Memoirs offer something unique in the literary world: the unfiltered voice of someone who lived through something extraordinary, painful, uplifting, or transformative. Whether you’re looking for stories of survival, tales of fame, explorations of identity, or deep dives into grief, growth, and resilience, these memoirs open the door to powerful, real-life narratives. Here are 20 of the best memoirs you can read, each one offering a distinct and unforgettable perspective on life.
1. Educated by Tara Westover
Tara Westover’s memoir is a gripping story of growing up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho with no formal education. Despite never setting foot in a classroom until she was 17, she pursued learning with fierce determination and eventually earned a PhD from Cambridge University. Educated is a testament to the power of knowledge and the struggle to define oneself beyond one’s upbringing.
2. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
This moving memoir recounts Jeannette Walls’ childhood in a deeply dysfunctional, nomadic family led by her charismatic but unstable father and her artistic, neglectful mother. Despite extreme poverty and a chaotic home life, Walls tells her story with love, humor, and forgiveness, offering a portrait of resilience and hope.
3. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Written by a neurosurgeon diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in his 30s, this poignant book explores what makes life meaningful. Paul Kalanithi’s reflections on medicine, mortality, identity, and the human spirit are deeply moving and thought-provoking, especially knowing he passed away shortly after completing the book.
4. Becoming by Michelle Obama
In this inspiring memoir, the former First Lady of the United States shares the story of her life, from her upbringing on the South Side of Chicago to her years in the White House. Michelle Obama reflects on her role as a mother, wife, and leader, offering candid insight into the personal experiences that shaped her.
5. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah’s memoir about growing up in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa is both hilarious and heartbreaking. As the child of a black mother and white father, his very existence was illegal. Through his eyes, we witness the absurdities of racism and the enduring power of maternal love.
6. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
This literary classic details Angelou’s early life and the hardships she faced growing up Black in America during the 1930s and 40s. With lyrical prose and unflinching honesty, Angelou examines trauma, resilience, and the discovery of her own voice, setting the stage for her remarkable career.
7. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Following the death of her mother and the collapse of her marriage, Cheryl Strayed embarked on a solo 1,100-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. Wild is a raw and vivid journey of healing, strength, and self-discovery set against the unforgiving backdrop of the wilderness.
8. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
After the sudden death of her husband and the critical illness of her daughter, Joan Didion wrote this deeply personal and reflective memoir. It’s a powerful meditation on grief, memory, and the fragile nature of life, written with her signature clarity and elegance.
9. The Liars’ Club by Mary Karr
Mary Karr’s memoir about growing up in a volatile Texas family is sharp, funny, and emotionally raw. With a mother who suffered from mental illness and a father who told tall tales to cope, Karr vividly captures the messiness of childhood and the resilience of the human spirit.
10. Just Kids by Patti Smith
In this poetic and moving memoir, musician and artist Patti Smith reflects on her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe in 1970s New York City. The book is a love letter to art, friendship, and the creative spirit, chronicling their evolution as artists and companions.
11. The Color of Water by James McBride
This memoir explores McBride’s upbringing as the son of a Black father and a white Jewish mother who raised twelve children in poverty. Through alternating chapters, McBride and his mother recount their life stories, offering a powerful portrait of identity, faith, and family.
12. This Boy’s Life by Tobias Wolff
In this beautifully written memoir, Wolff recounts his turbulent adolescence, marked by a restless mother, an abusive stepfather, and a desperate need for escape. His coming-of-age story is filled with vivid characters and a deep sense of emotional truth.
13. Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
McCourt’s Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir of his impoverished Irish Catholic childhood is both heart-wrenching and filled with dark humor. Despite dire circumstances and constant struggle, his tale is told with warmth and wit, capturing the enduring spirit of youth.
14. Know My Name by Chanel Miller
Chanel Miller, the woman formerly known as “Emily Doe” in the Brock Turner sexual assault case, reclaims her identity in this courageous and eloquent memoir. She speaks out about trauma, justice, and the resilience required to move forward, changing the conversation around victimhood and healing.
15. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
This timeless memoir, written by Anne Frank while hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam, is a profound document of adolescence, hope, and humanity in the face of unimaginable horror. Her words continue to inspire generations with their clarity, wisdom, and courage.
16. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
In this posthumously published memoir, Hemingway recounts his years as a young writer in 1920s Paris. With appearances from literary greats like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into a golden age of creativity and personal exploration.
17. Heavy by Kiese Laymon
This memoir explores weight, family, race, and trauma with unflinching honesty. Laymon writes about growing up Black and overweight in Mississippi, his complicated relationship with his mother, and the pain and healing that come with telling the truth.
18. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
A collection of autobiographical essays, this book showcases Sedaris’s trademark wit and absurdity. From his attempts to learn French to childhood anecdotes, he brings humor and sharp observation to every story, even when tackling darker themes.
19. In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
Machado’s memoir innovatively explores her experience in an abusive same-sex relationship, using chapters written in different literary styles. It’s haunting, original, and a groundbreaking addition to the memoir genre, blending personal narrative with cultural commentary.
20. Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Michelle Zauner, lead singer of Japanese Breakfast, explores her identity, grief, and Korean-American heritage after the death of her mother. Interwoven with food and memory, this memoir is a tender, rich reflection on love and loss.