There’s nothing better than a memoir that leaves you fascinated, inspired and intrigued long after you’ve read the final page. While high-profile memoirs like Becoming by Michelle Obama, Spare by Prince Harry, and The Storyteller by Dave Grohl often dominate bestseller lists, there’s a quieter set of memoirs that deserve just as much attention.
As a fan of memoirs, autobiographies and biographies, I’ve read plenty in my time and have come across a few books that I think are brilliant. These novels might not always come with the same media buzz, but they’re surprising, and beautifully written. Some are from artists, some from scientists or actors, and some from people who simply lived through something extraordinary — and wrote about it in a way that stays with you. These are the 12 memoirs that I think everyone should read…
1. I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell (2017)
This is a powerful collection of stories about the author’s near-death experiences. Each chapter focuses on a different life-threatening event, from illness to accidents. It’s well written, emotional, and makes you think about how fragile and precious life can be.
Get it on Amazon here.
2. Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell (1933)
This book is one of George Orwell’s most earliest works when he was living in poverty, first washing dishes in Paris restaurants and then living rough on the streets of London. The writing is sharp and powerful — and I still think it resonates nearly a century later.
It is available here on Amazon.
3. Just Kids by Patti Smith (2010)
Patti Smith writes about her relationship with artist Robert Mapplethorpe and their early days living a bohemian lifestyle in New York, including taking up residence in the iconic Chelsea Hotel — and encountering famous people such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Andy Warhol. It’s about art and love and the writing is poetic and full of feeling.
Get the book here on Amazon.
4. Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner (2021)
Written after the death of her mother, Michelle Zauner, who is the lead singer of the band Japanese Breakfast, explores grief, identity, and food as a way of holding onto culture and memory. The writing is really emotional, mixing family stories and her mother’s death with vivid descriptions of Korean food.
Get it here on Amazon.
5. Down the Drain by Julia Fox (2023)
This is Julia Fox’s story of growing up in a gritty environment in New York City, her struggles with drugs, relationships, and fame. It’s raw, unfiltered, and written in a bold, straight-talking voice. I found this book so surprising and refreshing, and it was such a page turner that I was left wanting more.
6. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy (2022)
This memoir deals with the darker side of child stardom and a complicated, controlling mother. Nickelodeon star Janette McCurdy writes with dark humour, even as she details trauma and emotional manipulation. It was a shocking read peppered with sadness and laughter, but one that I simply could not put down.
7. Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis (2004)
Anthony Kiedis, the frontman of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, lays out his life in full: the drugs, the fame, the music. The book is filled with wild stories and give you a raw, behind-the-scenes look at a rock star dealing with addiction. It’s one that I’ve returned to, as it’s incredbly shocking, engaging and honest.
Get it here on Amazon.
8. All That Remains by Sue Black (2018)
Sue Black is a forensic anthropologist who has worked with death for decades. Her memoir explores how the body tells a story after life has ended, mixing science with personal reflection. She focuses on mortal remains in her lab, at burial sites, at scenes of violence, and when investigating mass fatalities due to war, accident or natural disaster. I loved this book and would encourage everyone to read it as it completly changes your view on the often taboo subject of death.
Get it here at Waterstones.
9. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion (2005)
After the sudden loss of her husband, novelist Joan Didion documents her grief in exacting and trying to make sense of loss. The writing is clear and powerful and something I’ve turned to for comfort when dealing with loss in my own life.
Available in Waterstones.
10. The Outrun by Amy Liptrot (2016)
After watching the 2024 film The Outrun starring Saoirse Ronan, I decided to read the memoir it was based on – and I wasn’t disappointed. In the book, the author returns to her native Orkney to recover from alcohol addiction. It blends descriptions of wild, coastal landscapes with her recovery: it’s moving and beautifully written.
Get it on Amazon here.
11. Things I Don’t Want to Know (2013), The Cost of Living (2018), Real Estate (2021) – Deborah Levy
Deborah Levy has written a celebrated three-part series of memoirs often referred to as her « living autobiography. » These are not traditional memoirs as they don’t follow her life from start to finish. Instead, they explore identity, womanhood, writing, and freedom. You should definitely read them in order, as each builds on the previous one.
Get all the books on Amazon.
12. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey (2020)
I was pleasantly surprised by Matthew McConaughey’s autobiography, with the actor sharing stories and lessons from his life and career, mixing funny moments with more serious ones. It’s told in a lively and positive way, and at times it feels like he’s talking directly to you.
Get it here on Amazon.
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