Memoirs and Autobiographies |

According to Maureen O’Connor, in her book Life Stories : a Guide to Reading Interests in Memoirs, Autobiographies, and Diaries, “…in reading another’s story, despite the difference in location and culture, we…recognize that we are all basically the same: human beings with hearts, minds, feelings, troubled and/or close relationships likes and dislikes.”

Reading memoirs/autobiographies can inspire, entertain and allow us to learn about another’s life from their perspective. Whatever the reason, I frequently find myself reading memoirs/autobiographies.

Here are some of my favourites that I’ve read recently:

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail By Cheryl Strayed

One of Oprah’s 2012 book club selections, this powerful and inspiring memoir recounts the author’s months spent hiking the Pacific Coast Trail by herself.

Having recently gone through a divorce as well as the death of her mother, Cheryl decides to embark on a journey that will challenge her physically and mentally and ultimately lift her spirit.

Joseph Anton: A Memoir By Salman Rushdie

This memoir recounts the years that the prominent author spent in hiding under the alias ‘Joseph Anton.’ In February 1989, Rushdie received a call informing him that the Ayatollah Khomeni of Iran had issued a ‘fatwa’ against him. This book describes the 9 years that Rushdie and his family were forced to live underground under constant threat. Captivating, touching and at times humorous this was an engrossing and fascinating read.

The End of your Life Book Club By Will Schwalbe

The message of this book is one that many of us are already familiar with: that books can intimately connect people and help to bring meaning to their lives. The author and his mother, who is on her death bed, meet and discuss chosen books in between her chemotherapy treatments. Their discussions are vast and far reaching, discussing a multitude of books and topics.

This is a surprisingly uplifting and inspiring book.

Paris in Love By Eloisa James

This book chronicles the author’s extraordinary year spent in Paris while taking a sabbatical from her job as an English professor. Bringing her family along, she explores the beautiful city and learns to appreciate the common and everyday things in life.

Other selections:

Mortality By Christopher Hitchens

Mrs. Kennedy and Me: an Intimate Memoir By Clint Hill

A Thousand Farewells: a Reporter's Journey from Refugee Camp to the Arab Spring By Nahlah Ayed