for 2025. As of October 2026 it is listed for publication on 20 April 2027.
What years does Cher: The Memoir, Part One cover?
The years up to 1976, from her childhood through her marriage to Sonny Bono.
Did Cher write her memoir herself?
The memoir is credited to Cher alone and written in her voice. Her earlier memoir, The First Time (1998), was written with the journalist Jeff Coplon.
Who reads the audiobook of Cher: The Memoir?
According to Wikipedia, the audiobook of Part One is read by Cher and the actress Stephanie J. Block.
Is Cher: The Memoir worth reading if you’re not a fan?
It covers her life before and during her first marriage, to Sonny Bono, and her start in the music business, so it is also a story of the 1960s and 70s, not only of her fame.
Footnotes
- Cher: The Memoir — Wikipedia
- Cher — Wikipedia
- Cher: The Memoir, Part One to come out in November; Part Two set for 2025 — ABC News / AP, 2024
- The First Time — Kirkus Reviews
Bibliography last verified 9 October 2026. Where sources give different first-publication years, this page uses the year in library catalogues or the publisher’s own record.
This list was not put together by a machine.
The notes are all mine,
and the books are all his.
Lisanne x
Written by Lisanne Swart, who has curated reading lists and author guides at lisanneswart.com since 2021.
See more on her personal bookshelf.
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