This list of 10 memoirs provides readers with tales of resilience, perseverance and hope that will inspire and motivate them to overcome their own struggles and reach their full potential. From Michelle Obama’s journey as a young girl in Chicago to becoming the first African American First Lady, to Tara Westover’s unconventional upbringing in a strict Mormon family in rural Idaho and her eventual Ph.D. from Cambridge University, these stories of personal struggles and triumphs will encourage readers to believe in themselves and their own potential. The power of resilience and the importance of finding meaning in life, even in the most difficult circumstances, are also highlighted in these memoirs.
10 Memoirs You Need to Read That Will Leave You Feeling Inspired
1. Becoming by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama’s memoir documents her journey from a young girl growing up in Chicago to becoming the first African-American First Lady of the United States. Throughout the book, Obama shares personal stories of struggles, triumphs, and important life lessons that will inspire readers to believe in themselves and their own potential.
2. Educated by Tara Westover
Tara Westover’s memoir tells the story of her unconventional upbringing in a strict Mormon family in rural Idaho. Despite lacking a formal education, Westover managed to teach herself and eventually earn a Ph.D. from Cambridge University. Her powerful story of resilience and determination will leave readers feeling inspired and uplifted.
3. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Jeannette Walls’ memoir is a compelling story of her chaotic childhood with dysfunctional parents who lived a nomadic lifestyle. Walls’ account of her journey from poverty and neglect to a successful career as a journalist shows that with perseverance and hard work, anything is possible.
4. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
In her memoir, Cheryl Strayed documents her journey hiking over 1,000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in a quest for self-discovery and healing after the death of her mother. Strayed’s inspiring story of overcoming personal demons and pushing herself to new limits will motivate readers to take risks and chase their dreams.
5. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Mitch Albom’s memoir is the story of his weekly visits with a former professor who is dying from ALS. Through their conversations, Albom learns valuable life lessons and gains a greater appreciation for living in the moment. This inspiring book will encourage readers to cherish all that life has to offer.
6. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
In her groundbreaking memoir, Maya Angelou shares her experiences growing up as a black woman in the South during a time of rampant racism and discrimination. Her powerful story of hope and resilience in the face of adversity will inspire readers to stand up for what is right and fight for justice and equality.
7. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Joan Didion’s memoir explores her grief and sorrow following the sudden death of her husband. Through her candid and poignant writing, Didion demonstrates the power of resilience and the importance of coming to terms with loss. This inspiring book will help readers find the strength to face their own struggles.
8. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Viktor Frankl’s memoir documents his experiences as a prisoner in Auschwitz during World War II. Through his harrowing account of survival, Frankl illuminates the importance of finding meaning in life, even in the most difficult circumstances. This inspiring book teaches readers that it is possible to endure even the most trying of circumstances.
9. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Anne Frank’s diary is a poignant account of her experiences hiding in an attic during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam. Through her diary entries, Frank shows the power of hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. This inspiring book will motivate readers to never give up and always hold onto hope.
10. Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
J.D. Vance’s memoir tells the story of his journey from a poverty-stricken Appalachian family to a successful career as a lawyer and writer. Vance’s inspiring story of overcoming adversity and breaking free from the cycle of poverty will inspire readers to believe in themselves and their own potential.
In conclusion, these memoirs offer valuable insights into the human experience and illuminate the importance of resilience, perseverance, hope, and determination. They are perfect reads for anyone in search of inspiration and motivation to overcome their own struggles and reach their full potential.