Memoirs give us a raw look into other people’s lives, full of real and sometimes confusing details. If you’re looking for something to stick with you, there are some essential books you should read.
Whether it’s about escaping a regime, dealing with the justice system, or redefining your life, this memoir will change the way you see the world—and maybe your own life.
1. Only grace by Bryan Stevenson
Only grace by Bryan Stevenson takes a hard-hitting look at the failings of the American criminal justice system. Stevenson, a civil rights lawyer, tells stories of the wrongfully convicted, the poor, and the marginalized. His work with death row inmates sheds light on systemic racism and the harsh realities of the legal system. This memoir challenges readers to rethink their views on justice, law, and the need for reform.
2. My whole knotted life by Beth Moore
Beth Moore My whole knotted life offers a candid look into her life, faith, and personal challenges. Moore reflects on her journey through the ups and downs of her career and family life. Her memoir touches on her struggle with identity and her experiences in the church. It is a direct exploration of her life and the faith that has guided her through it.
For more information, see our conversation with her.
3. To live by Yeonmi Park
To live is a harrowing account of Yeonmi Park’s escape from North Korea. Park describes in detail the hardships she endured under the regime and on her journey to freedom. Her memoir illuminates the brutal reality of life under totalitarian rule and the lengths people go to escape it. It is a haunting reminder of the price of freedom and the determination of the human spirit.
4. Educated by Tara Westover
Tara Westover Educated chronicles her journey from a childhood survivalist in rural Idaho to earning a PhD from Cambridge. With no formal education until age 17, Westover’s pursuit of knowledge becomes a path to independence and self-discovery. The memoir explores the tension between familial loyalty and the desire for personal growth.
5. Someone’s daughter by Ashley C. Ford
Someone’s daughter by Ashley C. Ford explores her relationship with her father, who spent much of her life in prison. The memoir explores themes of love, trauma, and identity as Ford navigates her childhood and coming of age. It’s a clear look at how family and absence shape a person’s life and sense of self.
6. The hiding place by Corrie Ten Boom
The hiding place by Corrie ten Boom tells the story of her family’s efforts to save Jews during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Although she was arrested and sent to a concentration camp, her faith remained steadfast despite immense suffering. Her memoir is a powerful account of resistance, faith, and the difficult decision to forgive.
