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Live a Thousand Lives: My Favorite Memoirs
17
items Reading these books have allowed me to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, wade through a year of grief, and live in other decades. My best recommendations of memoirs and biographies!
Sections
4
Entertainers
Politicians
Unique Careers
Experiences and Perspectives
Entertainers
A must read for fans of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend! In this deeply personal memoir, Bloom shares memories of her childhood, her journey through adolescence, and the unique trajectory of her career
I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are: Essays and Other Stuff - Rachel Bloom
As a 2000’s kid this was such a mind blowing read to hear what she went through while on ICarly - it’s an incredible well-written and humorous book about a thoroughly dark time
I'm Glad My Mom Died - Jennette McCurdy
A personal, humorous, and educational glimpse into the unique socio-political situation of South Africa, told through the eyes of Comedian Trevor Noah’s childhood as he navigated belonging to multiple cultural groups
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood - Trevor Noah
In this brave exploration of identity, Baldoni questions what exactly it means to be a man, examining it through various lenses including partnership, fatherhood, and friendship
Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity - Justin Baldoni
Politicians
I loved this memoir! Especially having read Barack Obama’s autobiography, Michelle’s account fills out the narrative of Obama’s years in office, giving her unique perspective on raising a family under a national spotlight
Becoming - Michelle Obama
Another autobiography from a political figure, Albright’s book focuses on the years after her years as a public official had ended, and how she pursued numerous goals during what others might consider her “retirement” years
Hell and Other Destinations: A 21st-Century Memoir - Madeleine Albright
Best known for his discover of the Titanic, Ballard recounts his many adventures in a career under the sea in this autobiography. So much more than just his famous discovery, however, Ballard’s career had many facets. He also narrates how his persona...
Into the Deep: A Memoir From the Man Who Found Titanic - Robert Ballard
A behind the scenes peak into the Obama years, from the man himself!
A Promised Land - Barack Obama
Unique Careers
One of my favorite books of all time and a top recommendation! Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch put together all his top life lessons into one final lecture prior to his passing, full of wisdom and humor, inevitably optimistic despite its heavy...
The Last Lecture - Randy Pausch
An incredible memoir about Westover’s abusive childhood being deliberately kept from school to becoming a highly educated graduate from elite schools. Her drive and passion bleeds through every page, as does her courage
Educated: A Memoir - Tara Westover
Major recommendation for fans of Downton Abbey - in this biography, the current Countess of Carnarvon tells the story of her predecessor from the era of the show, writing of her life in Highclere Castle (the filming location of Downton Abbey)
Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle - The Countess of Carnarvon
The biography of Christiane Roches-Noblecourt, a young woman who defied expectations in the early and mid twentieth century and changes Egyptian archaeology as a field forever. Dusty tombs, elegant galas, and espionage… this book has it all
Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archaeologist Who Saved Egypt's Ancient Temples from Destruction - Lynne Olson
In this book, McPhee journeys out to sea to explore the lives of America’s Merchant Marines. On board a ship, he details the mundane repetition and extraordinary bonds of ship life
Looking for a Ship - John McPhee
Experiences and Perspectives
One of the best memoirs I’ve ever read! In this book, Cheryl Strayed recounts the several months she spent in her twenties hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, detailing everything from the food she ate to the books she read to the people she met
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail - Cheryl Strayed
A deeply personal account of Wiesel’s experience in Nazi concentration camps as a youth - horrific, candid, and very necessary
Night - Elie Wiesel
In this memoir, Didion explores her grief in the year after losing her husband. Reflecting on their memories together and how she began to redefine her future, this book is brave and vulnerable
The Year of Magical Thinking - Joan Didion
This biography pieces together the months and days that lead up to the death of 24 year old Christopher McCandless in an abandoned bus in rural Alaska. Exploring his motivations and the perceived invincibility of youth, Krakauer’s telling of McCandle...
Into the Wild - Jon Krakauer