12 Powerful Memoirs You Need to Read – A Reader's Passion Revealed

There's nothing quite like a memoir that keeps you captivated, inspired, and curious long after you've turned the last page. While high-profile memoirs such as Becoming by Michelle Obama, Spare by Prince Harry, and The Storyteller by Dave Grohl often top bestseller lists, there are lesser-known memoirs that are equally deserving of recognition.

As an avid reader of memoirs, autobiographies, and biographies, I've devoured many over the years and have discovered a few gems that I believe are exceptional. These books may not always generate the same media hype, but they're surprising, eloquently written, and truly engaging.

Some are penned by artists, others by scientists or actors, and some by individuals who simply experienced something extraordinary - and wrote about it in a way that leaves a lasting impression. Here are the 12 memoirs that I believe everyone should read....

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1. I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O'Farrell (2017)

This compelling collection of stories recounts the author's brushes with death. Each chapter centers on a different life-threatening event, ranging from illness to accidents.

It's beautifully crafted, emotionally charged, and serves as a poignant reminder of how fragile and valuable life is.

2. Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell (1933)

This early work of George Orwell gives a raw account of his life in poverty, first as a dishwasher in Parisian eateries, then as a homeless man on the streets of London. The writing is incisive and impactful - and I believe it still holds relevance nearly a century later.

3. Just Kids by Pat ti Smith (2010)

Patti Smith pens down her relationship with artist Robert Mapplethorpe and their initial days living a bohemian lifestyle in New York, including residing in the legendary Chelsea Hotel - and rubbing shoulders with celebrities like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Andy Warhol. It's a tale about art and love, written in a poetic and emotionally charged style.

4. Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner (2021)

Penned following the demise of her mother, Michelle Zauner, the frontwoman of the band Japanese Breakfast, delves into grief, identity, and food as a means to preserve culture and memory. The writing is deeply emotional, blending family anecdotes and her mother's death with vibrant descriptions of Korean cuisine.

5. Down the Drain by Julia Fox (2023)

Julia Fox's memoir, Down the Drain, is a raw and unfiltered account of her upbringing in the rough neighborhoods of New York City, her battles with substance abuse, tumultuous relationships, and rise to fame. The book's candid, no-nonsense narrative style was both surprising and refreshing, making it an absolute page-turner that left me craving more.

6. I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy (2022)

This memoir delves into the darker aspects of childhood stardom and a complex, domineering mother. Penned by Nickelodeon star Jennette McCurdy, the book is laced with dark humor as she recounts experiences of trauma and emotional manipulation.

It was a startling read filled with moments of sorrow and laughter, and one that I found impossible to put down.

7. Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis (2004)

In Scar Tissue, Anthony Kiedis, lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, lays bare his life: the drugs, the fame, the music. The book is packed with wild tales and offers a raw, behind-the-scenes glimpse at a rock star grappling with addiction.

It's a book I've revisited due to its shockingly honest, engaging content.

8. All That Remains by Sue Black (2018)

Sue Black, a forensic anthropologist, has spent decades working with death. Her memoir delves into how the body narrates a tale after life ceases, blending science and personal introspection.

She zeroes in on mortal remains in her lab, at burial sites, at scenes of violence, and when probing mass fatalities due to war, accident or natural disaster. This book was a revelation for me and I would urge everyone to read it as it entirely alters your perspective on the often taboo subject of death.

9. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion (2005)

Following the abrupt passing of her husband, novelist Joan Didion chronicles her grief in painstaking detail, attempting to comprehend loss. The prose is lucid and potent, and it's something I've sought solace in while grappling with loss in my own life.

10. The Outrun by Amy Liptrot (2016)

After viewing the 2024 film The Outrun featuring Saoirse Ronan, I opted to read the memoir it was based on – and I wasn't let down. In the book, the author returns to her native Orkney to recuperate from alcohol addiction.

It interweaves descriptions of wild, coastal landscapes with her recovery: it's poignant and exquisitely penned.

11. Things I Don’t Want to Know (2013), The Cost of Living (2018), Real Estate (2021) – Deborah Levy

Deborah Levy's literary prowess shines through her acclaimed trilogy of memoirs, often dubbed her "living autobiography."

Breaking away from the classic life story narrative, these books meander through themes of identity, womanhood, and personal freedom. It's advised to dive into them sequentially, as each installment builds upon the last.

12. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey (2020)

Matthew McConaughey's 'Greenlights' turned out to be a delightful read, with the star offering up tales and insights from his colorful life and career. His storytelling oscillates between humor and profundity, exuding an energy that virtually draws you into a conversation with him.

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