12 Memoirs You Should Read
Memoirs have been one of my go-to genres in the last few years. I love non-fiction and memoirs always appeal to me when I’m instantly drawn to the author or the subject matter.
They’re a great slice of life, a way to learn about a new subject and a way to connect directly to an author’s voice.
Below I’m sharing 12 memoirs you should read – or, at least, 12 memoirs I think you should. This is totally my own opinion and mostly based on the books I’ve read in the last two years.
Obviously, this list is not complete. I’m sure there are so many incredible memoirs I haven’t read and many I haven’t even heard of.
All right, let’s get to the memoirs!
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
My cousins recommended Trevor Noah’s memoir to me and I am so glad I picked it up.
If you don’t know, Trevor is the host of The Daily Show and a really funny and smart guy. Colin and I went to his comedy show in Vancouver a few years ago and it was incredible!
I love this book because not only is it full of Trevor’s humour, but it’s also a really interesting story. Trevor grew up in South Africa as a half-Black kid. The worlds he had to navigate were so difficult and so different to any life I know here in Canada.
This book was a real eye opener. The only thing I didn’t love? He jumps around chronologically and sometimes it felt like the stories were repeating themselves.
Hunger by Roxane Gay
I just read this one in July and would definitely say it’s a memoir you should read. Hunger is a memoir of Roxane’s body and it is incredibly powerful, heartbreaking and truthful.
Roxane is very much in her journey, so this is not the book of someone who is perfectly healed and ready to preach life lessons. It was a challenging read for me but so necessary.
I go into more detail on this one in my July books of the month post.
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
I read this book in high school and I’m a little fuzzy on the details but I remember loving it and crying my eyes out.
It is the story of a professor, Randy Pausch, who prepares to give his last lecture, as he’s diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Randy shares some incredible life lessons that had me underlining large sections of the book, in between reaching for tissues. I’m thinking it might be time for a re-read!
Shrill by Lindy West
I read Shrill last year and it might have been one of my favourite books of the year. In it, Lindy tackles everything from abortions and rape culture to fatphobia and online trolls.
Lindy is absolutely brilliant, unapologetically feminist and also incredibly funny. I found myself nodding along to a lot of what she was saying and wanting to make this book mandatory reading.
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
I just finished this one last week and had to quickly revamp this blog post so I could add it in because Know My Name should be required reading!
I actually listened to this book, my first audiobook, and it was that much more powerful because Chanel herself reads it.
If you don’t know, Chanel Miller is an artist and writer, and also the victim in the Brock Turner Stanford rape trial from a few years ago.
This memoir is her story and it’s heart-wrenching and infuriating. But there are also big moments of hope, humour and love.
A House in The Sky by Amanda Lindhout & Sara Corbett
This was not a memoir I ever would have picked up but a friend recommended it to me and I’m so glad they did.
This is the story of traveller-turned-reporter-turned-hostage, Amanda Lindhout, who was held captive in Somalia for 460 days.
The story is absolutely harrowing. It is not a light read. But it’s also not one you can put down. I stayed up till 6AM finishing this one!
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
I know, I know. This book has become such a cliché. But I’ll admit that I really enjoyed it.
I watched the movie first (a book lover’s sin, I know!) and loved it. I connected to Liz lying on the floor (as privileged and problematic as it was) and enjoyed the scenes of her travelling all around the world.
When I read the book, I connected even more to the desire Liz had to just totally change her life and couldn’t get enough of the travel aspect. So yeah, I’m basic, and I love Eat Pray Love.
Notes from a Young Black Chef by Kwame Onwuachi
I just read this book in July and definitely think it’s a memoir you should read. Chef Kwame does such a great job of telling his story – from his parents’ and grandparents’ history in Africa and the south to opening his own restaurant.
Kwame has been through a lot and explains growing up in the Bronx, moving to Nigeria, going to cooking school and how race, poverty and family influenced him. Bonus: the book includes recipes!
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Of course Becoming had to be on my list of memoirs you should read. This book is incredible.
It was so interesting to learn about Michelle’s life growing up and everything she had accomplished before most of us even knew the name “Obama.” I loved the behind the scenes stories from the campaign trail and inside the White House.
It’s a long book and some parts were dryer than others, but overall (besides a tone that’s not as anti-diet as I would’ve liked) I really loved it. It’s filled with lots of wisdom and quotable sections too. I’ve also heard the audiobook is incredible!
Save Me the Plums by Ruth Reichl
Save Me the Plums is a memoir written by then Editor in Chief at Gourmet magazine, Ruth Reichl. I have no idea how I stumbled upon this memoir but I’m really glad that I did.
It’s The Devil Wears Prada meets Masterchef. I loved Ruth’s unique take on running the magazine and her beautiful descriptions of food.
I don’t think I’ve ever read Gourmet before but I was riveted by the story of how this magazine changed the food world, thanks in most part to Ruth’s leadership.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
This is another one that I read in high school and really should pick up again. If you don’t know, it’s the story of a young man, Mitch, who goes to visit his old college professor, Morrie, every Tuesday as Morrie is battling ALS.
I remember this book being incredibly heartbreaking and just filled with so many life lessons. I definitely need to read this one again as I’m sure it will take on new meaning with the different stage of life I’m in.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
I just read this memoir in June and I am so glad I did. I loved it!
Glennon is such a powerful writer and tells the story of her challenging early adulthood, previous marriage, and beautiful family in snippets of conversations and prose. She brings out such powerful life lessons and shares so much wisdom about living a life that is true.
I especially loved the lessons she was passing down to her children and how she, her ex-husband and her wife work together to co-parent and create a family. I highly recommend this one!
Honourable mentions
I’m going to add a few more memoirs you should read here. They didn’t quite crack my top 12, but they are worth picking up, especially if you’re looking for something light and funny.
The first is Dear Girls by Ali Wong. Ali Wong is a comedian that you might know from her Netflix special Baby Cobra or movie, Always Be My Maybe.
She is hilarious! Her memoir is too, although it certainly is on the explicit side. I especially loved her stories spotlighting her Asian heritage, like the whole segment she includes on ordering dim sum!
My second honourable mention is This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay. In this memoir, Adam shares stories from his first few years as a doctor in the UK. He tells them with such humour that I often found myself laughing out loud.
The stories are also sad too, and Adam doesn’t shy away from calling out how overworked and underpaid the NHS medical staff are. The only part I didn’t enjoy was the blatant anti-fatness theme.
Lastly, I will recommend Mindy Kaling’s memoirs: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? and Why Not Me? I don’t know which one I loved more so I’ll just say, pick up one or pick up both! Mindy is smart and funny.
I loved learning about her childhood growing up in an American-Indian family, her start in acting and behind the scenes of the television world.
6 memoirs I want to read
Like I said, I certainly have not read all of the memoirs out there. Here are six more I can’t wait to read!
- Educated by Tara Westover
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
- Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward
- Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay
- Heavy by Kiese Laymon
I’ve also heard good things about the celebrity memoirs of Demi Moore, Jessica Simpson and Alicia Keys. I’m not a diehard fan of any of them, but I wouldn’t mind checking their books out!
So have I convinced you to pick up a memoir? I hope so! They really are an awesome genre to read and can appeal to you no matter what you’re interested in. Let me know which of my top 12 memoirs you’ve read or which you want to read, and what memoir I should read next.
What is your favourite memoir?
Check out more of my recommended reading lists:
- The 38 Best Travel Books for Readers with Wanderlust
- 15 Books to Help You Escape
- 10 True Crime Books for a Truly Spine-Chilling Time
- 27 Travel Books that Will Inspire You to See the World
- A Nonfiction Book for Every Mood
- What to Read Based on Your Latest Netflix Binge
- 12 Memoirs You Should Read
- Beach Reads for Every Summer Reading Mood
Share my top 12 memoirs – Pin it!
I actually haven’t read a lot of memoirs for some reason. I’ve heard so many great things about Trevor Noah’s book that I want to read that one. And Untamed is on my list as well. I listened to Brene Brown’s podcast with Glennon Doyle and was intrigued to read the book from there. That it made your list is another good reason to pick it up! Thanks for sharing these. There are some that I hadn’t heard of and am also curious about Save the Plums too.
Thanks, Alison! I hope you enjoy whichever memoir you pick up next. I also listened to Glennon on Brene’s podcast and loved it. Such wise women!
I’ve heard of a few of these (mostly ‘Becoming’ & ‘Untamed’), but I haven’t read any of them yet. I’m not really a non-fiction reader, but when you mentioned reading the audiobook, I kinda remembered that I could listen to these! I think I’ll try one as an audiobook and see how it goes. Thanks for the recommendations!
Thanks! Yes, definitely recommend the audiobook as a good way to get into non-fiction, especially memoir, and especially when it’s read by the author. I hope you find a good one!
I will need to add these to my must read list!
Hope you enjoy whichever one you pick up!
I love memoirs too but I don’t read that many of them, it takes a lot more to covince me to read one than a regular fiction book for some reason. The only one I’ve read here is becoming so thank you for the other ecommendations, I’ll be sure to check them out x
Sophie
Hope you find one you love!
I love this list! I’ve been meaning to read Born a Crime by Trevor Noah but I keep forgetting to pick up the book. So thanks for reminding me!
Thanks, Steph! Hope you enjoy that one!
I read Becoming last month and loved it! I’ve heard nothing but great things about Hunger, so that’s in my TBR list. Currently I’m reading autobiographies of old Hollywood stars, I’m currently finishing Lauren Bacalls.
Ooo autobiographies of old Hollywood stars sound awesome!
I love this post! You gave each book a wonderful description that entices me to read them all. Out of your top 12 memoirs, I’ve read “Eat, Pray, Love” and enjoyed it immensely. Of the 6 memoirs you’re looking forward to, I can assure you “Educated” and “The Glass Castle” are both great reads. If you like these two, then I also recommend you read “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive” by Stephanie Land.
Thanks so much, Kathy! I will definitely add the Stephanie Land one to my list!
I don’t really get on very well with memoirs, I’m afraid, I can’t get into them (sweeping statement, I know) but I have heard good things about Michelle Obama so I’ll be borrowing a copy from a friend to see! Lisa
Ah yes, not a genre for everyone. Hope you enjoy Becoming!
I’m not a big memoir reader but I have read some amazing biographies lately and I am really keen to read Michelle Obama’s book. She’s such an amazing woman!! Its also so important to read about first hand black experience!! Amazing list xx
Thank you! Yes, reading from diverse authors, especially their own story in their own words, has been very eye-opening.
I’ve never really read much non-fiction but I’ve just finished Becoming and found myself completely inspired by it and definitely on the hunt for some more to read now. Thanks to your incredible list, I’ve got some really good recommendations to get me started. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Lindsey! Hope you enjoy your next one 🙂
Love the list of books! I think I have tried to make so many attempts this quarantine to get more in the habit of reason but no luck.
Had no idea Trevor Noah had a book but love the guy so excited to give his book a try!
Thanks, Gus! Definitely get a hold of Trevor Noah’s book. It’s excellent!
Really enjoyed this post. Trevor Noah most resonates with me as a few years ago I read Nelson Mandela’s autobiography and it’s amazing. It’s very long and it took me ages to read but so inspirational. Thanks for sharing this post!
Thanks, Yaya! I hope you enjoy Trevor’s book!
I’ve read 5 from your recommended list of 12, and 3 from your to-read list, and almost done Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by JD Vance, which I am loving and recommend you need to add to your to-read list too.
Ah happy to meet a fellow memoir reader! And thanks for the recommendation 🙂
This is such a great selection! Some of these are already on my TBR but there are others here that I’d not heard of. The only one I’ve actually read of the top 12 is Tuesdays with Morrie and I can’t believe I didn’t realise it was non-fiction. It was over a decade ago that I read it so maybe I did know and just forgot or perhaps I was as oblivious then as I am now haha. Oops.
I loved both of Mindy Kaling’s memoirs so much so I agree, it’s hard to choose between them. I’d say that they are both collectively my favourite. I’ve been trying to read more memoirs especially those about difficult topics so this is a great list in that respect. Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
Thanks so much, Hayley! I hope you find a good memoir to pick up next 🙂 And you’re making me want to pick up the Mindy Kaling books again!
This is such a great list. I’m going down that list thinking “yes, want to read that one” all the way. I loved Trevor Noah’s book, but haven’t read the others. I like a bit of humor in the memoirs I read, so also agree with Mindy Kaling’s book being on this list. Looks like I’ve got some reading to do though
Thanks so much, Emma! Hope you enjoy the next memoir you pick up 🙂
What a wonderful selection! I love Tuesdays with Morrie! It is such a great book!
xoxo
Lovely
Thanks!
Notes from a Young Black Chef sounds so interesting, like a rags to riches and recipes!
It’s definitely a great read!
Memoirs are one of the genres that I barely read, mostly because I prefer fiction or history books which is silly because memoirs are just recent history so I should love them!
I definitely do need to give some a try, I’ll probably read Michelle Obama’s first just because it’s the one my library is most likely to have!
Yeah, definitely not a genre for everyone but I hope you like the next one you try!
I highly recommend Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt. I read it almost 20 years ago and to this day, of all the memoirs I’ve read, I can say with absolute honesty that it has made me a better person. I always reference it in my mind when I’m having a rough day and suddenly feel grateful for everything I have. Bonus- it’s a Pulitzer Prize winner.
Thank you so much! That sounds amazing and I will definitely add it to my list.
As always, there are some fantastic recommendations on this list! I have been meaning to read Becoming for, literally, what feels like forever. But also very intrigued to read A House in the Sky – sounds like an incredibly scary experience but an amazing story of resilience.
Thanks so much, Hannah! Yes, Becoming had been on my list for a while before I finally read it this year. And A House in the Sky really is a special one – couldn’t put it down.
Reading memoirs is fantastic. I had read and enjoyed Eat Pray Love. I had purchased Becoming and expected it to be delivered to me any moment from now. I had also read the Glass Castle beautiful.
Thanks, Akeem! I hope you enjoy Becoming and I hope I get to Glass Castle soon!
I have read 5 books on your list, so I know our tastes are similar. Memoirs are my walking partner I listen to on Audible. Thank you for more recommendations, however, I highly recommend “Educated” by Tara Westover. (I even enjoyed Jessica Simpson’s memoir, it gave me a completely different perspective of her)
Thanks so much, Trish! I recently started audiobooks and I love memoirs on audio – especially when they’re read by the author. I will definitely try to get my hands on Educated and Jessica Simpson’s book.