Memoirs can transport readers to different worlds and cultures, providing a unique perspective on life. This article highlights ten must-read memoirs that will change the way you see the world. Michelle Obama’s Becoming explores her life from childhood to the White House, while Tara Westover’s Educated tells the story of her journey to college despite growing up in an abusive household. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a moving portrayal of family resilience, while Wild by Cheryl Strayed is a testament to the power of nature and resilience. These memoirs, along with others on the list, offer valuable insights into the diverse human experience.
10 Must-Read Memoirs That Will Change the Way You See the World
Memoirs have the power to transport readers to entirely different worlds, cultures, and experiences. They allow readers to step into the shoes of the author and share their unique perspective on life. Some memoirs are funny, some are heartbreaking, and some are eye-opening. Here are ten must-read memoirs that will change the way you see the world.
1. Becoming by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama’s memoir, Becoming, is a powerful memoir that explores her life from her childhood in Chicago to her years in the White House. She shares her struggles to balance motherhood and a career, as well as her journey to find her voice and become a leader. This memoir is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and resilience.
2. Educated by Tara Westover
Educated is Tara Westover’s incredible memoir of growing up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho. Despite her lack of formal education, Westover taught herself and eventually attended college at Brigham Young University and Cambridge University. This memoir is a remarkable story of perseverance and the power of education.
3. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
The Glass Castle is a memoir that tells the story of Jeannette Walls’ childhood spent with her siblings and parents, who were constantly on the move and living in poverty. Despite their struggles, Walls’ parents were also free-spirited artists and instilled a sense of creativity and imagination in their children. This memoir is a moving portrayal of the resilience of the human spirit.
4. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Wild is Cheryl Strayed’s beautiful memoir of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail after facing personal hardships, including the death of her mother, divorce, and addiction. Her journey on the trail allows her to confront her past and find solace in nature. This memoir is a testament to the power of nature and the human spirit of resilience.
5. In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
In the Dream House is Carmen Maria Machado’s haunting memoir of her abusive relationship with her ex-girlfriend. She shares her struggles with gaslighting and emotional abuse, and the challenges of being in a same-sex relationship. This memoir is a brave and important portrayal of domestic violence in LGBTQ+ relationships.
6. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Born a Crime is a hilarious and poignant memoir by comedian Trevor Noah. Noah shares his experiences growing up in South Africa during apartheid, from his Black mother and white father. This memoir is an insightful and funny look at race, identity, and family.
7. The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson
The Argonauts is Maggie Nelson’s genre-bending memoir that explores her relationship with her genderqueer partner, Harry. She shares her experiences with motherhood, love, and identity in a way that is both poetic and philosophical. This memoir is a beautiful and insightful reflection on what it means to love and be loved.
8. Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
Hillbilly Elegy is a memoir by J.D. Vance that tells the story of his upbringing in a poor, white family in Appalachia. He shares his experiences with addiction, poverty, and familial dysfunction, and how he was able to break the cycle and achieve success. This memoir is a powerful and honest portrayal of the challenges facing poor, white Americans.
9. Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? By Jeanette Winterson
Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? is Jeanette Winterson’s memoir about growing up in a strict, fire-and-brimstone Pentecostal family in England. She shares her struggles with her sexuality and her search for a sense of self. This memoir is a moving and powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
10. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Between the World and Me is Ta-Nehisi Coates’ letter to his son about growing up as a Black man in America. He shares his experiences with racism, violence, and police brutality, and discusses the larger societal issues facing Black Americans. This memoir is a powerful and important reflection on race in America.
In conclusion, these ten memoirs offer powerful and unique perspectives on life, identity, and the human spirit. They shed light on a diverse range of experiences, from personal struggles to larger societal issues. They are must-reads for anyone looking to expand their worldview and gain a better understanding of the world around them.