Memoirs can be impactful and emotionally-charged reads that take you on a journey through someone else’s life. From the inspiring story of Tara Westover’s pursuit of education in ‘Educated’ to the raw and emotional journey of Dave Eggers in ‘A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius,’ these 10 memoirs are a great place to start for those looking to read about the human experience. Other works on the list include the resilience of Jeannette Walls in ‘The Glass Castle’ and the philosophical reflections on death in ‘When Breath Becomes Air.’ These memoirs offer a glimpse into the strength and perseverance of the human spirit.
10 Memoirs That Will Take You on an Emotional Journey
If you are someone who enjoys reading memoirs, then you know how powerful they can be. Memoirs have the ability to take you on an emotional journey, to make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. They allow you to step into someone else’s shoes and see the world from their perspective. These 10 memoirs are some of the most impactful and emotional reads out there.
1. ‘Educated’ by Tara Westover
‘Educated’ is a memoir about Tara Westover’s journey of obtaining an education despite growing up in an abusive family that didn’t believe in schooling. Tara’s determination and perseverance are inspiring, and her story will have you on the edge of your seat.
2. ‘A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius’ by Dave Eggers
This memoir tells the story of Dave Eggers’ life after both of his parents passed away within weeks of each other. He becomes the primary caregiver for his younger brother and tries to navigate life as an adult without any parental guidance. The book is raw and emotional, but also full of humor and wit.
3. ‘The Glass Castle’ by Jeannette Walls
‘The Glass Castle’ is a memoir about growing up in poverty and dysfunction with unconventional parents. Jeannette Walls’ writing is captivating, and her story is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and bravery.
4. ‘Brain on Fire’ by Susannah Cahalan
In ‘Brain on Fire,’ Susannah Cahalan details her experience with a rare autoimmune disease that caused her to spiral into madness. Her harrowing story is both educational and captivating, and it sheds light on the importance of mental health awareness.
5. ‘Wild’ by Cheryl Strayed
‘Wild’ details Cheryl Strayed’s journey of healing after the death of her mother and the breakup of her marriage by hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the only way to move forward is to confront your fears head-on.
6. ‘Born a Crime’ by Trevor Noah
‘Born a Crime’ is a memoir about Trevor Noah’s childhood growing up in apartheid South Africa. His story is both humorous and heart-wrenching, and it shows the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
7. ‘The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks’ by Rebecca Skloot
‘The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks’ tells the story of the immortal cell line that was taken without consent from Henrietta Lacks, a poor black woman who died of cervical cancer in the 1950s. Skloot’s research is both informative and emotional, and it sheds light on important issues surrounding medical ethics.
8. ‘Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body’ by Roxane Gay
‘Hunger’ is a memoir that explores Roxane Gay’s relationship with her body and how it has been shaped by trauma and societal expectations. Her writing is powerful and vulnerable, and it sheds light on important issues surrounding body image and self-worth.
9. ‘When Breath Becomes Air’ by Paul Kalanithi
‘When Breath Becomes Air’ is a memoir written by Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. His writing is both introspective and philosophical, and it explores what it means to live a life in the face of death.
10. ‘The Year of Magical Thinking’ by Joan Didion
‘The Year of Magical Thinking’ is a memoir about Joan Didion’s experience after the sudden death of her husband. Her writing is poignant and visceral, and it captures the raw emotion of grief in a way that is both relatable and profound.
Conclusion
These 10 memoirs are just a small selection of the emotional journeys that can be found in this genre. Memoirs have the power to connect us to one another through shared experiences, and they can remind us of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. So next time you’re looking for a read that will leave you feeling something, consider picking up one of these impactful memoirs.