Book

Miss America

📖 Overview

Miss America is Howard Stern's second book, released in 1995 as a follow-up to his bestseller Private Parts. The book compiles personal stories and experiences from Stern's life and career that had not been previously shared on his radio show. Written in collaboration with Larry "Ratso" Sloman, the text covers topics including Stern's struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder, his radio career rivalries, and notable encounters with celebrities such as Michael Jackson. The chapters are structured independently, allowing readers to start at any point in the book. The book achieved immediate commercial success, breaking records with 33,000 copies sold on its first day and reaching 1.39 million copies sold by the end of 1995. A paperback edition was released in 1996 featuring three different cover versions. Miss America represents Stern's willingness to reveal personal vulnerabilities while maintaining his characteristic irreverent style, offering insights into both the public persona and private individual behind the microphone.

👀 Reviews

Readers view Miss America as less shocking and raw compared to Stern's first book Private Parts, but more personal and reflective. Readers appreciated: - Behind-the-scenes stories from his radio show - Details about his struggles with OCD and therapy - Humor around his marriage and family life - Photos and visual content throughout Common criticisms: - Repetitive material from his radio show - Less controversial than expected - Too much focus on his wealth and success - Writing style can be scattered and unfocused Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (280+ ratings) Several readers noted the book feels "tamer" than Private Parts. One Amazon reviewer wrote: "He tries too hard to show his softer side." Multiple Goodreads reviewers mentioned the OCD revelations as the most compelling part. A common thread in reviews is that fans of the radio show will enjoy it more than general readers.

📚 Similar books

Too Fat to Fish by Artie Lange Radio personality and Howard Stern Show regular Artie Lange shares raw stories from his life, career, and battles with addiction.

The Way I Am by Eminem The controversial artist presents candid stories about his rise to fame and personal battles in a format that mirrors Stern's unfiltered approach.

I Am Ozzy by Ozzy Osbourne Rock star Ozzy Osbourne delivers unvarnished tales from his career and personal life with the same shocking honesty found in Stern's work.

The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band by Mötley Crüe Members of Motley Crue reveal backstage stories and personal struggles with the same level of uncensored detail as Stern's memoirs.

Born Standing Up by Steve Martin Comedian Steve Martin chronicles his rise through show business and addresses mental health challenges, offering a behind-the-scenes perspective similar to Stern's revelations.

🤔 Interesting facts

🎯 Stern wrote the entire manuscript longhand, refusing to use a computer, and filled over 10,000 pages of yellow legal pads during the writing process. 🎙️ The book spent 16 weeks at #1 on The New York Times Best Seller list and sold over 1.39 million copies in its first month of release. 🧠 During the writing of the book, Stern was attending therapy five days a week, which heavily influenced the introspective nature of his storytelling. 👥 Co-author Larry "Ratso" Sloman had previously collaborated on autobiographies with notable figures like Anthony Kiedis and Mike Tyson. 📚 The book's title "Miss America" was chosen as an ironic commentary on Stern's controversial public image, playing off his previous book "Private Parts."