Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough’s Memoir Selected as Louisiana Inspired Book Club’s 2025 Pick
Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough’s Memoir Chosen as Louisiana Inspired Book Club’s First 2025 Pick
The Louisiana Inspired Book Club has announced its first selection for 2025: From Here to the Great Unknown, a poignant memoir co-written by Lisa Marie Presley and her daughter, Riley Keough. The book, a heartfelt exploration of resilience, loss, and self-discovery, offers dual perspectives on Presley’s life, blending her raw narrative with Keough’s reflective insights.
The memoir, initially drafted by Presley, was a project she entrusted to her daughter just a month before her passing. Keough meticulously pieced together her mother’s story using audio recordings, adding her own memories and context to create a layered, deeply personal account. The result is a unique interplay of voices, with different fonts distinguishing Presley’s words from Keough’s commentary—a technique that enhances the reading experience.
The virtual book club discussion will take place at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, and can be accessed via a live YouTube link. For those interested in hosting in-person discussions, a detailed guide will be provided to help facilitate meaningful conversations.
From Here to the Great Unknown delves into universal themes, making it a relatable and thought-provoking choice. From intimate family dynamics to the challenges of navigating fame, the memoir invites readers to reflect on their own lives while fostering empathy.
The audiobook version, narrated by Julia Roberts (preserving Presley’s voice) and Riley Keough (reading her own reflections), adds another layer of emotional depth. An excerpt from the memoir reveals its candid tone:
Presley: Danny came to find me. “Let’s talk,” he said. “What happened?” “Well,” I said, “Michael [Jackson] asked me to leave you and marry him and have children with him.” “What did you say?” “I said nothing.” “That’s it, then,” Danny said. “That’s it. Forget it.” And then Danny packed his bags, got the dog, and drove out the damn gate. Gone.
Keough: I was sitting on my mom’s lap in a hotel room in Clearwater, Florida, when she told me she and my dad were getting divorced. I was hysterical, sobbing uncontrollably because I thought it meant that he wasn’t my dad anymore. “No, no, of course he is your dad,” my mom said.
The memoir also touches on the complexities of sibling relationships. Keough recounts a childhood memory involving her brother, Ben:
Keough: That day, Ben found one of her bright red lipsticks and drew a long line all along the wall. He always loved to play with her makeup, but this time he was going to be in so much trouble. “I’m going to tell on you,” I said, and I did. I remember hearing Ben being yelled at in the other room and him crying, and I felt so guilty. I carried that guilt, the guilt of being an older sibling, for years. Ben could always break my heart.
As a nod to the Presley family’s Louisiana ties—where Elvis first gained recognition—the book club’s selection highlights the enduring legacy of one of music’s most iconic families.
The selection of From Here to the Grate Unknown as the Louisiana Inspired Book Club’s first 2025 pick underscores the enduring power of storytelling to connect, heal, and inspire. Lisa Marie Presley’s candid vulnerability, paired with riley Keough’s thoughtful reflections, creates a memoir that transcends generational boundaries, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the complexities of life, love, and legacy. This dual narrative, meticulously crafted from raw recordings and deeply personal memories, not only preserves Presley’s voice but also highlights Keough’s dedication to honoring her mother’s story.
As readers delve into this deeply moving account, they are invited to explore universal themes of resilience, loss, and self-discovery, resonating with anyone who has faced the challenges of navigating life’s unexpected turns. The Louisiana Inspired Book Club’s choice of this memoir is a testament to its profound emotional depth and its ability to inspire meaningful conversations. From Here to the Great Unknown is more than a memoir—it is a festivity of the enduring bond between a mother and daughter, and a reminder of the power of shared stories to illuminate the human experiance. This selection promises to leave a lasting impact, solidifying its place as a must-read for 2025.
Terical.I didn’t understand—all I knew was that my world was breaking apart. Looking back, I see how much it shaped her, how it shaped us both, and how we learned to navigate loss together.
From Here to the Great Unknown is a testament to the enduring bond between mother and daughter, and also a celebration of life’s triumphs and tribulations. The Louisiana Inspired Book Club’s selection underscores the memoir’s universal appeal and its ability to spark meaningful dialog. This literary journey is not onyl a tribute to Lisa Marie Presley’s legacy but also an invitation to explore the shared human experience. We encourage readers to join the discussion,whether virtually or in person,and to discover the profound connections woven into this remarkable story.