From growing up in a fundamentalist family in rural Idaho to hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, there are many fascinating memoirs that offer a glimpse into different lives. “Educated” by Tara Westover is a stunning account of self-education, while Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” sheds light on her life from growing up in Chicago to being the First Lady. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot explores the ethical implications of medical research, while “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls tells the story of resilience despite a dysfunctional upbringing. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou reflects on her childhood in the segregated South, and Anthony Ray Hinton’s “The Sun Does Shine” is a powerful account of his wrongful imprisonment. These memoirs and more offer valuable insights into the human experience.
10 Memoirs to Read for a Glimpse Into Different Lives
1. “Educated” by Tara Westover
Tara Westover’s memoir “Educated” is a stunning account of growing up in a fundamentalist and survivalist family in rural Idaho. Westover was raised without formal schooling, medical care, or other basic necessities, but despite this, she managed to educate herself and eventually earned a PhD from Cambridge University. This memoir is a powerful story of resilience and the importance of education.
2. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama
Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s memoir “Becoming” is an intimate look at her life, from growing up on the south side of Chicago to her time in the White House. In the book, Obama reflects on her struggles and triumphs and shares insights into her life as a wife, mother, and public figure.
3. “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls
Jeannette Walls’ “The Glass Castle” is a memoir of her unconventional upbringing by her dysfunctional and nomadic family. Despite the hardships she faced, Walls’ memoir is a story of hope and resilience that is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
4. “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed’s memoir “Wild” is a raw and honest account of her journey hiking the Pacific Crest Trail after the sudden death of her mother and the breakdown of her marriage. The book is both a tribute to her mother and a reflection on grief, loss, and self-discovery.
5. “The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion
Joan Didion’s memoir “The Year of Magical Thinking” is a haunting account of the year following the sudden death of her husband. The book explores themes of grief, love, and resilience and is a powerful reminder of the impact of loss.
6. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot
Rebecca Skloot’s “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” is a non-fiction account of a woman whose cancer cells were taken without her permission in 1951 and used to create the first immortal human cell line. The book explores the ethical implications of medical research and raises questions about informed consent and the use of people’s bodies for scientific purposes.
7. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s memoir “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” is a powerful reflection on her childhood in the segregated South, where she faced discrimination and trauma. The book is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the importance of facing adversity with courage and grace.
8. “Hunger” by Roxane Gay
Roxane Gay’s memoir “Hunger” is a raw and honest exploration of her relationship with food, her body, and her identity as a woman of size in a society that enforces strict beauty standards. The book is a powerful indictment of diet culture and a call to action for greater body acceptance and inclusivity.
9. “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah’s memoir “Born a Crime” is a humorous and heartfelt account of his childhood growing up in apartheid South Africa. The book explores themes of race, identity, and family and is a testament to the power of humor and storytelling to connect people across different cultures and experiences.
10. “The Sun Does Shine” by Anthony Ray Hinton
Anthony Ray Hinton’s memoir “The Sun Does Shine” is a haunting account of his wrongful conviction and 30-year imprisonment on death row for a crime he did not commit. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a powerful call to action for greater justice and accountability in America’s criminal justice system.