Everyone Has a Unique and Personal Story
On Thanksgiving it is a tradition to mindfully appreciate the good in our lives and recognize all the people who support us. Everyone’s story is unique with many blessings as well as challenges, and it is a good time to be thankful and to realize that others may not be as lucky. Listening with an open heart as others tell their story can be inspirational and provide insight into your own life. Dive in to a great memoir during the holiday season; it may be eye opening, educational, relatable, heartbreaking and hopeful. Reading this genre can lead to a better understanding of humanity and to developing more empathy, allowing us to see how others see the world. Be thankful for your own beautiful story and enjoy some of these incredible personal stories as we approach the final month of 2021.
19 Memoirs I Have Enjoyed
The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya
A young girl in 1994 wanders through Africa for 6 years and ultimately escapes Rwanda to create a better life during the genocide.
Heartfelt story of how Albom takes a young Haitian orphan into his family to pursue medical treatment.
Actress Leah Remini’s harrowing experiences growing up in the Scientology community.
The former first lady tells about her life in her own, unique and inspiring voice, before and in the White House.
Author/photographer Bill Hayes (Oliver Sacks’ partner at the time of his passing) shares his life in NYC during the pandemic.
Shapiro’s shocking story of identity, paternity and family secrets.
BJK’s incredible life as a super star tennis player and advocate for women in sports.
How an eclectic therapy group saved Tate’s life.
The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton
Hinton’s inspirational story about being in prison for 30 years as an innocent man.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Doyle’s authentic life lessons on navigating divorce, blending families and living your truth.
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Thoughts from a neurosurgeon with terminal cancer.
Brodeur shares stories of her youth, damaging secrets she kept and her relationship with her mother.
Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollett
Growing up in a cult in California faced with poverty, addiction and emotional abuse.
The Yellow House by Sarah Broom
100 years of one family, 13 children, class, race and inequity in a house in New Orleans before and after Hurricane Katrina.
Growing up in Appalachia and fighting to get an education.
LifeLines by Melissa Bernstein
Melissa of the toy company, Melissa & Doug shares her mental health struggles.
She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey
The Pulitzer Prize winning women investigate Harvey Weinstein and others to break the silence and kick off the #metoo movement.
Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls by T Kira Madden
Shoe man, Steve Madden’s niece shares her unconventional and difficult childhood.
I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are by Rachel Bloom
Star of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend shares her struggle with anxiety through humorous stories.
19 New Memoirs to Add to My List
Going There by Katie Couric
Katie Couric reveals her personal life’s journey from the girl next door to a household name.
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
The actor shares stories of his life based on notes in his diaries collected over the years.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah’s path from apartheid South Africa to the desk of the Daily Show.
Sorry, Not Sorry by Alyssa Milano
Personal essays that reveal Alyssa Milano’s heart and humanitarianism.
Taste by Stanley Tucci
Tucci’s life in and out of the kitchen.
Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wong
An undocumented Chinese child living in poverty in the United States in the 1990s.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Zauner’s grief over losing her Korean American mother, their connection to each other and to food.
The Beauty of Living Twice by Sharon Stone
Sharon Stone’s slow journey bak to health after a stroke.
World Travel: An Irreverent Guide by Anthony Bordain
Anthony Bordain’s guide to some of the most fascinating places.
The Empathy Diaries by Sherry Turkle
How MIT psychologist and author, Turkle finds meaning through her life’s work.
Will by Will Smith
Will Smith’s life through the world of music and film.
Sunshine Girl: An Unexpected Life by Julianna Margulies
Stories of Margulies’s life growing up with divorced parents and her successful acting work on tv.
Unfinished by Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Her life story rooted in India and the United States.
Just As I Am by Cicely Tyson
From church girl to actress in her 90s, Tyson has something to say.
Year Book by Seth Rogan
Humorous stories about Rogan’s life.
Unprotected by Billy Porter
Inspirational story of growing up black and gay in Pittsburgh to Emmy, Grammy and Tony award winning performer.
Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice For Living Your Best Life by Ali Wong
Hilarious letters to her daughters covering what they need to know about life.
Broken Horses by Brandi Carlile
The story of her life shaped by music.
The Storyteller by Dave Grohl
Stories of his life as a musician.
Great list – hope mine will be on it next year!
Yes! Can’t wait to read it!
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