Steven King said in his own memoir “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”
He couldn’t be more accurate. And if you haven’t read his memoir yet, On Writing, I highly recommend it.
In order to know good writing, you have to read it! If you are interested in writing your memoir (or collaborating with a professional ghostwriter to write your memoir) it is important to read good memoirs. Reading will give you an insight into what is popular on the market, how different authors chose to structure their books, and give you some inspiration. Remember, if you aren’t a big reader, there’s always audio books!
Here is a list of my favorite memoirs that I have read (so far) this year! Let me know in the comments what your favorites have been!
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy is on the top of everyone’s great memoir list for a reason. It is funny, heartbreaking, and engaging. Much like the title suggests, it is a raw and real look at the author’s experiences growing up at the hands of an abusive parent. Pushed into show business at a young age, the iCarly star details her struggles with body image, eating disorder and reconciling her mother’s dream against her own.
This is a must read for anyone who enjoys memoirs or is considering writing their own. It is a great example of engaging storytelling.
Easy Crafts for the Insane by Kelly Williams Brown is another light hearted memoir about a very serious subject. When Brown was at the height of her mental illness, she relied on crafting to keep herself busy and grounded. The book is structured as a mock how-to with witty insights and heartfelt revelations.
I really enjoyed the unique structure of the book. Brown’s story is a peek behind the curtain into mental illness in the modern age.
Seeing Ghosts by Kat Chow is a more traditional and serious take on memoir. It is a story of culture, tradition, family, loss and finding your way through all of it. Kat Chow tackles how to reclaim your own story in the face of incredible loss and the different pulls on individual identities.
I loved the power and intensity of Seeing Ghosts. It is a beautiful and heartfelt picture of life and family.
The Boys on the Boat by Daniel James Brown isn’t a new memoir, but I just read it this year after a client recommended it, and I had to share it here. It is a fascinating look into an unlikely group of guys journey toward Olympic gold in the 1936 Olympics.
This is another traditional historical memoir told in the third person. I enjoyed this story of coming together to overcome adversity.
Happy reading! Let me know in the comments what your favorite memoirs are and what kind of book you are working on!
Contact me if you are interested in hiring a ghostwriter to get your story onto the page and out in the world!