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Great Memoirs & Nonfiction Books You'll Want to Read
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items Looking for unforgettable true stories? These memoirs and nonfiction books dive deep into real life — from inspiring journeys of resilience and survival to creative adventures, laugh-out-loud moments, and emotional reflections on family, love, and pe...
Sections
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Celebrity & Creative Lives
Creative Minds and Literary Lives
Interesting People and Unique Lives
Stories of Resilience and Survival
Memoirs That Will Make You Laugh
Animal Bonds & Life Lessons
Celebrity & Creative Lives
Ever wonder what it’s really like behind the curtain? These candid memoirs from musicians, actors, comedians, and performers pull you into the highs, lows, and unexpected moments that changed culture and left a mark on the world.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I found this to be a wild, fascinating memoir full of music, legends, and behind-the-scenes stories — Keith Richards shares it all with honesty, grit, and charm.
Life - Keith Richards
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I've always loved Bryan Cranston and found this to be an engaging memoir filled with stories from his life and career — a must-listen for fans of Breaking Bad, Malcolm in the Middle, and beyond.
A Life in Parts
⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was a candid memoir about Steve Martin’s rise in stand-up comedy — interesting for fans, but less humorous and engaging than expected.
Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I absolutely LOVE this book! It's a lively, wise, and wildly entertaining memoir — McConaughey’s storytelling and life lessons make this a must-read.
Greenlights - Matthew McConaughey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I found this to be an entertaining and fascinating memoir from Desi Arnaz — a talented performer and savvy businessman who helped shape American music, comedy, and TV history.
A Book - Desi Arnaz
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This blew me away! It's a heartfelt and nostalgic memoir where James Taylor shares the early years behind the music that made us smile — a must for fans and music lovers.
Break Shot: My First 21 Years, Vol. 2
Creative Minds and Literary Lives
If you love books about writers, artists, and dreamers, these memoirs and literary biographies take you deep inside the creative process — and show how stories shape both art and life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A classic and beautifully written, intimate memoir of Hemingway’s early years in 1920s Paris — rich with literary history, vivid storytelling, and timeless charm.
A Moveable Feast - Ernest Hemingway
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Poe fans this one is for you it's a fascinating, non-linear look at Edgar Allan Poe’s life and mysterious death — a moody, atmospheric read that kept me intrigued throughout.
A Mystery of Mysteries: Edgar Allan Poe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is an awesome book. It's a funny, honest, and essential guide for writers at every stage — Anne Lamott’s advice on creativity, persistence, and finding your voice is pure gold.
Bird by Bird: Writing and Life Instructions
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this fascinating, richly layered exploration of how myth, history, folklore, and pop culture have shaped the modern world — perfect for curious minds.
The Life Fantastic: Myth and Culture
Interesting People and Unique Lives
Meet the art thieves, royal rebels, fearless athletes, and unexpected heroes who lived extraordinary lives — and left behind true stories that are impossible to forget.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was so interesting! I had no idea about this woman who was glamorous, resilient, unforgettable — An American Princess is a biography you won’t want to put down.
An American Princess: The Many Lives of Allene Tew
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Journey of Crazy Horse offers a powerful, intimate portrait of a legendary Lakota leader — told with authenticity, heart, and deep cultural insight.
The Journey of Crazy Horse: A Lakota History
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This one is a gripping true story of love, obsession, and one of the most audacious art crime sprees in modern history — completely fascinating from start to finish.
The Art Thief: Love, Crime, and Obsession
⭐️⭐️⭐️ A fascinating memoir about studying martial arts in 1990s China — insightful, reflective, but a bit dated if you're looking for a modern view.
American Shaolin: Flying Kicks & Iron Crotch
⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a well-researched biography of Princess Juliane, best suited for readers who love richly detailed, fact-focused historical lives.
The Rebel Romanov: Empress Russia Never Had
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I found this to be such an interesting aspect of history that was part of the beginning of women's history.
The Divorce Colony: How Women Revolutionized Marriage a…
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Women's history can be so enlightening. Check out this fascinating, well-researched true story of four courageous women who defied norms and shaped the course of the Civil War — a must-read for history and women’s studies fans.
Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Women in Civil War
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I found this to be a powerful collection of speeches and reflections offering timeless insights into leadership, resilience, and the sacred connection between humanity and the earth.
The Wisdom of Native Americans & Great Speeches
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fascinating! A vivid, immersive true story of eccentric characters, Southern charm, and a shocking murder trial in historic Savannah.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This one blew me away. It's a fascinating true crime story about obsession, beauty, and one of the most bizarre natural history heists in modern times.
The Feather Thief: A Natural History Heist
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a riveting true account of Winston Churchill’s leadership during the Blitz — rich in personal and political detail, and as gripping as a novel.
The Splendid and the Vile: Churchill's Saga
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I'm a gardener, so I found this to be a fascinating true story revealing how America’s Founding Fathers shaped the nation not only through politics but also through their passion for gardens, nature, and the land.
Founding Gardeners
Stories of Resilience and Survival
These true stories dive deep into what it means to endure — through war, disaster, loss, and the hardest moments life can throw at us. Each one is a reminder that even when everything falls apart, strength and hope can still survive.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved Yakuza Moon — a raw, powerful memoir that offers a rare glimpse into life inside Japan’s underworld, told with honesty and heart.
Yakuza Moon: Memoirs of a Gangster's Daughter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ It's a harrowing and inspiring memoir of resilience, survival, and the power of hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.
A House in the Sky: A Memoir
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A powerful, courageous memoir about resilience, family struggles, and finding strength in the face of hardship — an unforgettable, must-read story.
The Glass Castle: A Memoir (book)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This memoir really made me think about how much strength it takes to heal — it's raw, honest, and filled with moments that made me pause and reflect on forgiveness, resilience, and what it really means to belong.
The Beauty in Breaking: A Memoir
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I didn’t expect a book about winter to feel so comforting, but this one was like a quiet companion — full of thoughtful stories about slowing down, finding strength in stillness, and reconnecting with the rhythms of nature.
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was a surprise - a pleasant one at that! I had no idea what to expect from this book and found it to be a gritty and deeply moving account of family struggles, resilience, and survival.
KooKooLand: A Memoir
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I was blown away by this powerful true story of resilience and hidden resistance — an eye-opening look at the courageous girls living as boys in Afghanistan's rigid society.
The Underground Girls of Kabul: A Hidden Resistance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I couldn’t put this gripping true story down — McCullough brings the tragic 1889 flood vividly to life, showing how human choices turned disaster into heartbreak.
Johnstown Flood
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ A thoughtful memoir about resilience, healing, and self-discovery after Bell’s Palsy — with reflections on faith, meditation, and never giving up.
Smile: A Memoir - Sarah Ruhl
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A raw, beautifully written memoir about addiction, resilience, and the fight for recovery — powerful, heartbreaking, and ultimately full of hope.
Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A heartbreaking and profoundly moving memoir about a father's love, resilience, and the devastating impact of addiction on families.
Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through Addiction
⭐️⭐️⭐️ A collection of essays about love, anxiety, and everyday life that felt disjointed for me, though some moments were relatable and humorous.
Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives
⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you love hockey or Olympic stories, this one is for you. It's the inspiring true story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team's historic gold medal win — an unforgettable underdog moment.
The Making of a Miracle: 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨This is a gripping true survival story that blends real-life adventure, human drama, and the terrifying power of the sea — unforgettable and deeply moving.
The Perfect Storm: Men Against the Sea
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I found this to be a warm, witty memoir that blends home renovation with personal growth — a must-read for anyone living through the chaos of a remodel, like I was when I read it.
House Lessons: Renovating a Life
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A raw, moving true story of resilience, homelessness, and a 630-mile journey through the wild beauty of England’s southwest coast.
The Salt Path: A Memoir
⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a thoughtful memoir about gardening, nature, and personal growth — a relatable and enjoyable read for anyone who loves working the land.
Second Nature: A Gardener's Education
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I read this with my Nonfiction book club - it's a powerful, immersive history of the Dust Bowl era — blending rich storytelling, personal resilience, and unforgettable lessons about human endurance and environmental impact.
The Worst Hard Time: Dust Bowl Survival Story
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I found this to be a gripping true story of survival, tragedy, and murder on New England’s rugged coast — vivid, chilling, and unforgettable for true crime and history fans.
Cold Water Crossing: Isles of Shoals Murders
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This one will blew me away! It's a gripping true story of survival, resilience, and redemption — Louie Zamperini’s unforgettable journey through war, suffering, and ultimate forgiveness.
Unbroken: A WWII Story of Survival
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A must-read for everyone, in my opinion. It's a heartfelt, inspiring memoir about living life to the fullest, finding meaning in everyday moments, and leaving a legacy of hope and resilience.
The Last Lecture
Memoirs That Will Make You Laugh
Not all memoirs have to be tear-jerkers. Take a look at these witty, sharp, and full-of-heart memoirs; they will have you laughing out loud and seeing the lighter side of life’s ups and downs.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Some memoirs are funny and this is a heartfelt, funny, and beautifully unique memoir about love, loss, and the powerful bond between generations — the audiobook makes it even more special.
Nobody Will Tell You This But Me: A True Story
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sedaris cracks me up. He is hilarious, sharp, and laugh-out-loud funny. This is an irreverent collection of holiday-themed stories—classic David Sedaris humor with a perfect mix of wit and heart.
Holidays on Ice - David Sedaris
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Life can be funny, and Sedaris makes me laugh. This is a hilarious, relatable memoir full of sharp wit and unexpected moments — David Sedaris’s storytelling never fails to entertain.
Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls by Sedaris
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love puzzles and games, so I found this to be a funny, fascinating memoir exploring puzzles, problem-solving, and the quirky ways we try to make sense of life — clever, playful, and irresistible for curious minds.
The Puzzler: Quest to Solve Baffling Puzzles
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I could relate to this memoir so much! It's a charming, funny memoir about small-town life, family adventures, and rural mishaps — perfect for cozy reading on a muddy spring day.
Mud Season: A Woman's Vermont Dream
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I found this book funny, touching, and surprisingly relatable — Lori Gottlieb’s look inside the therapy room (and her own life) made me laugh, think, and feel seen.
Maybe You Should Talk To Someone: A Therapist
Animal Bonds & Life Lessons
Stories about the dogs, chickens, and other companions who teach us about resilience, joy, and unconditional love.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Such a good book - this is an inspiring and heartwarming memoir about friendship, adventure, and the unbreakable bond between a man and his remarkable dog.
Following Atticus: 48 High Peaks & a Dog
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ As a chicken mama, I could relate. A quietly powerful memoir about chickens, grief, resilience, and finding humor and hope in unexpected places.
Brood: A Novel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a heartfelt, beautifully told memoir about the life lessons, healing, and resilience we discover through our bonds with animals.
How to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals
🐾This is my memoir—it's a heartfelt, humorous, and deeply personal account of life, love, family, and the unforgettable dogs who leave paw prints on our hearts.
Xine's Pack of Strays & Others: A Memoir
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A heartwarming, funny, and honest memoir about the wild ups and downs of life with a lovable, mischievous dog — perfect for every dog lover.
Marley & Me: Life with the World's Worst Dog
Grief Memoirs
Intimate, honest reflections on love, loss, and healing — these memoirs explore how we carry grief, find meaning, and move forward after profound personal loss.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I didn’t expect such a personal window into grief — Lewis made me feel less alone about the messy, unpredictable ways we mourn and search for meaning.
A Grief Observed
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book broke my heart and stitched it back together — a beautiful reminder that even when life doesn’t look the way we imagined, it can still be full of love (and dogs).
A Three Dog Life - Abigail Thomas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I read this in one sitting — Amy Lin’s story of love, loss, and surviving the unimaginable felt like reading someone’s heart laid bare on the page.
Here After: A Memoir
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this memoir surprised me — it’s about grief, yes, but also about family, culture, language, and the complicated ways we stay tied to those we lose.
Seeing Ghosts: A Memoir
Graphic Memoirs
Powerful true stories told through words and art — these graphic memoirs offer a unique and deeply personal window into identity, family, and resilience.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is such a powerful and beautifully illustrated YA graphic memoir about immigration, family, and finding your place in a new world.
Almost American Girl: A Graphic Memoir
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I'm a huge fan so I found this to be a beautifully illustrated and inspiring manga biography that brings Schulz’s creative journey — and the beloved Peanuts gang — vividly to life.
Manga Biographies: Charles M. Schulz