Memoirs can offer readers a unique and intimate look into the lives and experiences of others. These ten must-read memoirs each offer valuable insights and perspectives on a variety of topics. From Tara Westover’s journey to self-education in Educated, to Trevor Noah’s reflections on growing up mixed-race in apartheid-era South Africa in Born a Crime, there is something for everyone to learn from these powerful memoirs. Each author shares their story with honesty and vulnerability, taking readers on an emotional journey of loss, resilience, and growth. These memoirs are sure to leave a lasting impact on their readers, challenging their assumptions and broadening their perspectives on life.
10 Must-Read Memoirs That Will Change Your Perspective on Life
Memoirs are a powerful way to gain insight into other people’s lives and experiences. They offer a window into a world we might never have imagined and allow us to see things from a different perspective. Whether you’re looking to gain new insights into yourself or the world around you, these ten powerful memoirs are sure to help you do just that.
1. Educated by Tara Westover
Educated is a memoir that tells the story of Tara Westover, who grew up in a strict Mormon family in rural Idaho, with no formal education beyond homeschooling. Despite the numerous obstacles she faced, Tara managed to educate herself and went on to earn a Ph.D. from Cambridge University.
2. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Born a Crime is a memoir by comedian and television host Trevor Noah, which describes his childhood growing up as a mixed-race child in apartheid-era South Africa. Noah’s memoir is a powerful reflection on race, identity, and family.
3. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Wild tells the true story of Cheryl Strayed, who, in the wake of a personal tragedy, embarked on a solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. Strayed’s memoir is a raw and honest exploration of loss, recovery, and the power of nature.
4. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
The Glass Castle is a memoir that chronicles the chaotic and unconventional upbringing of author Jeannette Walls. Walls grew up in poverty, with parents who were often neglectful and abusive. Despite these challenges, Walls managed to carve out a successful career as a journalist.
5. Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
Hillbilly Elegy is a memoir that explores the struggles of the white working-class in America. J.D. Vance grew up in Ohio, in a family that had deep roots in Appalachia. Vance’s memoir is a thoughtful and nuanced reflection on the challenges faced by those living in poverty in America.
6. The Liars’ Club by Mary Karr
The Liars’ Club is a memoir that recounts author Mary Karr’s childhood growing up in a small Texas town in the 1960s. Karr paints a vivid picture of her dysfunctional family, and the book is often described as a hilarious and heartbreaking coming-of-age story.
7. Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
Angela’s Ashes is a memoir by Irish-American author Frank McCourt. The book describes McCourt’s childhood growing up in poverty in Limerick, Ireland. Despite the many obstacles he faced, McCourt eventually became a respected teacher and writer.
8. Night by Elie Wiesel
Night is a memoir that tells the story of Elie Wiesel’s experiences in the concentration camps during the Holocaust. The book is a powerful reflection on the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
9. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
The Year of Magical Thinking is a memoir by Joan Didion that describes the year following her husband’s sudden death. Didion paints a searing portrait of grief and the myriad ways that it affects every aspect of our lives.
10. This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel
This Is How It Always Is is a memoir that tells the story of a family’s journey in raising a transgender child. Author Laurie Frankel draws on her own experiences as the mother of a transgender child, providing important insights into the complexities of gender and identity.
Conclusion
These ten memoirs are powerful stories that offer important insights into the human experience. Whether you’re looking to gain new perspectives on race, identity, family, or grief, these books are sure to challenge your assumptions and expand your understanding of the world around you.