If you’re in need of a little inspiration, reading memoirs can be just the thing to give you what you need. Memoirs are personal accounts of a person’s experiences and can highlight the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Here are ten memoirs that are sure to leave you feeling inspired: Educated by Tara Westover, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, Wild by Cheryl Strayed, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance, The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom, and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. These memoirs tell touching stories of resilience, faith, and the human experience, and are guaranteed to reignite your passion for life.
10 Memoirs That Will Leave You Inspired
If you’re looking for a little inspiration or motivation, there is no better place to turn than memoirs. Memoirs are personal stories that delve deeply into a person’s life experiences, both good and bad. They showcase the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and impart valuable life lessons. Here are ten memoirs that are sure to inspire you.
1. Educated by Tara Westover
If you have not yet read Educated, you are missing out. This memoir tells the story of Tara Westover, who grew up in a survivalist family in rural Idaho. She received no formal education and had to teach herself enough math, science, and history to get into college. Despite the numerous roadblocks in her life, she was determined to receive an education and go on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University.
2. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
In this iconic memoir, Angelou shares her experiences growing up in the Jim Crow South. She faced discrimination and hardship, but also found solace in her love of literature and poetry. Her vivid descriptions and powerful storytelling make this an unforgettable read.
3. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Wild follows Strayed’s journey as she hikes more than a thousand miles along the Pacific Crest Trail. Along the way, she confronts past demons and learns how to survive on her own. This tale of self-discovery and resilience will leave you feeling empowered.
4. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
This memoir is a heartwarming tale of the relationship between Albom and his former professor, Morrie Schwartz. As Morrie faces a terminal illness, he imparts valuable life lessons to Albom. This memoir will remind you of the value of true friendship and the importance of living life to the fullest.
5. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Walls’ memoir chronicles her unconventional childhood, spent in poverty and often without a stable home. Despite these obstacles, she managed to overcome adversity and become a successful journalist. This memoir is a testament to the human ability to endure and succeed in the face of hardship.
6. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
In this memoir, comedian Trevor Noah shares his experiences growing up in South Africa during apartheid. His mixed race heritage meant he was regarded as a criminal, and he faced numerous challenges in his youth. Despite this, he went on to become a successful comedian and TV host. This memoir is a testament to the power of laughter and the importance of resilience.
7. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
This iconic memoir chronicles the life of Anne Frank, a teenage girl who went into hiding during the Holocaust. Anne’s diary entries are a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and persecution. This memoir will leave you inspired to fight for justice and stand up against hatred.
8. Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
Hillbilly Elegy is a powerful memoir about the struggles of growing up poor in rural America. Vance’s memoir highlights the importance of family and education in overcoming poverty and adversity. It is a poignant reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
9. The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
This memoir is a powerful tale of resilience and faith. Corrie ten Boom and her family hid Jews in their home during World War II, ultimately leading to their arrest and imprisonment in a concentration camp. Despite the horrors she faced, Corrie’s faith and compassion never wavered. This memoir is a testament to the power of human kindness and the strength of the human spirit.
10. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
This unique memoir tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge and used for medical research. Her cells, known as HeLa cells, have contributed to countless scientific discoveries, but her family had no idea until years later. This memoir is a powerful reminder of the importance of informed consent and the contributions of marginalized individuals to scientific progress.
These memoirs are sure to inspire and motivate you. They showcase the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity, find hope in the darkest of times, and ultimately triumph.