Memoirs offer readers an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of individuals from different walks of life. These 10 memoirs are guaranteed to capture your attention and keep you hooked. “Educated” by Tara Westover tells the inspiring story of a woman who earned a Ph.D. despite being denied an education by her survivalist family. “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed is a powerful narrative of a solo 1,100-mile hike that was both physically and emotionally transformative. “Born A Crime” by Trevor Noah is a hilarious and heart-wrenching memoir about growing up in apartheid South Africa. These memoirs and the others on the list offer powerful insight and commentary on life, loss, and the human condition.
10 Memoirs You Won’t Be Able to Put Down
Memoirs offer a unique insight into the lives of different people, and reading them is a great way to understand various perspectives and experiences. If you’re a fan of memoirs, you’ll find that there are those that capture your attention and refuse to let it go. Here are 10 memoirs that you won’t be able to put down.
1. Educated by Tara Westover
Educated is a memoir about a woman who grew up in a survivalist family in rural Idaho. Tara Westover’s parents didn’t believe in formal education, and she wasn’t allowed to attend school until she was 17 years old. Despite the odds against her, Westover went on to earn a Ph.D. from Cambridge University. Her memoir is an inspiring story of resilience and determination.
2. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Wild is a memoir about Cheryl Strayed’s 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. She embarked on this journey after her mother passed away, and her life had fallen apart. In the wilderness, Strayed found herself and came to terms with her grief. Her memoir is a powerful story of healing and self-discovery.
3. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Born a Crime is a memoir by comedian Trevor Noah, who is best known for hosting The Daily Show. The book details his childhood in apartheid-era South Africa, where he was born to a white father and a black mother. As a result, his very existence was a crime under the country’s laws at the time. Noah’s memoir is both hilarious and heart-wrenching.
4. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
The Glass Castle is a memoir about Jeannette Walls’ unconventional childhood. Walls’ parents were eccentric and often irresponsible, leading to a life of poverty and instability. Despite this, Walls was able to achieve success as a journalist. Her memoir is a moving tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.
5. Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
Hillbilly Elegy is a memoir by J.D. Vance, who grew up in a working-class family in Ohio. The book explores the struggles of white working-class Americans and the cultural divide between them and the rest of the country. Vance’s memoir is a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on the state of modern America.
6. Just Kids by Patti Smith
Just Kids is a memoir by musician Patti Smith, detailing her life with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe in New York City in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The book is a portrait of the bohemian art scene in the city during that time and a tribute to the power of creative collaboration.
7. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
The Year of Magical Thinking is a memoir by Joan Didion about the year following the sudden death of her husband. Didion’s memoir is a raw and honest exploration of grief and the ways in which we cope with loss.
8. Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
Kitchen Confidential is a memoir by celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, detailing his life in the restaurant industry. Bourdain’s memoir is both entertaining and insightful, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the high-pressure world of professional cooking.
9. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a memoir and investigative journalism piece by Rebecca Skloot. The book details the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman whose cancer cells were used without her consent for medical research. Skloot’s memoir is a fascinating exploration of medical ethics, race, and the legacy of one woman’s contributions to science.
10. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a memoir by famous poet Maya Angelou about her childhood in the South. The book explores themes of race, identity, and trauma, as Angelou overcomes adversity to become a successful writer and activist. Her memoir is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the resilience of the black community.
Conclusion
These 10 memoirs offer unique insights into the lives of different people, showing the ways in which we can overcome adversity and find meaning in our experiences. Whether you’re interested in stories of resilience, creative collaboration, or the world of professional cooking, you’ll find something to love in these memoirs. And once you start reading, you won’t be able to put them down.