Unforgettable Memoirs 

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Angela's Ashes - Frank McCourt

childhood in poverty, alcoholism, and Irish culture

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When Breath Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi

a story laced with deep philosophical thought and literary prose as a physician

comes to terms with his mortality

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Becoming - Michelle O'Bama *

perspectives from the First Lady

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A Wild and Precious Life - Edith Windsor

LGBTQ rights activist whose landmark case led the Supreme Court to grant same-sex

married couples federal recognition and rights to federal benefits​

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The Ledge - Jim Davidson *

a heart-stopping adventure, a friendship, and a fight to live at the hands of nature

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Good Boy: my life in seven dogs - Jennifer Finney Boylan

a fun read as the author parallels her life with the dogs she’s owned

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Children of the Land - Marcelo H. Castillo

a look at the life of an undocumented immigrant family

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* Audio versions of these books are strongly suggested!

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More Suggested Readings that will hook you on Memoirs

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1. Bird by Bird by Ann Lamott. Musings and personal essays about writing

2. Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. Zany, out-of-control girl’s childhood within a peculiar family

3. Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs.  A boy’s coming-of-age in a dysfunctional environment

4. Forward by Amy Wambach. The story of a soccer legend

5. Untamed by Glennon Doyle (married to Amy Wambach). A memoir about relationships

6. On Writing by Stephen King. A writer talks about the art of writing

7. A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimel.  Funny and sensitive observations of an ordinary childhood

8. Name all the Animals by Alison Smith. Childhood grief and sexual self-discovery

9. Alex and Me by Irene Pepperberg. Life with a bird. Pets, science, intelligence

10. The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer. A coming-of-age story where the location is also a character

11. All In by Billie Jean King. The life of a tennis champion

12. Look me in the Eye by John Robison.  Living with Asperger's

13. One More Time by Carol Burnett. A famous comedian's early life

14. She's Not There: Life in Two Genders by Jennifer Finney Boylan. A story of a transwoman

15. Calico Lane by Judy Kiehart. A Baby Boomer’s search for a different path

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