Ten Impactful Memoirs For Your TBR

Looking for compelling personal stories this Nonfiction November? These memoirs will surely fit the bill.

Years ago, I heard books described as mirrors or windows:

A mirror reflects our own experiences back to us, bringing a sense of clarity and, perhaps, connection. When I read a book and think, ‘I’m not the only one…’ I consider that book a mirror (and such a gift).

A window offers us a look into someone else’s experience, boosting empathy and allowing us to view life through a new or different perspective. A book that causes me to think, ‘I never thought of it that way,’ is often serving as a window (and also, a valuable gift).

We can experience mirrors or windows through both fiction and nonfiction. And on the nonfiction side, I have found that memoirs and personal essays can offer those connection points in incredibly powerful ways.

So on that note, today I’m sharing (in no particular order) ten of the most impactful memoirs I have read in the past few years. Please note I’m not including anything I’ve read this year on this list, since my Top 10 lists for 2024 will be coming out within a matter of weeks! In addition, these might not all technically fall under the memoir genre (can essay collections still be memoirs?) - but if you’re looking to connect with some valuable life experiences straight from the mouths (or pens, or laptops) of those who lived them, here are some excellent ones to add to your TBR.

1. All The Beauty In The World by Patrick Bringley

A thoughtful account from someone who left a busy and bustling career to quietly stand guard over the artwork at the Metropolitan Museum Of Art. Much more than just a description of his work experience (which is super interesting in and of itself), Bringley shares the devastating loss of a family member that prompted him to deeply explore his life choices and decide what truly mattered to him. This book provides a beautiful look at meaningful work, grief, relationships, and personal growth - as well as a unique view into the world of art.

2. I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown

This powerful memoir offers an insightful look into the author’s experience as a Black woman in America, sharing stories from her childhood all the way to the present. I am so thankful for memoirs that offer a clear, candid point of view that I have not experienced myself, and Channing Brown does this with an honesty and graciousness that I truly appreciate. I found this book incredibly eye-opening (I still think about the reasoning behind the name her parents gave her, for instance), and it has continued to prompt thought-provoking discussions since first reading it three years ago.

3. Did I Say That Out Loud? by Kristin van Ogtrop

While many of the memoirs I’ve read in recent years seem to center around grief, this one made me laugh out loud multiple times (just take a peek at that cover!). At the same time, I could relate so deeply to the many other emotions and inner thoughts van Ogtrop expressed. She is relatable, witty, and a keen observer of life; I particularly love her commentary on relationships, parenting, unexpected midlife happenings, and self-doubt. I closed this book wanting to give the author a big hug – both for all she’s experienced and for her grace in reminding me that I am not alone.

4. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

My first reading of this book surprised and delighted me in the best possible ways. Written by an environmental biology professor, ecologist, mother, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Braiding Sweetgrass is all at once educational, enlightening, and filled with Indigenous wisdom. I found so much value in this book that it prompted me to dive into all kinds of nature and science writing, which I continue to explore to this day. (Just ask my family about my newfound octopus obsession!) I highly recommend the audiobook, narrated by the author, as it feels like a conversation with wise friend who also happens to have an amazingly soothing voice. I have since read Gathering Moss and am excited for her new book, The Serviceberry, coming out later this month!

5. Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor and Michelle Hamilton

This motivating memoir comes from a world champion distance runner who – in addition to massive training, great coaching, and incredible dedication – gives significant credit to mindset work and optimism for helping her reach elite levels in her sport. I love learning the behind-the-scenes details of different types of work, and this exploration of running as a profession is fascinating. I appreciate Kastor’s drive, courage, and competitive spirit, blended with her kindness and encouragement of others, that all shine throughout this book. I listened to much of this on audiobook while on the walking trail, adding more miles than expected just to keep listening - a very inspiring way to read this one!

6. Crying In H Mart by Michelle Zauner

You have likely seen this bright red cover online and in stores since its 2021 release and for good reason: it is poignant, powerful, and captures loving and challenging emotions in a truly moving way. Zauner’s description of her family, heritage, and navigating her mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis is thoughtful, difficult, and intimate. She touches beautifully – and in many cases, heartbreakingly – on the topic of grief, and I empathized with so much of her experience. One of my most tender reads that still tugs at my heart whenever I catch a glimpse of it on my shelves.

7. I Miss You When I Blink by Mary Laura Philpott

While searching the ‘available now’ books on my library’s Libby app one day, I randomly came across this book knowing nothing about it – not even whether it was fiction or nonfiction - but something about the title and cover drew me in. Turns out it’s a delightful collection of essays about everything from living as a Type A personality, to adulting effectively (or at least attempting to) in current times, to redefining success for oneself - and recognizing that it may not always mean ‘getting the A’ or coming in first place. As a Type A, enneagram 3, high-achiever myself who also coaches many achievers, I could relate to so many of Philpott’s hilarious, yet deeply resonant, personal stories.

8. Uncomfortable Conversations With A Black Man by Emmanuel Acho

Have you ever avoided asking a question for fear of appearing uninformed or of unintentionally offending someone? In this book, Acho replaces this concern with a more productive overarching theme: Let’s talk about things. Each section offers questions that Acho answers, with care and clarity, from his perspective as a Black man in the U.S. He then closes every chapter with additional resources to support our continued learning on important topics like communication, empathy, and antiracism. I appreciate Acho’s generous responses to the wide variety of questions posed, as well as the numerous resources he suggests for additional learning and growth.

9. Disability Visibility edited by Alice Wong

I don’t know if this *technically* counts as a memoir since it is a collection of essays from a variety of people, but I consider it a book of ‘mini memoirs’ - and I really want to place it on your radar if you haven’t yet read it. This is a powerful collection written by people who live with disabilities (which the book states is one in five people in the U.S.), in which they share their stories, life experiences, advocacy work, and more. This book is engaging, informative, and includes the reminder that many people live with disabilities that aren’t always visible to others. An excellent resource that I have returned to multiple times.

10. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

A fascinating account of the mindset and grit required to build a successful company and, more specifically, how Knight engaged these traits while founding Nike. Although my own business differs from Nike in nearly every way, I could relate to his honest depiction of the dizzying highs and devastating lows of entrepreneurship and all that goes on behind the scenes. I have recommended this book to fellow entrepreneurs as well as non-business owners, and it seems to resonate across the board. I was so captivated that I whipped through the 13-hour audiobook in a matter of days. (And when I watched the movie Air earlier this year, I felt like I had a little insider info!)

There we have it! Ten fantastic memoirs that really spoke to me, and I hope they speak to you, too.

Have you read any of these, or see any you’d like to read? What excellent memoirs would you add to the list?

Questions? Comments? Books or topics you’d like me to discuss here? Feel free to email me at readingandpurpose (at) gmail (dot) com or comment on this post directly in the app/website. I love hearing from you and I appreciate your support!