Looking for memoirs that will tug at your heartstrings and bring tears to your eyes? Look no further than these ten best-selling memoirs that offer intimate insights into the lives of some of the most captivating individuals, from celebrities to activists and athletes. Learn about rural Idaho through Tara Westover’s “Educated,” while “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls explores growing up with neglectful parents. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama tells the story of the former first lady’s journey from a small apartment in Chicago to the White House, while Cheryl Strayed’s “Wild” details her trek alone along the Pacific Crest Trail to overcome grief and loss. These powerful stories showcase the resilience of the human spirit and provide compelling insights into vastly different walks of life.
10 Best-Selling Memoirs That Will Touch Your Heart
Are you a fan of memoirs that share the intimate stories, struggles, and triumphs of individuals? Whether you’re seeking inspiration, a good cry, or just an opportunity to learn about different walks of life, there are countless memoirs that are guaranteed to touch your heart. From celebrities to activists, writers to athletes, the following ten best-selling memoirs offer a glimpse into some of the most interesting and captivating lives out there.
1. Educated by Tara Westover
In her phenomenal memoir, Tara Westover details her upbringing in rural Idaho, where she was raised in a strict and abusive household, without access to formal education. However, Westover’s thirst for knowledge didn’t stop her from pursuing education on her own terms, culminating in her acceptance to Brigham Young University and eventually Harvard and Cambridge.
2. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Jeannette Walls shares her story of growing up with unorthodox, neglectful parents who often left their family homeless and impoverished. Despite these struggles, Walls never lost her determination, leading her to ultimately become a successful journalist and author.
3. Becoming by Michelle Obama
In her memoir, former first lady Michelle Obama shares her journey from growing up in a small apartment in Chicago to becoming a lawyer, mother, and ultimately the First Lady of the United States.
4. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
In this powerful memoir, Cheryl Strayed chronicles her 1,100 mile trek alone along the Pacific Crest Trail, which she undertook in order to deal with the grief and loss she felt after her mother’s death.
5. The Diary of A Young Girl by Anne Frank
One of the most famous memoirs of all time, The Diary of A Young Girl shares the heartbreaking and inspiring story of Anne Frank. Tragically, Anne’s life was cut short when she was just fifteen years old, but her diary lives on as a testimony to her spirit and resilience.
6. Open by Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi’s memoir tells his story of growing up in a strict household and becoming a successful and controversial tennis superstar. He writes candidly about his struggles with rebellion and drug addiction, making it a compelling read for sports fans and nonfans alike.
7. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
When Breath Becomes Air chronicles the final months of neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi’s life after he’s diagnosed with terminal cancer. Through his powerful and moving storytelling, Kalanithi encourages readers to reflect on what truly gives our lives meaning.
8. Hunger by Roxane Gay
Roxane Gay’s memoir, Hunger, is a gut-wrenching and intimate look into her experiences living as an overweight woman in America. Through its honesty and vulnerability, Hunger encourages readers to confront their own biases and reexamine their relationship with their bodies.
9. Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
Hillbilly Elegy is a memoir that dives deep into the struggles of a largely forgotten demographic in America: the white working-class. J.D. Vance details his upbringing in Appalachia and offers insight into the social and economic factors that have led to the disenfranchisement of so many Americans.
10. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
After losing her husband suddenly to heart failure, Joan Didion penned this memoir, chronicling the year after his death where she struggled to accept his absence and come to terms with her own grief. The Year of Magical Thinking is a poignant and reflective exploration of loss in all its forms.
These ten memoirs may come from vastly different perspectives and experiences, but each one is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Through these stories, readers can gain insight into vastly different walks of life, while also recognizing the powerful commonalities that connect us all as people.