Memoirs give us a raw, inside look into someone else’s life, full of the real and sometimes messy details. If you’re after something that sticks with you, there are a few essentials you should read.
From escaping a regime to navigating the justice system or redefining your life, these memoirs will make you see the world—and maybe your own life—a little differently.
1. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson is a stark look at the failings of America’s criminal justice system. Stevenson, a civil rights lawyer, shares stories of the wrongfully convicted, the poor, and the marginalized. His work with death row inmates highlights systemic racism and the harsh realities of the legal system. This memoir challenges readers to reconsider their views on justice, law, and the need for reform.
2. All My Knotted Up Life by Beth Moore
Beth Moore’s All My Knotted Up Life offers a candid look into her life, faith and personal challenges. Moore reflects on her journey through the highs and lows of her career and family life. Her memoir touches on her struggles with identity and her experiences within the church. It’s a straightforward exploration of her life and the faith that guided her through it.
Check out our conversation with her for more.
3. In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park
In Order to Live is a harrowing account of Yeonmi Park’s escape from North Korea. Park details the severe hardships she endured under the regime and during her journey to freedom. Her memoir sheds light on the brutal reality of life under totalitarian rule and the lengths people will go to escape it. It’s a stark reminder of the price of freedom and the determination of the human spirit.
4. Educated by Tara Westover
Tara Westover’s Educated recounts her journey from a survivalist upbringing in rural Idaho to earning a PhD from Cambridge. With no formal education until age 17, Westover’s pursuit of knowledge becomes a path to independence and self-discovery. The memoir explores the tension between family loyalty and the desire for personal growth.
5. Somebody’s Daughter by Ashley C. Ford
Somebody’s Daughter by Ashley C. Ford examines her relationship with her father, who was incarcerated for much of her life. The memoir explores themes of love, trauma, and identity as Ford navigates her childhood and coming of age. It’s a clear-eyed look at how family and absence shape a person’s life and sense of self.
6. The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom tells the story of her family’s efforts to save Jews during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Arrested and sent to a concentration camp, her faith remained unshaken, even in the face of immense suffering. Her memoir is a powerful account of resistance, faith, and the difficult choice to forgive.
