A good memoir offers unique insights from real life experiences. It can show you a point of view that you may not have thought about otherwise, or offer support for something you’ve personally experienced. No matter what your interests, experiences, or opinions, there is bound to be a memoir out there that’s perfect for you.
Here are a few great memoirs from well-known people that came out this year:
You’re Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) by Felicia Day – The entertainment artist best known for her web videos shares stories of her homeschooled childhood, her rags-to-riches professional successes and her thoughts on such topics as creativity, video games and feminism.
Can I Say: Living Large, Cheating Death, and Drums, Drums, Drums by Travis Barker – Chronicling the many highs and lows of his life, including the plane crash that nearly killed him, the drummer of the multiplatinum punk band Blink-182 shares his thoughts on rock stardom, fatherhood, death, loss and redemption.
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes – The creator of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal” details the one-year experiment with saying “yes” that transformed her life, revealing how accepting unexpected invitations she would have otherwise declined enabled powerful benefits.
Binge by Tyler Oakley – The prominent LGBTQ YouTube social rights advocate presents a first collection of essays, written in his signature witty and uproarious style, that reveal such mishaps as a Cheesecake Factory meltdown, a fashion stand-off with the White House Secret Service and an embarrassing car crash.
My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem – A feminist activist and co-founder of Ms. Magazine presents a memoir comprised of reflections on definitive events in her career, from her time on the campaign trail and interactions with forefront political leaders to her visits to India and her encounters with civilian feminists.
Brief Candle in the Dark: My Life in Science by Richard Dawkins – Explores the influences of fame on the author’s career, shares memories about his intellectual peers, and evaluates the events and ideas that have shaped his beliefs.
Wildflower by Drew Barrymore – The award-winning actress shares funny and heartfelt memories from her life and career, from her emancipation in her mid-teens, to the unique farewell she shared with her father, to her experiences as a mother.
Wake Up Happy: The Dream Big, Win Big Guide to Transforming Your Life by Michael Strahan – The morning talk show host and former champion football player offers a collection of stories and motivational advice to inspire others to pursue their own personal ambitions.