Memoirs and nonfiction style books can be impactful and informative, but you have to know what to look for to find a good one. A good memoir makes the reader feel connected to the author and their story, as well as being a well written book. Nonfiction can teach the reader about specific topics and stories, which are good to read to broaden your knowledge.
Merriam Webster defines memoir as “a narrative composed by personal experience.”Thiseans that a memoir would be about the author, written by the author, and from the author's perspective. Memoirs, autobiographies, biographies and personal nonfiction books are likely to overlap and be extremely similar. All of these typically include a detailed story that features one main character that takes the reader on a journey through their life. Some memoirs choose to focus on one really important event or something that was life changing, but usually span many years of their life .
*Content warnings have been included, which were collected based on the author’s reading experience and research. More research by individuals prior to reading is suggested.
Hunger by Roxanne Gay
A memoir about coping with sexual abuse while growing up and navigating all other aspects of life as well. This book is about self image and forming relationships with food as well as femininity. Gay narrates her audiobook and has several other books that have been published.
(Content warnings: sexual abuse, eating disorders, violence)
Published in 2017
Goodreads ratings: average 4.18/5
Becoming by Michelle Obama
A memoir from the former First Lady and wife of Barack Obama. This book details her childhood, falling in love, having children, raising children in the White House, making her time memorable, helping others, and having to leave the White House. Michelle Obama narrates her audiobook and has published other books as well.
(Content warnings: racism, sexism, gun violence, misogyny)
Published in 2018
Goodreads rating: average 4.46/5
Finding Me by Viola Davis
A harsh, raw and vulnerable autobiography from Viola Davis that details her life. This book goes through her tough childhood, family relationships, going to acting school, struggling in her career, making a name for herself and more. Davis is an actor and narrates her audiobook. This book is also a recent Oprah Book Club pick.
(Content warnings: bullying, violence, racism, sexual abuse, mental illnesses)
Published in 2022
Goodreads ratings: average 4.57/5
Pageboy by Elliot Page
A memoir about sexuality and gender from Elliot Page’s journey through life. Page himself is a transgender actor who went through his transition in the public eye, and this is his debut book. This book details this transition and his life journey, including important events and relationships. Page narrates his audiobook.
(Content warnings: homophobia, transphobia, eating disorders, mental illnesses, sexual abuse, alcohol and drugs)
Published in 2023
Goodreads ratings: average 3.77/5
In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
A memoir about learning to be happy being alone and being yourself in every aspect. This book goes through an abusive queer relationship and the stigmas that surround that. Machado is a queer Latina writer who has also published other books, essays, and short stories.
(Content warnings: sexual abuse, domestic abuse, homophobia)
Published in 2019
Goodreads ratings: average 4.44/5
Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H
A memoir in the form of essays which detail the author's life journey and coming of age in a world that is oppressive of lgbtqia+ and people of color. The author is queer and Muslim.
(Content warnings: mental illnesses, abuse, racism, homophobia)
Published in 2023
Goodreads ratings: average 4.48/5
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
This nonfiction book details the life and impacts of a Black woman who had her cells used and studied by scientists without knowing while she was in the hospital for cervical cancer. Henrietta Lacks is an important figure in the science world but many people don’t know who she is and how her family has not been compensated or benefited after the advancements in medicine Henrietta’s cells have contributed to modern medicine.
(Content warnings: racism, sexual abuse, death, sickness)
Published in 2010
Goodreads ratings: average 4.11/5
Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe
This biography goes through the rise and fall of the Vanderbilt family business. Cornelius Vanderbilt started in the shipping and railroad industries to build himself into a tycoon but over generations family dynamics became disheveled. Cooper is a famous journalist who chose to change his last name from Vanderbilt to separate himself from the family. Cooper narrates the audiobook.
(Content warnings: mental illnesses, death, abuse, alcoholism)
Published in 2021
Goodreads ratings: average 3.83/5
Night by Elie Wiesel
This memoir is a Nobel Peace Prize winner about the author's time living through the Holocaust. Wiesel was a Jewish writer and professor from Romania who was taken to Auschwitz with his family. Wiesel has also written and published many other books, several of which are also memoirs.
(Content warnings: violence, religious discrimination)
Published in 1956
Goodreads ratings: average 4.37/5
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
This autobiography goes through Maya Angelou’s life, focusing on the younger years, and her struggles being a young Black woman. Angelou is a well known poet, civil rights activist, and memoirist. Angelou narrates her audiobook.
(Content warnings: racism, sexual abuse, violence)
Published in 1969
Goodreads ratings: average 4.29/5
Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup
An autobiography that is a detailed slave narrative of Northup’s life. He was an African American born into freedom, kidnapped, sold as a slave and emancipated. This book was adapted into a film in 2013.
(Content warnings: racism, violence, abuse)
Published in 1853
Goodreads ratings: average 4.22/5
By Kailey Wurr, Staff Writer