So, You Want to Read a Memoir?

Beautiful, brutal, and often banned – this modern classic gives an unflinching view of a childhood rooted in pain that flowers into a tale of redemption and hope.

Bestselling, award-winning author Mary Karr’s remarkable memoir Liars’ Club chronicles her childhood in a small Texas town, giving the world an instant classic. Required reading for those of us who, no matter how old, constantly feel like we’re coming of age.

The Diary of a Young Girl is an intimate account of the Holocaust and the unbreakable spirit of a young girl forced into hiding. A difficult but necessary read, this diary illustrates the life of a brilliant girl whose life was taken too soon.

Readers get the chance to learn how “the industry” really works, as Jennette describes what it’s like as a child star, further fueling the narrative around how victimizing Hollywood can be. Jennette is direct, honest and hilarious, and despite it all, delivers an inspiring story of resilience and recovery.

If you’re not familiar with the name Michelle Zauner, you may recognize her band, Japanese Breakfast. Zauner is a singer, songwriter and author, and this former B&N Monthly Pick title follows her rebellious youth while trying to reconcile her Asian heritage in a very white Eugene, Oregon

Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey’s first memoir is a lot like his filmography. The kind of book that teaches us about all of life’s intricacies; learn to seize the day and move through life with Matthew’s musings.

Heartbreaking and hopeful, funny and introspective, Alison Bechdel sees life through a unique lens. From the family funeral home business to big questions about life and love, Fun Home will leave you with a bittersweet ache in your heart.

A stunning work of illustrated nonfiction, this is the first in a trilogy detailing the remarkable and inspiring life of John Lewis, a United States Congressman who was instrumental in the Civil Rights movement. This is a sweeping narrative, rippling with modern-day impact, and it is masterfully told.

The age of profound literary graphic narratives is upon us, and Tessa Hulls joins the ranks with Feeding Ghosts, a richly woven and visually stunning graphic memoir about three generations of Chinese women. Exploring themes of grief, trauma and familial love, this is a resounding success.

Fans of Educated by Tara Westover, we have your next favorite read. A poetic memoir from a writer you’ll be hearing more from, Safiya Sinclair writes about growing up as a Rastafari woman in Jamaica and how words and writing empowered her.

Lush language and stunning storytelling, Quiara Alegría Hudes’ memoir is an ode to music, love, home, and family. These pages sing with Hudes’ adoration of her heritage and her journey to becoming an artist.

Who are we without the people we love most? Acclaimed writer Didion garnered a huge new audience with this grief memoir, written in the wake of the death of her husband and hospitalization of their daughter.

Bestselling author Sebastian Junger relates his own harrowing journey to answer his questions about death and dying in this deeply personal memoir.

Genevieve Kingston’s remarkable memoir — as heartbreaking as it is hopeful — is an intimate and compelling story of grief and love, family, and the reverberating impact of what we leave behind.